Fort Umbrago

Population: 1,087

     Patrician 1%

     Plebeian 60%

     Serf 5%

     Slave/Non-Citizen 34%

Government

     Ruler: Prefect Marcus Basileios of House Accius

     Military Commander: Legate Belisarius Doukas of House Gabinius

     Senator: Antonius Gaius of House Accius

Economy

     Major Imports: Luxury goods, masonry stone, food, raw ore

     Major Exports: Clothing, spirits, furs, wool, leathergoods

Ethnic/Racial Composition

     Imperial: 69%

     Narbonese 15%

     Dracian 25%

     Mitarian 5%

     Zetian 10%

     Other 19%

     Mabean: 30%

     Dwarven: < 1%

     Elven: < 1%

     Half-Elven: < 1%

     Hobbit: < 1%

     Other: None

Geography

Umbrago lies at the southern terminus the Clodian Way, the paved thoroughfare that bisects the Marches from the Twin Towers in the north. The Greenside Road exits the town from the south, leading to Port Iago and Port Publium. The town crests a small rise of land next to the Terminus River (called the Mabegal by the natives), which runs slow and wide to the east of the city. The Terminus is deep here and although its level ranges about a foot due to the ocean’s tides, it is not salty. The depths of the waters permit even large ships to travel to Fort Umbrago and north to Fort Fatia, though the lack of a dock in the former town means that any merchants who seek trade with the town must either be able to land their boats or carry subordinate craft capable of such a landing.

The town itself is of haphazard design, with most shops, major government and religious centers, and the town’s Agora facing the Clodian Way. Behind this main thoroughfare lies the apartment buildings in which the citizens live as well as the ramshackle hovels inhabited by those few native Mabeans who wished to remain after the defeat of their Queen. The Prefect’s Castle lies some quarter of a mile north of the town itself, on a small hillock that once held the Queen’s castle. The fields between the castle and the town are reserved for the few fairs and celebrations which take place in the town, and none are permitted to build there.

Thumbnail Sketch

Fort Umbrago is the seat of the colonial government for the Mabean Marches. Formerly known as Riogacnoc, it was the traditional royal seat of the Kingdom of Donnagh for two centuries prior to the coming of the Empire to the region. It was here that Queen Cartimandua, the last Queen of the Mabeans, held court and it was under the shadow of Legate Hill that she died in the Battle of Storms in 1239 I.C. Ruled by the Legate as military governor for ten years, it has only within the last year that the Prefect arrived to take his position as civilian governor. The change of status was an easy one, as Legate Bellisarius is an honest man, though there are some who whisper that he was the better provincial ruler.

Umbrago is a fairly small town compared to the other urban centers that the Empire has constructed in the Marches, particularly because its construction was not a well-planned endeavor. It was constructed on this site only because it was the location of the Mabean royal castle and subsequent exploration of the area has revealed that there is little in the way of resources in the surrounding region. As a result, the division between the classes here is stronger than elsewhere in the Marches. Even so, the chance for great wealth does exist and more than a few wily or lucky individuals from more northern Imperial territories have found great success in sheep-herding, cattle-ranching and architecture, the latter of which has become significant due to several major construction efforts initiated by the Prefect’s office.

Because of its political significance, Fort Umbrago is a hotbed of political intrigue and outright bush-war. The Narbonese and the Dracian nationals who have come to settle in the city have, for some reason, taken a disliking to one another and compete for trade rights, construction rights and economic control. While the Narbonese have the support of some of the locals (who are hated by the Dracians), the Dracians have their own ambassador and currently have greater economic power. In the territories surrounding Umbrago, cattle-men and sheep-herders are fighting a deadly gang war over the right to use grazing lands. Violence has increased to the point that lawlessness is common, and justice must typically be handed out on the end of a sword. Of course, that’s just how some of these rough and tumble pioneers prefer it.

1) Temple of the Triad

Umbrago’s Temple of the Triad is a fairly new addition to the town, construction only having begun five years ago. The Hall of Truth, the temple to Lord Ptharos, is nearing completion, but the temples to Betshaba and Baelthor are no where near completion. The Prefect’s Chaplain, Father Cyrus Armatus, has recently begun holding services there, but he cannot actually dedicate the temple until the roof has been completed. The roof of the Hall of Truth is expected to reach completion during the summer of 1250 IC, but the roofs of the other two temples are not expected to be complete for another five years.

2) Temple of Galea

Father Paulus Trichas, Sacerdos of Galea The Temple of Galea was the first building constructed after Legate Belisarius defeated Cartimandua nearby. Indeed, as is Imperial tradition, the Temple was constructed out of Cartimandua’s castle. Unfortunately, the Mabean Queen’s castle was primarily constructed out of wood, and the Temple is already beginning to degrade. Father Paulus has petitioned the Prefect several times already for new moneys to repair the Temple, but the Prefect’s construction funds are already pouring into the construction of the Temple of the Triad. Services in the temple have begun to wane amongst the civilian population recently, since Father Cyrus began conducting services at the construction site of the Temple of the Triad. Fortunately, those of the garrison still regularly attend Father Paulus’ services.

3) Hall of Law

Sister Eugenia Agallon of Meliboea The Hall of Law, the first construction ordered and funded by the Prefect, reached completion only recently. As a temple to Aridnus (god of Judgment), Fides (god of Oaths), Majestas (goddess of Law) and Meliboea (goddess of Justice), it is served by several minor officials and bureaucrats dedicated to those deities. Sister Eugenia, though officially only in charge of the Sisters of Justice, is looked to as the spiritual leader of the establishment, and her word carries the command of law, in most respects. As a cleric, she’s known to have seen many battles herself, and even though she has begun to gray a bit, she’s still respected by even the military men of the town for her skill at arms.

4) Evander’s Gate

Brother Alexandros of Tillera Evander’s Gate was one of the first projects initiated by Legate Belisarius during his tenure as the region’s temporary ruler. Brother Alexandros and his monks are officially only in charge of defense of the gate itself, which also serves as a shrine to Evander, but he is often called upon to assist the town guard when adventurers get out of hand. The gate itself is composed of three arches, within which are the monk’s quarters. The gate doesn’t contribute greatly to the defense of the town, as it is a free-standing structure, without the benefit of a connecting wall. Plans are in the works to construct a stone wall which would encircle the castle and part of the town, but the money for such a project has yet to be found.

5) Chapterhouse of the Knights of the Iron Sword

Sir Polonius Alexios The Chapterhouse, which doubles as a shrine to Virtus, houses a small group of twelve knights lead by Sir Polonius Alexios. Sir Polonius is a paladin of Virtus and a staunch ally of the military establishment.

7) Armory

This building holds the bows and short swords that the citizens are to take up if the city should come under attack. It also holds the army’s weapons and armor, though it rarely holds more than a few worn and tattered suits. The building remains locked until times of war.

10) Shrine of Minos

Brother Nikophoros This agora was constructed in the last five years, and doubles as a shrine to Minos. In the courtyard beyond lie most of the town’s shops, as well as a handful of makeshift stalls from which various wares are sold. The courtyard and agora are considered to be sacred ground to Minos and, thus, outside the normal bounds of the Prefect’s prying eyes. Guards are stationed at the boundaries of the courtyard, however, just in case assistance must be rendered to Brother Nikophoros or his fellow monks.

11) Bank

Gabriel Pellegrin, Owner Pellegrin is a devout worshiper of Minos, and seeks to have his bank consecrated as a part of the shrine, but his appeals to the brother have yet to be answered.

12) Butcher’s Shop

Marko Ludovik, owner

13) Mill

Magneric de le Moulin, rented from the Prefect

14) Chandler’s Shop

Benedek László, owner

15) Tailor’s Shop

Drogo Grimald, owner

16) Undertaker’s

Edvard Dusci

17) Cabinet Maker’s Shop

Lleu ap Ederyrn, rented from the Prefect

18) Mason’s

Gabriel Skleros, owner

19) Tannery

Murtagh O’Goidel, rented from the Prefect

20) Wheelwright’s Shop

Boethius of Tremius, owner

21) Fletcher’s Shop

Maeve Rochad, owner Maeve, despite the fact that she’s female, is highly respected for her craftsmanship in both Mabean and Imperial socieites. It is rumored that she once trained warriors, before the defeat of her Queen, and still harbors a great deal of hatred for the Empire. It is known, however, that she supplies arrows to the Empire’s auxiliary archer units on a regular basis, which is why she was granted citizenship by the Legate three years ago.

22) Furrier’s Shop

Roi Sceolan, rented from the Prefect

23) Apothecary

Szilveszter Várkony, owner

24) Bakery

Leo and Thomas Radenos, owners

25) General Store

Tomaz Pavelcek, owner

27) Shrine of Cebren

This shrine doubles as an amphitheater, and regular performances are held regularly by local and traveling bands of performers.

28) The Stout Shield

Hermangild the Mitarian, owner The Stout Shield is a very recent addition to the city, but it has quickly become the premiere tavern in the city. The prices are high, and non-citizens are not permitted, but the food is always fresh and excellently prepared.

29) The Hammer and Anvil

Angar Thorismund the Dwarven, owner

        The Hammer and Anvil is an unusual tavern, in that it was mostly constructed underground by Angar and his brothers. Angar served as a scout in the Legate’s army and, as a result, was granted citizenship when he decided to retire. The food tends to be a bit tough for human palates, but the beer and ale is excellent.

30) The Thistled Gnome

Donchad the Gael, rented from the Prefect

        The Thistled Gnome is one of the few original buildings to remain since the Battle of Storms and the fall of the Mabean kingdom. As recently as twenty years ago, the Gnome was known throughout the Gael-lands as a meeting place for master bards and musicians. Unfortunately, the Thistled Gnome has since fallen on hard times, and its new owner, Donchad the Gael, is more interested in making money with watered-down ale and his small brothel than anything else.

31) Inn of the Last Mile

Ludvik Igori, owner The Inn of the Last Mile is another fairly recent addition to the city, construction having been completed only last year. The Inn itself is a well-appointed, almost elegant establishment, catering to traveling merchants of extreme wealth and the retinues of minor nobles who come to visit the Prefect. Non-citizens are not allowed, and Gaels are often removed forcibly from the premises. Igori is currently under investigation for the rumored disappearance of a Gael who dared sneak some bread from his kitchen, but no evidence has yet surfaced of any wrongdoing.

32) Inn of the Rampant Dragon

Theotimus Narses, owner The Inn of the Rampant Dragon is a surprisingly well kept place, if a bit sparse on the luxuries. They serve no food at the establishment, though they do have a small taproom which serves alcohol until nightfall. Known to be a quiet place to spend the night, it is something of an oddity in the town for its normalcy.

33) Mage’s Tower

Basil Hermogenes, owner Basil, though originally of Imperial descent, had already been present in the town for some thirty years (at least) before the Battle of Storms. He keeps mostly to himself, though he periodically entertains a mysterious visitor or two. Rumors are abound of strange noises that come from his tower at night, and none know what sort of experiments he conducts in the place.

34) Slave Quarters

These quarters, built in the traditional "apartment block" style of the Empire, were originally constructed to hold some 24 families consisting of, maybe, five individuals apiece. Presently, however, they hold over 300 people, including women, children, and the aged. Though Master Asinius, the Prefect’s Chamberlain, oversees the maintenance and security of the block, any citizen who owns slaves may house his servants here.

35) Apartments

Each of these apartment blocks holds between 25 and 30 families, each consisting of around five individuals. The each is constructed around a central courtyard with a small pool in the center. They are two stories tall, with four apartments per side.

36) Low Town

These ramshackle homes are the last remnants of a large residential area that was burned to the ground by the Empire after their victory in the Battle of Storms. Mabeans still live in these sometimes decrepit houses due to the fact that they are not allowed to construct homes of their own elsewhere in the town, unless they own or operate a business. The area has become something of a slum in this small town, and rumors are abound that the Legate is trying to convince the Prefect to remove the eyesore, but the Prefect has yet to act on the matter.

This is a thumbnail description and is scheduled for expansion at a later date.