As of 5/20/98
Who Rules: The 13 Skulls of Zarnadel, a group of mysterious and powerful wizards and priests of Abilloth.
Who Actually Rules: The 13 Skulls' rule of the city is absolute, although it is said Abilloth rules the 13 Skulls.
Population: Approx. 4,000 during the winter months, increasing to 11,000 during the trading season. The population is comprised of mostly humans, with a few Dervatear and humanoid traders and miners.
Major Products: Zarnadel is used as a trading post by traders not wanting to travel the full distance through Freeman�s Pass. Mercenaries can also be found there, looking to be hired on as caravan guards. Also, the surrounding hills have small caches of precious metals that brave and foolhardy prospectors have been known to look for. Finally, the city makes some money by charging a tax on all visitors.
Armed Forces: Zarnadel boasts one of the most unusual standing armies found within Western Glashia, being comprised of 3,000 skeletons that patrol the city and surrounding area, while under the command of low level priests of Abilloth. 500 zombies are also in service, but are used only outside the city due to the smell they create. Units are made up of 20 undead led by a low level priest or wizard of either Lawful Neutral, Lawful Evil or Neutral Evil alignment that have reached levels 2-4. They are assisted by a sergeant, a warrior of 1st to 3rd level. Also assisting are two 1st level acolytes that can also serve as squad leaders.
Notable Mages
There isn't public access to the city�s library, so only wizards in the service of the city guard can make use of the few spells on hand there.
Milan Pendolan (14th Level Lawful Neutral Human Male Necromancer) owns a tower in the city. Formerly a citizen of the Miaford Commonwealth, Milan relocated here to focus on the black arts of Necromancy without worrying about complaints from the neighbors. He is known to have a couple ju-ju zombies as guards, and prefers not to be disturbed.
Notable Temples
Abilloth's Crown is the only temple allowed in the city by law. It also serves as Zarnadel's city hall. It is run by Greta Ostall (12th Level Lawful Evil Human Female Priest) who may or may not be one of the 13 Skulls, depending upon who you talk to. She is in charge of the 600 priests and wizards that live and work there.
Notable Rogues and Thieves Guilds
There are no thieves guilds in Zarnadel, and very few independents, as punishment for most crimes is death, followed by enlistment within the city guard, for all eternity.
Adventurer's Quarters
The Bent Pony is run by a Dervatear named Garth (0 Level Lawful Neutral Dervatear Male) who runs an honest business with his family. The inn is well kept, and is reasonably priced considering the area. Garth and his family are from Tsan, and occasionally return to visit. (good/high)
Important Characters
Boggal Tsit (1st Level Lawful Evil Goblin Male Ranger) is a local goblin that hires himself out as a guide to the mountains that surround Zarnadel. He grew up in the foothills, and there is little in the Shortec Range that he can�t find.
Ixin Otlan (0 Level Lawful Evil Human Male) is a merchant from the Kingdom of Aarenki who spends a lot of time in the city. He trades supplies and weapons to the humanoids living in the surrounding mountains for gold, iron, and slaves.
Important Features
The surrounding mountain range is famous for its humanoid population and is the source of raids on caravans passing through the area. Zarnadel has been able to repel most raiders, although large forces have been known to lay siege to the city.
The 13 Spires of Blood rest on the southern face of Mount Abelard, and are home of the 13 Skulls. Each tower resembles a red needle jutting into the sky. With no visible openings, it�s unknown how the Skulls enter their towers.
Local Lore
In some of the hills and crags surrounding Zarnadel there are wandering packs of uncontrolled ghouls. It�s rumored that the 13 Skulls tried to use them as soldiers in a failed experiment, but they were too chaotic to control for long periods.
Being mysterious and secretive, the 13 Skulls have many rumors about them. One is that some, or all, of them are liches.
E-mail Michael Costich.
Return to the Southern Hump Territory of the Independent State.
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