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Proper Name:	Rel Mord
Province:	Justcrown
Ruler:	King Lynwerd
Resources:	Trade
Population:	50,500
Languages:	Common, Old Oeridian
Religions:	Beory, Boccob, Celestian, Daern, Delleb, Fharlanghn, Lydia, Heironeous, Labelas Enoreth, Merikka, Murlynd, Pelor, Pholtus [Bright Path], Rao, Rudd, Stern Alia, Velnius, Wee Jas, Zilchus, Zuoken
Notable Personalities:	Lynwerd Nehron, King of Nyrond [Male Human Fighter] Xenia Nehron, Queen of Nyrond [Female Human 13: Bard(13)] Astra Callistor, Princess of Nyrond [Female Human 13: Cleric(3), Wizard(3), Mystic Theurge(7)] Archbold Nehron, King of Nyrond (retired) [Male Human 11: Fighter(8), Aristocrat(3)] Grey Seer [Male Human 18: Wizard(8), Divine Oracle(10)] Dihconwy Mthar, Royal Seneschal of Rel Mord [Male Human 8: Aristocrat(8)] Sewarndt Nehron, Magnificus Supremos, Emperator of the Nehron Imperium [Male Human Wizard]

Overview

Because of its calmer waters, over time this widening of the Duntide became a popular crossing-point of the river. For centuries the ancient Flann used the broad plains to the west of this area as a yearly gathering and week-long celebration during Richfest. As the Oeridians, Suloise and others began to filter into the region permanent structures were erected and gradually a city was born. Much later (-303CY) the first military structure was built as a keep on the western banks. This keep later became the foundation for the great fortress which houses the Ninth Legion and the First Fleet.

Rel Mord is an old city, and is one of the greatest in the entire Flanaess. It was originally brought into the limelight during the Great Kingdom when it was the seat of the Viceroyalty of Nyrond, starting a century after the first Common Year. From Rel Mord the Viceroyalty of Nyrond spanned a region encompassing the modern areas of the Pale, Tenh, parts of the Bandit Kingdoms and the Dutchy and County of Urnst.

The fortress on the western banks of the river was built around 30 CY, with later expansions added around 270 CY. The palace on the eastern banks is built on a natural hill in the center of the river valley. Its origins are less certain, however most scholars believe that there was an earlier structure in its place, which was destroyed by the original Viceroy of Nyrond to make way for a proper palace in 100 CY. Over time additional smaller fortresses (referred to as fortlets) were built at the main thoroughfares into the eastern city.

By the time Nyrond proclaimed independance from the Great Kingdom in 356CY it had spread haphazardly across both banks of the river. A capitol city project was begun to improve Rel Mord. However, the western city was finding the ground to be less stable than the eastern bedrock. It was decided to extend a curtain wall around the eastern city, connecting the fortlets into a unified military structure. The bridge connecting the western fortress and the eastern structures was also built at this time, and later came to be known as the Highbridge[4]. These structures have remained largely unchanged, until after Chathold fell in Almor. The military was concerned about a similar fate for Rel Mord, and a six year project was begun, with the joint efforts of the Arcane and Divine Legions as well as assistance from the University and the Wizards Guild, to magically enhance the strength of the curtain walls, protecting as well as hardening. What enchantments were actually laid has not been released.

By 376 CY[2] most of the new Rel Mord was Completed. It was designed to house the official governmental needs of the new Kingdom, with a strong emphasis on protecting these assets. To the current day the defensive nature of Rel Mord has been maintained. No building of any nature is allowed outside of the walls (within five miles), nor near the walls inside the city. Because of this, Rel Mord has built upwards. Nearly every building inside the city is built wall to wall and directly on the street. The only public open spaces are in the various city squares, and on the Via Regus. Most buildings have three to four stories. The construction style is commonly brick and cement covered with stucco. The old city still exists across the river, but has degenerated into warehouses, places of pleasure and slums.

The only public park in the city is on Via Regus. To each side of Via Regus is the Garden of the Kings, which uses Rel Mord's renowned water system to provide a public water garden. Along Via Regus is also located the Assembly of Lords, the House of Judges and a few monuments to past victories.

People and Culture

Rel Mord enjoys a fairly metropolitan atmosphere. While the years before and immediately after Lynwerd took crown were tough on the entire nation, Rel Mord has managed to revive itself and prosper. As in any large city Refugees and Homeless can be found, but are generally collected and placed into government work projects fairly rapidly. The western city is the only area where open begging is allowed.

The Royal University of Rel Mord is one of the largest intellectual establishments known on Oerth, and has come to influence much of the attitudes in Rel Mord. Many noble and well-to-do families across the Flanaess send their children to Rel Mord for schooling. This has caused an influx of dilettante behavior. Not only known for scholastic and artistic pursuits Rel Mord is fast becoming known for its culinary innovations. Restaurants and eateries are a common past-time of the idle rich who inhabit the city.

The Necropolis (For Builders Only)

Most of the Necropolis is fairly close to the surface, and sometimes alternate entrances can be found in both the sewers of Rel Mord and other locations. The true depth of the Necropolis is unknown, as long ago its deeper levels flooded and have been abandoned.

Political Situation

Military Presence

The Ninth Legion is headquartered out of the great fortress on the western banks of the Duntide, and the First Fleet also maintains a post. The Ninth legion is also responsible for patrolling any other province of Nyrond which does not have an activley poste Legion. Three divisions of the Ninth Legion are permanently posted in Rel Mord, in the fortress and gatehouse fortlets each of which also has mighty catapult and ballista installations. The river wall also has catapults and ballista. Rel Mord's defenses have never actually been tested, but if it were to come down to a last stand, it stands ready.

City Watch (The Sentinels)

While the city gates and walls are manned by the Ninth Legion, the streets are policed by a force known as the Sentinels. The Rel Mord Sentinels are a civil organization which keeps the peace inside the city. This is a fairly daunting task, for one of the largest cities in the Flanaess. Fortunately, they do have the ability to pull support from the Legion if necessary. While the Sentinels have had authorization to use "deadly force" in the past, this liberty has been removed since the betrayal of Sewarndt. With the added presence of the Legions which they can lean upon in dire situations, the Sentinels do not carry weapons prominently, and instead limit their armament for regular patrols to a simple peace-keeping club.

City Layout and Notable Locations

The City is spread across the eastern and western banks of the Duntide, with the majority of the city on the eastern side. The eastern city spreads across a separate river valley which used to empty into the Duntide (it has since been piped and added to the water system of Rel Mord). In the center of the river valley is a hill, which is home to the Royal Palace. The leading edge of this hill leads down into the valley, and is capped with the road Via Regus. The lowest income housing can be found in the valley sections of the city, starting in the south western and north western corners. The quality of building increases while moving up the hills, with the highest grade sitting on the benches to the north and south of the city. Around the docks can be found mostly merchants and warehouses (although most warehouses are in the western city).

Because of recurring flooding, the dockside of the eastern city has been back-filled and rose an additional ten feet (this was a slow process which took place over many centuries). The docks raise and lower with water level, and there is generally a steeply sloped ramp to reach them. Many mercantile houses on the dockside are split level, with a warehouse in the bottom level (which opens directly onto their docks) and the upper level meeting the regular city street where they conduct business.

Rel Mord Fortress (1)

This imposing and multi-layered structure is the headquarters of the Ninth Legion as well as a prominent post of the First Fleet.

Royal Palace (2)

It is believed the imposing Royal Palace was built by the original viceroy of Nyrond, during the height of the Great Kingdom.

Gate Fortlets (3)

Each fortlet is manned by the Ninth Legion, and houses a contingent of Ballistae and Catapults as well as archers and light cavalry.

Temple of Rao (4)

The Temple of Rao is located on East Temple Street. This is a Major temple and also includes small sanctuaries and shrines to sympathetic lesser deities on the Temple grounds.

Temple of Heironeous (5)

The Temple of Heironeous is in the finishing stages of renovation, after it was partially destroyed during the combat with Sewarndt's troops. This is the ranking temple to Heironeous, and also has shrines and sanctuaries to sympathetic lesser deities on the Temple grounds.

Temple of Pelor (6)

The Temple of Pelor is located on East Temple Street. This is a Major temple and also includes small sanctuaries and shrines to sympathetic lesser deities on the Temple grounds.

Temple of Pholtus (7)

The Temple of Pholtus is located on East Temple Street. This temple follows the doctrine of the Church of the Blinding Light, but also has members who have left to join the Church of the Bright Path.

Temple of Delleb (8)

Temple of Zilchus (9)

Royal University (10)

The Royal Univeristy is an assembly of buildings which have grown together over the years to form an eclectic edifice. The Royal University is also home to many of the Sagacious Society and the Rel Mord Wizards Guild. Further information can be found in the section on the Royal University of Rel Mord.

Iron Fist Guild Building (11)

Rel Mord's mercenary organization was formed by a Nyrondese captain who had fought in the expansionist campaigns. The captain called to arms all men who were willing to serve as warriors for pay only, not for reason of ethics or nationalism. Scores of fighters applied for membership, and the Iron Fist Guild was born.

The Iron Fist Guild Building is almost an adventurers exchange, with fighters being the most common type here. [2, pg. 17] The Iron Fist also maintains a larger establishment outside of Rel Mord, where they have their own practice yards and exercise grounds.

City Baths (12)

The City Baths are well received as they are heated during the chill of winter and pleasantly refreshing and cool during the heat of summer.

Goods Market (13)

A large bizarre featuring commodities of any sort. The Goods Market of Rel Mord is known for its unique variety and assortment.

Riverman's Repose (14)

The Rivermans Repose is a tavern frequented by many sailors of the First Fleet, and a frequent hiring place for adventurers.

Ryschenken's Roll (15)

Ryshenken's Roll is a gaming house where desperate folk often play their last few coins on a spin of the wheel or a throw of the dice. This is a good place to see minor nobility, frittering away whats left to their wealth.

Men O'Steel (16)

Men O'Steel is a tavern which has a reputation for being popular with war veterans. This tavern is regularly raided under suspicion of conspiracy, but no clear evidence has been found.

The One Lamp (17)

The One Lamp is a quiet, languid eating and drinking house attend by sages, mannered nobility with some funds left and the best artisans left in Rel Mord. Here, one can hear tales of Nyronds old glories from a visiting bard of note, eavesdrop on the tales of sages.

Oerth Theatre and Opera House (18)

For a spot of fun, one can attend the new Oerth Theater and Opera House, which often has plays featuring unflattering impersonations of the King and other senior officials. The King doesn't seem to mind as the expected retaliation has failed to occur, though the King himself has never frequented the theater.

The Assembly of Lords (19)

A large gothic building where the various lords meet in advisement of the King. It has been temporarily closed since Lynwerd was crowned.

The Hall of Judges (20)

Where justice is given. Also the location of common governmental functions.

Via Regus (22) and the King's Gardens

Lush water gardens lead down each side of Via Regus. The gardens are driven by Rel Mord's renowned water system, which uses underground aqueducts with their source in resevours to the East of Rel Mord. Placed within the gardens is the Assembly of Lords, the Hall of Judges and various monuments to the glories and victories of Nyrond. Via Regus is traditionally where victorious armies march to present their trophies to the King.

AAAA Guildhouse (23)

The AAAA Guildhouse is surrounded by a high wall, which is designed to keep explosions from disturbing nearby buildings.

The Royal Annals (24)

One of the largest book repositories in the Flanaess, it is independant from the University of Rel Mord, but is directly associated and even managed by the various Colleges of Rel Mord (primarily the Wadroll School). It is divided into three wings, and has shrines to various deities in the furthest ends of each wing including: Boccob, Delleb, Lydia, Zuoken and even Labelas Enoreth.

Oak Rocker Orphanage (25)

During the wars, the priests of Pelor took over the Royal Minting House, converting it for use as an orphanage, dormitory and almshouse for the poor. All actual Minting activities were moved to Womtham back in 577 CY, to be coined closer to where the metal is actually mined. The Orphanage raises many children of all the soldiers and others who died during the wars, and a few who were simply abandoned, and is supported both the Pelor priests and the King.

Western City (26)

The western city is older than Rel Mord, but since the capitol project on the eastern city, it has become less attractive. There is a large parade ground around the fortress for the Ninth legion. Buildings immediately surrounding the fortress are well kept, but the appearance fades quickly moving away from the fortress. Many seedier brothels and establishments have found good fare on both the wayward citizen of Rel Mord as much as the ample supply of Legionairres and First Fleet Sailors.

Haunted Section (27)

508CY: The Fire of Rel Mord. A crowded section of commoners' residences was destroyed by fire. More than 500 persons died in the smoke and flames. After the fire, clean-up crews complained of hauntings and strange occurances, and the area was abandoned. [2, pg. 16]

Three Creeks Inn (28)

Located in a merchant district, The Three Creeks is actually a renovated warehouse. It's large size and unusual accommodations, such as heated baths and large rooms especially for traveling groups, has made it a very popular Inn for both locals and travelers over the years. Since it's recent renovation by Matheio Sejanus it has also become famous as a hang out for adventurers, especially a group calling themselves the deepwater adventurers. (More info)

[ Provinces: Almor, Brackenmoor, Eventide, Flinthill, Gamboge, Justcrown, Korenflass, Mowbrenn, Orberend, Womtham, Woodverge, Woodwych ]