Kurgal (kuːrgɑːl)

Kurgal is one of the Verges, located in the northwestern corner where it borders Warka to the north. It is dominated by The Tower, natively known as Satu, a massive tower which stretches to the clouds, and a labyrinthine undercity, also known as Kursig, which goes beneath the Gloom. Kurgal is a place where Celestials and Fiends walk among mortals-- the Pact of the Three-Fold World strictly forbids any direct conflict between them. Instead, they seek to make deals with mortals and manipulate them into furthering their own goals, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that mortal souls joins their side after death.
Kurgal is divided into three sectors, the Upper City, ruled by the Four Heavenly Princes, the Midlands of Kengir, consisting primarily of human residents, and the Lower City, feuded over by demons and devils. The city-state is populated heavily by Aasimar and Tieflings of various origins, as well as a large human minority in the lands of Kengir.

Map

Diagram depicting the division of Satu and Kursig.

History

Main Article: History of Kurgal
Kurgal was founded on the ruins of the Kengir civilization, destroyed after a century-long war between Celestials and Demons. The war was ended with the Pact of the Three-Fold World, in which the Celestials and Fiends divided the land between themselves. The Celestials would build the tower of Satu, the demons would build the Undercity of Kursig, and the mortals were granted the surface world of Kengir, as well as the ability to move between them freely. Though the Pact forbade the Celestials and Fiends from engaging directly, this clause of the pact did not apply to mortals, and they now act as proxies for the Celestials and Fiends to act against one another.
Initially, the demons were the only Fiends, but after three of the archangels defied the Pact and attempted to launch a crusade against the demons, the others were forced to fight their comrades. Feeling betrayed, and corrupted by the presence of the Abyss, the three denounced the gods, and they and their followers became the devils. One of them, Abraxas, rose to prominence, and after pushing for more mortal-tempting practices, became the de facto leader of the Fiends.
After many centuries of conflict and inner turmoil, two individuals came to prominence, the Aasimar, Reflet of Isin in Satu, and the Tiefling, Daraen Kurys in Kengir. The two led to great reform in their home cities, and after meeting for the first time, married, leading to a reaffirmation of the Pact between the Celestials and Fiends. This peace persisted, despite their divorce, until the rise of the Grey Court, a mysterious terrorist organization that seeks to overthrow Celestials and Fiends alike, and restore mortal rule in the city-state.

Geography

Map of Kurgal.
Kurgal has a warm, semi-arid climate to the north, dominated by flat plains and grassland, and cooler, temperate highlands to the east and south. In ancient times, countless cities were said to have populated the land of Kengir, though today, the only major settlement is The Tower. All that remains of Kengir's urban legacy are tiny villages in the shadow of colossal ruins, and long-abandoned sites reclaimed by nature.
To the west of the tower lies the Sea of Athar, where the western ocean meets the coastline of Kurgal. Naval trade and commerce primarily flows through this region, and the shoreline is where most travelers to Kurgal first arrive. Fishing is a major source of food for both Satu and Kursig, and the western beach is lined with busy markets.
The north is dominated by the Zepathi Steppe which stretches into Warka in the north, once the heartland of Kengir civilization, though the Tower has since claimed that title. The steppe is a vast sea of endless grassland, populated by nomadic tribes and tiny villages, and the remnants of great cities are common in the region. Adventurers and archaeologists who are bold enough can traverse the ancient land in search of riches, if they are bold enough to face the beasts and warlords who find shelter in the ruins.
The Baitel Forest lies to the east, just between the steppe and the highlands. It once covered a much larger span of Kurgal, though much of it has been cut down and used for building material in Satu and Kursig. The forest is something of a refuge for extraplanar creatures that are not Celestials or Fiends. Whether they are Fey, Elementals, or even Aberrations, it hosts numerous shelters for those incapable of competing with the dominance of Celestials and Fiends.
In the south, the Kavodel Highlands rise from hills to mountains, with snowy caps on their tallest peaks. These lands are much more rugged than the rolling plains of the steppe, and monsters abound. Most settlements here lie in valleys and narrow passes, and live pastoral lifestyles with herds of sheep and goats. Mining is also common in this region, though this is led primarily by Kursig merchant barons.

Government and Organizations

Kurgal's government is divided into three parts. Satu, which is ruled by the Four Heavenly Princes, Kursig, by the Archfiends, and Kengir, which has no central government, being mostly left to individual settlements and villages.

Satu

Main Article: Satu

Kursig

Main Article: Kursig

Kengir

The Grey Court

A mysterious group that has arisen in the past few years, the Grey Court claims that it stands against extraplanar occupation of Kurgal, and seeks to expel them from this plane. In a relatively brief time, they have accrued numerous supporters both in and outside Kurgal-- many cite this creed as the mission of the gods themselves, and decry the archangels for losing their way in attempting to keep the peace.
In practice, they are something of a terrorist organization, launching large public attacks against major figures. They operate in great secrecy, and most agents prefer death to exposing their fellow operatives. While Satu and Kurgal disagree on much, they are unified in their hatred of the Grey Court, though the opinion of many outside the Tower is mixed.

The Edubba

Of the many academies which dot the North Quarter, the most prestigious is the Edubba, which focuses primarily on philosophy and sociology, but offers a number of degrees in other subjects. Despite being situated in Satu, the Edubba accepts students from Kursig, Kengir, and even beyond Kurgal. Most academies pride themselves on some connection to famous celestials or fiends, but the Edubba claims heritage from the royal academy of old Kengir, and often serves as a neutral arbiter in conflicts between the various factions.

Founding Date

1732 AR

Type

Geopolitical, City-state

Demonym

Kurgalese

Government System

Theocracy

Power Structure

Confederation

Economic System

Mixed economy

Major Exports

Artisanry, copper, cotton, gemstones, incense, spices, stone

Major Imports

cattle, furs, grain, lumber, precious metals, iron

Location

The Verges

Controlled Territories

• Kursig
• Satu

Related Myths

• History of Kurgal