Xaarum
At a Glance
The city appears dirty and impoverished. Trees grow right against the limestone walls, even extending their branches over homes inside. Four gates stand open at all times, except in dire emergencies.Government
Government in Xaarum is a monarchy reinforced by a council with liberal and expansive powers. Duke Emearer claims the entire Fautee Forest and the plains for 50 miles. The Council is a group of five barons of only slightly less wealth and power than the Duke. Together, they prevent Emearer from making major changes, while they also compete against each other. The end result is that no social or legal changes have occurred since the Charter of Zoa in Y.N.D. 524 (343 I.R.) created the council.Economy
Fautee truffles, also known as flattops, are a preferred commodity at the market in Zoa. They store well, they sell for high prices, and they are welcome in ports across Tellene. Besides this unique commodity, Xaarum produces fine reeded musical instruments, fruits, and leather. They import workable metals from the Ka'Asas, a variety of creature comforts, and precious metals from the Vrykarrs.Temples
The Halls of the Valiant, the Home Foundation, the Parish of Love, the Theater of the Arts, the Church of the Silver Mist, and the Assembly of the Four Corners are the largest faiths Xaarum. The Theater of the Arts owns a large outdoor arena where plays take place on clear nights. The Home Foundation, led by Mother Roalee, boasts the largest temple and most numerous worshipers in the city. Roalee's seven junior priests show an amazing ability to urge townsfolk to work together to accomplish difficult tasks.Mages & Sages
Voolain is a Gnome who does not bother to prepare her spells. Instead, soon after rising, she continues her life's work of creating and implementing a system of musical notation and of cataloging as many songs as she can find. Being neighbor to a songstress like Miazaar is helpful, but her specialty is the music of the native demihumans in the Fautee.Underworld
Noorum spent the last ten years convincing the scattered freelancers in Xaarum that if they band together, they will be richer, safer, and work less hard. So far, none of them has had reason to complain. Noorum asks for no percentage and rules his little guild alone. Instead of taking money from his band of thieves, Noorum relies on their reports to identify the choicest targets in town For himself.Interesting Sites
Miazaar owns (but does not operate) her own tavern, the Dwarf's Load Inn, where she appears as the nightly entertainment. Travelers often reminisce that her voice is the thing they remember best about a visit to Xaarum. Miazaar has received invitations to sing at numerous capitals around the world, but she is content to croon to her guests in secluded Xaarum.
Type
City
Population
4,400 Reanaarians and 1,000 each of halflings and gnomes.
Location under