The World Of Khoras - Civilization - Cities

"A marvel of science, wizardry and engineering. An entire city housed within one building built into the side of a mountain which the gods seem to have placed in this world for that very purpose. While it is a city and foreigners are free to come and go, the laws of the Citadel are harsh and prone to change at the whim of the queen. Watch your step and stay out of the way of the guards. If you are arrested for even the smallest crime, you will not see a fair trial."
-Toland Briggs, First Mate of the Redwing, Rukemian Freetrader

Description

The Citadel is the largest single building in all of Ithria. It is often called the "City in the Mountain" and for good reason. This colossal architectural structure is a fortress of stone built into the side of a mountain, a unique geological remnant that has sheer sides. The mountain goes by an ancient name, Mount Kauromok, which is orcish for "heart of the world", but in informal conversation, it is usually just called Citadel Mountain. The mountain itself is about 4,000 feet tall. The city is built up upon several tiers piled up against the side of the mountain. The Citadel itself is colossal thing, bristling with towers and balconies and steep walls on the south side of the mountain, overlooking the tiered city. The chambers and corridors of the Citadel extend deep into the mountainside. The outer constructed section stands almost 600 feet tall and contains 25 levels above ground and 5 levels beneath ground. It contains more than 5,000 individual chambers and is home to over 30,000 people. Within its walls are much of the government, the military headquarters, the temples, churches, guilds, markets and libraries of the nation of Duthelm. Great caverns lie behind the Citadel piercing deep into the mountain. Within these caves lie many of the mining operations including the Orichalcum mines.

History

The Citadel was originally constructed long ago during the Great War to aid the dying Thullian Empire. The cost of building such a huge fortress was astronomically high and took a large portion of the Thullian Empire's resources. It is said by some scholars that the construction of this fortress was the catalyst that brought about the final conclusion to the war - an ironic twist indeed since this fortress was built to save the empire.

Since that fall of the Thullian Empire, this region has been occupied, overthrown and recaptured several times by various groups and races. The Citadel has seen warfare and siege many times over its long history. Its stout stone walls have weather the battles well and despite siege and fire and spell, the Citadel still stands strong, much as it did when it was first built.

The history of the Citadel is a bloody tale of siege and war, poison and murder, court room duels and dark magic. Over the last few centuries, Duthelm has been a gathering point for the forces of darkness and all manner of social derelicts. Thieves, bandits, pirates, murderers and exiles have all found a place in Duthelm.

Duthelm became the focus of international attention when it managed to summon the demon lord Draxorith. With the aid of this monster, Duthelm waged war against all the lands of the east. That war, the War of Demons, ended with the banishment of Draxorith and routing of Duthelmian forces.

Many years later a second War of Demons. This time, Duthelm had the aid of the xorians and hordes of humanoids led by a giant. That war eventually ended with the xorians breaking the alliance and leaving Duthelm. The ruler of Duthelm, an unholy knight and the high priest of Draxorith by the name of Caramus held Duthelm together after this defeat. It is Caramus' daughter, Sillar, who now rules Duthelm.

For a detailed chronology of historical events, see the History of the Citadel.

Government

Although Duthelm has had a stormy history, it now claims to be a traditional monarchy. The throne will pass along a hereditary bloodline and is currently occupied by Queen Sillar, the Ruthless. It should be noted that she is the first to ascend to the throne in this manner. For years, Duthelm has been a place of constant change and war. Only recently has Duthelm managed to solidify into a proper nation. However, the old Duthelm is not dead. Internal scheming and throne room politics play out against a tapestry of evil and deceit. Several powerful groups within Duthelm plot and vie for control of the powerful nation. Hence, changes and revisions of Duthelm’s command structure are common. Some groups within the command structure are more permanent than others. In general, the powerful groups and individuals bully and coerce the masses into cooperation.But above it all, Queen Sillar rules with an iron hand. Her father, Caramus, still lives and he rules the wizards and priests of this dark nation. Caramus is rarely seen these days, but there is little doubt that he maintains subtle control of the Citadel and supports his daughter from behind the scenes.

Duthelm and the Lords of Hell

Duthelm has definite connections with the infernal planes of existence. On rare occasions, lesser demons or devils will be sent from Hell on diplomatic functions and will visit the Citadel. Such officers of Hell are always treated as royal dignitaries and every comfort is made available to them.

Traffic between the Citadel and Hell is not an uncommon thing. Some criminals are banished to Hell as their punishment. The Black Sorcerers will occasionally summon lesser demons and devils to do their bidding. On rare occasions, one or more Black Sorcerers may actually travel to Hell for special purposes.

Infernal maggots are occasionally found in the Citadel. This small terrors are demonic variations of their mortal counterparts and appear as foot long slimy worms with shiny red, segmented carapaces. They occasionally slip through the interdimensional gate when a demon or devil is summoned. Sometimes these nuisances escape out into the city. While not a threat to a Citadel sorcerer or Bloodguard, an infernal maggot could kill a common peasant caught off guard.

Legal

Laws are strict, broken frequently and changed to suit the whim of the Queen. Punishment is swift and harsh. Public torture is common as are beheadings, hangings and arena combat. One of the most common forms of punishment is work in the Orichalcum mines. Although there are many courts in the Citadel to try cases, it is a corrupt system where judges are bribed by the wealthy and pressured by the nobles. Justice belongs to those with power.

Petty Crimes

Theft

Kidnapping, Assault and Murder

Disobedience to the Crown

Slave Crimes

Other Crimes

Military

The armies of Duthelm are a miscellany of orcs, ogres, humans, half-breeds and worse. They patrol the roads, towns and countryside and sometimes soldiers will be visit and be housed in the Citadel. However, the army has no jurisdiction at the Citadel. Within the capital city, security is the province of the Blood Guard and the Queen's Guard.

Economy

Duthelm has a thriving economy mostly due to its extensive geological resources. Mined metals, gemstones, quarried stone and other minerals are the backbone of the economy. It is a mixed system of trade and barter and foreign currencies. Rukemian coins seem to the the closest thing to a standard. Duthelm law is lenient when it comes to weapons, equipment and other materials which may be purchased, sold and used. Virtually no items are considered illegal. Almost anything can be had for a price. There exists a strong trade in weapons, armor, poisons, medicinal herbs, drugs, tobaccos and the fencing of stolen goods.

The single greatest geological resource of Duthelm is the vast deposits of raw Orichalcum which lies within Citadel Mountain. This alone accounts for more than half of the mineral wealth of the entire nation. It is for this very reason that the Citadel was built here by the Thullian Empire ages ago.

The Orichalcum mines of the Citadel provide Duthelm with a continual stream of profit. Duthelm does not have vast tracts of arable land or abundant wild game. Although it does conduct some hunting, fishing and farming, it lacks the resources to feed its entire population without assistance. By trading the valuable mineral, it is able to import much of what it lacks. The nation of Carrikos has a huge appetite for the Orichalcum mineral and a steady stream of trade caravans move shipments of the mineral to Carrikos and money, food and other valuables back to Duthelm. Overseeing the entire Orichalcum trade is the Red Eye Corps... the Orichalcum Guild of the Citadel.

Possession of Orichalcum in Duthelm requires a license. Licenses are issued by the Red Eye Corps to its members and those whom have legitimate business with them. Orichalcum licenses are difficult to forge.  Spell casters and frequent users of the mineral are also able to acquire licenses. This deters most people from stealing, smuggling or hoarding the mineral. However, it has done little to stop serious smugglers.

Culture

The Citadel is unique in many ways. First of all, the grandeur of the city's architecture cannot be ignored. The great central bulk of the Citadel towers over the tiers of the city below. It is a daunting sight to behold.

The Citadel is a harsh place. Justice belongs to the strong. The weak deserve to be robbed of their property and lives. This is life in the Citadel and the rest of the nation follows the capital. Promotions often come about through subtle political maneuvering and sometimes blatant assassinations. This system ensures only the strongest survive and a constant influx of fresh talent.

Although most people don't talk about it, it is widely known that the ruling nobles are in league with the forces of Darkness. The minions of Hell are called upon in dark ceremonies and demons walk the highest levels of the Citadel. Sometimes strange creatures are seen about the city in the company of the Blood Guard or with officials. Great winged creatures often fly about the Citadel's highest balconies. These are just a few things the people of the city get used to.

Population Demographics By Function or Profession

These numbers are approximations only and vary from day to day. These numbers include the Citadel itself, the outer city and the outer village.

Festivals and Faires

War Night
A night of debauchery and mock battles. Executions. Celebrates the day that Duthelm fell to the ogre horde.

Orichcalia
Orichcalia is the name of an annual three day festival which celebrates Duthelm's power and glory, it's association with powerful magic and its mastery over demons and Hell. Orichalcum plays a prominent role in the festivities and lies at the very heart of the celebration

Organizations

The Red Eye Corps
A large organized guild that runs the Orichalcum mines and is charged by Queen Sillar with mining, processing and trading the valuable mineral. The Red Eye Corps holds a position of much power in the political tapestry of the Citadel and maintains a network of mines, forts, caravans, roads and offices in Duthelm and Carrikos, it's primary trading partner. The main office for the Red Eye Corps is located in the heart of the Citadel on the 11th floor. All of the officers and board members that direct this guild operate out of this large office complex.

News, Rumors and Gossip

One of the Great Dukes of Hell is coming to take charge of the Citadel. Queen Sillar and Lord Caramus will serve him.

A high ranking official has been secretly negotiating a pact with the Xorians to the north and wishes to re-establish an alliance between Duthelm and their dark master, their god who is known only as Xor.

The Orichalcum mine is rapidly being depleted and will be empty within three years. The economy will collapse and Rukemia will destroy the Citadel once and for all.

The City Districts

The Local Region
The region immediately surrounding the Citadel (roughly a 20 kilometer radius) is a vast, rocky, barren region of about ten square kilometers. There is sparse vegetation consisting of coarse grass and wiry bushes in this "badlands" region and off road travel is extremely difficult. From almost anywhere in this region, the citadel mountain and the Citadel itself can be seen rising up clearly dominating the horizon.

The Outer Village
Outside the main city walls is a maze of squalid shacks and houses and twisting winding muddy streets. Criminals, thieves and poverty-stricken commoners scurry in this outer village among heaps of garbage and rats. This is a good place to make a quick purse of gold or get a dagger in the belly.

The Outer City
A small walled city is built against the Citadel on the south side of the mountain. This city which is considered part of the Citadel and bears no other name, is home to about one third of the total population. It contains a number of taverns, guilds, inns and private residences. It also houses a number of barracks which house the soldiers who comprise the first line of defense. The outer city is divided up into four separate tiers going like stair steps to the citadel, which looms over the city like a great cliff.

The River District
Emerging from the bowels of this great mountain is a subterranean river which erupts from the side of the mountain from a cave in the third tier and cascades down through the bottom two tiers and exits the city.  This is one of the natural entrances to the mountain interior. It is the Citadel's primary source of fresh water and is also fished to supplement the Citadel's food reserves. As a potential entrance and security breach, this cave is heavily guarded and has a iron grate which can be raised or lowered as needed (Duthelm operates a number of river boats along this waterway).

Architectural Elements

Unlike most cities that have a fancy stature or bridge, the Citadel is itself an architectural wonder. The entire city is essentially one colossal piece of architecture.

The City Walls and Towers
The main walls encircling the city are solid stone curtain walls about 25 feet tall and ten feet thick. They are further supported by huge stone buttresses on the inner face at 100 foot intervals (between the towers). A catwalk runs along the top of the walls. A 50 foot tall stone guard tower is built into the wall every 100 feet of wall length. The guard towers are four stories tall and house five guards.

The Main Gates and Entry Hall
The Main Gates of the Citadel themselves are immense iron things that yawn open to reveal an entrance forty feet tall and forty feet wide. Within is the first great hall which reveals levels 2,3 and 4. This first chamber is truly a sight to behold. The ceiling is fully 100 feet high and numerous balconies jut from the side walls. Three massive 2 ton wrought iron chandeliers are adorned with dozens of enchanted glowstones that illuminate this vast hall. Hanging from chains suspended from the ceiling are about a dozen cages which hang a mere 20 feet over the floor. On occasion, criminals are placed in these cages and allowed to die slow horrible deaths for the amusement of the crowds coming and going below. Many of these cages hold moldering skeletons. These hanging prisoner cages set the tone of the Citadel for the first time visitor and leave quite an impression.

Inside The Citadel

Government and Public Establishments

Queen's Hall
This is the common name for the government level (Level 23) of the Citadel which consists of the throne room, various council chambers, guard rooms, private lounges, antechambers and such.

Darklore
Darklore is the common name of the state run and state funded magical academy of Duthelm. Duthelm realizes that magic can make it powerful and so diverts funds and resources into this academy to ensure a steady stream of skilled magi. The most powerful sorcerers serve the Shadow Council, the elite sorcerers of the Citadel. Darklore is ruled by the sorcerer Jalek.

Warlords of Duthelm
The Warlords are the masters of battle who run the military academy which supplies Duthelm with its soldiers and officers. This establishment also controls the military. The supreme military commander of the Citadel and guildmaster of the academy is Warlord Trumell.

The Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is the common name for the main dungeon in the Citadel. Literally thousands of individual cells are arranged in great prison blocks in a prison that is almost city sized. Security is great.

The Queen's Market
The main market square of the Citadel is a massive chamber, three chambers levels high, near the center of the Citadel. There is also another city market in the outer city.

The City Guard

The Blood Guard
While the armies of Duthelm that patrol the countryside may be a miscellany of orcs, ogres, humans, half-breeds and worse, the Blood Guard sets itself apart with orderly troops, uniforms and spit and polish inspections, a hierarchical rank structure and a healthy dose of pride. The Blood Guard, sometimes referred to as the Citadel Guard, is a military force of approximately 6,000 soldiers responsible for the day to day security of the Citadel itself and the city beyond. About half of that number will be found inside the Citadel at any given time. Their duties include routine patrols, security checks, static guard duty in critical areas and other such mundane duties. 

The Blood Guard operates in six man units (five standard soldiers led by a lieutenant). Ten patrol units make up a brigade and led by a captain. Ten brigades make up a battalion and are ruled by a commander. There are a total of ten battalions and these are all ruled by General Malketh. Some six man patrols use trained dragon hounds to sniff out and pursue criminals.

The Blood Guard is named for the armor that they wear - black plate armor with blood red trim. Horizontal bars of red color on the right side of the breast plate indicate rank. One bar for a soldiers, two bars for a lieutenant, three bars for a captain and four bars for a commanders. They are armed with shields bracers on their left arm and wield a unique blade called a renderblade with their right hand. 

A renderblade is a broad bladed variation of the short sword. It has a curved crescent shaped blade which is molded around the handle and extends down to the pommel. The upper half of the edge is serrated with large tooth like serrations. These blades are easily recognized. Possession of such a blade by a non Guard person is a crime throughout Duthelm.

The Queen's Guard
The Queen's personal bodyguards are a force of highly trained soldiers whose number is usually between 80 and 100. These men and women are often recruited from officers of the Citadel Guard. Only the very best warriors in the nation are invited into the ranks of this group. The Queen's Guard has only one duty: protect the Queen. They are so completely devoted to this cause that they will willingly sacrifice their own lives without hesitation if necessary. This mental conditioning allows them to resist most mind affecting magic as well. However, their superior fighting skills, endless training and heavy armor ensure that they are rarely called upon to display this mindless devotion. On occasion, they will be assigned to guard critical areas or important personnel within the Citadel. Lord Caramus will sometimes use them for special projects or his own personal bodyguards.

Since they are a special division of the Blood Guard, their armor and weapons are similar to that of the Blood Guard. They identify their rank with a purple bar on their breast plate. Each member of the Queen's Guard holds the rank and title of Defender. They are no other distinctions of rank. All Defenders are equal. They receive their orders directly from Queen Sillar or Lord Caramus. 

Defenders dress from head to foot in magically enchanted armor crafted by the Black Sorcerers. This finely crafted full plate armor is made of shadow steel, engraved with powerful rune magic and trimmed with an enchanted purple metal that glows in the dark. Besides offering excellent physical protection, this armor is shielded against spells. The smooth featureless faceplates of their helmets, which are mirrored and show no visors, are enchanted to enhance vision. 

Defenders fight with two enchanted renderblades, one in each hand. Their fighting style tends to put them between the Queen and an attacker.

The Aerial Guard
A small detachment of the Queen's Guard is a group of specially trained fighters who fly on firedrakes. They are known as the Citadel Aerial Guard. There are currently 15 aerial guards. The Aerial Guard operates under the direction of the Queen’s highest ranking commanders. They carry small, valuable cargoes, important messages and sometimes passengers. During war, they perform long range scouting and surveillance. They are generally considered too valuable to waste on combat.

Temples and Shrines

The Temple of the Shattered Skull
The Temple of the Shattered Skull is the main temple and holiest shrine of the Church of Draxorith, the patron deity of Duthelm. It is ruled by Caramus, High Priest of Draxorith and father of Queen Sillar. Draxorith is the patron diety of Duthelm and is the official religion of the state. However, many shrines to other dark dieties can be found in lower levels of the Citadel.

The Shrine of Lost Souls
Deep in the heart of the Citadel, several levels beneath the Temple of the Shattered Skull, lies a great circular chamber known as the Shrine of Lost Souls. It is connected to the Temple by a great shaft which runs vertically through the Citadel. Within this chamber is a large obelisk shaped stone in which thousands of gems are embedded. These gems are magically enchanted and each is an extra-dimensional prison. In many of these gems are prisoners, not just souls, but bodies and equipment. The Shrine of Lost Souls was conceived and created by the archmage Sargran and is designed to be an escape-proof prison. No prisoner has ever escaped from this place. It is said that the Shrine holds over one thousand gemstones and about half of these are occupied. Only the most powerful and dangerous prisoners are placed here. Deth, the Keeper of the Shrine, rules here. This dark prison is his domain.

The Shrine of Lost Souls is much more than a static prison. It feeds off of the souls trapped within it. This energy is transmitted up through the shaft to the altar which is housed in the Temple of the Shattered Skull. The priests and knights of Draxorith power their spells from the altar thus powered. 

Unique City Features

The Landing
A circular cobblestone courtyard in the beggar's district in the outer city, but within the walls. Prisoners, demotees and other victims are routinely thrown from the seventh floor to fall to their death. The act is always accompanied with a trumpet blast so a crowd of beggars is usually hanging around the courtyard waiting for the victim to die so that they can roll the body and fight over any possessions the victim may have been carrying (usually this amounts to little more than bloodied clothing and a good pair of boots). Obviously, the cobblestones of this courtyard are stained brownish red from years of blood.

The Ever Burn
The Ever Burn is the name of a large fountain of oil and fire located in the Outer City. It is fed continuously from an underground oil source. It works through an ingenious combination of engineering and magic.

The Vanquished
The Vanquished is a large monument made of rusting armor, blades and skulls who have fallen on the battlefield to Duthelm forces.

The Drawn and Quartered
A special mechanical execution device on a stage platform that draws and quarters its victims using weights, pulleys, chains and barbed hooks. A particularly nasty device which is reserved for the public execution of the most hated criminals and prisoners.

Important People of the Citadel

Lord Caramus, High Priest of Draxorith
The name Caramus strikes fear into those who hear it. His presence evokes hushed awe in the soldiers and citizens of Duthelm. He is a topic of discussion in council chambers throughout Kitar and the Empire. Lord Caramus is the religious leader of the nation of Duthelm. He is the half-demon High Priest of the Cult of Draxorith and it is Caramus who is the real power behind the throne. It is widely believed that Sillar wears the crown, but she bows to her father's wishes. Caramus himself commands vast magical powers.

Queen Sillar, Ruler of Duthelm
Sillar is the only daughter of Caramus and as such has at least a trace of demon blood in her. This might explain her aptitude for magic and rather homely appearance. Despite this, she fancies herself quite beautiful and is somewhat vain in her appearance. She wears black leather gowns and bone jewelry. She delights in the torture of victims and maintains a harem of male consorts.  

Sirreth the Unholy, Leader of the Knights of the Abyss
Sirreth is the first and most powerful Knight of the Abyss and as such rules that branch of the church. He also serves as Caramus' lieutenant and is often seen at Caramus side. Sirreth himself wears the typical plate armor of a Knight and a great helm. Beneath that helm is a mockery of life, for Sirreth is a death knight, a walking abomination of unlife. Little more than a skeleton, but possessed of great strength, this nightmare can command undead with a thought, hurl black bolts of life sucking energy and wields Xykul, a wavy bladed black sword that drains strength and health from its victims and bestows them upon the wielder (but only if the wielder is undead).

Varlos, Leader of the Black Sorcerers
Varlos is the leader of the Black Sorcerers, the government supported group of wizards who are responsible for most of the magical innovation and weapons produced in Duthelm. Varlos is a female half-orc and something of a prodigy with regards to magical talent. She is very tall for a half-orc, has somewhat angular features and wears her long black hair in a braid.

Jalek, Master of Darklore
Jalek is a member of the Black Sorcerers and also the Master of Darklore, the government supported school of wizardry within the Citadel. Jalek is an aging human male with short black hair streaked with silver, a neatly trimmed beard and a heavy set, but powerful physique. He wears black and red robes and silver jewelry. Jalek is a strong supporter of Varlos and holds his loyalty to her and the Black Sorcerers above his loyalty to Duthelm.

Warlord Trumell, Master of the Warlords Academy
Danroth Trumell is the master of the Duthelm Warlords Academy, a school of warriors and swordsmen. Trumell is a large man with a curly grey beard and bright blue eyes. He stands 6 foot  6 and weighs 350 pounds. He has a harsh, gravelly voice which is often heard barking at his students. He is a harsh master, but a very good teacher. His students love to hate him. 

Deth, The Keeper of the Shrine
Deth, the Keeper of the Shrine, is a name that is known to many but very few ever see. He is charged with the care and defense of the Shrine of Lost Souls, one of several chambers in the Citadel which is considered holy ground by the church of Draxorith. Deth is an undead lord, a skeletal being of considerable magical power. A lich of sorts. He commands a small army of lesser undead that serve him and help defend the Shrine. Deth never leaves his beloved shrine and only the highest ranking members of the church ever enter the Shrine.

Inns and Taverns

This page last updated Monday, October 08, 2007. Copyright 1990-2008 David M. Roomes.

Contact Webmaster