"Blessings upon your noble house."
- Common Aukarian Greeting
| Ruler | Speaker of the Senate, Selas Feshar |
| Population | 24,400 |
| Demographics | 75% Human, 10% Magrakian, 5% Hyttar, 3% Saridian, 5% Other |
| Languages | Aukarian 75%, Chaddi 12%, Magrakian 8%, Other 5% |
| Nationality | Aukarian |
| National Colors | Gold, Blue and White |
| Year Founded | 421 CY |
| Currency | Primarily Aukarian. Some mixed currencies. |
| Natural Resources and Manufactured Goods | Sandstone, dates, cotton, rice, corn, water buffalo, goats, wicker products, woven rugs, tapestries and other textiles |
| Wealth | Average |
| Government Type | Democracy |
| Government Stability | Very Stable |
| Allies | Magrakor, Vaul |
| Enemies | Strained relationships with the Trossali Dominion and the Chaddamar Theocracy. |
| Walled | Yes. Stone curtain wall. |
| Crime Level | Moderate |
| Technology Level | Middle Ages |
| Primary Religion | Vejadism |
| Other Religion | Chaddamarian, Bromat, Hemryk, Baltrad, Vazul |
| Climate | Warm temperate |
| Terrain | Coastal plains, rolling plains and sparse forest |
The fabulous city of Brulan is one of the oldest and most influential trade centers of Aggradar. Originally Brulan was a small, but well fortified town and a trade point on caravan routes. It strengthened its defenses during the Aukar Tribal Wars and survived them. Vejad founded his utopian society in Brulan and declared it the cradle from which the structure of societal harmony described in his Plenarum would arise. Brulan has grown financially and architecturally ever since. It suffered greatly during the Sorcerer King's reign, but has emerged all the stronger for it. It is now a clean, powerful and fabulously wealthy city. Brulan is a organized city divided up into strict districts, arranged in geometrically aligned streets. This formal organization does not deter from its beauty... Brulan is decorated with sprawling gardens and sculpted grassy terraces. The buildings are well designed and pleasing to the eye. Low stone walls crisscross the city and statues fill every nook and cranny - standing atop buildings, in plazas, at the ends of bridges and looking out over gardens. The unique architecture of the Aukarians gives the impression of a city lovingly crafted. Every lip and ledge, every corner and roof, every door and arch is adorned with decoratively cut stone.
Brulan is divided up into nine districts. Each district has a District Court which serves as a central governmental body. Each District Court also houses all information about the Noble Houses within the city.
| District Name | Description |
| Noble District | Senate and government buildings, museums, libraries, monuments and statues. |
| High District | Religious and academic buildings. Houses the University, temples, etc. |
| Northlands District | A wealthy district and home to many second and first tier houses. |
| Southlands District | Artists, scholars, libraries, museums, apothecaries, wizard shops, the Arcane Academy |
| Sword District | Military barracks, guard towers, armories and training grounds. |
| Merchant District | The main market square, most merchant shops, most guilds, a number of inns and taverns. |
| Gate District | Houses the city main gate and the main tower of the City Guard. |
| River District | Houses a large portion of the common population. A number of water mills on the river grind grain. |
| Harbor District | Harbor, ships, coast, warehouses. Houses a large portion of the common population. |
| Outer City | A shanty town outside of the city walls. Home to the very poor. Beggars, thieves, houseless commoners, etc. |
The Senate
Massive oval shaped building, seven stories high. Central Senate chamber is the
largest single room in all of Aukaria. Holds 500 senators plus 500
administrative assistants, spectators, staff and other people. Total of 1000
people capacity.
The Main Market Square
Shaped like an enormous pentagram and bordered by five
different main streets. This is an enormous raised stone platform about 17.5
acres in size. It sits about 10 feet higher than the surrounding city. Ten sets
of stairs led up to the platform, two in each face of the pentagram.
The City Library
Ruled over by House Kiesuth. This enormous building has two towers. The first
holds public records, general books and such. The second holds texts which are
limited to the nobles, chamberlains and house wizards of the land. This includes
information on all noble houses, the history of the Sorcerer King, current
military information, certain magical texts (which are deemed too dangerous to
allow public access to).
The Arcane Academy
The Arcane Academy is the "official" institute of spellcraft and magical study
in Aukaria. This enormous domed building is an easily reconized landmark. It has
three massive domes - a large central dome and two smaller outer domes. All are
covered in gold leaf and shine brilliantly in the sun. They cap a magnificent
building crafted of pale grey stone blocks. The building appears to almost glow
with a soft golden light when the afternoon sun strikes it. This building
employs 120 instructors and schools some 800 gifted young men and women each
year. After 10 years of study, the graduates are able to find employment as
House Wizards, with the Council of Arcane Law or some other honorable wizardly
profession. Only about 1 in 10 students ever completes the curriculum and so the
Academy only graduates about 80 students each year.
The Hall of Heralds
The Hall of Heralds is the main hall of the Heraldic Order - the official
organization of Aukarian Heralds. This institutions provides the necessary
training for young men and women to achieve the status of Herald and vie for one
of those coveted positions. Those who fail to become Heralds often continue
their studies and pursue other artistic pursuits. The Hall of Heralds produces
large numbers of talented artists, writers, singers, sculptors and more each
year. Not everyone can be a Herald. The Hall of Heralds also takes on students
of the wealthy and will educate them in the fine arts - heraldry, history,
philosophy, oration, etc - for a price.
The War School of T'prang
Founded by the legendary warlord T'prang, this great war school is government funded.
Thousands of young men attend every year as the first step in their career as
soldiers. The promising few become officers. Only the very finest warriors
achieve the status of Warlord and they are in high demand by the noble Houses.
The main headquarters of the Brulan city guard is actually a massive hulking stone citadel which forms the East Gate of the city. The East Gate literally runs through this Citadel. Therefore, the East Gate is very heavily guarded. This fortified building houses some 250 officers and 1500 common city guards who patrol the city.
The city patrol consists of seven guards (five common guards, one captain and a city-employed mage). The city guard also has a dozen War Lords at its disposal. They are only called out when a serious problem occurs which is more than two patrols can handle.
The Underworld of Aukaria is ruled by three separate guilds. These three guilds span the entire nation and have agents and guild houses in many towns. These three organizations are direct competitors to each other. Because they use the same resources and prey upon the same cities, a bitter rivalry has flared up between these three guilds. Members of these guilds clash frequently in back alleys, sewers and on rooftops.
The Seven Sabres
Ruled by seven master thieves... seven guild masters. The Seven Sabres is the
largest and most powerful thieves guild in the Republic. Mostly specializes in stealing and fencing stolen goods. The
Seven Sabres deal in various blackmarket goods, including rare treasures from
distant lands and even the occasional artifact from the Desolation of Shidar.
This guild also has network of informants, spies, fences and smugglers.
Maintains and profits from several gambling halls throughout Aukaria. The Seven
Sabres is primarily motivated by profit.
The Order of the Black Rose
The Order of the Black Rose is a guild of assassins. This guild has many members
which count themselves among the mystical tardem. In fact, this guild trains and
equips the tardem. This guild uses poisons,
specializes in revenge, information gathering, framing people, etc. Very
dishonorable and despicable acts. Law abiding citizens hear terrible tales about
the Order of the Black Rose. There are even some underworld criminals who want
nothing to do with this organization.
The Shades (The Night Spirits)
A ruthless and secretive guild of thieves, assassins and bandits. Ruled by a
mysterious figure that goes by the name Malurikus who is never seen and holds
council only with his most trusted lieutenants.. Malurikus is, in fact, a lesser
demon. One that was summoned centuries ago by the Sorcerer King, and, was
subsequently freed when the Sorcerer King was overthrown. Rather than being
banished, he was stranded on this plane. Over the centuries, he has used his
magical abilities and special skills to obtain a position of power and influence
in the underworld of Brulan and Aukaria. Malurikus remembers his long years of
enslavement to the Sorcerer King and has gone to great lengths to hide his
presence from his former master. Malurikus is currently plotting his revenge
against the Sorcerer King and hopes to usurp his position of power in the
Kalanos Marshes.
Besides these three guilds, there are numerous small thieving groups and individual rogue thieves that swear allegiance to no one. But most thieves in Aukarian swear allegiance to one of the three main guilds.
The Tower of Vejad
Twelve story tower. There is no god at the center of Aukarian faith. It is more
like a set of philosophies. Because of this, priests of the Vejadic disciplines
are part historian, part scholar and part philosopher. Many of these priests
were at one time Heralds or students of the Heraldic Order who decided to choose
a more spiritual path. These men and women
gather at the Tower of Vejad. This central building serves as museum, library,
archive and school for the priests and disciples that study the teachings of
Vejad. The original Vejad Plenarum, the most sacred document of the faith, is
kept in this hall. The building itself is a tall stone keep, twelve stories
high, with numerous balconies and towers..
The East Gate
The main gates of Brulan are impressive. The gates
are a pair of very decorative, solid bronze doors that are sixty feet
tall. They are opened every day at sunrise and close every day at sunset.
Statue of Vejad
A 40 foot tall copper and iron stature which depicts a short, plump Aukarian
man. The heavy set, balding man holds a scroll and a lantern.
Statue of the Sorcerer-King
A 50 foot tall statue carved from granite. The statue depicts a tall, gaunt man
wizened with age. The figure has long wispy hair and a hawkish nose. He is
dressed in robes and armor. A great crown sits upon his head. A staff is
clutched in one hand. This statue was erected during the reign of the
Sorcerer-King. After he was overthrown, the statue was kept by the Republic as a
reminder of the long years of his terrible oppression. So as to not stand higher
than Vejad, a great square stepped pit was created and the Statue of the
Sorcerer King was lowered by 25 feet. A stone rail surrounds it.
The Heraldry Wall
A massive stone wall near the center of town. The Heraldry Wall is decorated
with thousands of silver and gold plaques. Each plaque bears the heraldry of a
Noble House. All first through fourth tier houses are represented on the
Heraldry Wall. First tier houses have larger plagues fashioned of silver and
gold which bear detailed information
about the house. Fourth tier plaques are of copper and bear only the House name, location and
heraldry. Fifth tier houses are not so honored with a plaque on the Wall.
Salus Feshar, Speaker of the Senate
The primary political figurehead of the Senate and the noble lord of the
most powerful first tier house, House Traelon. Lord Feshar is a heavy set man of
advanced years and a sturdy frame. He has a trimmed grey beard, wavy grey hair
that flows over his shoulders and a stern gaze from grey eyes. He has a powerful
presence and a stern expression of resoluteness. He wears only the finest
garments. He always is found with a luxurious cloak of black fur over his
shoulders and a sceptre of wrought pure silver.
Supreme Warlord Wutar Hashon
An impossibly arrogant man, Wutar Hashon was formerly the Warlord of House
Traelon. He has since assumed the role of Supreme Warlord, the Chief Commander
of all Republic Armies. He leads the Aukarian War Knights himself and is usually
seen calmly ordering his officers from atop his steed. He has an icy cold
demeanor and uses brutal tactics in warfare. He has made it his personal mission
to do defeat the Sorcerer King Lothiramar and his minions in the Kalanos
Marshes.
Xilanus Maer, Court Advisor and Spiritual
Leader
Xilanus Maer is a tall, thin man with a shaven head. He is soft-spoken, has
a gentle manner and often speaks enigmatically. Lord Maer is something of a
philosophical advisor to the Senate and considered the Republic's leading
authority on the Vejad Plenarum. He is symbolically the leader of all Heralds in
the Republic.
Akaraman Feizuhr
Supreme authority on all magical matters within the Aukarian Republic. He is
the ruler of the Arcane Society/Court of Arcane Law and advisor to the Senate. He also teaches at
the Arcane Academy.
Warlord
Tolomeyn
Considered by many to the greatest
warrior in the Aukarian Republic. He is the House Warlord for House XXX, the
third most powerful House in the Republic. He also teaches at xxx, the Warlord
Academy.
Alov Hamond,
Lord Marshall of the Republican Forces
Supreme military commander of all armed
forces. Is currently leading a military campaign against the Sorcerer King and
his minions in the Kalanos Marshes.
Chief Magistrate Arilath
Arilath is the supreme legal officer of the Republic and the highest ranking
member of the Senate Court. In his position, he leads the magistrates in settling disputes
between Houses, interprets the laws of the Vejad Plenarum and conduct various
political ceremonies. Like the other Senate Court magistrates, Arilath belongs to no single house to ensure impartiality. His
office is considered above the Houses.
| No | Name | Owner/Operator | Description |
| 1 | Black Swan Public House | Marudda | Tavern/Inn - The Black Swan tavern is said to be the oldest establishment in Brulan. This huge three story inn resides in the Merchant District. The Black Swan is owned by House Marsdon, a third tier house. It is run by Guerok, his family and a staff of seven. |
| 2 | The Greedy Hyttar | Lejano | Gambling Hall/Tavern - Run by an overweight man named Lejano who employs twelve hyttar refugees. Although this tavern is small and filled with cutthroats and brigands, it has good food and reasonable prices. |
| 3 | The Grape and Grain | Jas Kahler | Wine and Food Shop - Owned and operated by the fourth tier House Kahler. This is essentially a food specialty shoppe. It is run as a bakery and brewery. The family label wine, imported from the Kahler vineyards outside of town, are sold here. Caters to the well-to-do. |
| 4 | Norran's Fish Market | Norran Ooblan | Fish Shop - This shop sells fish, seafood, salt, specialty sauces, spices, seaweed, herbs and more. It is run by Norran, his wife, his five sons and his two daughters. Also, Norran's brother Gwigoder and their father, Laurton. The sons are all fishermen, like their father. The daughters and mother make sauces and prepare spices. The father, Norran, also prepares the poisonous delicacy, the emerald prattle fish. the Norran family and their small shop are essentially all that is left of the fifth tier House Ooblan. The story of this house's fall from grace is still spoken of in hushed tones at nearby taverns. |
| 5 | Galloping Goose | Araloth Vortis | Wizard's Shop - Named after his familiar, an enormous white goose which has a bad temper and chases customers on occasion. Araloth is a wizard in good standing, registered with the Council of Arcane Law. Having graduated and studied, he now runs this small shoppe and brings honor to his house. The Galloping Goose is a well stocked little magic shoppe. All manner of spell components, herbs, roots, potion ingredients and the like can be purchased here. He sells parchment, paper, ink, blank books, leather satchel, scroll tubes, candles and the like. Everything a traveling mage or hedge wizard would need. Araloth is friends with several other local mages in town and they have formed a small "wizards club". |
| 6 | The Gold Dragon's Hoard | Gardod, Agramon, Celia and Myssa | Trading Post - Founded by a four retired adventurers. Two men and two women. Rumors state that they did indeed purchase this establishment with gold they obtained from a dragon's hoard. Some say they raided the hoard while the dragon was away. If asked, however, they will regale their customers about battling a drake in a far off land. Of course, the details change slightly with every retelling. This shoppe is a general store in which almost anything can be purchased, sold or traded. It is a large, well built four story structure with dozens of rooms. They employ a staff of eight plus four guards who keep alert for thieves. |
| 7 | Dark Forest Public House | Koropan | Tavern/Inn - Run by fourth tier House Valkris. Most likely gets its name from the huge black logs from which this building is constructed. |
| 8 | Imok's Plating | Imok | Blacksmith/Armorer - Imok is a half magrakian with a half dozen scars earned from a career as a warriorsmith. He was a traveling smith with the magrakian military for many years. Retired now, he specializes in forging heavy plate armor. He presides over fifteen apprentice armor smiths. |
| 9 | Scrolls of Korbun | Korbun | Library/Sage/Scribe - To his fellow countrymen, Korbun's services are expensive, but excellent. If this self-proclaimed "Wisest Man in Brulan" does not completely live up to the title, he comes very close. His knowledge of the geographic features, fauna and flora of northern Aggradar is second to none. However, as is typical of some Aukarian service providers, he charges all foreigners over twice his normal fee. |
| 10 | Burkir's Garden Hall | Burkir | Apothecary - Impressive selection of natural herbs and medicinal elixirs. Only open to those of Aukarian blood. However, Jeskar, the young apprentice, will occasionally secret away a bit of inventory to sell to Magrakian traders and pocket the profits. |
| 11 | Hamatt's Leathers | Hamatt | Leather Goods Store - Run by a mixed-blood native. Half Padashan, half Aukarian. Hamatt was once a wandering craftsmen, but an injury forced him to settle down in Brulan. He has taken a wife and has two young children. |
| 12 | The Pilfered Blade Public House | Brindel Isaldor | Tavern/Inn/Gambling Hall - The Pilfered Blade is a smoky tavern that caters to a seedy clientele. Bleary eyed patrons peer up from their card games whenever someone new enters. It is four stories tall and built around a huge central gambling hall. It has some 18 rooms for rent and two large common rooms. It also has private chambers in the back for a price where one can indulge in a courtesan, a quiet meal or a private conversation away from prying eyes. The Pilfered Blade is home to House Isaldor, a struggling fifth tier house. All 22 members of the Isaldor family live on the fourth floor. Most of the staff and servants are of Isaldor blood or have become part of the House. |
| 13 | Hulkar's Forge | Hulkar | Swordsmith - Specializes in short bladed weapons. Hulkar's daggers and traditional Aukarian blades are sought throughout the country. |
| 14 | The Seven Pillars | Imrasa Prelain | Social Club - A fancy private social club, the largest of its kind in Brulan. This huge building resembles a palatial estate with courtyards, terraced gardens and balconies. It consists of four main buildings on a small campus within an enclosing stone wall. Only members are allowed inside the gates and membership is reserved for the wealthy. The monthly dues for membership are more than most commoners earn in a year. The Seven Pillars has four large swimming pools, seven bathhouses and three saunas. It has conference rooms, parlors, dining rooms, private sleeping chambers, gaming rooms and an indoor archery range. It is the playground for many wealthy Aukarian nobles. It is run by second tier House Prelain. Some 40 ilesan (high class escorts) are employed here. |
| 15 | Copper Cauldron | Hauke | Metal Workshop - Pottery, beaten metal pots, buckles, knives, and other tools. The smithy, Hauke, missed his calling as a town cryer. People from city blocks away can hear his characteristic yelling at passersby to come see his wares. |
| 16 | Cracked Tankard | Kigomar | Brewery/Bakery - This combination establishment grinds its own grain and makes beer and bread from them. As the proprietor always says, "The most important thing in life is beer and bread. What else do you need?" |
| 17 | The Rack | Brethamitar | Garment Shop - A large shop with a spectacular selection of clothing, cloaks, boots and paste jewelry. This shop specializes in festival costumes during certain times of the year. Also has wigs, perfumes, makeup, dyes. In a secret back room, the shop also has disguise kits, thieves tools, poisons, light armor, genuine jewelry and small conceilable weapons. Run by a thin, slightly built man with a soft voice and soft demeaner. Painfully shy, but a genuinably likeable fellow when you get him to open up. |
This page last updated Monday, October 08, 2007. Copyright 1990-2008 David M. Roomes.