The Hero Cities

1. Isthar
2. Plains of Enkidu
3. Ellandria
4. Forest of Caerfallin
5. Raq Island
6. Berryland
7. Tomtown
8. Gradulfheim
9. Durin's Forge
10. Hillesa
11. Molosh City
12. Hikitami Island
13. Sophia Island

1. Isthar
• Location: Along the central, East coast of the Sea of Serpents.
• Cities and landmarks: The capital city is also named Isthar, and has about 10,000 inhabitants. Isthar was built by the Janni, who could fly, so its architecture is dominated by tall towers and skywalks. It was provided with an invisible protective wall. The sea has risen since the city was built; if it weren't for the wall, the sea would have flooded the western half of the city. As it is, the sea rests against the wall at a height of up to 30 feet.
• Population by race and class: About 250,000 humans and 12,000 elves, with very few hobbits or dwarves. Most (200,000) are commoners. There are also many experts (20,000) and warriors (20,000). (Experts are initiates; but Warriors are commoners with combat experience.) The aristocrats are usually also sorcerors; there are about 5000 aristocrat/sorcerors.
  

  That leaves about 17,000 in the adventuring classes.

  1. Bards: 2,000. Highest level: 17th
  2. Clerics: 4,000. Highest level: 18 th
  3. Druids: 500. Highest level: 16th
  4. Fighters: 5,000. Highest level: 20th
  5. Paladins: 500. Highest level: 16th (but with some fighter levels, too)
  6. Rangers: 1000. Highest level: 16th
  7. Rogues: 2000. Highest level: 17th
  8. Wizards: 2000. Highest levle: 17th
• Economy: Isthar is agriculturally rich, with lush, wet soil. Its main harvests are grain and cotten, but these are too bulky for export via the chancy Sea of Serpents. (There is some trade in grain/ textiles with Enkidu and Sophia Island.) Exports are ceramics, paper, glass, and beer; as well as magical goods. Imports are metal items, especially weapons and armor from Durin's forge.
• Government: The Isthari have a semi-feudal aristocracy, where sheikhs hold lands in vassal to amirs, who in turn are vassals to the Queen. The aristocracy trace their ancestry to the Janni, and initiation into the cult of Isthar is necessary to hold lands. (Initiation suffices for a sheikh, but an amir must be of Avatar level.) Inheritence is by a combination of birth and merit; the oldest child is favored, but must meet the initiation standards and may be passed over if a relative has higher cult standing. Males are favored over females, except that the supreme ruler is always a woman. Each noble must maintain a council with representatives of the other cults, and in principle must take their advice on matters in their jurisdiction. Nobles are responsible for defending their lands, and maintaining prosperity. They must pay taxes in times of peace, and furnish an army to their leige in times of war. One member of each family is obliged to be ``in service'' to the family's liege at any time. This service can be in the military, as an employee or serveant, or as a cult initiate. The liege is expected to pay the family member, and so this custom is often thought of as a full employment safety net, ensuring that each family has at least one member with a paying job, rather than an onerous duty to the liege. Even noble families must follow this custom, with the ``service'' usually being an apprenticeship or squire service. Rich commoner families usually pool money for one talented youngster to become a cult initiate, rather than accept a public works job. Cult activities on the liege's land are defined to be a ``service'' to the liege, although the cults do not report to him. There are 24 sheikhs and 6 amirs. A typical sheikh has about 10,000 vassals, about 800 of which are initiates, and another 1,000 are in service. (This is lower than the total fraction of initiates, since many initiates, especially experts, live in the city and so are direct vassals to the Queen.)
• Defenses: Isthar has a large and complicated military, with different divisions controlled by different cults. In addition to many elite units of avatars and initiates, Isthar's military has a squadron of hippogriffs and five bronze dragons, descendents of Angwyn.
  

  The capital city is well-defended, with a high magical wall of force, a supernaturally protected labyrinth underneath the city, and a floating fortress above the main square.
  

  The most likely areas of attack are the borders with the Haunted Lands to the north, and that with the Great Ooze to the south. The cult of Raq maintains patrols of the northern border, and the cult of Enkidu maintains a watch on the southern. Sheikhs with borderland territories usually maintain standing armies of up to 1000, broken into around 800 warriors and 200 initiate officers. They usually maintain a few hippogriffs or other winged messengers.
  

  The main threat from the East, the route to the Plains of Enkidu, are smugglers, bandits and poachers. Some token attempts to control these are made by the military now and then, but usually it is felt not to be worth the effort.

• Fictional or historical analog: France of 3 Musketeers meets Arabian Nights
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2. Plains of Enkidu
• Location: The Plains of Enkidu are a vast expanse East of Ishtar, ranging north to Angwyn's Reserve, and south to the Hellhole Plateau. There are no fixed borders and it is not known how far East the plain extends. The terrain is a veldt-like grassland, with small clusters of trees and occasional water-holes dotting a sea of tall grasses.
• Cities and landmarks: There are no real cities on the Plains of Enkidu. The closest thing to a city is Enkidu's Tower, a trading center with fortified wood walls and a look-out tower. The Scar was a scene of a dragon-battle; the ground was rent and the earth scorched over an area miles wide. The Petrified Giant stands sixty feet high in an otherwise flat wasteland; some say that he still watches and thinks, and can communicate with wizards.
• Population by race and class: There are about 40,000 humans, 5,000 dwarves and 10,000 elves living on the Plains, although the population is so dispersed that an accurate count would be difficult. Almost all have combat experience; the plains are not safe places to live. Most of the population, male, female, and child, are Warrior class, (30,000), with fifth or sixth level not uncommon. There are no Aristocrats native, and few Commoners. Of the 25,000 initiates, most are Fighters, Rangers, or Druids (about 5,000 each). The remaining classes (Bards, Clerics, Experts,Paladins, Rogues Sorcerors, Wizards) are sparsely represented (500-2000 ea.), usually by powerful loners who have come to Enkidu to get away from the masses of humanity and constraints of civilization.
• Economy: Enkidu subsist by hunting, trapping, and fishing. The economy is based on trade in furs, ivory, and rare plant and animal products. Some important spell components can only be found in Enkidu. Isthar is the only directly reachable trading partner, unless one uses teleportation, which is too high overhead for most Enkidu traders.
• Government: There is no central government. Each village or nomadic band makes its own rules, although most have the traditional (if sparse) council of hero-cult representatives.
• Defense: The peoples of the plains are self-reliant. They are all battle-trained. Most villages and tribes will come to each other's assistance in a crisis. Other than that, they rely on being too poor and spreadout to make really tempting targets for would-be conquerors.
• Fictional or historical analog: Wild west, savannah
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3. Ellandria
• Location: A large island in the north-east part of the Sea of Serpents, in the Shallows region.
• Cities and landmarks: Ellandria is lightly forested in the centarl regions, with shrub and beach areas along the coast. Ellandria is also the name of the capitol city, a sprawling suburban area where fortresses and towers mingle with the surrounding trees. Only in the port are the buildings clearly differentiated from the forest. In other areas, buildings are camauflaged.
• Population by race and class: About 100,000 elves, 10,000 humans, and 10,000 hobbits. The most common classes are Expert (60,000, up to 14th level), Commoner (10,000) (mostly non-elves) and Ranger (25,000, up to 21st level). There are no native Aristocrats. Other well-represented classes are Wizard (5000, up to 19th level), Sorceror (3000, up to 17th level), Bard (2,000, up to 16 th level) , Bard/ranger (2000), and Druid (2000, up to 16th level). Other classes have fewer than 1000 and have practitioners up to 15 th level or so.
• Economy: Ellandria has heavy trade (by sea) with the other Shallows communities: the Forest of Caerfallin, Berryland, Raq Island, and Tomtown. They export wine, timber, woodworking, and dried fish. Magic items are exported via teleportation to all other communities.
• Government: While the councils have the traditional cult representatives, few non-elven cults have significant membership. Village councillors are also chosen for skill, age and wisdom. Villages appoint representatives to the regional councils, in addition to the cult representatives. The Council of Ellandria's decrees can be vetoed by the villages. Efforts are made to govern by consensus.
• Defense: All citizens are expected to learn self-defence and serve in the militia one year in twenty. There is a large navy, which patrols the Shallows and the coast of the Haunted Lands. Several friendly dragons live on Ellandria, but there is no other aerial force.
• Fictional or historical analog: Rivendell
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4. Forest of Caerfallin
• Location: The Forest of Caerfallin stretches along the northern coast of the Sea of Serpents, from Yaga's Forest to Berryland. It goes inland as far as a mountain range on the border of Jotan.
• Cities and landmarks: The Forest of Caerfallin is lightly populated, with small villages that blend seemlessly into the forest and some moderate size ports (Rijin, Kyllis, Zanbri), but no large cities.
• Population by race and class: The population is largely elven, with 50,000 elves, 10,000 hobits and 5,000 humans, approximately. There are no native Aristocrats. There are about 20,000 Experts (with highest level around 15), 20,000 Rangers (highest level 18th), 10,000 Commoners, and 10,000 Wizards and Druid/Wizards (highest level 21st). There are also fair numbers of Bards (2000, highest level 17th), Druids (3,000, highest level 18th) and Sorcerors (1000, highest level 16th). Other classes are thinly represented, with under 500 practitioners and highest levels around 12th.
• Economy: The Forest of Caerfallin exports magical items, especially wands and goods of Elvenkind, rare woods, honey, salmon, medicine, furs, and truffles. They trade largely with the other Shallows communities: Ellandria, Raq Island, Berryland, and Tomtown.
• Government: Government is decentralized. Each village has its own council; an annual ``meet'' is held, which combines trade fair, recreation, and regional government. Council members from each cult select members to be on the meet council. The meet council makes decisions affecting the whole, and hears appeals to local council decisions.
• Defense: Defense is also decentralized. Each village has a patrol that monitors its area. Also, the strong spell-casting and druidical presence in Caerfallin means that most villages have many animal and super-natural allies. In particular, intelligent Eagles often alert the villages to danger. The villages stay in touch, and will quickly send reinforcements in case one village is attacked.
• Fictional or historical analog: Lothlorien
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5. Raq Island
• Location: An island in the northwest part of the Sea of Serpents, in the ``Shallows''.
• Cities and landmarks: Raqport is the only city, and relatively small.
• Population by race and class: Mostly human, but with a diverse mix of others. About 80,000 humans, 10,000 dwarves, 5,000 hobbits and 5,000 elves. Most are Commoners (60,000), Experts (20,000) or Warriors (10,000). There are no native Aristocrats. Of the advernturing classes, Palladins are unusually ubiquitous due to the place of honor of Raq (2000 palladins, highest level 20th). Clerics and Fighters are well-represented, (about 1,000 each, with hgihest levels 16th.) Bards, Rogues, and Wizards have a moderate presence, (about 500 each, with highest level 13th-15th). Druids, Rangers, and Sorcerors are rare (about 100 each, with highest level 11th-13th).
• Economy: Raq Island is rocky, and must import most of its grain. It trades with the other Shallows communities. It is a way-stop between Tomtown and Ellandria. It exports salted fish, goat cheese, and hippogriffs. Most natives are goatherds, fishermen, sailors, or craftsmen.
• Government: The cult of Raq and the temples dominate the councils, and keep extensive records on the inhabitants and the other cults. People are expected to share wealth; those who obtain riches are charged with some expensive civic duty to be paid out of pocket, e.g., maintaining an orphanage or manning a naval vessel.
• Defense: Raq Island is known for its aerial and marine strength. It is the preferred habitat for hippogriffs, and maintains a large airforce, including two dragons. The naval fleet is also extensive, but largely doubles as trade vessels. Raq Island demands that all citizens learn basic self-defense, but has no standing army. It is also famous for exporting mercenaries.
• Fictional or historical analog: Puritan New England,
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6. Berryland
• Location: Berryland is a region of pastures, scrub and foothills, to the Northwest of the Sea of Serpents, stretching north to Jotan. It's western borders are not clearly marked. The border with Tomtown is the Berry River and its delta.
• Cities and landmarks: Berryland has no large cities. Lake Pelucid is a draw for pilgrims, who claim it has mystical powers of self-knowledge and prophesy.
• Population by race and class: Mostly hobbits (100,000) and elves (20,000), with a few humans (10,000) and dwarves (5,000). Most are Commoners (80,000) or Experts (20,000), with some ``old family'' Aristocrats (5,000). Many dwarves and humans are Warriors (5,000). There are also many Rangers, both Elven and hobbit (4,000; highest level 19th); bards and multi-class bards (4,000; highest level 18th); druids and multiclass druids (6,000; highest level, 21st), and rogues (3,000; highest level, 18th). There are moderate numbers of Clerics, Fighters and Sorcerors (1000 each, highest level 17th). There are few Wizards (500, highest level 15th), and very few Paladins (100, highest level, 11th).
• Economy: Agricultural. It trades with the other Shallows communities, exporting grain, cheese, berrywine, and tobacco.
• Government: Each village and town is autonomous, presided over by a council. All can attend and be heard at council meetings, but only councillors can vote. There is an unofficial notion of ``Mayor'' or ``Squire'' which is a hobbit of good breeding and character who presides over local events. The title is largely ceremonial, and is subject to neither election nor appointment. The community simply starts to refer to a distinguished hobbit by the name, and usually continues to refer to their descendents by that name, as long as the family remains respectable. It is unusual but not unprecedented for an area to have two Squires or Mayors. Each town also has a Sheriff, an appointed position. Each Sheriff appoints several members to the Patrol, the only state-wide government body, presided over by the Captain.
• Defense: The Patrol is responsible for defense, mainly thinning predators and defending against ogres and giants along the border, and pirates along the coast. In an emergency, the Patrol can call a moot, to mobilize the citizenry. This hasn't happened in some time.
• Fictional or historical analog: The Shire
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7. Tomtown
• Location: Tomtown itself is inland from the western Shallows region, about a days ride. Its suburbs extend to Berryland, the Sea of Serpents, and towards Gradulfheim.
• Population by race and class: Tomtown was founded by hobbits, but now is very mixed, with 100,000 hobbits, 70,000 humans, 40,000 dwarves and 30,000 elves. The bulk of the population are Commoners (100,000, mostly hobbits and humans) and Experts (85,000 of all races). There are also many Warriors (20,000; dwarves and humans, mostly) and some Aristocrats (5,000, ``Old family'' hobbits and lesser dwarven nobility). Of the adventuring classes, followers of Tomkins dominate. Most are Experts, but there are also over 12,000 bards, rogues, and multi-class followers, with the highest levels in the low 20's. There are moderately large numbers of Fighters (5000, dwarves and humans, highest level 19), and the average number of Clerics (2000), Druids (3000), Rangers (2000) (highest levels 17), Sorcerors (1000) and Wizards (1000) (highest levels 16). There are very few Paladins (500, highest level 14).
• Economy: Tomtown is a trading and cultural center. It lies on the main trade-route between Gradulfheim and the Shallows region, so is the place where metal goods are exchanged for food and luxuries. It is also a center for culture and the arts, and tourism is important for its economy. (It's especially popular as a carrousing place for the dwarves from Gradulfheim to unwind, and for the hobbits of Berryland to see a big city.) Crafts and fine goods are its major local export. The surrounding suburbs largely subsist by trading surplus food to Tomtown itself, but there are also trading villages along the trade route to Gradulfheim, and several thriving ports.
• Government: The Town Council is the ultimate authority. The local cult heads are included ex officio, but the suburbs and neighborhoods appoint representatives. Suburbs and neighborhoods also have their own elected councils. All can attend Council meetings, but must be called on by a councillor to speak. The Watch patrols the town, and has in theory a free hand with dispensing justice. In practice, they are known for restraint.
• Defense: The Watch is supplemented by the Isthar Brigade, a troop of Dwarven warriors assigned to guard the trade routes from Gradulfheim to the Sea. (At founding, the major trade was to the Western Cities of Isthar, now the Submerged Cities; hence the name). The substantial Coast Guard consists mostly of privateers from Raq Island, whose pay is supplemented with prize money from captured pirates.
• Fictional or historical analog: A greatly enlarged Bree; the Paris or New York City of the Hero-Cities area
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8. Gradulfheim
• Location: West of Tomtown, in a valley formed by a branching in the Spine Mountains. This branch divides it from Berryland. It continues for a ways under the Mountains, and in theory extends south to No Man's Land.
• Population by race and class: Gradulfheim is almost entirely dwarven (300,000), with a few humans (20,000) and hobbits (10,000). Most are Experts (100,000) or Warriors (180,000). All citizens, of any race and either gender, are combat trained. Noble dwarves train to be Aristocrats (10,000, max level 21) or Fighters (10,000, max level 20th), usually within the cult of Gradulf. There are a substantial number of Rogues and Rogue/Experts (5,000, max level 18th) and Wizards and Wizard/Experts (5000, max level 17th). However, Rogues tend to specialize in mechanical abilities, and Wizards in manufacturing magical weapons and armor, so the terms mean something rather different here. There are average numbers of Clerics (2000, max level 15th), Bards (2000, max level 16th), and Paladins (1000, max level 14th), but few Druids, Rangers or Sorcerors (a few hundred each, max level 12th or so).
• Economy: While a fair fraction of food is locally grown, the dwarves of Gradulfheim typically find farming dull, and prefer imports from Berryland to the local produce. They trade with fine mechanical goods, farming implements, arms and armor, and other crafts, as well as raw materials, such as metals, gems, and coal. Usually, this trade goes through Tomtown rather than direct. Gradulfheim maintains a number of mines for base metals and coal, but has a disappointing supply of precious metals and gems. To compensate for this, they maintain a trading route to Durin's Forge called the Dark Road. This goes for nearly a thousand miles connecting natural and artificial paths under the Spine Mountains with travel through mountain passes and across valleys. A series of armed posts are continually manned the length of the road, and magic is used to report disturbances and bring in reinforcements from elsewhere on the Road. The caravans that travel the Road are also heavily defended.
• Government: While in principle governed by a council of cult leaders, Gradulfheim is a de facto monarchy, with a well-established aristocracy. This is maintained by a tradition of initiating nobles young, and encouraging them to take on adventuring lives, frequently sending them to battle the giants. The purer their blood, the braver and doughtier the young nobles are expected to be. Heirs to the throne are helped on their careers by access to magical weapons, hired companions, and other resources not available to lesser adventurers, which keeps rulership within the family. (However, it also encourages competition between possible heirs, and leads to a high mortality rate among them.) While the other cults are respected, the cult of Gradulf is clearly in charge, and the Thane, the head of the cult, has dictatorial power. Lesser aristocrats govern the smaller mountains or hold court positions. Again, local councils exist, but only advise the local chieftains, and have little authority of their own.
• Defense: All citizens of Gradulfheim are battle trained, and serve one year of each ten in the military. The military is highly organized and hierarchical. The trade routes are especially well guarded, and the Dark Road to Durin's Forge is secured via a series of well staffed fortresses. The border with Jotan, the land of giants, is also dotted with strongly built fortresses, and is walled for a good stretch. There are several friendly, and very pampered, dragons living in Gradulfheim.
• Fictional or historical analog: The Lonely Mountain, when ruled by dwarves
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9. Durin's Forge
• Location: Durin's Forge proper is a volcano, slightly to the west of the Sea of Serpents. To the East lie the Nomads (a geographically unstable archipelego), to the North, Hillesa, and to the South, Molosh.
• Population by race and class: Durin's Forge is almost entirely dwarven, although some human smiths come to observe. Elves and hobbits tend to find it claustrophobic. Around 50,000 dwarves, and 10,000 humans might be there at any time; although few are full-time residents. The population is divided into around 20,000 smiths (Experts and Expert/Wizards, that range up to 22nd level), and the rest of the population, which is there to care for and defend the smiths. Of the rest, there are about 15,000 Commoners, 15,000 Warriors, and 5,000 Fighters and Aristocrat/Fighters. For the other adventuring classes, there are typical numbers of bards (1000, highest level 19th), clerics (2,000, highest level 17th), paladins (500, highest level 13th), rogues (1,000, highest level 21st) and wizards (1,000, highest level 21st), but very few druids, rangers, or sorcerors. Because of the potent magic created here, the number of avatars is almost as large as the number of initiates. (And the avatars to be found here are disproportionately high-ranked.)
• Economy: Durin's Forge is the sole place where metals such as mithril and adamantium can be forged; hence, it is the place where powerful magical weapons and armor can be crafted. (Magical weapons and armor need some of these metals, but are not mainly baser metals.) Some exotic magical tools and other wonderous items are made here, as well. While Durin's Forge is close to supplies of gold, silver, and mithril, it actually has little iron, copper and coal, and must import them from Gradulfheim. Caravans move in both directions along the Dark Road. Durin's Forge also trades directly with Hillesa for food, and with Molosh for books, magic, knowledge, and spell components. It imports rare gems from Hikitami, but usually by teleportation, rather than risking the dangerous sea voyage.
• Government: Durin's Forge is in principle governed by the Chief Smith, who has attained the highest level of magical craftsmanship. But the Smiths are mostly concerned with art and magic, and can be absent-minded about practical concerns (unless they involve the quality of ores, the exact gold piece value of a sword, or advancement within the cult.) The Envoy, Gradulfheim's chief representative to Durin's Forge, makes many of the day-to-day decisions.
• Defense: Gradulfheim has assumed responsibility for the defense of Durin's Forge, assisted by the warriors of Hillesa and the bards and wizards of Molosh. (Molosh and Hillesa make a point of maintaining a presence in Durin's Forge, to prevent Gradulfheim from totally dominating it.) Two friendly mated silver dragons live in Durin's Forge, both masters (and collectors) of fine metalworking themselves. There aren't many hostile or other neighbors, but it is too tempting a target not to have superior defences, largely magical.
• Fictional or historical analog: The Mines of Moria
10. Hillesa
• Location: On the east side of the Sea of Serpents, south of the Raging River, and north of Durin's Forge.
• Population by race and class: A total of 230,000, mostly human. Less than 5,00 each of dwarves, hobbits and elves. The mass (150,000) are commoners, with most of the rest either warriors (40,000) or experts (20,000). Of the roughly 20,000 adventuring classes, almost half are fighters, with many reaching the highest ranks. (8000 fighters, 1000 fighter avatars, 100 above 16th level.) There are also large numbers of clerics (3,000) and rogues (3,000). There are typical proportions of bards (1,000), druids (1,000), paladins (1,000), rangers (1,000), sorcerors (1,000) and wizards (1,000), although there is a brain drain among bards and wizards who frequently visit Molosh for large portions of time.
• Economy: Hillesa is a largely agricultural area, with most of the population engaged in farming, herding, or fishing. There is a substantial export of produce to Durin's Forge, in exchange for weapons, armor and other metal goods. Hillesa is also known for its pearl divers, a few of which are brave enough to salvage in the Submerged Cities. It also trains and exports exotic riding and war beasts such as giant ostriches. Hillesan mercenaries are known for their endurance and athletic ability, their combat skill, and ability to ride almost any beast. A major portion of the economy is the result of mercenaries that send money back to support their families or bring wealth back when they retire. They also export high quality leather goods and liquor.
• Government: Hillesa society is matriarchal and clannish. While the councils exist, they have trouble enforcing their decisions. The councils are dominated by a few wealthy land-owning families; but Hillesans are independent, and other families may refuse to obey orders. Thus, the councils attempt to acheive consensus about important matters. Hillesans are very competitive, and love games and contests of all sorts. However, healthy competition occasionally degenerates into bloody feuds.
• Defense: The Hillesan military is skillful and well-trained, but not well-organized. Individual and family honor is frequently put before the common good. However, Hillesan's have a fierce reputation and are not tempting targets. The northern border is guarded by the Raging River and No-Man's Land, which are forbidding to human and monster alike. The main threats are the lizardfolk of the Smoking Sea, and the goblins of the Spine Mountains, neither of which is a unified force.
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11. Molosh City
• Location: The southwest corner of the Sea of Serpents, ranging east from the Turnback River to the Blighted Waste. The southern border is the Division Ridge (between the lowlands and the Hellhole Plateau) and the Locked Gate. Molosh is a fertile wetland with heavy rains.
• Population by race and class: Molosh is a high contrast city-state. An extremely cosmopolitan and luxurious capital dominated by the University is surrounded by agricultural areas populated mainly by peasants. There are roughly 255,000 inhabitants, 200,000 human, 5,000 dwarves, 10,000 hobbits, 35,000 elves, and 5,000 other (ranging from centaurs to dragons). There are approximately 175,000 commoners, mostly peasants; 30,000 experts; 10,000 warriors; and 5,000 aristocrats. There are huge numbers of wizards (10,000) and substantial numbers of bards and multi-class bards (5,000), druids and druid/wizards (5,000), fighters (4,000), rogues (4,000) and sorcerors (3,000). There are relatively few clerics, paladins, and single-classed rangers, under 1000 each.
• Economy: Magic items are Molosh City's biggest exports, but Education is its major income source. The University brings together people from all over, and the fees they pay their tutors and the University are considerable. The surrounding regions are very fertile, and Molosh is also an exporter of fine textiles and ceramics. They need to import most metal goods, however; usually via Durin's Forge. They trade magic items and textiles with Hikitami for gems and spell components.

  Molosh City and its surroundings have a magical infrastructure that means that its citizens take for granted what would be considered luxuries elsewhere. Despite this, there are also regions of extreme poverty and lawlessness.

• Government: Most of the capital city is controlled by the University, which is a law unto itself. The main authority is the Chancellor of the University, who presides over the Council of representatives of the different cults for the City. The Chancellor appoints Professors, with the input of the Faculty. Professors have great autonomy and control resources and perks, associated with their Chairs. Also associated with the Chairs are certain traditional responsibilities, which are somewhat idiosyncratic. Readers and Tutors are hired by a Professor, and earn their income from tuition from their students, a share of which goes to their Professor. Professors are organized into Faculties; all Professors are part of the Greater Faculty. Examples: Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Tongues, Faculty of Wyrms, Faculty of Beasts, Faculty of Divine Healing, Faculty of Metalurgy. There are about 60 Faculties in all, each with 4 or 5 Professors, 30-40 Readers and Tutors, and several hundred students, both undergraduate and graduate. Each Faculty has a Dean, who manages the non-academic staff, facilities, security and record-keeping for the Faculty. The Faculty usually has at least one Dormitory and at least one Dining Hall, and a full suite of servants. In return for immunity from long-term prosecution by the City Watch, students have a strict curfew, times when they are not allowed outside the University grounds. The University has a Guard, that patrols the University and the City. Its primary functions are: to retrieve drunken or rowdy students from the City Watch; to enforce the curfew and arrest truants; to put out fires; and to raise the alert and attempt damage control when magical experiments get out of hand.

  The City has a Mayor, usually the chief cultist of Ellander, Hikitami, or Isthar, and always a council member. The University pays the Mayor a large annual tribute, which he or she can use to finance her administration and projects for the welfare of the city's inhabitants. In addition, many Professor's Chairs are conditioned on providing municipal services, e.g., renewing certain defensive spells, or guarding the city in time of attack. (For example, the Chair of Angwyn in the Faculty of Wyrms is held by Astyxyn the bronze dragon, who is also in charge of the City's aerial defenses.) The Mayor is selected by the Council. The other source of municipal funds is that each province pays a fixed amount to the City and sends soldiers in return for trade priviliges.

  In contrast, the Provinces are independent feudal states, with a quasi-heriditary aristocracy. (The Princes and Princesses of Molosh must also be high-ranking cult members of some cult, as well as having noble birth, but preference is given to the eldest sons or daughters. ) Except for the annual tribute above, there is little control over the Provinces by the City.

• Defense: Molosh has few organized enemies. The borders are with the Blighted Waste and Locked Gates, on the South and East, the Nomad Islands and Pact Lands to the North, and the the Spine Mountains to the West. The lizardfolk of the Nomad Islands hold Molosh in supernatural dread, and the strange creatures of the Pact Lands usually have little to do with humanoids. The goblins of the Division Ridge caverns are timid and of little threat. The other border areas are largely unihabited, so while there are occasional creatures on a rampage (sea monsters, monstrosities from the Blighted Wastes, bizarre encounters with the Pact Lands, or a restless Giant from beyond the Spine Mountains) there is almost no threat of organized assault.

  It tends to rely on its magical resources and non-humanoid allies for defense, but also has small mercenary troops from Raq Island (navy), Hillesa (cavalry), and Gradulfheim (infantry).

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12. Hikitami Island
• Location: In the South-East of the Sea of Serpents, parallel to the Blighted Wastes.
• Population by race and class: Around 140,000 humans, 10,000 elves, and 15,000 dwarves (mostly in the gem mines.)

  The bulk of the population are Commoners (80,000, herders, miners, and fishers) and Experts (60,000 craftsmen, sailors and merchants). There are large numbers of Rogues and Rogue/Experts (10,000: guild leaders, privateers and pirates, smugglers, marines, vice merchants, private informers and bodyguards.) There are also many Fighters (8,000), but with a nautical inclination (ship guards, marines, etc.); except for Dwarves, they usually are not heavily armored, and go for finesse over power. There are typical numbers of Bards (2,000), Clerics (2,000), Rangers (1,000), Sorcerors (1,000) and Wizards (1,000). There are very few Paladins and Druids.

• Economy: Hikitami is rich in gems and precious (but not magical) metals. While the seas are dangerous, the sailors of Hikitami are skilled and bold, travelling to Isthar, Sophia, and Molosh. They even will venture into the marshes at the rim of the Great Ooze, to look for rare spell components to trade with Molosh. Also, the craftsmen and weavers of Hikitami have great reputations for clever innovations. The soil of Hikitami is rocky and infertile. It can be used for grazing but farming is difficult, so their diet is heavy on meat and fish. Hikitami must import iron and other everyday metals, and much of its grain and beer.
• Government:
• Defense:
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13. Sophia Island
• Location:
• Population by race and class:
• Economy:
• Government:
• Defense:
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