In this essay, we shall discuss the nations of the world of Dragon’s Dogma and the lore we know about them. We’ll also discuss a bit about the new nations that we’ll get to explore in Dragon’s Dogma II. However, the information we have on those kingdoms is very limited at the moment. For the most part, this article will include the nations of the first Dragon’s Dogma game of 2012.
But you might know at this point that the original Dragon’s Dogma is well-known to be an unfinished game. In fact, only about 40% of what the developers originally planned was seen in the retail version.
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Despite all that, the lore of Dragon’s Dogma is quite fascinating and I plan to familiarise readers with the game’s world with articles like this. Hopefully, you will enjoy these and learn from them until DDII releases.
Gransys
First, we have Gransys. The first game is set in this nation and its ruler at the time of the story was Edmun Dragonsbane. Gransys’ Capital is Gran Soren and it’s the city where most of the important people live. While the region can seem big at some points, Gransys is actually really tiny compared to the entire landmass of the Liogran Peninsula, where the duchy is located.
In the game, some mention that the nation “Liore” is located to the West of Gransys. There are two main fortifications that serve as protective walls from the West: The Shadow Fort and The Greatwall. Some people from Gransys, like Aestella the peddler, say that a Dragon destroyed the Western part of Gransys. She most possibly speaks about Grigori here, as she also mentions that Duke Edmun felled the beast to save Eastern Gransys.
The surrounding areas of The Greatwall are practically wastelands and the flora and fauna of the region are drastically different from other areas of Gransys. This is also probably thanks to the Dragon’s attacks. Beyond the Greatwall lies the Tainted Mountain, the place where the Arisen will face Grigori.
Savan, one of the greatest warriors who had ever lived, fought the Dragon and defeated him in the Tainted Mountain, as well. Long ago, before the Dragon inhabited the mountain, it was a grand city. But we don’t know a whole lot about it.
One other important location in Gransys is The Bluemoon Tower. Many people first speculated that Dragon’s Dogma II might’ve been set in the same regions as the first game after seeing a similar tower in the game’s first trailer.
However, I disagree. Information in the game suggests that this great tower was built in honor of certain ancient Gods. The tower we saw in Dragon’s Dogma II might very well be another temple built for the Gods. Read my trailer analysis of Dragon’s Dogma II to learn more.
Speaking of shrines and Old Gods, let’s also talk about The Watergod’s Altar. Like the Bluemoon Tower, this altar is also a very mysterious, but intriguing place. No one knows who the Old Gods might’ve been and there are no records of history of these places. The religions of Dragon’s Dogma’s world could be rather deep and complex. I think people were more inclined to revere Old, and possibly Pagan Gods in the old days before the Faith came into Gransys.
Meloire
When we discuss the nations of Dragon’s Dogma, the land of Meloire naturally becomes one of the most important subjects to talk about. This is one nation that fascinated me immensely and we have more lore available about the kingdom when compared to other nations that are only mentioned in the game.
First off, we must talk about Godking Leonart. The House of Biquard was the ruling party of Meloire at the time of Dragon’s Dogma’s events. Godking Leonart was one of the most important figures of this house and he’s one of the three people who actually defeated a dragon -or so we’re told.
However, it’s a known secret that Godking Leonart actually accepted the Dragon’s bargain and remained in power for a very long time. But he reportedly did unite the continent after ‘defeating’ the Dragon. That was no easy feat, certainly, and he earned the respect and adoration of almost all the kingdoms in the continent.
The rulers of Meloire all descend from Godking Leonart’s royal bloodline, and Edmun Dragonsbane’s young wife, Aelinore, is also of the aforementioned bloodline. Their marriage strengthened the relations between the two nations, undoubtedly.
Hearthstone
We discussed Godking Leonart’s story before. One thing that you must know is after Leonart defeated the Dragon long ago, even before Savan’s time, an alliance was made among all the nations of the continent: if a land is attacked by a dragon, all other nations must provide support in repelling the attacks.
This is where Ser Mercedes Marten comes in. She’s the daughter of the Lord of Hearthstone, Grende Hearthstone by name, and he sent her to Gransys for support. Grende also has two sons who are also knights. He could’ve sent one of them along with an army if he really wanted to support Gransys.
However, his sending Mercedes only with a handful of troops was -forgive me for saying this- a great and intelligent move. In ancient times, people were reticent to have a woman -regardless of her combat prowess- on the frontlines. Mercedes’ presence in Gransys was only a political stand taken by Grende Hearthstone. By doing this, he kept his warrior sons within Hearthstone safe while sending his daughter off to keep up appearances.
You might understand now, that the rulers of these nations are no amateurs. They’re very skilled politicians and strategists. And the scenario with Mercedes proves that Hearthstone is a greatly patriarchal and possibly even chauvinistic nation.
Voldoa
It’s unclear for me to clearly determine where Voldoa may be situated. The game tells you that it’s to the West of Gransys but we know that a barren wasteland also lies to the West. No matter the geographical information, we do have some other pieces of lore regarding Voldoa.
Earlier, we discussed the pact the kingdoms of the continent had. Voldoa sent the knight Julien as support for Gransys. However, in the game, we see that Julien himself, is caring for his own nation. He’s willing to take drastic measures to see Voldoa preserved.
Let me explain that part a bit more clearly. Julien allied up with the cult “Salvation” in order to hinder Gransys’ warriors and the Arisen from killing the dragon. He did this because a nation who would felled a dragon for the second time would undoubtedly stand prouder and taller than the other nations.
That may explain why Meloire and Godking Leonart are so widely respected in the lands. While Edmun Dragonsbane himself did ‘slay’ a dragon, the first to do it would obviously be regarded as a greater warrior.
Politically, we can see that these nations do keep up appearances and display their respect and friendship to our nations. However, quite predictably, they only truly care for their own kingdoms in reality; which is something we cannot condemn, in my opinion, as no nation is truly morally entitled to care for another. Some would even go as far as to take advantage of the alliance for the gain of their own nation, like Julien.
Vermund
Dragon’s Dogma II features Vermund as one kingdom for us to explore. This green and lush landscape is ruled over by the “Sovran of Vermund” and it’s primarily a land inhabited by humans. We don’t know much more about it except that its Sovereign also reportedly felled a dragon.
Battahl
Battahl is the other nation featured in Dragon’s Dogma II. This land is inhabited by the race of Beastren, and it’s depicted as a barren and desert landscape with rather distinct facets to it. For example, unique cultures, lore, and societies would be seen in Battahl.
