Taur'res Imperial Capitol City (4e Environment)

The Imperial Capitol Taur'res

(The Dragon City, The Blood Tower)

[standard colors: ivory white and blood red]

Taur'res' Population: 60,000+

Geographic Area

Taur’res sits at the mouth of the Swamp River on the Taur Lake in the shadow of the eastern mountains of Bamberg. Swamp River flows from Dwagoold Mountains in the South fed by tributaries of Bac River from the saddle of Bamberg and Dwagoold Mountains and of Fresh River from the Leander Plains of Amjer. Taur’res is only slightly north but sees itself as the geographic center of the continent. By Taur Lake, Taur’res has easy access to Garth Bay, Huygen Channel, and the East Ocean.

Imports, Exports, and Resources

Taur'res has abundant freshwater, wood, hard-gray-stone, silver, and wheat fields with cows. Taur'res has abundant variety of horses, unique is the strong northern warhorse which Taur'res has almost a monopoly on. Taur’res trades with Jodpur, Ajmer, Washim, Solapur, and Guntur.

History

Taur'res is the capitol city of a vast and diverse empire. In 316 C.E. [C.E. is for Common Era], the City of Taur'res is founded by Shaelong the High-Rider of Dragons. In 335 C.E., Shaelong declared Emperor and Taur'res capitol city. Twelve Grand Wizards are declared Dukes. In 375 C.E. (59 years after founding Taur’res), Emperor Shaelong and an army of 25,000 invade the whole south.

Governing the Empire of Dorinth

The Dark Emperor Shaelong has absolute dictatorial authority in all matters of state. Below the Emperor and serving at his leisure are kings, dukes, barons, and lord knights. Whether Dorinth will be a hereditary monarchy is unknown because Emperor Shaelong has no spouse, no children, and extended life.

The King of Jodpur is Human warlord Madison Gravedigger. Within his court is Duke Alane Fork, Duke Hefeyd Glorious, Baron Owen Black, Baron Beven Silver, Baron Cadman Doorway, and Baron Madon Wolves.

The King of Ajmer is Tiefling fighter Anselm the Black Fisted. Within his court is Duke Regan Thatcher, Duke Varden Franetile, Baron Aled Bloander, Baron Klondor Rashon, Baron Yale Tandard, and Baron Craddock Wudden.

The King of Washim is Half-elf ranger Casper the Twin Striker. Within his court is Duke Elshan Moore, Duke Nemausus Welsh, Baron Elwyn Ryath, Baron Glendower Wishmore, Baron Reece Ebrew, and Baron Caddock Fork.

The King of Solapur is Dragonborn cleric of Klas’modeus (evil cult of the Fire God Theezine) Joachim Threeclaws the Victorious. Within his court is Duke Henbeddester Wolf, Duchess Rowena Singelton, Baron Iago Shaddleholder, Baron Meilyre Stepkore, Baron Bowen Mason, and Baron Ellis Slan.

The King of Guntur is Human paladin of the Goddess Cheimon Cid Norman the Death Cavalier. Within his court is Duke Alastrine Throwdon, Duke Nylen Shield, Baron Ceri Tree, Baron Anerin Nyth, Baron Dylan Flyblue, and Baron Yoreth Eaker.

King Shra'shan reigns as King of the Lizardfolk at The Dark Snake Tower.

King Goath reigns as King of the Hobgoblins at Bane's Fortress.

King Bludeater reigns as King of the Orcs at Gruw-kumsh'own.

The law of the land is the Sixteen Laws. In 1684 DY, the librarian, a Centaur wizard named Ur-Nammuh the Just Judge, codified the Sixteen Laws of Umerijah, later to be known as the Sixteen Laws of Ur-Nammuh. The Sixteen Laws were broken into four categories much later. The four categories are crimes against people, crimes against fair-trade, crimes against government, and crimes against order. The City Watch, officers of the Army, and knights of the realm have arresting rights. Barons and lord knights are the judges of the law throughout Dorinth. Royalty and knights may appeal their legal case to the Emperor for his supreme judgment. The Twelve Grand Wizard Counts are above the law and any legal charge or case involving them must be heard by the Emperor for his supreme judgment, to date, the Emperor has never heard a legal charge or case against the Counts.

Governing Taur’res

The Dark Emperor Shaelong has absolute dictatorial authority. Around the Dark Emperor in his capitol fortress Taur'res are twelve Grand-Mages, who hold the rank and title of Count (Count Agony, Count Anguish, Count Blight, Count Demise, Count Disease, Count Epidemic, Count Misery, Count Pain, Count Pestilence, Count Plague, Count Scourge, Count Torment). The Council of Victory is a leadership group comprising Emperor Shaelong, twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, and the eight kings of humanoid races. The Council of Victory meets in Taur'res.

Jonathan Master the Dragon Rider is the Baron of Taur’res and has mayoral civil governing in the City of Taur’res. He answers directly to Count Disease, one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes. The Count is accountable to the Emperor. The Step of Shaelong is the city seat of government, residence of the mayor, and keep of the baron. It is a gray square building.

There is a 1 gold piece imperial tax on all merchandise bought or sold, also there is a 1 gold piece imperial gateway tax on all travel into all city's gates/docks. There is a 3 gold piece ship docking fee.

Dorinth's Culture

The Empire's culture is a melting pot of minor cultures. Primarily, the Empire is a society based on domination and is centered around the Emperor as a victory cult figure. Dorinth is an Empire dominated by Humans but also incorporating Dragonborn, Tiefling, enslaved Dwarves, Goblins, Orcs, and Lizardfolk.

Fashion in Taur'res is hard-leathers high boots, cotton/wool pants, and silk shirts with thick wool cloaks and expensive furs in the winter.

Although the basic common language is common, the northern continent has a distinctive accent that is recognizable with a Perception DC 10.

Key Locations & People

Key Locations of Taur’res

1. Dragon’s Might is the citadel. Hard-gray-stone citadel with barbican and demi-culverin towers surrounded with a water moat eight feet deep. Within the Dragon's Might are 5,000+ Human soldiers and it is the imperial residence of Emperor Shaelong known as the Draelong's Seat. Outside the Dragon's Might are the individually walled twelve duke palaces of the Grand Wizards and the eight King palaces.
2. The Black Dragon Scale Monastery [Monk Order of the Dragon: Symbol: white, orange, or black dragon scale; Cloth: white, orange, or black silk; Weapon Required: any of the monk class] is in Taur’res.
3. The Colossus of Shaelong, standing fifty feet tall of rare black stone is the image of Shaelong in plate armor with his feet at shoulders width and his arms reaching out to the west and east with palms uplifted.
4. The Divine Four Points of Life is the cathedral dedicated to Pegay, Theros, Phthino, and Cheimon in Taur’res, with its 30+ clerics. It is a vast temple with four gold square altars. It is a monastery, library, and university.
5. The People’s Public Library is a white marble round building in Taur’res. The People’s Public Library is the public headquarters of the Emperor’s Hand, a known thieves' guild, assassin's guild, spy network for Emperor Shaelong, and secret police of the twelve Grand-Wizard Counts.
6. The Step of Shaelong is the city seat of government, residence of the mayor, and keep of the baron. It is a gray square building with red corners and a forty-foot round tower with a silver corned roof.
7. The Strong Crypt is a temple complex dedicated to the worship of the gods of Klas’modeus (evil cult of the Fire God Theezine) and the Goddess Cheimon, the Minor Goddess of Winter and Death. The Strong Crypt is a cathedrals and monastery (20+ clerics). It is a gray stone temple with five spiral towers.
8. The Upright Monkey Monastery [Monk Order of the Monkey: Symbol: dark shadowed monkey with gold eyes; Cloth: any with bare chest; Weapon Required: sling] is in Taur’res.
9. Walls: surrounding the city is a large gray stone wall and its dominant defensive feature is a gray-stone citadel with barbican and demi-culverin towers with a water moat eight feet deep.
10. Yellow Tiger Monastery [Monk Order of the Tiger: Symbol: yellow tiger eye; Cloth: any cloth with tiger print; Weapon Required: dagger or spear] is in Taur’res.

Key People of Taur’res

Anselm the Black Fisted is the King of Ajmer and a Tiefling fighter. He has a residence in Taur’res.Within his court is Duke Regan Thatcher, Duke Varden Franetile, Baron Aled Bloander, Baron Klondor Rashon, Baron Yale Tandard, and Baron Craddock Wudden.

Casper the Twin Striker is the King of Washim and a Half-elf ranger. He has a residence in Taur’res.Within his court is Duke Elshan Moore, Duke Nemausus Welsh, Baron Elwyn Ryath, Baron Glendower Wishmore, Baron Reece Ebrew, and Baron Caddock Fork.

Cid Norman the Death Cavalier is the King of Guntur and is Human paladin of the Goddess Cheimon. He has a residence in Taur’res.Within his court is Duke Alastrine Throwdon, Duke Nylen Shield, Baron Ceri Tree, Baron Anerin Nyth, Baron Dylan Flyblue, and Baron Yoreth Eaker.

Count Agony is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. Each Knight Order is a cult of victory, so that, the most victorious fighter is head of the Knight Order and leadership is determined through trial-by-combat. This Count’s Knight Order is the Elapids.

Count Anguish is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. Each of the twelve Grand Wizard Counts has its own Knight Order (available to heavy-armored cavalry, paladins, fighters, warlords). Each Knight Order is a cult of victory, so that, the most victorious fighter is head of the Knight Order and leadership is determined through trial-by-combat. This Count’s Knight Order is the Hydrophis.

Count Blight is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. This Count’s Knight Order is Viperidae.

Count Demise is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count first appeared in 326 C.E. as an ally of Shaelong. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. This Count’s Knight Order is the Colubrid.

Count Disease is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count first appeared in 326 C.E. as an ally of Shaelong. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. Each Knight Order is a cult of victory, so that, the most victorious fighter is head of the Knight Order and leadership is determined through trial-by-combat. This Count’s Knight Order is the Boomslang.

Count Epidemic is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. This Count’s Knight Order is the Two Fangs.

Count Misery is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. This Count’s Knight Order is the Black Death.

Count Pain is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. Each of the twelve Grand Wizard Counts has its own Knight Order (available to heavy-armored cavalry, paladins, fighters, warlords). Each Knight Order is a cult of victory, so that, the most victorious fighter is head of the Knight Order and leadership is determined through trial-by-combat. This Count’s Knight Order is the Vicorious Blow.

Count Pestilence is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count first appeared in 326 C.E. as an ally of Shaelong. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. This Count’s Knight Order is the Draemark.

Count Plague is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. This Count’s Knight Order is the Toxic Force.

Count Scourge is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. This Count’s Knight Order is the Twin Snakes.

Count Torment is one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes, who are part of the Council of Victory that advices the Emperor. The Count first appeared in 326 C.E. as an ally of Shaelong. The Count is above all kings and is accountable directly to the Emperor. This Count’s Knight Order is the Keelback.

Glowd is the Grand Master of the Yellow Tiger Monastery in Taur’res.

Joachim Threeclaws the Victorious is the King of Solapur and is Dragonborn cleric of Klas’modeus (evil cult of the Fire God Theezine). He has a residence in Taur’res. Within his court is Duke Henbeddester Wolf, Duchess Rowena Singelton, Baron Iago Shaddleholder, Baron Meilyre Stepkore, Baron Bowen Mason, and Baron Ellis Slan.

Jonathan Master the Dragon Rider is the Baron of Taur’res and has mayoral civil governing in the City of Taur’res. He answers directly to Count Disease, one of the twelve Soul-Killer-Grand-Wizard Dukes. The Count is accountable to the Emperor.

Jostoom Gladplain, a Half-elf ranger, is the leader of the Shaelong Riders. Shaelong Riders is a special military unit of the capitol city. They are archery cavalry wearing white and red.

Madison Gravedigger is the King of Jodpur and is a Human warlord. He has a residence in Taur’res. Within his court is Duke Alane Fork, Duke Hefeyd Glorious, Baron Owen Black, Baron Beven Silver, Baron Cadman Doorway, and Baron Madon Wolves.

Mork Streen is the Grand Master of the Black Dragon Scale Monastery in Taur’res.

Nebin Smokering the Silent Assassin, a Halfling rogue Lord Knight, is the guildmaster of the Emperor's Hand. The Emperor's Hand is a thieves' guild, assassin's guild, spy network for Emperor Shaelong, and secret police of the twelve Grand-Wizard Counts.

Slam Whasman, a Dragonborn warden, is the leader of the Taur’res Bull Fighters. The Taur’res Bull Fighters is a special military unit of the capitol city. They are heavy infantry (chainmail, large shield, short sword, and spear) wearing red and black.

Thessdah Firecore the Iron Impaler is the Patriarch of the Cult of Shae and is a Tiefling warlock.

Thorarock is the Grand Master of the Upright Monkey Monastery in Taur’res.

Institutions & Organizations

Guilds and Brotherhoods: There are several international organizations that transcend culture and race. The international organizations are very loosely organized. The hierarchy of the international organization from lowest to highest is as follows: Apprentice Intern (1 gold piece due), Third Level Guild Member (1 gold piece due per year), Second Level Guild Member (2 gold pieces due per year), First Level Guild Member (3 gold pieces due per year), Assistant Guild Master (5 gold pieces due per year), and Guild Master (10 gold pieces due per year). There is more than one Guild Master per guild, normally one Guild Master in one general area. The Guild Master is responsible for credentials, dues, and expenses.

Merchant Guild is an international organization of buyers and seller whose symbol is a stack of coins.

Librarian Guild is an international organization of book lovers and organizers (librarians) whose symbol is an open book with a colorful rainbow.

Scribe Guild is an international organization of scribes and writers whose symbol is feather pen and unrolled scroll.

Thespian Guild of actors, jesters, and bards whose symbol is an Elven ‘Th’ letter.

Brotherhood of Smiths is an international organization of metal smith workers whose symbol is two small hammers and an anvil.

Brotherhood of Builders is an international organization of stone masons and wood carpenters whose symbol is three straight lines with a vertical tree branch.

Brotherhood of Gladiators is an international organization of gladiators whose symbol is a red drop of blood.

Thieves' Guilds: The main thieves' guild is headquartered in Taur'res and has government sponsorship. The main guild is known as The Emperor's Hand. The Emperor's Hand is a thieves' guild, assassin's guild, spy network for Emperor Shaelong, and secret police of the twelve Grand-Wizard Counts. The guildmaster of the Emperor's Hand is a Halfling rogue Lord Knight Nebin Smokering the Silent Assassin. The guild is also a school for training and it has its own hand-finger language (thieves' sign language). The guild has a public headquarters known as the People’s Public Library. The People’s Public Library is a white marble round building in Taur’res.

Wizard Schools: Within the Empire, there are no large organized wizard schools. However, throughout the land are innumerable independent wizard to wizard mentoring and training. Throughout the land are many individual wizard towers who contain powerful wizards and warlocks and their pupils.

Temples and Chapels: The Capitol City of Taur'res has a major temple complex dedicated to the worship of the gods of Klas’modeus (evil cult of the Fire God Theezine) and the Goddess Cheimon, the Goddess of Winter and Death.

The Minor Gods are honored throughout the Empire of Dorinth. Temples exist to Spring Goddess, Summer God, Autumn Goddess, and Winter Goddess. The Divine Four Points of Life is the cathedral dedicated to Pegay, Theros, Phthino, and Cheimon in Taur’res, with its 30+ clerics. It is a vast temple with four gold square altars. It is a monastery, library, and university.

The Cult of Shae wears a branded 'S' on the left-side of their necks. The cult is fanatically loyal and encompasses all high government officials among all the united races. It views Emperor Shaelong as a demigod. It has government and Shaelong's support. The Patrirach Cleric of the Cult of Shae is a Tiefling warlock Thessdah Firecore the Iron Impaler.

Army Special Forces: The most common uniform colors are mostly red and white trim. The Empire contains many army special forces, most connected to the diverse races of the Empire such as Hobgoblin archers, Orc troops, Greenscale and Blackscale Lizardfolk troops, and human light cavalry. Each Duke and Baron has his own troops, normally named after the keep in which they serve. Emperor Shaelong has a special relationship with dragons, especially blue and green dragons that occasionally serve as leaders in his army.

The Taur’res Bull Fighters is a special military unit of the capitol city. They are heavy infantry (chainmail, large shield, short sword, and spear) wearing red and black. Slam Whasman, a Dragonborn warden, is the leader of the Taur’res Bull Fighters.

Shaelong Riders is a special military unit of the capitol city. They are archery cavalry wearing white and red. Jostoom Gladplain, a Half-elf ranger, is the leader of the Shaelong Riders.

Knight Orders: Each of the twelve Grand Wizard Counts has its own Knight Order (available to heavy-armored cavalry, paladins, fighters, warlords). Each Knight Order is a cult of victory, so that, the most victorious fighter is head of the Knight Order and leadership is determined through trial-by-combat. The head of each Knight Order is known as the Blood Champion. The twelve Knightly Order are the Elapids, Hydrophis, Viperidae, Colubrid, Boomslang, Keelback, Two Fangs, Black Death, Vicorious Blow, Draemark, Toxic Force, and Twin Snakes.

Monk Orders: The Yellow Tiger Monastery [Monk Order of the Tiger: Symbol: yellow tiger eye; Cloth: any cloth with tiger print; Weapon Required: dagger or spear] is in Taur’res. Glowd is the Grand Master of the Yellow Tiger Monastery in Taur’res. The Black Dragon Scale Monastery [Monk Order of the Dragon: Symbol: white, orange, or black dragon scale; Cloth: white, orange, or black silk; Weapon Required: any of the monk class] is in Taur’res. Mork Streen is the Grand Master of the Black Dragon Scale Monastery in Taur’res. The Upright Monkey Monastery [Monk Order of the Monkey: Symbol: dark shadowed monkey with gold eyes; Cloth: any with bare chest; Weapon Required: sling] is in Taur’res. Thorarock is the Grand Master of the Upright Monkey Monastery in Taur’res.

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