HârnWorld®Copyright © 1983–2019, Columbia Games, Inc.

Tashal 1

CREDITsWriters: N. Robin Crossby, Ed King,

John Sgammatoartist: Richard LuschekMaps and Plans: Jocke Andersson, Tom

Dalgliesh, Patrick Nilsson, Bill BeaneContributors: Joe Adams, Daniel Bell,

Rebecca Downey, Peter Leitch, Kerry Mould, Matt Roegner, Chris Van Tighem

heraldry: C.I. Roegner, Matt RoegnerEditors: Grant Dalgliesh, Tom

Dalgliesh, Brent BaileySome material in this article was originally published in Cities of Hârn (1983) and Son of Cities (1987).

ashal is the largest city in the Kingdom of Kaldor and the second largest on Hârn, after Coranan. Constructed almost entirely of local granite and oak and shingled with weathered gray cedar, the “Gray Lady of the Kald” is appreciated more for its political and commercial significance than beauty. Beneath the city run extensive tunnels and sewers of ancient origin.

hIsToRyThe site of Tashal has been occupied since the Sindarin established the

settlement of Meyvinel five millennia ago. Meyvinel was an unearthly city of gardens and canals surrounded by a ring of giant beech trees. When the Sindarin retreated to Evael after the Battle of Sorrows in 683 BT, they left their sylvan city to the Jarin.

The Jarin traded from Meyvinel for eight centuries until it was captured by Lothrim’s forces in 113 TR. The Foulspawner turned the city into a fortress he named Kelapyn-Anuz. The enslaved Jarin were forced to uproot the great trees to form the palisade wall. For eight years, Kelapyn-Anuz was the eastern capital of Lothrim’s empire.

When Lothrim failed to return from Kiraz in 121, the Jarin revolted, aided by the mysterious Ilviran Order of the Yellow Hand. Lothrim’s lieutenants dispersed. Some perished, while others seized the ancient Jarin kingdoms and becoming warlords.

Location: Kingdom of Kaldor [J5] Status: Royal City Population: 11,400 Market Size: 4 Government: King/Aldermen Military: Constable/Sheriff

ChRonology 113 Meyvinel sacked by Lothrim,

Kelapyn-Anuz founded. 121 Kelapyn-Anuz destroyed in rebellion. 128 Tashal founded, Kephria proclaimed. 188 Medrik seizes Tashal, Kingdom of

Kaldor proclaimed. 210 Caer Tane completed. 362 Kaldoric Civil War begins. 377 Battle of Kiban, end of Civil War. 406 Assassination of King Uthred. 559 Red Death kills thousands in Kaldor,

lasting until 561. 599 Baronial Revolt. 603 Haldan Elendsa seizes crown. 620 Renovation of Caer Elend finished. 672 Salt War vs Thardic Republic begins. 675 Treasure War vs Chybisa begins. 680 Prince Chunel Toron of Melderyn

visits Tashal en route to Azadmere.

ROYAL TOWN OF TASHAL

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Tashal 2

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In 128, warlord Shala of Eith promised safety to the Ilvirans and their Jarin adherents. With their support, he vanquished rival warlords and declared himself King of Kephria. He ruled brutally from a wooden fort built on a motte atop the ruins of Kelapyn-Anuz. Shala’s grandson Torbet lost much of Kephria’s lands west of the Kald River to the Kath tribesmen in 178. After Torbet was slain at Lareb Hill in 187, Tashal was seized by King Medrik of neighboring Serelind. Medrik founded the Kingdom of Kaldor the following year, with Tashal as his seat. Modern Kaldor dates from this event.

Medrik and his heir, Kalabin, walled the city and upgraded the keep to a castle, renaming it Caer Tane on its completion in 210. Tashal escaped the worst devastation of the Kaldoric Civil War (362–377). After King Aidrik brought the fight to his foe but was defeated at the Battle of Kiban, Tashal surrendered to Fierth without a fight. Fierth and his son Uthred did little to improve the city.

The restoration of Clan Artane in 406 brought two centuries of relative peace, during which Tashal doubled in size. The city secured its importance as traffic grew on the Fur Road, Genin Trail, Salt Route, and Silver Way.

Widespread crop burning and rioting during the Baronial Revolt (599–603) starved the city. Armed gangs of rebels hoarded grain and menaced the roads. When Earl Haldan Elendsa of Olokand arrived at the Kald Gate with six talbars filled with grain, he was widely hailed as the savior of Tashal. Haldan took the crown in 603 and Caer Tane was renamed Caer Elend. Haldan the Younger continued his father’s efforts to repair and upgrade the city wall and aging fortifications. Further improvements were made to the walls and gates during Torastra’s reign (669–693). Tashal remains the gem in the Kaldoric crown and a principal source of revenue for King Miginath.

PolITICsMany of the kingdom’s noble clans maintain townhouses in the city.

The highborn lords and ladies find respite from the isolation of their country manors during the winter months. This social season features parties and entertainments, none as elegant as those of Lady Cheselyne Hosath, niece of the king.

The city is closely tied to the royal household. The lack of a clear heir and the constant positioning of the city’s nobles create a dynamic tension that invigorates the economy of the city.

Tashal is home to many wealthy guildsmen. Their houses and shops are busy as they arrange shipments with the great caravans that carry the kingdom’s wealth along the trade routes. The residences of the richest mercantylers are armed camps, with walls and private guards.

Money replaces birthright in the local level of politics. While nobles still look down upon wealthy guildsmen, it is the merchants and guildmasters who control daily commerce. They peddle influence, information, and silver at rates carefully calculated based on the wealth of the client.

Tashal has some of the wealthiest guilds on Hârn. Tashalan mercantylers venture all over the island and to Lythia in search of profit, and some have representation in distant cities. While the majority of trade occurs during the summer and fall, year-long planning and scheming create a complex political scene within the city.

lady Cheselyne hosathThe cunning and sophisticated Lady Cheselyne [H9] is the king’s niece and widow of Sir Ralan Hosath. Her considerable wealth comes from a yearly stipend from the crown, revenues from Nyan and Sordel manors, and profits from shrewd investments. At 48, she spends a fortune to maintain appearances and to satisfy her vanity. Dignified, reserved, and beautiful, she is considered by many the “First Lady of Tashal.”

Lady Cheselyne was born an Elendsa and views her claim to the throne as the strongest of all contenders. She considers her uncle, King Miginath, a sickly old fool. She knows the financial strength of many of her rivals because several noble clans have received loans from Querene of Valain [F26] that are covertly secured by Lady Cheselyne’s wealth. Lady Cheselyne hosts lavish parties at her residence in Tashal and, although she is not popular, most local nobility vie for invitations. There is considered no better place to gain information and exercise influence.

The lady has two daughters, aged 17 and 14. The older of the two, Cheselyne the Younger, may soon become betrothed to Scina, heir apparent of Clan Dariune. Her younger daughter, Merela, is being courted by the 16-year-old son of Constable Shernath Mirdarne of Jedes. Lady Cheselyne wishes to see Merela betrothed to someone of higher station.

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Tashal 3

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Tashal 3

govERnMEnTTashal is not a freetown, it is a royal city governed by the

monarch. King Miginath manages affairs indirectly but ensures that his Privy Council keeps a tight grip on government. The royal bureaucracy is made up of scores of lesser nobility chosen for their ambition and intelligence. The crown reassigns officers deemed “unhelpful” to less-desirable locations; most courtiers are honest.

law EnforcementLaw enforcement responsibilities are shared by the Constable

of Caer Elend (Sir Haldare Venera), the Sheriff of Semethshire (Sir Conwan Elendsa), and the Marshal of the Royal Guard (Sir Koris Harabor). Sheriff Elendsa is cousin to Marshal Harabor, but the two men do not trust each other. This mistrust, and the close friendship between Marshal Harabor and Constable Venera, complicates relations between the three military forces. Marshal Harabor has overall military authority in an emergency.

The City WatchConstable Haldare Venera commands a mercenary company of 24 light

foot. The force is divided into four watches, each led by a sergeant. Each watch is responsible for one city gate: Heru, Kald, Querina, and Ternua; the Balasa Gate is manned by the Royal Guard. Duties are rotated day and night at the discretion of each sergeant, but two men must always be on watch. The watchmen open or close the gates, monitor traffic, and collect tolls. With the exception of minor offenses that can be resolved with a warning or beating, lawbreakers are turned over to royal guardsmen, who take them to Caer Elend. The City Watch does not patrol the streets but will respond to cries for assistance. The four watches are periodically rotated from gate to gate at the discretion of the constable.

The sheriff’s guardThe Sheriff of Semethshire funds a squadron of 12 medium horse.

Commanded by Sir Gort Artoller, these mounted knights have quarters [A4] just inside the Balasa Gate. They patrol the countryside for five leagues around Tashal and assist the City Watch as needed. The knights are selected for their ability to intimidate; most situations are resolved by the mere arrival of these capable men.

The Royal guardThe Royal Guard comprises two companies of heavy horse (High

Guard) and four companies of medium foot (Low Guard). This elite force is commanded by Marshal Koris Harabor, the younger brother of Sheriff Maldan Harabor of Olokand.

The Captain of the High Guard is Sir Hedare Thaelbis, 48, a veteran of numerous expeditions against the Kath. The Captain of the Low Guard is Sir Gorvan Nevan, 43. Sir Gorvan and Marshal Harabor have a friendship of 20 years that began when Sir Koris was fostered by Clan Nevan.

While most of the guard travels with the king, two Low Guard companies remain in Tashal to defend the caer, city walls, and Balasa Bridge and gate. When the king maintains his residence at Caer Elend over the winter, law enforcement in Tashal can be excessive.

The Tocsin BellA great tocsin bell hanging in the highest tower of Caer Elend is used to mark the passage of the day. Mornbell is struck when the sky begins to lighten one hour before dawn, Midbell at noon, and Endbell at sunset. Each signal is three bells.

Mornbell alerts the City Watch and Low Guard to open the five gates, a process that can take 15 minutes. Endbell starts preparations to close the gates. This can take 30 minutes because traffic is given a 15 minute grace before the gates start to close. The completed opening or closure of each gate is confirmed by a watchman’s horn, each with a distinctive note. Once the gates are closed, watchmen are forbidden to open them until Mornbell, except by personal order of the constable, marshal, or the king himself.

Midbell announces the beginning of an hour-long break that most guildsmen and laborers use to eat and rest. It also signals a formal changing of the royal guard in Kald Square.

In the event of a fire, the bell is struck continuously with a count of three between strokes. Smaller bells at the gates may echo the call throughout the city. If the city is in danger, or celebrating, all the bells are rung at once.

A royal proclamation is announced by ringing the tocsin bell five times, repeated again after a one-minute interval. The proclamation can be heard from a crier in Kald Square, who repeats it thrice.

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Tashal 4

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ThE alDERMEnCivic administration is handled by a

council of 12 aldermen appointed by the king. They are responsible for tax collection, administration of the city’s districts, and low justice. The aldermen oversee the city fairs and markets. Repairs of the outer walls, city streets, docks, sewers, and public buildings are managed by the aldermen in coordination with the constable.

Although the office is traditionally inherited, each alderman serves “at the king’s pleasure.” Nevertheless, as long as aldermen meet their obligations to their sovereign, they are given free reign in the execution of their judicial and other functions.

The Aldermen’s Courts mostly resolve charges of theft and burglary, as well as financial disputes between guildsmen. The losing party is invariably fined. Cases that involve extreme or violent crime are bound over to the King’s Court. Only the King’s Court may judge a capital crime.

Fines from the Aldermen’s Courts pay the salaries of the aldermen, so they are zealous in their duties, sometimes fining both sides of a case. Disputes between guildsmen are often lucrative. Each side typically tries to impress upon the aldermen the worth of their argument with words, favors, and gifts. Although not entirely free of corruption, the Aldermen’s Courts have a reputation for fair but strict justice.

The aldermen hire the staff they require to execute their duties, including litigants to handle cases in their courts and scribes to keep accounts and records. Each alderman is responsible for representing the interests of a district or commercial constituency and most have ancillary administrative duties.

These coveted positions bring their holders power, wealth, and countless opportunities to improve the fortunes of their clansmen and allies. The aldermen are widely considered to be of exceptional character and ability.

Kolyn of armel [I2], lyryn village, summer FairKolyn, a master clothier, is known as a dealmaker. He facilitates trade by greeting visiting dignitaries and introducing them to local merchants. He does not get along with fellow alderman Bae of Rysten, who never misses an opportunity to point out his failings.

aldin of Charion [E3], Eastside, summer FairTentmaker Aldin is a harried man during summer. He is responsible for organizing the Summer Fair, which is also when most of his own goods are traded. He delegates administration of his district and visits it only when he must.

Tarkor of Clerdy [g5], Medrik, harbormasterTarkor is responsible for the district of Medrik. In addition to owning barges for river transport, he farms the Kald Wharf from the crown.

geldane of Dysel [F4], Council speakerCharismatic Geldane is the voice of the council. He speaks at all public events, signs all contracts for the aldermen, and makes all administrative appointments for tax collection. Geldane appears to be incorruptible. The speaker is not responsible for any district.

sir Prehil Firith [h7], speaker for the nobilitySir Prehil, the only noble on the council, exclusively represents the interests of the nobility, a broad and demanding constituency. This position is not responsible for any district and has no other duties, but requires a lot of entertaining.

Pesera of hendel [F25], artoen village, Chief JusticePesera is the chief justice of the Aldermen’s Courts. He periodically reviews all cases that have come before the court, but rarely adjudicates one himself unless it deals directly with the crown.

seperlyne of Kail [g4], haldanaSeperlyne, a physician, oversees all fire precautions. He works closely with Constable Sir Haldare Venera.

vaber of Kateris [F11], Kalabin, Mangai CounselVaber oversees all markets and the city’s grain supplies. The content of each market within the city is determined more by tradition than fiat. He regularly hears petitions from merchants and is their best voice on the council.

Kodar of narad [h4], WeavertownKodar is the clothiers’ guildmaster and takes great delight wandering the streets of Weavertown to handle district and guild problems. He is astute and capable and travels often, most notably to attend the Minarsas Wool Fair in the spring.

shotro of Quiribor [F21], Mangai square, Court JudgeShotro manages the Aldermen’s Courts and ensures that all who come before the council can hire litigants if necessary. His assistants help newcomers navigate the court for a modest fee. Shotro administers the Mangai Square district.

Bae of Rysten [F3], heru gateBae administers the Heru Gate area and is the guildmaster of the Glassworkers’ Guild. Her sharp tongue and caustic wit have earned her the nickname, “the wasp.” Some think she is an agent for the fabled group of master arcanists known as the Order of the Gentle White Hand.

Melin of soral [B4], Meyvinel, CounterspeakerInnkeeper Melin is the acting dissenting voice for the council. For any issue to be decided by the aldermen, Melin must ensure that all opposing voices are heard. He is responsible for the powerful Meyvinel district.Sam

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