Talakar

The gleaming gem of Trassel. Talakar is home to the highest number of Priests and Paladins on the continent. The city has been built around what is known as "Temple" the most holy site and the observed focal point of divine energy of the continent. The city itself has an overall ban on magic within the majority of the city, to the point that there are runes that have been embedded since the beginning which prevent all magic within the city with few exceptions. There are a small number of markets within the city that are exempt from this ban, which are usually overcrowded with merchants attempting to sell their magical wares.

## History

The city was founded a 800 years ago shortly after the War of Yes'daraand has since stood, untainted. Talakar is by far the oldest city in Trassel, outdating even the dwarven city of Trollhiem. The city houses temples, and sects of all faiths, and is considered by most people to be the central source of holy energy on the continent With it's unique design, and districts, you can find almost anything if you are willing to pay.

Talakar hosts many craftsman, from blacksmiths to leatherworkers, to woodworkers, if you need something, it is only a quick question away. Most craftsman stay in the northern part of the city, the Al'Tool district. While the merchants, and stores are located in the Al'kor District to the west. To the east lies the entertainment districts, where one can find whatever entertainment he or she so desires, from jesters, to musicians, all call this district home. To the south, is the housing district, where the residents of Talakar reside when they are not out and about in the city.

Around the outskirts of the outer wall of the city, sits the Awata'ki Bazzar - A market that spans the entire outer wall of the city, a place of greed, bribery and whatever sort of justice one may find. it is a home for scoundrels and kings alike, as you can find almost anything in this market, as long as you are willing to pay, or fight for it.

## **Awata'ki Bazzar**

The Awata'ki Bazzar is named after one of the founding members of Talakar and Hero of Ascendance, Awata'ki Dyethra, a most holy Paladin of Kord. Though his body lies lost on another plane, his guidance is what assisted the people in creating the city itself.

In the Bazzar one is able to find anything, from cursed items, gold, mercenaries, slaves, whatever a being could possibly need is available here.

It is also houses one of the great fighting rings run by the Order of the Gauntlet. Where coin and fame are able to be won.

## Temple -

A large building made of a solid piece of pure white stone that to this date has never been cracked, or moved. Square in nature, the building gradually breaks into three towers. The first, and largest tower plays host to the Clergy of Talakar, the ruling body of the city. Three of the high members of faith, who are voted into power. The other two, are used only in times of great need, or war. In the labyrinth below Temple, sits the great barracks, and the great prison. Home of the Vicars of Talakar, the elite paladin guards of the city, the barracks lies just below the surface, giving them easy access to not only the inner rooms of the temple, but access to any part of the city in a relatively short amount of time. The great prison lies hundreds of feat below the earth, lining what can only be described as a hole to the center of the earth, the prison spirals downward, thousands of feet below the earth. This prison is reserved for only the most unholy beings, or those who have managed to upset the Vicars.

The outside perimeter of Temple is surrounded by white stone pillars that tower 20feet into the sky. The pillars have been elegantly carved with various religious images, and images of notable people of Trassel, though no one is aware of who carved them. As beings cross the threshold of the pillars, all items that are magic lose their abilities. Though as they pass back through, they regain the ability. Holy Classes are not affected by this, and are able to keep their magic throughout Temple.

## The Black Cloaks

The city is guarded not by any military force, but by the the "Black Cloaks". A completely volunteer force of clergy men and men of faith. They are divided into divisions in accordance to their god. The armor and garb of the Black Cloaks is in direct relationship to those they serve. From the color scheme, to the emblems, one look at a member and you are able to tell to who they are faithful to.

## **The Vicars:**

The Vicars are the most fearsome and devout warriors in Talakar. They are an order of Paladins with one goal, the protection of Talkar and Temple. The Vicars only venture into the city when called upon or the Black Cloaks are unable to handle a situation. They rarely venture out of the city walls, and have only twice in recorded history, visited another city. The numbers of the Vicars are not known, though it is rumored to be in the hundreds, though there are a number of citizens that believe they only allow one member from each faith, as two Vicars of the same faith have never been seen together.

Vicars are extremely easy to spot, they are all outfitted with the same type of plate armor, though the color as well as the emblems on it varies by which deity they serve.

## The Ban of Magic

Magic of any form is banned inside of the walls of Talakar. The Black Cloaks are responsible for the control of magic and magical items in the city walls Items such as potions, to trinkets, to weapons and armor are absolutely banned, with exception to only the Holy few. Those caught using magic or magic items are dealt with harshly by the Black Cloaks. with punishment ranging from jail time, to Banishment.