CITIES Relkath’s Foot Population: 5,080 Leader: Princess Blindelsyn Olossyne & Prince Branelwyr A distant town, located beyond protected lands and into the orcish outskirts of their dominion in the Amon dor Gulgul. No folk from Aglarond venture into these parts, but here, in the wild, half-elves, half-orcs, gnomes, and all the various humanoids looking for a relatively safe haven find a home. The city is built around four long-dead trees, truly massive trunks but none over 50 ft. tall as they have broken. These act as lookout posts for oncoming threats, at which point the town flees into the Ashenwood to wait it out. Their city is roughly constructed and easily rebuilt, a necessity as they have been burned out several times. Humans are treated with a great deal of suspicion, if allowed to enter at all. All non-humans find the town open and inviting, and find they have a thriving plains/badlands ranger and druid culture. Fort Two Stars Population: 1500 Leader: Captain Yolantir Gallidy This is an advance outpost of the Imperium accessible along the River Ashan. The river allows the soldiers and townsfolk of the fort to take to the ships and escape the city safely in the event of an overrun. Halendos Population: 872 Leader: Prindentle Carh An experimental development town with paid settlers from the Imperium. The goal here is to set up a sustainable support town to expand military presence across the river. The nearby Fort Two Stars is the fall-back point for the settlers during times of orcish presence. Milvarune Population: 16,029 Leader: Governor Aurvur Mindosel The only truly independent principality in Aglarond, the city of Milvarune was originally founded by dissenters to the Imperium government centuries ago. They chose the least accessible and hospitable region to settle, hoping that would deter retribution from the empire they left. They were right, and although the years have tamed their rebellious spirit, it hasn’t dampened the friction between free citizens of Milvarune and citizens of the Imperium. Milvarune has literally carved a living from the bramble forest that surrounds it, and is essentially untouchable when fully defended by their natural environs. In recent years, the only city Milvarune freely trades with is the tiny village of Shevel across the river. Although they benefit greatly from trade, it is illegal to trade with renegade principalities in the Imperium. Shevel is overlooked due to its tiny size, although only a limited amount of trade is possible in this fashion. Corth Population: 4,789 Leader: Kargil Ninton A city of fear and tenuous existence, Corth fights for its survival against the orcs, the indigenous monsters, the brutal cold of the lake, and dangerous distance from the trade routes. Corth began as a pirate port but evolved into a fishing village like the rest. The people of Corth still retain that pirate sensibility in their outlook however, and the city is still the primary headquarters for the thief guild of the area, the Red Mask. Valprintalar (a.k.a. Imperium Gate) Population: 66,044 Leader: High Captain Hovor Seawind This large city is the link between Aglarond and the rest of the Imperium Confederate States. It is debated as to whether the city falls under provincial authority of Vera Sutek, or whether it answers to the bordering state. As such, Valprintalar’s attitude towards the rest of Aglarond is one of thinly concealed superiority. Still, the city itself is quite beautiful, possessing a deep and accommodating harbor. River traffic that once put in at Umlaor sails directly to Valprintalar these days, which has only served to increase its influence over the region. This is also home to the white “Queen Warship” fleet of the Imperium Navy. With only five ships is it small, but represents the naval arm of the central government in these remote region of the Imperium. Thasunta Population: 2,015 Leader: Volas Dyervolk The small village of Thasunta is an agricultural center for the region, farming along the fertile fields along the River Rasha which frequently floods. This food is disseminated along the land-trade routes down along the peninsula. The troubles brewing in Rawlinswood pose a significant threat to a large portion of the food supply in Aglarond. Emmech Population: 7,620 Leader: Lady Mantelia Parsuns This large ramshackle town was hastily constructed after the vie for power on Umlaor by the grand sorcerors (see Umlaor). Emmech grew into the destination for all land trade along the peninsula that headed further towards the Imperium core. There are as many temporary structures as permanent buildings here, the merchants coming to trade as seasons come and go for goods. It is a primary target for the defensive efforts of Carwyth Hold, and the two cities share kinship. Carwyth Hold Population: 9,860 Leader: Captain Alwyl Madrell The center for military power in the northeastern portion of the region, the people of Carwyth Hold are the caretakers of the Watchwall and the protectors of the citizens of the area. As of late, they are kept busy with activity in the Umber Marshes, blight in the Rawlinswood, dragon and vile followers in Umbergoth, and goblinoids from the Mulsanyaar Plateau. The population of the city swells to near twenty thousand when the stationed regiments of troops come to rest. Curently, however, the forces of Aglarond are active in Lasdur, Fort Two Stars, the coast near Vera Sutek, Mesring, Mulsantir, Velprintalar, and an expedition into the Ashanath Plains. But this does not concern the people of Carwyth Hold, only the horrors of the Umber Marshes carry their direct attention. Mesring Population: 4,594 Leader: Captain Forsten Clast The mining city of Aglarond, it has been this way for centuries, but the introduction of the fang dragon at Umbergoth has complicated matters. Currently they are able to continue their mining activities with only the usual problems from goblins or kobolds, but the talk is that the darker, fouler creatures that gather at the peak will eventually strike. They only harass the forest currently, but Aglarondian troops from Carwyth Hold have been sent to help address future problems. Even more troops were sent to Mulsantir, their beleaguered sister city to the south. Dlusk Population: 3,662 Leader: Thavar Shom This sleepy lake town sees little trouble save from the goblins and kobolds of the nearby plateau region. In all other respects it is unexceptional and provides fishing and seashelling trade-goods for the government. Shevel Population: 540 Leader: Urphong Vazsil Breshk A tiny village of fisherfolk along the Vorfiril River. It is best known for its Riverside Inn run by the amiable Vrulla the White, a favorite for traders along the land route. Shevel also has the distinction of the only village in Aglarond that enjoys pleasant relations with Milvarune across the river. Osker Population: 2,288 Leader: Numos Thal Known for their boat crafting market, this river village provides goods and services to the other river towns along the Vorfiril. They also service the Imperium Navy in the region, much to the dismay of the shipwrights in Velprintalar. Solin Population: 6,712 Leader: Timbra Wenz This simple village is close to nature, incorporating the very forest in the architecture of the buildings. The city lies half in and half out of the forest, and relies equally on the goods and resources provided from the river and forest. This town is the most self-sufficient of all in Aglarond, and is usually cited often by Vera Sutek as a model for the other villages in the region. Orlthar Population: 1,872 Leader: Faxam Rul Although ostensibly a fishing village, Orlthar is the primary river-tariff collecting city for Aglarond, due to its proximity to Vera Sutek. As such, there is a vast network of harbors here, far belying the town’s size and support capacity. Vera Sutek (capital of the Imperium Confederate province of Aglarond) Population: 51,295 Leader: Simbul the Sorceress – appointed leader of the Aglarond region by authority of the Central Imperium Government The seat of governmental power in Aglarond, Vera Sutek has stood for centuries as a model of Imperium glory. The heavy taxation of river traffic and resource trade in the region has made Vera Sutek extremely affluent, and the architecture reflects this. Although they report to the central Imperium government, Aglarond does well for itself and flaunts its glory to its neighbors. It houses roughly 1/3 of the region’s military (the other 2/3 being held in Lasdur, and scattered around the region). Simbul the Sorceress, the region’s ruler, is assisted by the High Steward Nerrol Hamastyl and the current commander of the military High General Durtentan Palander. The surrounding cities and villages dislike the current rule of Vera Sutek but have enjoyed the peace of recent years. Little will change while Aglarond sees no open war with the orcs or the empire of Morgorn Nazamroth. Findar Population: 2,870 Leader: Yesvel Rethume Home to Aglarond’s Merchant Guild, Findar is a model of trading efficiency. Usually the first stop for truly exotic goods, the Findar merchant guild obtains the best, highest quality, and rarest goods to bring to Vera Sutek. As such, Findar is the best place to find magical goods for trade. Despite this noble and valuable trade source, the population of Findar is strictly controlled by the leaders, and immigration to the town is severely limited. As such the town enjoys a great deal of wealth and power distributed over a small number of people. Urst Population: 6,127 Leader: Orimel Drudaryn The people of this town has learned to subsidize their limited trade wealth by the river with the mining of copper from the river. The hills here are very rich in latent minerals and the town has grown from the economic exploration of the intrepid townsfolk. This new mineral wealth has allowed Urst to develop and equip a local militia, making it attractive to settlers and those looking for economic opportunity. They have also made a play for the new seat of Vera Sutek’s “northern guard”, the fall back site for the soldiers at Fort Two Stars. The more political gains, the more the town will grow and prosper. Urve Population: 1,328 Leader: none (currently Councilor Pren Salgirk from Vera Sutek is in temporary command) Razed to the ground not even ten years past, the town of Urve struggles to rebuild after the last orcish offensive. It was thought to abandon the town, but the rich fishing waters at the river’s split drew settlers back to its smoking remains. The wealth brought in from the unique resources of the river gathered here make Urve a continued target for pirates. Life struggles on in a day-by-day basis here. Nethta Population: 12,873 Leader: Prince Wendren Balindre Here the prince of King Jalaun Balindre was placed into power during a treaty deal with Nazamroth. The king, ruler of the neighboring state to Aglarond, bartered the treaty with cooperation from Simbul the Sorceress in Vera Sutek. As part of the deal, the king’s son was to be put in charge of the city that would come to Nazamroth’s aid in repelling any river-based threat on the Aurilemera. The city is sparsely defended, however, and lacks the means to fulfill this duty. Activity here drains the local tax coffers intensely to facilitate this development as is a source of much controversy in Vera Sutek. Laothkund Population: 4,391 Leader: Tharke the Black Shield The rulership of this city was granted to Aglarond’s more recent greatest retired general, which has had the unintended consequence of creating a sort of martial law. Obviously not suited for political rule, it is thought that Vera Sutek might launch a coup to remove the retired general from power using force, which will result in a clash akin to a mini civil war. Tilbrand Population: 3,563 Leader: Lady Purtek Friina Lady Purtek, a wychlaran (see Urlingwood), rose to power in this village due to her magical aptitude and the needs of the people. Tilbrand has a developed restorative magic center, involving clerics, druids, and witches. This has created a new service market for the town, and families with sick members make journeys to the town in search of healing. Mulsantir Population: 4,848 Leader: Urphong Brak Keldurr This forestry town has of late been plagued by the evil beings that have gathered at Umbergoth. Many deaths have been recorded and a cohesive defense yet to be planned or instated. There was never a need previously to focus heavily on defense, as the dangers of the forest coupled with a need for defensive building has all but stopped the trade of lumber to Nazamroth via Greff’s Ferry. Lasdur Population: 10,540 Leader: Lord Gante Demelin Home to the “Army of the Lion”, representing about 1/3 of the total Aglarondian military. Their position is due to ancient conflicts with Nazamroth across the river. They are led by Lord Gante Demelin, and although no direct warfare has been waged between the two empires for some time, he keeps his army in peak condition. Escalant Population: 28,748 Leader: Tharchion Hezass Nymar The major southern port for the river trade coming up from the lower regions of the Imperium. The city enjoys wealth, safety, and success, and is therefore one of the faster growing cities in the region. Far enough away from the control of Vera Sutek to enjoy some autonomy, protected secondarily from the paranoia of Nazamroth, they merely ferry along trade goods and reap the rewards of healthy taxes. Rampant wealth brings the promise of dark intentions, however, and rumors already spread of thief guilds, political aspirations, and everyone’s after a piece of the pie. Uthmere Population: 8,820 Leader: Lord Uthlain When an enemy is sighted at the Nighthawk Tower, the army of Nazamroth is quickly mobilized to join the coastal forces at Uthmere. Uthmere is less a city than a military encampment with more weapon installations than buildings, and strong defensible walls. Interestingly, the first order of business when a threat is on the river is to turn their catapults and ballista on Greff’s Ferry, and closing down that weak point in the defenses. Nyth Population: 14,662 Leader: Lady Feneitia Glantari The crossroads of land traffic to this region of the Morgorn Nazamroth and its southern interior. There is also a burgeoning mining industry here in the Alcatas, though not supported by the Nazamroth government. They see the entire northwestern region as a military concern, as a such Nyth remains a glorious crossroads. Furthinghome Population: 40,643 Leader: Lord Fardyl Albin This city arose in response to the Nazamroth military presence at the nearby Nizranath Wall. Families of the soldiers stationed in Mavalgard and the Spearsmouth Dale began to enter the region, wanting to be close to their loved ones. At first the government tried to keep the area purely militaristic, without a civilian component that might complicate a defense. However, they kept coming, and eventually the military created a camp far from the front, but close enough to keep their soldiers content. The camp grew steadily into a city and began to provide much-needed services for the troops, such as tailoring, repairs, woodworking, cloth-working, blacksmithing, and limited agriculture. Still, the city is intensely impoverished due to the quantity of people and the limited resources of the area. Yeshelmaar Population: 250 Leader: Captain Barten Helfer This is the fall-back fortress for if Mavalgard falls (after the Nizranath Wall is taken). It is merely a fortress with a skeleton-crew, and acts as a storage depot for most of the army’s excess supplies. With such vast warehouses and such little manpower one would think it a ripe target for raids, but the structure was designed to be defendable by the barest of crews. Mavalgard Population: 50,000 +/- Leader: Lord-General Nartandil Greatshield The primary governmental center in the region, this heavily fortified city is the seat of Nazamroth power here, protecting the regional governors, council, and nobility. Troops from Mavalgard stock the Wall, the surrounding areas, and form patrols outside the wall. Troops come from the southern interior of the empire, so Mavalgard is quite a melting pot of regional cultures. Tammar (a.k.a. City at the Gates) Population: ? Leader: none This town is occupied by the Gate Guards, the actual patrolling forces along the wall itself. It is located directly behind the main gates, and acts as the primary siege weapon installation for its defense. The town is designed to be torched in the event of the gate’s fall, and a massive pyre of flames will act as a natural barrier to allow for Nazamroth’s troops to fall back to Mavalgard. Bezentyl (a.k.a. Exile City) Population: 124 Leader: Kassantra Mufdan The sentence of exile from the lands of Nazamroth puts you in this town outside of the protection of the Wall. Traditionally the denizens of this tiny village were playthings of the orcs every time they came calling. Lately, the orcish general Iron Lord has let them live, and even provided them goods. Some think the orc is planning on using the humans as spies and allies against Nazamroth and the Imperium. This has not dissuaded Nazamroth’s exile practices as it is centuries old.