The Continent is the main setting of the Dragon Prince/Dragon Star series by Melanie Rawn. Divided into thirteen princedoms, the Continent is ruled by the High Prince from the princedom of Princemarch (during the time of High Prince Rohan it was ruled from the Desert keep of Stronghold). The princedoms are ruled by individual princes, who have the responsibility of ruling their own Athr’im (or Lords). The nobility of the keeps and cities ensures the prosperity, security and well-being of their peoples. Once every three years, they meet at a conference known as the Rialla. During the Rialla treaties, trade agreements, and marriages are made in order to keep peace, deepen alliances and familial ties, and to fulfill their obligations as the rulers of the continent.

The 13 princedoms, in alphabetical order, are:

• Cunaxa
• The Desert
• Dorval
• Fessenden
• Firon
• Gilad
• Grib
• Isel
• Kierst
• Meadowlord
• Ossetia
• Princemarch
• Syr

Integral to Melanie Rawn’s world is Goddess Keep, the home of the Sunrunners and ruled by the Lord or Lady of Goddess Keep, which is located in Ossetia (though it doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of Ossetia’s rule). It is held of the High Prince.

{Map by Marty Siegrist}

Tags: Dragon Prince, Dragon Star, Melanie Rawn, Places