The Hierarchy of Ludoc is one of the newest cities in the Successor States built after Kaegor liberated the area as an example of what human architects and visionaries could create. Ludoc always had a lush green feel to it with flower draped streets and splendid gardens spread throughout the city. The magnificent Count’s Palace was set in the largest of these gardens and for hundreds of years was considered one of the most beautiful places to visit on the eastern continent.
Though not a major settlement it soon found itself at odds with Zargoza, the ambitious mercantile city to the south, and a rivalry for trade and land grew. The stability of the Kaegorian Empire made any direct conflict impossible but when the Empire fractured the two cities fought over the town of Primell, Ludoc had the best of the exchange and held the city but as the other cities forced their freedom the conflict continued. Eighty years ago Zargoza finally defeated the armies of Ludoc outside Primell in a major pitched battle killing the Count Mateo Loric. In the city itself, the people rioted against the Loric family who had complacently controlled of the city for over half a century. In an ironic twist they fled to the semi-independent Zargozan colony of Leosandria where they had friendly business contacts. Maeglin met the returning soldiers of Ludoc and greeted them as heroes, for it was not their fault that they lost but rather the craven Loric family who had fled in shame. The Berathan family paid them their owed wages and purchased the army’s loyalty. Soon the soldiers of Ludoc joined House Berathen in keeping the peace with the judicious arrest of the enemies of Ludoc. The remaining Loric family members and their allies were apprehended and received swift and fatal justice. Any subsequent disloyal and rebellious influences suffered the same fate.
In the last thirty years the city has gained an air of neglect as Maeglin’s vigour has itself faltered. Ludoc has changed with the once fine gardens and boulevards being left unkempt and growing wild. The most obvious sign of neglect has been with the once impressive Count’s Palace, which has grown very feral and is a place of darkness even of the clearest of days. A witless few go into the garden at night and by no means do all who do return. Rumours abound of evil spirits and dark creatures cowering in the shadows with a ravenous hate for the living. No one knows for sure as very few, with truthful tales to tell, return. The once energetic and always out and about Maeglin is rarely seen now. His advisors and senior officers visit him in the Palace but always during the day. Any who seek to fill the place left by his absence soon ‘move on’ to other cities and are never seen again. The locals keep their heads down and go about their business whether farming, fishing or trading. Ludoc, once the jewel of the east, no longer sparkles as she once did.
Maelglin's right hand man is the unambitious but thorough Guard Captain Hugourt Bonelli (right), an ex-adventurer soldier who wanted the warm bed and regular meals of a fixed position. He has no plans to rise above his present comfortable station within the city and seeks to maintain the status quo. He is not above getting his hands dirty and any risk to the city, and therefore himself, is dealt with mercilessly. He has a comfortable house with his three wards, young girls whose parents died, who tend to his needs. Hugourt carries his much treasured warhammer, that he calls the "last word", and wears magical plate armour when on official duties.
Hugourt does not go looking for trouble nor is he sadistic but rather practical with a let sleeping dogs lie attitude; but when roused to action, he acts with decisiveness and no hesitation. His men are well paid and given a degree of license to enforce matters but disloyalty is a 'sent away' crime. Periodically, at least once a year, some of his men will overstep themselves or get greedy and are dismissed from his service. Guards wear chainmail with shields and carry swords and spears.
Beneath the Guards are the Watch who deal with more of the petty affairs such as pursuing pickpockets and charlatans. They were leather armour and carry clubs and short swords. They tend to be nimble on their feet but know their place in the hierarchy of Ludoc, above the average citizen but below the guards.
In a dilapidated tower overlooking the sea lives the elderly wizard Magus Trantristran. He has over the years infrequently lived in Ludoc but in the last three years he appears to have made the city his home. He never interferes with matters in the city and it is believed that he and Maeglin have an understanding. Recently the wizard appears to have become more active yet more unpredictable with ghostly lights surrounding his tower on random nights.
Inns & Taverns
The Pascha Inn is the oldest in the city going back to the earliest founding days. The Inn has a wide range of pleasures and distractions from gambling tables, musical renditions and more earthly pleasures. Once a fine establishment frequented by the most noble and most wealthy of clientele, it is not so today. When most of the old nobles houses left or 'went away', they lost the creme of their customers. Now gaudy clerics of Kurrell argue over the bill while soiled doves ply their trade.
The proprietor is Madame Gaspara (right), a local woman who made herself wealthy despite coming from a very low social background. She is older than she looks, being famed for her strict beauty regime and occasional use of longevity potions. Gaspara often sponsors adventuring groups for various quests and missions. She has a very casual relationship with Rolcum Fernhorn, the ex-adventurer, who supplies the hero bands for her missions. Gaspara is a cleric of the goddess Lastai and has a small shrine at the rear of the Pascha Inn where she leads services which many of her staff and some regulars attend. She is an excellent source of local knowledge and though many would deny knowing her, she knows many of their secrets and desires.
The Marigny Tavern is the largest in the dockside of the city and serves a wide range of foods, drinks and services. Cheap and cheerful, you get what you pay for. The ‘fish surprise’ soup is a budget option for those with a forgiving palate and a steady stomach. It is run by a retired sea captain, Hovolm Blacksoar, who is a dedicated bachelor with no time for the ‘fripperies of the fairer sex’ preferring the masculine company of men. Every mid-week there is a wrestling night were all comers are welcome to try their hand in the ring for glory and free drinks.
The Venturous Folx is a rowdy adventurers’ inn next to the west wall of the city and one of the more alive locations in Ludoc. It is run by Rolcum Fernhorn, a retired savage warrior who is now long civilised in the ways of fine wines and feisty women. Guests are well looked after and anyone found stealing pays the ‘thumb tax’, to go in to the pickle jar on the bar. Rolcum is somewhat besotted with Madame Gaspara and is known to dote on her when she makes a rare visit. He also hires adventurers for missions, though his tasks are not as well paid but are much less dangerous.
The Salted Goblin is a cheap option serving drinkable ales and passable wines but is well known as a clean, safe and honest hostelry. No one knows were the name of the inn came from but it is has been here as long as anyone can remember. It is quiet and frequented by the less affluent who are not seeking anything else but a clean room and a flea free bed. The owner, Bowden Darke, is an unimaginative man who is little troubled by a roaming intellect. Bowden expects payment in advance and will promptly evict anyone found guilty of funny business.
Mistress Schisano's Boarding House is a very moral establishment serving families and young ladies seeking honest board with Ludoc. The original Mistress Schisano was a follower of Pelor and is a kind soul. She passed away last year and her niece Felicia continued her Aunt's work. No single men or indeed any man without his family is allowed boarding. The boarding house food was always rather bland but was inexpensive and very wholesome; recently the quality and variety has increased and guests can get help with simple ailments from Felicia.
The Dragon's Rest Inn is off the main market square near the Grand Temple Market and it is the largest Inn in Ludoc. It has a wide range of food and drinks but it is not, by any means, cheap. There is live music every night and the Dragon's Rest attracts its fair share of travelling troubadours and bards. There are private rooms to hire and chambers upstairs for those with deep purses. Carlo Maltoni is the landlord and he maintains a cadre of discreet but effective staff including a Dwarven guard, Girhaed Deepbraid, who handles any issues with undesirables. Lavinia Gilgwyn is, at the moment, the resident bard of the Dragon's Rest and has been for over a year. This talented half-Elven songstress is very popular.
The Moon Tavern lies south of the city walls and is frequented by those keen on privacy from forbidden lovers to dubious traders and smugglers. Charges above average prices for decent enough fayre and bar staff that respect privacy. It is not a large Tavern but is often described as cozy . It is ran by the charismatic Gigi Benajolo, a spirited woman, from the city slums who has been successful in business.
