Munich
The Holy city of the war god Khoreg, Munich was known as a fortress within a fortress, modelled as an impartation of Khoreg's own heavenly bastion.
Located on the Southern coast of Teutonia, the city state of Munich is traditionally a large and prosperous region rich with history and tradition. The City sits overlooking the sea; its port is deep and sheltered with formidable defences. There is abundant fertile soil along the coast and the majestic mountains to the north give the region a stunning backdrop, the city could rightly boast of the regions bounty but its people are generally restrained and understated in their dealings with outsiders. Although Munich is best known for its massive defensive fortifications, large and ancient cathedral and the Raven’s Mother House with extensive training facilities that include a highly respected University of the magical and healing arts, the city can also be proud of their docklands, militia, taverns and well managed farmland not to mention the considerable revenue of its many merchants, artisans and craftsmen. The city is mainly human although in the outlying villages there is a significant population of Dwarves – most probably due to the nearness of the Shetian Alps.
As of 1117, the city was destroyed by the invading forces of King Sable and Bastaphon, who would later become known as Gelgaragoth. Munich would become ground zero for Sable's crusade to the Great Ritual Circle in the Black Forest which left the most Teutonia's southern region devastated.
Located on the Southern coast of Teutonia, the city state of Munich is traditionally a large and prosperous region rich with history and tradition. The City sits overlooking the sea; its port is deep and sheltered with formidable defences. There is abundant fertile soil along the coast and the majestic mountains to the north give the region a stunning backdrop, the city could rightly boast of the regions bounty but its people are generally restrained and understated in their dealings with outsiders. Although Munich is best known for its massive defensive fortifications, large and ancient cathedral and the Raven’s Mother House with extensive training facilities that include a highly respected University of the magical and healing arts, the city can also be proud of their docklands, militia, taverns and well managed farmland not to mention the considerable revenue of its many merchants, artisans and craftsmen. The city is mainly human although in the outlying villages there is a significant population of Dwarves – most probably due to the nearness of the Shetian Alps.
As of 1117, the city was destroyed by the invading forces of King Sable and Bastaphon, who would later become known as Gelgaragoth. Munich would become ground zero for Sable's crusade to the Great Ritual Circle in the Black Forest which left the most Teutonia's southern region devastated.
Government
The city has two tiers of government. The Council comprises Nobles, the heads of the major Guilds, the Bishop of Khoreg, the Dean of the university and the commander of the Ravens within the City; they are overseen by the Freiheir and he or she can overrule the council in most things. They are responsible for the everyday running of Munich including dispensing justice for all but capital crimes. In the most serious cases and when a significant change in the city will result from a ruling or edict the High Council will convene. This comprises just the Freiheir, the highest ranking Khoregate within the city, whoever is presently serving as City warleader, the head of the Guild Association and up to three others chosen for their expertise in the issue at hand. Any decision is subject to the final approval of the Freiheir and once that decision is made the council can instruct the Holy Guard to carry it out.
Defences
The Munich Militia - (nicknamed the Conscript guard) comprises the bulk of the city’s standing military force, these troops are not the most well trained but they uphold law and order on a day to day basis, they are the ones who deal with robberies, brawls and all the unpleasantness of a large city. As the name suggests a lot of the troops are conscripts that must give two years service to the crown. Every citizen between the ages of 17 and 25 must do at least two years service. These men and woman guard the council chamber, the city walls, and the city gates.
The Munich Holy Guard (nicknamed the Black watch and Khoregs own) are the most revered and well disciplined troops the City has. Places in this elite unit are few and competition is fierce. Some are on deployment from the Ravens others are experienced soldiers from other branches of the military including the navy. All must have completed five years active service, be recommended by their commander and be sworn to Khoreg. Out of all the applicants that take part in the brutal training only a small percentage will be chosen to serve. These well trained men and women guard the Cathedral, Fortress, inner wall and all high security areas. They also act as customs officers in the docks and are called to arms when the militia can’t handle something. It is said that they only answer to the King, the Freiheir and The Bishop of Khoreg although by tradition they will give consideration to all requests from the High Council.
The Raven's, the ancient and valiant Knights of Khoreg, have long held a presence within the city.
The Munich Holy Guard (nicknamed the Black watch and Khoregs own) are the most revered and well disciplined troops the City has. Places in this elite unit are few and competition is fierce. Some are on deployment from the Ravens others are experienced soldiers from other branches of the military including the navy. All must have completed five years active service, be recommended by their commander and be sworn to Khoreg. Out of all the applicants that take part in the brutal training only a small percentage will be chosen to serve. These well trained men and women guard the Cathedral, Fortress, inner wall and all high security areas. They also act as customs officers in the docks and are called to arms when the militia can’t handle something. It is said that they only answer to the King, the Freiheir and The Bishop of Khoreg although by tradition they will give consideration to all requests from the High Council.
The Raven's, the ancient and valiant Knights of Khoreg, have long held a presence within the city.
History
Munich is an ancient City founded when settlers expanded around the coast of the black sea in search of new arable land and safe anchorage for their fishing boats. For several generations the population built slowly as the collection of small villages that made up what we would know as the region of Munich grew more settled and prosperous. As is the way of these things one of those villages started to expand and swallow its closest neighbours around the bay and with increased size came trade, organisation and the villages became a town that would eventually, after many fires, plagues and rebuilding become the City we see today.
Many, from petty dukes to apostate priests, have declared themselves rulers of Munich over the years – some of them even lived for several years before being deposed or defenestrated. But for several generations now the city has been ruled by a Royally appointed Freiheir; a noble who is often much loved by the populace and who plays an important part in the running of the city.
Within living memory the city was ruled by the notorious Tancred. Right up until his untimely but heroic death he was aided by his trusted right hand man Aaron Darke as he oversaw some of the most significant developments in recent history. Some years ago following an outbreak of a mysterious plague in the city it was awarded the honorific ‘Khoregsgate’ and put under a form of religious Martial Law - non Khoregates were expelled for their own safety as only those of the true faith were found to be safe from the accursed malady. With the assistance of Aaron Darke, who rumour has it, was himself directed by one known as Lazarus, then Hochmeister Hagen Hagenson unearthed a number of important documents and artefacts pertaining to the Khoregate church; following this revelation the plague abated and there was much rejoicing. This led to a relaxation of the martial law and non-Khoregates returned to the city. Some confusion has been caused as Tancred still maintained the city’s name was now called Khoregsgate; although this is not, in truth, so much a name as a description of anywhere that Khoreg chooses to declare under his personal protection. Since Tancred’s death the city has reverted to its original name.
During this time, a great fire engulfed the City; this destroyed almost all of those few buildings not cleared in an attempt to control the plague. The spectacular Khoregate Cathedral with its stained glass depicting the battles and trials of the Ravens Order however was miraculously undamaged and as the city started to rebuild, the Cathedral and the city square in front of it became once again the heart of the city. The Cathedral and its attached chapterhouse are still expanding to this day and the finest masons vie for the honour of working on such a magnificent project.
Rumours that non believers are put to death are just that, when the plague ravaged all within the city apart from those who follow Khoreg there was indeed a massive wave of converts but they were never under any form of duress and having, in that dark time, found Khoreg the populace has remained devout and righteous. There are no Laws forbidding the worship of other God’s and there are a number of small temples to Lorelei, the Mistress and Bane within Munich that cater to the spiritual wellbeing of visitors.
When Teutonia was at war with the Imperials in 1103, our enemies found out just how costly it is to attack a city whose population worship, almost exclusively, a God of War and skill at arms. When needed the people of Munich form a deadly militia; under the command of the small contingent of the Raven garrison they held off a numerically superior force in a valiant, bloody and successful defence of the whole City.
More recently the City was ruled by the Raven Knight Iddy DeRang’ed, a man of unrivalled piety and faith. He, more than any other, was responsible for the prosperity and stability of the city. Since his departure upon a holy pilgrimage the blessed city fell under the direct protection on the crown. Following the ascension of Callista Aurelia to Empress of Teutonia, Munich fell under the rule of the wraith, Lord Hagen Hagenson. Lord Hagan was charged with ruling the city whilst protecting the wife of the late King Hapsburg, Queen Tabatha Drachmorden, who was under threat after the rest of her family disappeared. She would remain in Munich for many years along with her Son, the disputed heir to Teutonia's throne.
Tragedy struck Munich in 1117. After months of connected demon assaults on Khoreg churches and cathedral, the demon known as Bastaphon unleashed a horde upon the city. Munich stood confident that the demon horde would fall upon the city walls, but with the arrival of the King of the Fea house of Sable, the demons suddenly grew in power and strength and laid waste to the city. Munich had become ground zero for King Sable's crusade to the Great Ritual Circle at the heart of the Black Forest.
Lord Hagan had managed to escape Munich in time to warn Teutonia, and thanks to the timely arrival of the Fangs of Syth, Queen Tabatha was rescued. But the city still fell and would remain in demon hands until Sable's defeat in 1119.
Many, from petty dukes to apostate priests, have declared themselves rulers of Munich over the years – some of them even lived for several years before being deposed or defenestrated. But for several generations now the city has been ruled by a Royally appointed Freiheir; a noble who is often much loved by the populace and who plays an important part in the running of the city.
Within living memory the city was ruled by the notorious Tancred. Right up until his untimely but heroic death he was aided by his trusted right hand man Aaron Darke as he oversaw some of the most significant developments in recent history. Some years ago following an outbreak of a mysterious plague in the city it was awarded the honorific ‘Khoregsgate’ and put under a form of religious Martial Law - non Khoregates were expelled for their own safety as only those of the true faith were found to be safe from the accursed malady. With the assistance of Aaron Darke, who rumour has it, was himself directed by one known as Lazarus, then Hochmeister Hagen Hagenson unearthed a number of important documents and artefacts pertaining to the Khoregate church; following this revelation the plague abated and there was much rejoicing. This led to a relaxation of the martial law and non-Khoregates returned to the city. Some confusion has been caused as Tancred still maintained the city’s name was now called Khoregsgate; although this is not, in truth, so much a name as a description of anywhere that Khoreg chooses to declare under his personal protection. Since Tancred’s death the city has reverted to its original name.
During this time, a great fire engulfed the City; this destroyed almost all of those few buildings not cleared in an attempt to control the plague. The spectacular Khoregate Cathedral with its stained glass depicting the battles and trials of the Ravens Order however was miraculously undamaged and as the city started to rebuild, the Cathedral and the city square in front of it became once again the heart of the city. The Cathedral and its attached chapterhouse are still expanding to this day and the finest masons vie for the honour of working on such a magnificent project.
Rumours that non believers are put to death are just that, when the plague ravaged all within the city apart from those who follow Khoreg there was indeed a massive wave of converts but they were never under any form of duress and having, in that dark time, found Khoreg the populace has remained devout and righteous. There are no Laws forbidding the worship of other God’s and there are a number of small temples to Lorelei, the Mistress and Bane within Munich that cater to the spiritual wellbeing of visitors.
When Teutonia was at war with the Imperials in 1103, our enemies found out just how costly it is to attack a city whose population worship, almost exclusively, a God of War and skill at arms. When needed the people of Munich form a deadly militia; under the command of the small contingent of the Raven garrison they held off a numerically superior force in a valiant, bloody and successful defence of the whole City.
More recently the City was ruled by the Raven Knight Iddy DeRang’ed, a man of unrivalled piety and faith. He, more than any other, was responsible for the prosperity and stability of the city. Since his departure upon a holy pilgrimage the blessed city fell under the direct protection on the crown. Following the ascension of Callista Aurelia to Empress of Teutonia, Munich fell under the rule of the wraith, Lord Hagen Hagenson. Lord Hagan was charged with ruling the city whilst protecting the wife of the late King Hapsburg, Queen Tabatha Drachmorden, who was under threat after the rest of her family disappeared. She would remain in Munich for many years along with her Son, the disputed heir to Teutonia's throne.
Tragedy struck Munich in 1117. After months of connected demon assaults on Khoreg churches and cathedral, the demon known as Bastaphon unleashed a horde upon the city. Munich stood confident that the demon horde would fall upon the city walls, but with the arrival of the King of the Fea house of Sable, the demons suddenly grew in power and strength and laid waste to the city. Munich had become ground zero for King Sable's crusade to the Great Ritual Circle at the heart of the Black Forest.
Lord Hagan had managed to escape Munich in time to warn Teutonia, and thanks to the timely arrival of the Fangs of Syth, Queen Tabatha was rescued. But the city still fell and would remain in demon hands until Sable's defeat in 1119.
Geography
The city is defined by its defensive walls. The inner city contains the Cathedral, Palace, the Guild Halls, University and Chapterhouse as well as administrative facilities and other civic buildings along with the houses of many nobles and merchants. It is the civic and political heart of Munich and as it is also the place where a final defence would be mounted if things were so desperate that the outer walls were breached. There are, you can be sure, armouries and stores of food and other supplies within the Mother house and Keep. All of these buildings have their own wells sunk deep below the city and a spur of the river running right through the slight valley that holds the city provided a ready water source for industry. The outer city contains everything else. Although the inner city has its own access to the Docks it is in the outer city that the vast majority of Munich’s merchandise is traded and it is here that most of the ordinary citizenry live and work. The Docks are truly one of the regions greatest assets, deep, protected and well managed they are Munich’s gateway to the world, where ships are coming and going from Odessa, Koblenz, Lingen and Murmansk and even more exotic locations on a weekly and often daily basis.
The outer wall is home to the residential areas of Munich and holds many of the famous taverns and inns that Munich boasts about. The north east of the outer wall is where the wealthier families live and some the more sought after home in the outer city. The North east of the outer wall holds two large breweries that supply most of the city, which most visitors to the city swear is the best in Tuetonia and in the south east is the HQ of the Munich militia.
The inner wall~
This area, as stated earlier, holds the most important parts of the city. It is divided by a swift running river into two distinct districts connected by the Große Munich Bridge. Both sides of the bridge have large markets and commercial areas; however there are major differences between the two districts.
The north side contains the Great Khoregate Cathedral, one of the largest Cathedrals ever raised to Khoreg (in fact probably the largest of any Cathedral in Teutonia!). This building is constructed of pale granite, the tiny flecks of crystal setting it afire as the sun catches them. The roof is sheathed in rare black slate, the steep pitch and polished surface being a defence against siege weapons. The main entrance is flanked by two massive towers that allow a view right over the city and out to sea. With the banner of the city flying defiantly from one and the blood red Raven from the other it is said you can see the top of those towers from anywhere in the city and from far out to sea. The merchants on this side of the bridge are mostly custom weapon smiths, the finest armourers, jewellers and alchemists. Here too is the Raven Chapter House with it’s attached barracks and directly attached to the cathedral is the university.
The south side of the bridge holds the food and commodities markets. This is where the high end bakers, butchers, tobacconists and tailors make their living and where the kind of trade that involves entire crops is conducted in well appointed chambers over good wine. Directly opposite the Cathedral is the ‘Festung der Freiheir’ this is the palace-keep where the Freiheir of Munich resides and holds court. The Building itself is very large in height and size (nearly as big as the Cathedral until the recent expansion of that complex) and is made up of an enclosed quadrangle surrounded by a myriad of towers; each differing in size and shape. Connecting the Cathedral and Fortress is the royal bridge, sheathed in marble; it was built to demonstrate the eternal link between the church and the crown. In the middle of this bridge a building stands that is HQ of Munich’s holy guard. This side of the Bridge also holds the Munich council Hall where formal voting and debate takes place.
The outer wall is home to the residential areas of Munich and holds many of the famous taverns and inns that Munich boasts about. The north east of the outer wall is where the wealthier families live and some the more sought after home in the outer city. The North east of the outer wall holds two large breweries that supply most of the city, which most visitors to the city swear is the best in Tuetonia and in the south east is the HQ of the Munich militia.
The inner wall~
This area, as stated earlier, holds the most important parts of the city. It is divided by a swift running river into two distinct districts connected by the Große Munich Bridge. Both sides of the bridge have large markets and commercial areas; however there are major differences between the two districts.
The north side contains the Great Khoregate Cathedral, one of the largest Cathedrals ever raised to Khoreg (in fact probably the largest of any Cathedral in Teutonia!). This building is constructed of pale granite, the tiny flecks of crystal setting it afire as the sun catches them. The roof is sheathed in rare black slate, the steep pitch and polished surface being a defence against siege weapons. The main entrance is flanked by two massive towers that allow a view right over the city and out to sea. With the banner of the city flying defiantly from one and the blood red Raven from the other it is said you can see the top of those towers from anywhere in the city and from far out to sea. The merchants on this side of the bridge are mostly custom weapon smiths, the finest armourers, jewellers and alchemists. Here too is the Raven Chapter House with it’s attached barracks and directly attached to the cathedral is the university.
The south side of the bridge holds the food and commodities markets. This is where the high end bakers, butchers, tobacconists and tailors make their living and where the kind of trade that involves entire crops is conducted in well appointed chambers over good wine. Directly opposite the Cathedral is the ‘Festung der Freiheir’ this is the palace-keep where the Freiheir of Munich resides and holds court. The Building itself is very large in height and size (nearly as big as the Cathedral until the recent expansion of that complex) and is made up of an enclosed quadrangle surrounded by a myriad of towers; each differing in size and shape. Connecting the Cathedral and Fortress is the royal bridge, sheathed in marble; it was built to demonstrate the eternal link between the church and the crown. In the middle of this bridge a building stands that is HQ of Munich’s holy guard. This side of the Bridge also holds the Munich council Hall where formal voting and debate takes place.
Founding Date
Over two thousand years ago
Alternative Name(s)
Khoregsgate
Type
Large city
Population
16 thousand
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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