There would appear to be two key factors that have contributed to Damkina's survival
down the centuries. The first is that it does not have and probably never has had the
military might to subdue the region. This weakness has led its rulers to seek to
provide leadership by their fairness and wisdom. Barbarian tribes and other centres
of civilisation in the northern wilderlands are treated with courtesy and respect. In return
everyone in the north appreciates that Damkina provides an excellent service with its
central market. There would appear to be no parties in the region or indeed external to it
who have the motivation to conquer or destroy it.
The second reason would appear to be the culture of the nobles of the city. Unlike in many
other civilisations the nobles of Damkina are the real leaders of the people who
everyone looks up to. In their turn they are brought up to see their obligations to the
community and are also trained to a very high standard in arts of their choosing whether it
be magic, weapon-play or music. Their skills are then supplemented by the powerful heirlooms
of their houses making them very effective leaders. The
Overlord it should be noted is no exception to
this and indeed he should be seen as only the first among equals in the nobility: Damkina
has a long history of quickly removing (generally bloodlessly) Overlords who the other nobles
feel are not up to the job.
The current Overlord would appear to have the support of the other nobles with the possible
exception of Lord Sorrowspear who frequently
criticises him for lack of action. He appears also to have fallen out with
Lady Starlight who no longer attends
council meetings. The Lady Aliana Megalon
has of course simply taken matters into her own hands.