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Southern Houress
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Maharool
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Count Michael Maharool |
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Leader: |
Count Michael Maharool |
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Capitol: |
Halreck (15,000) |
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Population: |
143,500+ |
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Demi-Humans: |
Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, Some Gnomes |
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Humanoids: |
Some |
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Resources: |
Silver, Iron, Gems, Fishing, and Foodstuffs |
Current Political Structure
4
Territories and the Lords of the Noble Quorum
Cities
| City |
Leader |
Pop. |
Pred.
Race |
|
Falaavin |
Rixil |
9,378 |
Dwarven |
|
Fel Draz |
Xos |
11,800 |
Barethkor |
|
Halreck* |
Threal (F) |
15,000 |
Human |
|
Holmof |
Hemri |
8,895 |
Halfling |
|
Keteel |
Wixlen |
8,800 |
Human |
|
Klertell |
Trimbin |
11,350 |
Human |
|
Kroy |
Sheba (F) |
10,129 |
Human |
|
Leerf |
Nianne (F) |
6,491 |
Human |
|
Mislin |
Osk |
8,200 |
Human |
|
Porengal |
Ovira (F) |
6,664 |
Human |
|
Shenre |
Therdan |
10,589 |
Elven |
|
Thaleev |
Cronair |
4,929 |
Human |
|
Thaulgran |
Savich |
9,720 |
Human |
|
Tayvra |
C'lin |
7,470 |
Elven |
|
Topartin |
Leng (F) |
5,563 |
Human |
|
Vorantaster |
Onathan |
7,196 |
Human |
|
Xeroson |
Emit |
10,000 |
Human |
* = capitol
The Maharools
have roots back in the Hestrillite Empire. The Maharool family was a
stalwart ally of the Regdons and were instrumental in helping them achieve
ultimate victory over the barbarians that led to the creation of the
Kingdom of Regdon. At the time of the victory over the barbarians, Regdon
and his allies were depleted and it took a great many hard years to
solidify their defenses and establish a good foothold against the constant
barbarian raids on their southern borders.
At the time
of the great victory, King Merrick Regdon had promised that his good
friend and ally Oren Maharool would have a piece of the won lands to
govern as his own realm. But although the Maharools were given a large
territory to the south of the new kingdom, they still answered to the King
of Regdon. Over time, this began to be a source of irritation for the
Maharool lords.
By the end
of the war to vanquish the forces of Varanady, Regdon was a land that has
lost a great many good men from all parts of its kingdom. The lands that
are now Criksrad and Maharool had sacrificed the most of all. They felt
they had earned the right to govern themselves. The current king of Regdon
refused, citing that the kingdom would not be split. This led to a great
deal of rankling among the nobles as they argued endlessly for nearly five
years.
The
situation came to a head when the Maharools struck an alliance with the
leaders of the people of what is now Criksrad. They would stand united
against Regdon to demand independence, which they would achieve by war if
necessary. With the barbarians still a threat from the south, the King of
Regdon knew he was in a bad spot. He magnanimously declared that Criksrad
and Maharool would become independent nations. In return, they all three
signed lasting alliances for mutual protection and trade. Since then, the
lands have enjoyed peace and prosperity.
Points
of Interest
Barl
Mountains
These great
peaks run down the center of Maharool. Only a few humanoids occupy the
Barls.
Furly River
Running from
the southwestern tip of the Graget Mountains, this river runs west and
south to the ocean past the barbarian city of Fahrn. It allows goods to
move to and from the peoples of both countries.
Graget
Mountains
These ancient
spires split Maharool and the Barbarian Kingdom and acts as a natural
barrier that keeps the two nations apart. The mountains are occupied by a
few dwarves and a great many humanoids, such as goblins, ogres,
hobgoblins, etc.
Gress River
The Gress runs
from the northern tip of the Barl Mountains. It runs south to the ocean
past the city of Mislin. This is another busy avenue for boats and goods.
Illitry
River
Flowing from
the southeastern face of the Graget Mountains, this river runs south into
the North Padrog Bay. A great deal of goods move along this river.
North Padrog
Bay
This bay is
embraced by land coming off the western shores of Maharool. The north side
of the bay is overlooked by the city of
Xeroson, while the south is flanked by
Keteel.
Rhous River
Flowing from
the Graget Mountains southwest to the Tarsis Gulf, the Rhous separates the
countries of Maharool and Criksrad. The mighty river is an important byway
that brings goods back and forth to the peoples of both countries.
Xeroson
Hills
Flowing from
the southern face of the Graget Mountains, the Xerosons are populated by
quite a few halflings, who are well known for their tobacco goods and
superior food products that they export across the country.
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Significant
Events/Holidays/Etc.
High Holy
Day of Maharool
Date: Day 1
of the Month of Spring's Glory
Since
breaking away from Regdon only 40 years ago, the Maharoolians have held
the 2nd day of the Month of Spring’s Glory in the holiest regard. For on
that day, their forces were able to destroy a much larger army from
Regdon and force the King of Regdon to agree to a truce and formal
recognition of Maharool. The leaders of Maharool firmly believe that
their victory was possible because of divine intervention from their god
Ianlia. The High Holy day is a time of quiet prayer across the land
where people sacrifice and give thanks to their god.
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High Eresk
Cities, Villages, Towns, Etc.
Halreck
Leader: Theal Karavaugh (F)
Population: 15,000
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Races: Humans:
10,000 Elves: 900; Dwarves: 550; Halflings:
250; Gnomes: 100; Others: 100
Guards:
1,109;
Militia:
2,310
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-17
A walled, fortified city, Halreck rests on the southwestern banks of
the Rhous River. A great deal of commerce traverses the Rhous and
flows through the capitol city of Maharool.
In the center of the city, on a hill of red granite, rises Castle
Avolire. Within live the Maharools, a large family ruled by the
matriarch Lord Michael Maharool.
The Maharools are a merciless clan that keeps tight tabs on the land
and its lords to ensure they do not stray from the true power in the
land. The laws are administered swiftly and without mercy to ensure
loyalty from the citizens of Maharool.
Religion
Although there are private places within the city where people can
worship their god, there are six proper temples here.
Ianlia
The primary deity worshipped in Halreck is Ianlia. There is a temple
of Ianlia at the base of
Avolire. Beside that is a general worship structure dedicated to
those wishing to pay homage to the other Celtic gods.
Grothkele
Near the southern entrance to Halreck is a temple of Grothkele.
Tlancu
A block south of wizards' sector lies a church of Tlancu.
Hstinzi
Near the western edge of the city is a temple devoted to Hstinzi.
Wizards' Sector
Wizards are treated with fear and respect in Maharool. The southeast
quarter of Halreck is devoted to the homes of many wizards,
including their gathering place, a tower called Einstrect (which is
dwarven for "Unmoving"). The head of the Council of the Arts is
Millane Shrveay, a shrewd man in his twilight years.
Thieves' Guilds
The Ghosts
A longtime guild that employs magic and misdirection to aid their
work. It is rumored that they work under the direction of the
wizards' Council of Arts, but it has never been proven.
The Lost Ones
An organization that has operated within the city since the time of
its creation, the lost ones are known for taking in those who have
nowhere else to go, particularly outcast children. Their leader is
unkown, although many speculate that their authority is council
based.
Merchants' Guild
Located on the banks of the Rhouse near the southern end of the
city, the guild is run by Shavis Bechtel. An emaciated man with
hawkish, suspicious eyes, he oversees the operations that keep the
merchants of the city moving smoothly and taxes flowing into the
Maharoolian coffers.
Shoremens' Union
Located at the northeastern corner of the city, the union houses the
leaders of the men who work the shores of the Rhouse, from
transporters to fishermen.
Other Points of Interest
Castle Avolire
Rising from atop a hill of solid red granite, this formidable
fortress has housed the Maharools for a great many years. From
within its walls, the tightly knit family rules the land and its
people.
Cinari Stadium
Located just to the west of Castle Avolire, the tiered oval stadium
is home to events ranging from gladiatorial combat to great stage
performances from local troupes and abroad to events where men and
women come to lecture about various subjects.
City Square
A bustling area of activity located at the base of Castle Avolire.
Here, town criers call out the news of the day, executions are
carried out, and hanbills indicating events are pasted on a huge
bulletin board.
Onaix Libraray
Founded long ago by the wizard Sirgh Onaix and located at the
southern base of the red granite hill beneath Castle Avolire, the
library is an imposing structure housing hundreds of fiction and
non-fiction books. It's a great place to do research about Halreck
or the world around it.
Taverns and Inns
The are many throughout the city, such as The Buxom Smile, Jennat's
Crash, Five Spice Tavern, Ianlia's Favor, The Bottomless Stein
(dwarven), and Evaleth Tinell (elven).
Valley of the Ogres
About 28 miles to the west of Halreck is a deep valley called the
Valley of the Ogres. It runs roughly 12 miles north and south and is
over a mile wide at its widest point. The eastern and western rim of
the valley is ringed with ogre hovels. The actual number of
creatures living there is unknown, but rangers have put the number
to as much as 400. The resources in that area have not been deemed
worthy enough for the count to try to clear the ogres out.
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Leerf
Leader: High Madame Nianne Fen (F)
Population: 6,491
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Neutral Good
Races: Humans:
5551; Halflings: 298; Elves: 268; Dwarves: 149;
Gnomes: 104; Half-Elves:
74; Half-Orcs: 44; Others: 3
Guards:
407;
Militia: 780
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-6
This mountain community lies on the northwestern border of Maharool
about 75 miles from Halreck. The people here guard the gateway
between Maharool and the Barbarian Kingdom. Here lies the great
ancient castle
known as Baham Fell. The structure has seen better days but is still
quite formidable. Baham Fell is garrisoned by 100 rangers.
Religion
Although there are private places within the city where people can
worship their god, there are six proper temples here.
Dotorus
Situated near the eastern edge of Leerf is the black pagoda temple
of Dotorus the god of Strength and Storms. Ong Teilan is the unusually tall
head priest of this temple, and his scowl had been known to melt
snow and people's resolve.
Kergon
The
primary deity worshipped in Leerf is Kergon. A great white spherical temple rests against the
mountain near Baham Fell. Ivikara, a tall lovely woman is the high
priestess, and she is always willing to aid others in need.
Peleah
L ocated at the southern end of town is the temple to Peleah. The pyramicial
structure is covered in colorful flowers. The Holy High Costacei
resides here. She is known to be quite vocal about the benefits of
worshipping her god.
Wizards' Sector
Wizards are treated with fear and respect in Maharool. There are
three wizards located here in the Black Keep of Moalka. They are led
by Grem Fress, a wise and stately man of many years. He is attended
by Lyock the half orc female wizard and her brother Yun Bhai.
Thieves' Guild
The Whispered Sin
This
is only guild of note in Leerf. Little is known about the organization,
which is rumored to have been in place for nearly two centuries.
Many suspect that the leader (whose name is unknown) is a highly
religious individual, who bases many of his decisions on his faith.
What is known is that those of The Whispered Sin are not to be
trifled with.
Merchants' Association
This association is made up of all the businesses in Leerf. It is
overseen by Lord Koambi, an old noble who has resided in Leerf for
nearly a century.
Miners' Guild
Mines honeycomb the eastern side of the Graget Mountains. They are
worked by a large portion of Leerf's population, and their work
brings in a great deal of business for the town. The leader of the
guild is a hard-nosed dwarf known as Granite Tongue.
Other Points of Interest
Baham Fell
Built into the very rock of the Graget Mountains themselves, this
ancient castle is the home to the Rangers of the Fell. They are 100
strong and man the fortified structure to protect against the
barbarian hordes that threaten to pour over the mountains and any
intrusion from the north by the forces of Criksrad.
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Topartin
Leader: Mayor Leng Trau (F)
Population: 5,563
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Neutral Good
Races: Humans:
5,234 Halflings: 140; Elves: 78; Dwarves: 46; Half-Elves:
15; Half-Orcs: 15; Others: 4
Guards:
315;
Militia: 778
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-9
On Rhous River to southeast of Halreck
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Shenre
Leader: Therdan Eldrin
Population: 10,589
Power Center: Magical
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Gold Piece Limit: 800; Ready Cash: 63,200
Races: Elves:
9,525; Humans: 731 Halflings: 315; Others: 18
Guards:
715;
Militia: 979
Sheriff: Ranger lvl-13
On the Illitry River to southwest of Halreck.
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Thaleev
Leader: Mayor Cronair D'Ja
Population: 4,929
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Neutral Good
Races: Humans:
4,733; Halflings: 83; Elves: 46, Dwarves: 27;
Half-Elves: 9; Others: 4
Guards:
319;
Militia: 546
Sheriff: Fighter lvl-8
On Rhous River to the southeast of Topartin.
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Southern Reaches
Cities, Villages, Towns, Etc.
Mislin
Leader: Osk Taven
Population: 8,200
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Neutral Good
Races: Humans:
5,800 Elves: 1,400; Dwarves: 350; Halflings: 300; Gnomes:
200; Others: 150
Guards:
750;
Militia:
1,000
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-13
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Thaulgran
Leader: Mayor Savich Bargreev
Population: 9,720
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Races: Humans:
9,358; Halflings: 154; Elves: 86, Dwarves: 51;
Gnomes: 34; Half-Elves: 17; Half-Orcs: 17; Others: 3
Guards:
777;
Militia: 1,086
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-14
Located on the Furly River at the western edge of Maharool.
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Holmof
Leader: Hemri Jongl the First
Population: 8,895
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Neutral
Races: Halflings:
7,859; Elves: 517, Humans: 308; Gnomes: 200
Guards:
598;
Militia: 844
Sheriff: Druid lvl-16
Located in the Xeroson Hills.
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Porengal
Leader: Council Leader Ovira Sohlker (f)
Population: 6,664
Power Center: Nonstandard
Alignment: Neutral Good
Races: Humans:
5,637; Halflings: 313; Gnomes: 200; Elves: 6, Others: 8
Guards:
306;
Militia: 803
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-8
Located in southern Maharool on the shores of the North Padrog Bay.
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Padrog Expanses
Cities, Villages, Towns, Etc.
Keteel
Leader:
Wixlen Kharauf
Population: 8,800
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Races: Humans:
6,800 Elves: 1,200; Dwarves: 450; Halflings:
250; Gnomes: 50; Others: 50
Guards:
700;
Militia:
1,200
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-14
Located in the southwestern part of Maharool on a long peninsula,
Keteel is a port city that sees a great amount of shipbound trade
that happens up and down the western and southern coasts of Southern
Houress. The city is several centuries old and has been destroyed
and rebuilt three times after natural disasters and war.
Keteel is also a fortified city to protect the interior coast of
Mahrool from being invaded. Overlooking North Padrog waters is the
massive Castle Kaliamaar. There are also several war galleys in the
area that patrol the coast vigorously.
Religion
There are several public places within Keteel where anyone can go to
worship any god they choose. There are three churches proper that
have been erected to the following gods:
Wizard Presence
Two wizards live within Keteel: Tyla Serpentbane and Willowren.
Tyla Serpentbane
A powerful woman who resides in her tower near the westernmost part
of the city near the docks. She is reclusive and has a quick temper
when it comes to having her time wasted.
Willowren
A popular halfling abjurist who lives within Castle Kaliamaar in
service to Wixen Kharauf, the leader of Keteel. Willowren is very
popular among the people, for he is charming, gregarious and ever
willing to help those in need. His familiar is a rather vocal
bluejay that is never far from his side.
Thieves' Guilds
The Afterthought
This guild is the largest and most feared in the city. The law has
been working for decades to try to root them out but have
experienced nothing but failure and deaths to show for their
efforts. Their roots extend into every facet of thievery and deceit.
Feann Tuca
Gorthian for "Shadow Death", the Feann Tuca clan has been around
longer than any of the other guilds. They seem to focus more on high
end burglaries than anything else.
Thousand Fingers
A relatively new guild at 36 years, Twenty Fingers is a guild that
prides itself on the abilities of their catpurses and grifters.
Merchant Conglomerate
Trade is very lucrative in Keteel, and the Merchant Conglomerate is
a dominating part of the business coming in and out of the city.
Trade via land and sea is strictly regulated and taxed by the
Conglomerate to make sure that the city coffers are kept full.
Allus McVinn is a large jovial man who has quite a disarming smile.
Despite that, he is a brutal businessman who has a reputation to
support the claim. People have learned to cross them at their own
expense.
Shoreman's Union
Being a port city, the Shoreman's Union is a powerful and integral
part of the community. Several hundred men work the docks to ensure
goods and loaded and offloaded smoothly to keep the profits flowing
and the nobles happy.
The leader of the Union is a quiet elf named Tucrim.
Other Points of Interest
Kaliamaar Castle
Located on the extreme western tip of the peninsula, Kaliamaar
Castle consists primarily of two massive square towers with a long
winding 1/2 mile wall and turrets in between. Lining the walls are
heavy catapults and ballistae designed to sink any hostile vessels
attempting to land on the shores of the city. Living within the
castle is Wixen Kharauf, simply know as the leader of Keteel.
Song Cliffs
The cliffs, which are located along the southern face of the
peninsula where Keteel is located, are limestone. Over years, the
rain and other elements have pocked the cliffs with holes. When the
winds come off of the ocean and blow against the cliffs and through
the holes, the noise that results is melodious and sounds much like
giant recorders and flutes. People come here often to listen to the
unique sounds.
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Vorantaster
Leader: Mayor Onathan Finerth
Population: 6,196
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Neutral Good
Races: Humans:
6,442; Halflings: 239; Elves: 215, Dwarves: 119;
Gnomes: 89; Half-Elves: 59; Half-Orcs: 35; Others: 4
Guards:
481;
Militia: 859
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-10
Located at southern end of Illitry River where it empties into the
North Padrog Bay.
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Kroy
Leader: Mayor Sheba Gew (f)
Population: 10,129
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Gold Piece Limit: 800; Ready Cash: 44,800
Races: Humans:
9,083; Halflings: 522; Elves: 511, Others: 13
Guards:
801;
Militia: 1,156
Sheriff: Fighter lvl-17
Located in the narrow straight to the southeast of Keteel.
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Falaavin
Leader: High Beard Rixil Stonetooth
Population: 9,378
Power Center: Nonstandard
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Races: Dwarves:
8,322; Humans: 527; Halflings: 513, Others: 16
Guards:
400;
Militia: 1,168
Sheriff: Fighter lvl-19
Located in the northwestern part of the Great Peaks near the
southern border with Gorth.
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Western Shores
Cities, Villages, Towns, Etc.
Xeroson
Leader: Emit Ohmesh
Population: 5,000
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Races: Humans: 3,000 Elves: 1,700; Halfling: 150; Gnomes:
80; Dwarves: 60; Others: 10
Guards:
700;
Militia:
950
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-11
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Klertell
Leader: Mayor Loll Trimbin
Population: 11,350
Power Center: Conventional
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Races: Humans:
8,566; Halflings: 921; Elves: 767, Dwarves: 40;
Gnomes: 27; Half-Elves: 13; Half-Orcs: 13; Others: 4
Guards:
713;
Militia: 1,200
Sheriff: Warrior lvl-14
Located on the southern end of Lower Terek River on shores of Tarsis Gulf.
Klertell is a very old city that was established centuries ago after
the Kingdom of Regdon was established following the defeat of the
barbarians. The city has been destroyed twice by tsunmai in its
history: 432 and 283 years ago.
Standing opposite the Criksrad city of Varn, Klertell acts as a
guardian to the waterway entering Maharool. The formidable Castle
Krakenmaw has long stood as a deadly deterrent to those who might be
foolish enough to invade by the sea.
Religion
Aroth
The primary deity worshipped in Klertell is Aroth. There is a temple
of Aroth built inside Castle Krakenmaw. The curator of this
place is Honglo Cholner, a man with skin as black as night, and
scowl that will melt away a person's sins.
Cherivi
Near the southern sea wall lies the worship house of Cherivi. The elegant
structure of pointed spires is covered in lush green growth. Growing
to the right of the entrance is a massive 20' tall Iris. The tall,
gorgeous elf maiden Soor Telene tends to this holy place devoted to
nature.
Shozrei
Built on the shores Lower Terek River where it empties into the
Tarsis Gulf, the holy shrine to Shozrei is a impressive long house. The
medicine man here is Outeni Highcrow, a wise and soft spoken old
soul.
Wizard Presence
Residing within one of the tallest towers of Castle Krakenmaw, the
half ogre wizard Waurag spends his time mostly locked away in
research upon magical mysteries unknown to many.
Thieves' Guild
Dark Claw
Smaller than the Wyvern's Sting, yet still effective, are the Dark
Claw. These opportunistic shadow dwellers are believed to invest
their ill-gotten gains in land and business ventures to maintain
some legitimacy witin their organization. Unfortunately, no one has
ever proven their ties, nor has their leader been identified.
Wyvern's Sting
The top guild within Klertell, the Wyvern's Sting is a nasty group
of merciless thieves and assassins who favor poison as a weapon to
hurt nd kill their enemies. Led by a leader known as Veneth
(probably not his real name), this guild propsers within the city.
Merchants' Guild
A conglomerate of businesses within Klertell, these businessmen and
women form a powerful voice within the community. The head of the
guild is a well-respected woman by the name of Dame Kindy. She is
not to be trifled with.
Seamens' Guild
The men of the sea in Klertell belong to this organization, which
has been around for centuries. They represent a loud voice in the
city and has done much to sway policy and law in their favor over
the years. They are overseen by a salty dog that goes by the name
off John "Witherfist" Camdrean. Many sailors look to him as the true
leader of Klertell.
Other Points of Interest
Krakenmaw Castle
This complex and ancient fortress rests on the Cliffs of Dmau
overlooking the Lower Terek River where it empties into the Tarsis
Gulf. The walls are painted sea green, and its battlements are
ringed by weapons designed to either destroy armies that approach by
land or sink ships that threaten the waterways. The iron fisted lord
of Krakenmaw is a half-orc named Tyz Lokan.
Kraken's Beak
Resting in the middle of the city square is the massive beak of a
kraken that attacked the city over 300 years ago. Only through the
determination of Klertell's citizens were they able to defeat the
monster. The beak stands as a symbol to their sacrifice.
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Tayvara
Leader: Elder One C'lin Traighen
Population: 7,470
Power Center: Magical
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Races: Elves:
6,411; Halflings: 529; Humans: 514; Others: 16
Guards:
424;
Militia: 973
Sheriff: Ranger lvl-18
Located to the northwest of Mislin.
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