Some Commonplace Knowledge About Targnol
The seat of the provincial Shah, Targnol is a small city of some 11,000 inhabitants. Most folk living there are olive-skinned humans of Common Viridian descent, but Tharbrian humans and the demi-human races are not uncommon. Most of the town’s folk make a meager living from the sea, working as fishermen or boat builders, or manning the innumerable small merchant vessels that ply the waters of the Trident Gulf. Only a few blessed souls live in the stone mansions of the nobility.
The province’s ruler is Shah Abdu Inslar, once a famed warrior. The Shah’s reputation for ruthless cunning is legendary, though he is generally seen as a fair (if not kindhearted) ruler. He commands General Giolan, leader of the Emperor’s military might in the province.
At the center of the town sits an ancient temple of gleaming black marble. A doddering, time-withered mystic is said to sit in the dust before its gates, croaking cryptic warnings to those who would enter.
Local folktales speak of a dreaded Archmage who periodically visits the town, driving a chariot drawn by gleaming blue bulls. Some have claimed to have studied magic at the side of this mysterious figure, but more speak of the writhing, tormented statues his magic has left littering the streets, commoners or town watch who dared to cross the mercurial mage.
Goblins and hobgoblins are commonly encountered as slaves, but seldom linger in the area if freed. Such slaves are forced to wear iron collars.