Rel Mord, City of Ishmangalla


Population: 300,000 humans

Exports: Foodstuffs (beef, buffalo, corn)

Imports: Everything

Ruler: King Gilgamesh of Nyrond

Religious Leader:

Description: The huge city of Rel Mord is the capital city of Nyrond and as tradition has it, dedicated to the god of cities, Marduke. The brick walls whcih surround the city are over 40' tall. Composed of solid red brick strngthened by the miracles of Kishar, these wals have repulsed many invasions of the eight centuries of their existance. The city itself is very large. Located on the --- river, it maintains a small port on its outskirts. fresh water is gleaned from one of the largest wells on Oerth in the central portions of the city and it is purported to have beneficial effects towrds longevity. Within its red brick walls and beyond the seven 50ft high towers that section the city, are myriads of stone and wooden buildings, statues, gardens, and markets. The market of Rel Mord is considered one of the best on Oerth. The city imports from every known city on the maps save those in the Sea of Dust or those in Iuz and the Horned Society. Rel Mordians tend the largest cattle and buffalo herds as well as do a considerable  amount of farming. Myrond proper is the bread basket of Oerth and the area around this city is its most fertile region. Consequently the city has done well with food exports around the continent. Trade is favoured however with Nyrundian cities first - with weapons bought soley from Trigol, maps from Midmeadow, wood from Inspa and the Celadon and clerical items directly from the theocracy.
Like its leader, the city is heavily devoted to Marduke. In this case they focus their worship the wrestling aspect of the god, called Ishmangalla although other temples to his device-oriented aspect exist here as well. There is a great arena in the southern portion of the city where the famed gladatorial bouts of Rel Mord are held. Citizens flock in droves to place bets on their favorite gladiator as they compete with others - quite often champions of other cities. All form of combat takes place here but wrestling is the most celebrated.

The city of Rel Mord is a city of the old ways. Its populous has enjoyed a very long life span in part because of the richness of their diet, their water, and also because of the city's Grand Miracle, the 'Battle of Life'. This miracle grants all those who dwell in the city additional months of life for the glory they win in wrestling and pummeling their foes. Gilgamesh has ruled for over 70 years and the Cardinal at least twice that. Many of its citizens are 100 years old. Because of this long lifespan, the mindset and ethos of the city is set in the past. Their ways are 'traditional' and their language almost archaic. The dialect of Rel Mord has kept the rest of Nyrond and indeed the rest of Oerth true to its language's roots. There are many cleric found in the city of all sects. Many churches like to have personal advisor's to the King and the King has his own personal retinue of clerics from a variety of sects.

Its peoples are very proud of their country, their city, their King and their religion. Consequently, they strictly follow the Edicts of the Theocracy and take pride in the separation of church and state found in the Nyrundian religious doctrine. No elves will be found in the city, not because of any inborn hatred but because they try to remain true to the Edicts set down by the Cardinal's Council.

The city is also the most populous of cities on Oerth save Rouxes. Most are well to do peasants but there is also much old money here in the city. Quite often merchants from abroad will settle in retirement here, to enjoy the fruits of the waters and the city. They are sure to respect the city's ways and but have still added a somewhat international flavor to the city.

Other inhabitants include the non-human centaurs of Gilgamesh's Grand Cavalry (the best on Oerth) and the dryads whom Gilgamesh has granted safe haven to.
The Grand Cavalry has three large compounds in the city and two keeps outside it. The cavalry has over a thousand centaurs who excell at archery, polearm, sword, and battle axe. Among these Centaurs are also the Centaur Shaman who are knowledgeable in many earthly magics (mostly druidic or earthpower in nature). These Shaman have many miracles which can affect the speed and  maneuvarability of their own or other cavalry units. They are also quite adept at large changes in terain. The centaurs in the city also man a few centaur oriented bars (although they prefer to cavort right outside the city walls). These bars are home to the Centaur-draughts - strong alcoholic beverages that can put even the dougties dwarves down quickly. The Centaurs also sponsor many archery contests outside the city with the prizes being anything from gold to bedding their mates.

Individuals:

Sentrip - centaur maiden who is fond of seducing human males. She will use her high intelligence coupled with potions of love to lure attractive and very strong males to court her. She does this to make her mate, Emasticles, very jealous. She loves to watch Emasticles fight for her and he will usually challenge the male to a duel to the death (although some other prize might gain his fancy). Emasticles is a 14th level fighter with specialization in bow and battle axe. his great strength (20) and quick reflexes (18dex) give him a great edge in battle. As does his +4 battle axe (with both answering and thunderclap capabilities). Emasticles also has the gift of Regeneration, granted to him by Gilgamesh for his valour in the wars. This regeneration even works past death. Emasticles also carries a horn which will summon 10-100 centaurs in case he is jumped by more than one opponent. Otherwise Emasticles is honorable and fun loving.

Raduval - retired Archmage. Man of rumours.
Raduval is a devout nihilist and athiest. He has traveled the planes extensively (he is from another shadow) and has chosen this city as his home. He views Rel Mord as the city of eternal life and will do all he can to help protect it and his citizenship within it. Raduval is also a collector. he likes to collect rare and unique objects, especially if they are from other planes. He will also pay hansomely for news from other planes. Although Raduval is an athiest he will not say or do anything to jeaopardize his stay here. Also, he may attack others who disparage the town if he believes it may cultivate his reputation. Raduvan can be seen in the more expensive taverns, in the market square, in the courts of the King, or walking about the gardens. It is rumoured that he has many magical ways of overhearing things said throughout the city. Some rumours say he does this to defend the city others say it is to guard against his own enemies which may be searching for him. There are also other rumours purporting him to be of almost all of the five magics as well as an illusionist. Some even say he is a magical spirit or sending of the gods to spy on the capital city. Apparently he likes having may rumours about him.

Thriftking (of the red hand)
No description is given of Thriftking. he is a legendary thief of unknown origin and age (and race). He moves through the market and the inns and along the streets stealing from adventurers, merchants, clerics, mages, and anyone who tickles his (or her) fancy. Thriftking prefers to steal pouches and small items such as gems or magical items. Such things are seldom seen again - not resold in market, etc - and this has given him/her the title of Thriftking. Thriftkings calling card is a small red dot painted on the hand of the individual who was stolen from. The dot takes three days to fade and cannot even be removed by magic. Magical protections, traps, and divinations have not been able to catch this thief or reveal him. Periodically the city militia will set up traps to catch this one - and they usually end in some large comotions but never having caught the ever elusive Thriftking.

Jhihad the Lovelorn
An ex-bard who was once thought to have a voice sculpted by angels, Jhihad is a drunk who plies bars with song to garner more drinks. He wears a hat of disguise alowing him to get into the bars and inns which would otherwise not let him in because his music is so incredibly depressing that many patrons (and barkeeps) have fallen into deep drepressions lasting weeks or months. Becuaes Jhihad once played for the King (before the unfortunate mishap with his lover) he cannot be run out of the city.
 
 
  Archbishop Mugalinda read the clerical texts found in Rouxes about Uptananishiptum that led Gilgamesh on a quest to go to the mouth of all rivers.