"Beautiful city... 'tis a shame there's a mad
god on the throne."
- Jankein, Captain of the Unrepentant
| Ruler | His Imminence and Greatness, Vanquisher of False Idols, Supreme Warlord of the Realm, Ruler of the Known World, Divine Light of the Heavens, Sword of Justice, Keeper of the Four, Lord of the Anquar, Heir to Karnus, His Imperial Majesty, King Dalmoran the Usurper, “the Mad” |
| Population | 114,700 |
| Demographics | Human (Quaryn) 70%, Human (Southern) 9%, Human (Padashi) 7%, Ogre 5%, Orc 3%, Mandalar 2%, Urtas 2%, Hurkari 1%, Other 1% |
| Languages | Quaryn 90%, Padashi 8%, Ithria Southern 3%, Other 2% |
| Nationality | The Kingdom of Anquar |
| National Colors | Grey and green |
| Year Founded | 1290 |
| Currency | Quaryn |
| Natural Resources and Manufactured Goods | Quarried stone, marble, gold, silver, webbed obsidian, horses, lumber, wheat, cotton, cattle, pigs |
| Wealth | Wealthy |
| Government Type | Imperial Autocracy |
| Government Stability | Stable |
| Allies | None |
| Enemies | The Great Padashan Empire |
| Walled | Yes. Stone curtain wall. |
| Crime Level | Low |
| Technology Level | Middle Ages |
| Primary Religion | Quarism |
| Other Religion | Sharmaud (outlawed, practiced in secret), Hramish (also practiced in secret) |
| Climate | Temperate to subtropical |
| Terrain | Coastal grasslands, hills, forest |
Ipotal is a marvel of city-planning, advanced architecture and sculpted aesthetics. This magnificent has large market plazas, terraced gardens, monuments, vast amphitheatres and universities.
The main gate of the city faces the ocean. The main harbor is actually walled which protects it from invading ships. The harbor is the heart of the city and the buildings of this great city are built in a great horseshoe shape around it. A huge gate, known as the Sea Gate, effectively seals off the harbor in times of war or severe weather.
The city is riddled with a network of deep canals that allow water traffic to penetrate deep into the city. Some of these waterway are quite wide and can accommodate large ocean-going vessels. Where large canals converge, there are small man-made lakes within the city. Most canals, however, are designed for smaller "city boats". Dozens of bridges span the canals and most buildings are with a few feet of the lapping water. These canals form a network of waterways that all connect to the harbor eventually. Most business are on the water... most buildings have "boat houses". Barges, longboats and ships move about the city via this network of canals. Goods and people are ferried to and fro. The city's sewer system is connected directly to the canal network. This has effectively solved Ipotal's refuse and waste problem.
The citizens of Anquar are down to earth realists. Practical, level headed. Anquarans, both men and women, tend to be gregarious and outspoken.
It is the fashion here that men are clean shaven. Men tend to have short, curly sandy colored hair and green eyes. Women have long wavy hair. Green eyes are common in both sexes. Men tend to have strong jawlines and hawkish noses.
This region is known for the taruba, a species of bird which is very large, tall and brightly feathered. The taruba is a flightless bird about five feet tall. It has brilliant blue and green plumage and an immense tail which fans out in a breathtaking iridescent display. The taruba is the national bird of Anquar. Several hundred tarubas can be found in the capital city. It is illegal to harm one on pain of death. Many are wild, but others are domesticated and treated as pets of the cities.
The Celestial Tower
The main government building and royal residence are one
in the same. It is a gargantuan fortress at the heart of the city. The
dominating feature of this stronghold is a central tower that rises seven
hundred feet into the air and gives the building its name.
The Trade and Tariff Hall
The Trade and Tariff Hall oversees all taxation and trade
tariffs in the nation. It is an important component of the Anquaran government
due to the crushing taxes imposed by the King. High ranking officers of this
branch of the government are known as Tax Lords and wield considerable influence
as they can adjust taxes at will.
The Main Market Square
The market square of Ipotal is found where two broad
canals meet. They form a large square man-made lake and at the center of this is
a large square stone island. This island is the main market and four lesser
market squares are found on the corners. All but the largest ships can make
their way here.
Ipotal Garrison
This is the main city fortress. Twelve divisions of Anquar's soldiers are based
here along with over three dozen war ships, two divisions of heavy cavalry, one
division of archers and a division of war chariots. There is no distinction
between the army and the city guard. The nation's soldiers patrol the city
streets of Ipotal.
The City Library
A tall stone keep formed from four circular towers and a
larger central tower. Run by a small brotherhood of scholar priests.
The Amphitheatre
A huge state funded playhouse which frequently hosts
elaborate productions and plays. Only "state authorized" plays are allowed and
each production undergoes scrutiny. Historical dramas are closely monitored and
always portray Dalmoran in a favorable light. Usually, Dalmoran is depicted as a
benevolent god saving the Kingdom from wrathful and power crazed half-gods of
long ago.
The University Ipotal
Comprised of 57 separate craft schools
each teaching students in the skills for a single dedicated craft. There is a
craft school for stone masons, carpentry, etc. These craft schools give Master
Certificates upon completion of the curriculum.
The city of Ipotal is patrolled by the same soldiers that fight Anquar's wars and patrol the country side. These men are well equipped and trained. The average soldier wears a distinctive suit of semi-plate armor and chain. The plates are forged from a copper-steel alloy which has a deep copperish red color. All soldiers wear the same armor. Officers wear heavy plate armor, capes and great helms.
The Anquaran navy has forty ships based out of Ipotal. The flagship of the Anquaran fleet is the Scimitar. A special detachment of the navy patrols the canals networks with 50 "canal runners" - long rowboats that carry six soldiers.
The Resistance
There is a huge underground movement which directly opposes the rule of King
Dalmoran and his armies. This massive resistance group operates in secret. It is
divided up into "cells" - small subgroups which limit contact to other cells to
prevent the government from learning too much about them. Members of the
Resistance move about constantly, changing meeting locations and working with those sympathetic
to their cause.
The Blood Lords
The Blood Lords are a large and well organized guild of thieves, cutthroats,
assassins, smugglers and bandits. They care little for the politics of the
kingdom and have found great profit in smuggling and other black market
operations amidst the climate of fear and oppression the current reigning demi-god
has created.
The Order of Karnus
A secretive order of scholars, wizards and others who unite in common purpose to
restore the Age of Peace and Reason that Karnus created ages ago.
They are trying to find the missing piece of the Talisman. They also work on
ways to overcome the magic of the Talisman and resist the power of Dalmoran's
pieces. They are very secretive and dabble in powerful magic.
The Canal Rats
A small thieves guild that operates mainly in the sewers and other subterranean
chambers. They use their canals to make escapes underwater, etc.
The Great Temple of Anquar
Still under construction. Has been under construction for 27 years. Will
probably take 50 years total. It is immense. Truly, the largest building in the
nation, or it will be..
The Colossus
A statue of King Dalmoran. Over 200 feet tall and fashioned of stone. Being built along
side the Great Temple of Anquar.
Public Gardens of Ipotal
An arrangement of huge gardens, parks, walkways, gazebos and fountains. Although
tended to in the daytime, the city guards leave it be at night and it is
considered a dangerous place when the sun goes down. This garden is a gift from
King Dalmoran to the people.
Hindol Square
Hindol Square is considered by many to be the heart of the city. This beautiful
rectangular open courtyard lies near the palace. It is a broad expanse of
colored stone tiles which form the national symbol. The Hindol Square is one of
the most beautiful parts of Ipotal. This square is the place of the infamous
Hindol Massacre in which 1400 people were put to death in the final days of the
civil war just prior to Dalmoran taking the throne.
The Sea Gate
A huge iron gate that can be opened or closed to seal off the harbor in times of
war or severe weather. Although it will effectively prevent any ship from
entering the harbor, the lower third of the gate is grated (to allow sea water
through) and so it is possible for a swimmer to get through.
The Tower of High Wizardry
A small government funded school kept under tight control by the King. This
huge grey stone tower looms over the city and houses within it the nation's
primary wizardry school and the Guild of Wizards. There are rumors that the powerful elite spellcasters of this
tower secretly plot against King Dalmoran.
Lord Adoben, Royal Chief of Staff
Adoben is a thoroughly evil man. Lord Adoben serves as King Dalmoran's chief of
staff,
carrying out his orders and overseeing the daily functioning of the Kingdom.
Lord Adoben has a taste for quaking herb (kivodal) and is completely addicted.
Adoben loves snakes and reptiles of all kind and even collects them. He keeps
several in his office and home. He has the image of the
snake worked into his weapons, armor, even his home. His cruelty is boundless,
exceeded only by his loyalty to his king.
Viltumol, High Priest of the Church of Anquar
A tall, bald and thoroughly ugly man with protruding eyes, sunken cheeks and an
intense, almost fanatical gaze. This tall, gangly man wears silver and blue
robes and armor. He oversees the Church in all government functions, holds mass,
holds council with King Dalmoran and is tended to by a small army of lesser priests.
| No | Name | Owner/Operator | Description |
| 1 | Three Stones Tavern | Salrik | Tavern - Three great boulders sit out front of this tavern. This large popular tavern is situated at a major crossroads. It is a rough tavern popular with a seedy clientele - commoners, mercenaries, soldiers and lower class merchants can all be found here. The Three Stones Tavern has a common sleeping room, four private rooms and its own stables. The Three Stones is run by Salrik, his wife and four sons. |
| 2 | Copper Bell | Galleris | Brothel - This brothel sits on the waters edge of a canal. Forty girls are employed here. They are led by Lady Galleris, an elderly matron and former prostitute. She fiercely protects her girls against mistreatment. Burkus, a quiet human |
| 3 | Ale-Drowned Mariner | Isabella ven Mira | Tavern - Isabella is a heavy set Anquaran woman with a loud laugh that fills her tavern often. She has brilliant green eyes, long golden brown hair and a cheery face. This confident, intelligent woman loves her tavern and takes a great interest in it, the staff and her customers. She likes to greet customers when they come in the door and knows most of them by name. She has a tendency to try to "help" in the kitchen, adding spices to stews and such, driving the cooks to frustration. Isabella is a good contact and knows most of the city. She helps the Resistance when she can, but tries to keep the government out of her tavern as much as possible. |
| 4 | Blue Whale | Argus | Fish and Tackle Shoppe - Run by a very old fisherman named Argus. He's a heavy drinker and loves nothing more than to share a bottle of rum with visitors and customers while telling fishing stories and tall tales. Argus mends fishing nets, designs and creates fishing equipment and repairs small boats. Argus was once a crew member of a large fishing vessel and has many stories. He has sailed as far as Ithria and often tells tales of when his ship landed at Borakar to wait out a storm. |
| 5 | Mariner's Court | Ferngang | Ship Yard/Mariners Guild - The Mariner's Court is both shipyard and a mariner's guild. It has one large central building with a huge central courtyard which borders the main harbor of the city. This building is flanked on one side by huge woodworking shops and on the other by a pair of drydocks where entire ships are constructed. The Mariner's Court is the largest privately owned shipyard in the city and has extensive repair and construction facilities. It even has a tavern built into it that has 24 rooms for rent. This tavern is called the White Squall. The Mariner's Court is something of a brotherhood of sailors. All mariners are welcome here... even mariners of other nations. Most sailors in Anquar are members of this guild, even if they don't get to Ipotal that often. A huge shrine to Semorjon can be found on the grounds. |
| 6 | Seedhouse | Garlameg | Apothecary - Considered by the mages and herbalists of Ipotal to be the best apothecary around. This large stone house sits just outside of town, on a hill, overlooking the city. A number of gardens, crops and greenhouses are scattered about the central house. Once a great ancestral home, this mansion now holds a veritable garden in every room. It is run by an old hedge wizard named Garlameg. He has just about every plant, flower, seed, herb and root under the sun and his prices are reasonable. He also sells a variety of potions, elixirs, tinctures and brewed teas. A number of dogs, cats and other pets continually run about the place. Garlameg has some minor magical skill. |
| 7 | Gleaming Goblin | Dardun | Tavern - This quaint little tavern is built right next to a major canal. The main kitchen window sits right out over the water. This lets them catch fresh fish right in the kitchen with nets and cook them up. A large patio borders the water and gives patrons a pleasant view and summer breeze while they dine. The food here is good fare and reasonably priced. This establishment is run by Dardun, a small man with a timid manner, his wife, an enormous woman with a fiery temper and their daughter, Lumina. This tavern was supposedly purchased from the wealth obtained from the horde of a goblin king whom Dardun supposedly slew long ago. He delights in telling the story to newcomers as it seems the only time in his life he ever showed bravery. It is for that goblin king that the tavern is named. |
| 8 | Scribe's Reward | Endrig | Library - Run by a scholar with a terrible memory. He has quite a knack for remembering facts from obscure books, but will often forget what day it is, whether or not he has had breakfast, whether he has paid taxes, etc. If not the pretty young woman, Clara, who helps keep the library running, he would have likely starved to death years ago. This library allows access to scholars, mages and such for a price and also obtains dues from members. |
| 9 | White Stag Tavern | Volkamar | Tavern/Inn - Run by Volkamar, an ex soldier turned hunter and guide. He leaves running the tavern up to his underlings while he squanders the profits and chases rare game animals around the continent. Volkamar loves nothing more than bringing back an exotic pelt or stuffed animal head and putting it up on the wall. |
| 10 | Black Rose | Apothecary - xxx | |
| 11 | Hall of the Green Dragon | Uvat Brom | Gambling Hall - This huge gambling hall is five stories tall and built around a massive central gaming hall. Dozens of games are held simultaneously under the watchful eye of as many heavily armed guards. Everyone is welcome here as long as their gamble or drink. In addition to food, drink and games, the Green Dragon also has rooms for rent, private conference rooms and a number of personal services including private bathes, massage and slave girl prostitutes. The Hall of the Green Dragon is run by an immensely fat man named Uvat who sweats all the time, no matter the temperature. He wears a great deal of jewelry and considers himself to be quite fashionable. Uvat is arrogant and egotistical and susceptible to flattery. |
This page last updated Wednesday, December 24, 2008. Copyright 1990-2009 David M. Roomes.