Azerel
| settlement name | duchy | district/province | type | population | founding year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azerel, The Tall City | Barban | Royal District of Kova | city | 150,000 | 4222 |
Azerel is a large inland city in north-eastern Kalderesh, between the Forest of Azerel and the coast, built over the headwaters of the River Azros. It is a cultural gem in an otherwise militaristic region of Kalderesh. It is famous for its many small markets selling a diverse range of artworks and other creative items.
The walled city lies partially on a hillside and is famous for its many towers and spires, hence the nickname “The Tall City”. The tallest tower in the city – and also the tallest tower anywhere in Kalderesh – is the Tower of the Moon, part of the complex of buildings making up the Grand Temple of Oohm.
Azerel is capably managed by Lord Mayor Penelope Miller and receives special assistance from several mages: Ellia Tillman (sewerage infrastructure), Ruby Stillwater (policing), Yago Bowman & Lucius Sawyer (courts of law). Beyond urban affairs, the city council also manages the extensive agricultural lands surrounding Azerel.
Azerel is known as a haven for the arts, and a wide variety of exquisite artwork made here is sold in markets all over Kalderesh. Rare books, expertly worked rare furs and hides, and unique pigments, are available, as are items made from precious metals and semiprecious stones.
There is no large military presence in Azerel. A strong policing presence is maintained, under the supervision of the Master Cavalier Bryn Forester.
The Grand Temple of Oohm is by far the most splendid religious presence in Azerel. It consists of a large complex of buildings, the most magnificent of which is the 520-foot tall Tower of the Moon. The tower, designed and built by Hynrus Tauws of House Tauws, is the residence of the Patriarch of Oohm, Holiness Vilettia Biggs. Within the grounds of the temple is the wellspring of the River Azros, which flows out through the city to the ocean.
Temples of Razim, D’Aad, Salaah, Sahir, and Arawn operate within the city. The Temple of Sahir has a research annex which hosts such leading scholars as the Grand Arcanes Aendro Lodge and Horys Towns.
Most guilds are powerfully represented in Azerel. In particular, the Great Hall of the Guild of Metal Casters is headquartered here; the Order Master is Kefjan Dunes. Two guilds have their Small Halls here: the Royal Guilde of Magic (led by Grand Archmage Sybasten Berry) and the Guild of Forgers & Smiths (Tommus Sylver). Other guilds with influential members in Azerel are the Royal Guilde of Mariners, the Guild of Armorers & Locksmiths, Guild of Bowyers & Fletchers, and Guild of Wood Workers.
Amongst legal and academic circles, Azerel is famous as the home of Ezrus Hightower, the best legal mind in Kalderesh. Hightower is controversial for eschewing religious influence and philosophical thinking when dealing with the law and justice. He has been offered a position in the Court Honourable several times but has always declined, stating his preference for defence work. The city sponsors a lavish festival each year in his honour.
Notes sages and scholars include Aliya Jack (Anthropology, The Burning, Engineering), Scarletta Needleworth (Magic, Birds, Marine animals) and Allisann Glass (Diseases, Philosophy, Warfare and Combat).
Two cavaliers of the Scarlet Word, Lords Alyxa Bayer and Bryn Forester, stay in the city, as does Sword Lord Victorya Street of the Disciples of the Enlightenment. Many adventurers, mercenaries, and even outlaws, call Azerel their home.
Legends speak of a mysterious cave network underneath the hills of the upper city, or beneath the Oohmian temple. Most scholars, however, dismiss these stories as misplaced references to the nearby Mikelmin and Red Mines.
The Royal Road terminates in Azerel; it leads southward to Staven. A well-maintained secondary road leads north to Dorbeach.
Some 5 km east of the city, on the banks of the Azros, stands the impressive Castle Galter, the ancestral home of the Galter family. The family was involved in the founding of Azerel, in 4222, and for a time the head of the family was known as the Duke of Azaar. Their primary duty was to oversee the city of Azerel. This title is no longer used; it is now the Marquis of Azerel. The present marquis is Rober Galter, a peer of the realm. Marquis Galter is well-known for his love of martial arts, and many royals and nobles wishing to learn from the best are trained by him. He has delegated the task of running Azerel to the lord mayor. Galter’s onerous task is to administer the entire Royal District of Kova, a 60,000 km2 area including several major settlements, the horrible Swamp of Azaar, and part of Michaelwood.
Lady Audree Galter, the wife of the Marquis, is a blessed follower of Qidra. She leads the annual harvest festival.
Lord Eudes Galter, their eldest son, is a sky helm Wing Captain and the lord of Clearford.