Golzect's Throne
City of Sand
Goblinkind Capital
The city of Golzect’s Throne is the capital of the Goblinkind Lineage. While it is situated below the sands of the PuKtan Desert, it has many access points to the surface, and to other parts of the continent. The topside cities of the Goblins are closer in appearance to the traveling Nomads of the plains, or the semi-permanent villages of other races, but the underground neibourhoods of Golzect's Throne extend through much of the desert. No settlements exist in the tunnels outside of the undersands and are just routes to the different topside access points throughout the rest of Starhelm (west of the Barrier Guard).
Demographics
The citizens of Golzect's Throne are almost exclusively Goblinkind. The majority of residents are Goblins or Hobgoblins, with a smaller number of Bugbears also represented. Ogres are found outside of Golzect's Throne in small numbers, typically in the armies of the Warmasters.
A giant Otyugh named Ooliyamph resides in the Warrens, ensuring the garbage and refuse are taken care of.
Government
The management of the city is broken up into three sections, as is all Goblin settlements and organizations - the Horde caste, the Warrens caste, and the Merchants caste.
The Horde - the military units of Goblinkind, including any support functions that relate specifically to combat or war.
The Warrens - the infrastructure of Goblinkind, including any crafters, healers, shamans, etc that are not directly related to the Horde.
The Merchants - the traders, travelers, and procurers of supplies, goods, money, and food
All three are officially ruled by the Warmaster of Golzect's Throne, but each caste has their own leader that reports up to the Warmaster. Currently the Warmaster of Golzect's Throne is a Bugbear named Taktar - The first ever Bugbear to take the title of Warmaster. He rose through the ranks very quickly, showing a great balance of fury, skill, and intelligence. He is not as large as many of his peers, but he has a knack for surviving, and taking advantage of even the slightest opportunity. He was responsible for enacting Melchinoopo’s dictates in expanding and retaking the lost Goblin lands from the Witch Queen, and showed a modicum of success. Taktar was aware of Melchinoopo’s tenuous hold on his position and did a fine job balancing his respect for Melchinoopo when necessary, but also ingratiating himself to the other Warmasters.
The leader of the Horde is an Ogre named Puk'lukk, and is technically responsible for training and leading the Horde within Golzect's Throne and providing soldiers to the other Warmasters on the continent. While Puk'lukk is new to the role in Golzect's Throne, he is not new to leading troops, having done so with Sargut in his many battles for Brightwave. He is a good leader and soldier, but he has been handcuffed by Taktar's insistence on taking a lead role in the training of the troops. Taktar's reputation is not unwarranted for creating effective and efficient killing machines, but Puk'lukk's role has been relegated to envoy to the other Warmasters as he distributes troops to their various causes. As such, he is often not in Golzect's Throne very often.
The leader of the Warrens is a small Ogre woman named Mekletek, who has a keen understanding of the politics of Golzect’s Throne. She had the ear of Melchinoopo and was encouraging him to give more resources to The Warrens and the children, but with his departure her pleas fall on Taktar's deaf ears. She historically held her own in quarrels and debates with Taktar, though sometimes not without personal injury to herself. However, she is wise enough to know that her best course of action is patience and timing. She does her best to get the needs of the Warrens met without provoking Taktar's ire.
The Warrens takes care of the non-military aspects of the city, most importantly the children, and the necessities of life. The Warrens also look after the structural integrity of the tunnels and mazes that lead into and out of the city; the architecture and intrinsic strength of the materials; and the cultural needs of the city, including all religious needs.
The leader of the Merchant caste is an Ogre named Kirkaksi. He was always in Melchinoopo's shadow and was hoping for his time to shine but the extreme martial stance of Taktar and Golzect's Throne has made Goblin mercantile endeavours extremely difficult. He is entertaining relations with the Fallen and the Lizard Folk to the west to bolster the economy.
Defences
The military of Golzect’s Throne is vast, advanced, and mobile. They prepare for every contingency, including incursion into the Warrens, the Hive, or the Depths. There are a large number of guard posts, barracks, unit posts, and war halls in Golzect’s Throne. The current leader of the military is Taktar, and he is a very hands on commander. The Goblin army of Golzect’s Throne is quite happy with Taktar’s leadership and they know he understands what it takes to secure victory.
There are numerous guard posts, and patrolling guards that make the rounds through the Hive and The Warrens, ensuring nothing threatens the citizens of the city. There is a lot of responsibility placed on the heads of the Hive Guard and great honour is bestowed on those chosen. Wandering the Warrens is not looked on favourably and many Goblin scouts have gone missing, or just left while patrolling the network of tunnels to and from the city.
While there are great opportunities for crime in Golzect’s Throne, and some are even looked upon favourably, any disruption to the structure or safety of the city is dealt with immediately and with prejudice. The structure of the ranks and social status typically keeps the population in line from any egregious acts, but those that are deemed dangerous to the city are usually the recipients of the Killing Ground training.
Industry & Trade
The shops of Golzect’s Throne are most often used for The Warrens, but there are some rare shops that sell to topside cities. Most of the Merchant caste find their goods outside of the city and trade or sell to neighbouring settlements, bringing home items the Goblins find valuable.
Districts
The city of Golzect’s Throne is divided into four main sections: The Upper Layer, the Core, the Depths, and the Warrens.
The Upper Layer:
The Upper Layer is made up exclusively of houses built into the side of the cavern wall, and the majority of the residents are Goblins or low-level Hobgoblins. The homes can contain a large number of Goblins, and some of them stretch back far into the cavern wall, providing more room than it would appear on the outside. The architecture of The Upper Layer is haphazard and uneven, but surprisingly structurally sound. There have been some accidents to be sure, as enthusiastic Goblins tried to increase their home size without consideration for their neighbours, but these get resolved very quickly (and usually lead to more space for the surviving Goblins). Some Goblins run small businesses out of their homes but none of them are wide-spread and typically only supply those in and around their immediate area.The Core:
The Core has fewer homes, slightly bigger, and also houses the five Ogre Warmaster homes. While most of the Ogre Warmasters do not stay in Golzect’s Throne, their homes are nonetheless maintained and ready for them when they choose to visit. If any Ogre is killed or replaced their home becomes available for their replacement. The residents of The Core are generally important Hobgoblins and Bugbears, aside from the Ogres and their staff.The Depths:
The Depths holds the main portions of Golzect’s Throne and does not hold any homes or residences. It consists of a few businesses, like the Tunnel Delvers Alliance; a great deal of military buildings, including the Killing Ground, The Ragehome of Golzect, and most notably The Throne.The Warrens:
The Warrens and Hive are a network of tunnels that lead into and out of the city. There are two main tunnels that lead into the city and they are heavily guarded both inside and outside the city. Many guards and patrols constantly roam The Warrens and Hive ensuring the safety of the people there, most notably the children of the Hive. There may be smaller tunnels that connect less traveled sections of the city, but they are well hidden and can change over the years. The Hive is where the children of the Goblins are born and cared for and every Goblin knows that it is the Hive that saved their race from distinction. The rate of Goblin birth has decreased over the years, but it is still quite high. Goblins are fully capable of reproducing between the ages of six to eight and often produce four or more offspring. Since most Goblins die at a young age through war or misadventure, they mature faster than most other races. The Goblin Hive of Golzect’s Throne is quite large in size and number. It is a network of underground tunnels that is extremely well-guarded from invaders. At any given time, the Goblin Hive has over seven thousand Goblin children, and can range as far as ten thousand. Within The Warrens, nearer to the city is a giant dump heap of refuse, where the city deposits its bodies, waste, and other detritus. A giant Otyugh named Ooliyamph resides in the heap and helps the city keep itself from becoming overrun with garbage. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement and the people of Golzect’s Throne show it great affection.Assets
The tunnelers of Golzect't throne have access to the most advanced digging equipment on the continent. They have personal drills used to extract ore, or more importantly dig tunnels across much of the continent. There has been rumour of a more advanced and experimental machine that combines a large drill and a motorized carriage.
Goblin merchants tend to find value in many things others throw away, and are very good at finding a settlement in need of certain goods. They aquire these on the road and often trade for things of value to the Goblins, which makes them useful to smaller settlements and villages topside.
Guilds and Factions
The Horde
The Horde has taken much prominence since the departure of Melchinoopo, much to the pleasure of some, and the horror of many. Led by Taktar himself, he takes great pride in his military acumen and has gathered a sizable force in a short amount of time. Even under Melchinoopo's rule the military was large and effective, but given the current state of affairs and the conscription enacted by Taktar, it has taken on a much larger presence. Goblins that form part of the Horde do not typically stay in Golzect’s Throne for very long, being sent off to do battle in all parts of Starhelm. There are those that return but the majority of them either die or evolve into Hobgoblins and continue to wage war. A select group will always be set aside to help with the defense of the city.The Warrens
The lifeblood of the city, the Warrens is led by Mekletek, and she is very shrewd and patient. She is active in the caring for, and dispersing of resources for those in need. She does not allow for weakness either, but she does have a more empathetic stance to the Goblins under her care. Right now she is waiting to see how the campaign above ground fares for Taktar and the other Warmasters before putting her neck out. They are responsible for the maintenance and crafting of buildings, thoroughfares, and support systems. The Goblins of the Warren perform a variety of functions, ranging from general labour, to forming part of the Tunnel Delver's Alliance and all manner of jobs in between. The Warren caste covers a large strata of Goblin society so it is likely that a Goblin of this caste can rise rapidly through the ranks to a position of respect, while their kin continue to struggle.The Merchants
This caste has little political influence in the city, though they are given great appreciation for the items they bring, create, or distribute. As is typical, many of the Merchant caste make their name outside of the city so hold little power within its walls. The Tunnel Delvers Alliance, a group of Goblin architects and tunnelers that pride themselves on the strength and practicality of their work, are the most prominent members of the Merchant caste. They are responsible for the maze of tunnels that flow in and out of the Warren and Hive of, not only Golzect’s Throne, but most of the western part of Starhelm. They also place great interest in finding lost things in their digging. They have uncovered numerous relics and artifacts and many of those items make their way back to the city. Many, however, make their way to buyers from all over, looking to secure ancient pieces of loot or culture. The Tunnel Delvers Alliance is currently run by Bagjon Captooth, a veteran Goblin who has not evolved into a Hobgoblin yet. Many say he could, but he is willing himself to stay a Goblin. He feels his uses as a Tunnel Delver far outweigh his need to evolve. Many cite that Golzect agrees or he would have evolved by now.History
Golzect's Throne was founded in the year 189 PF and was first ruled by Ogzegu, a powerful Ogre and devout follower of Golzect. He named himself Warmaster and became the first in a line of Warmasters that have helped shaped Goblin society since. Ogzegu ruled as the leader of Golzect's Throne until 641 PF, when he underwent the divine transformation into the first Oni (aka Troll).
The PuKtan had much land destroyed by the explosion, and the years that followed saw the Witch Queen pummel them with an army of Undead. The Goblins fought back the only way they could; the quick propagation of their race. They were already a military race, but the fierceness and unnatural forces arrayed against them proved to be quite staggering. They held off the Witch Queen and her army for a long time, all the while replenishing their diminishing numbers. In the end the Witch Queen could not overcome the Goblins and the Hive of Golzect’s Throne was a prime factor.
Succeeding Ogzegu was Muktuk and he ruled for another 2oo years before succumbing to old age.
Zentog replaced Muktuk in the year 850 PF and would only rule for 104 years before being assassinated by an impatient incumbent leader named Tagrugg. Tagrugg was caught and summarily executed for his crimes, leaving the post vacant for Melchinoopo.
Melchinoopo was the premier leader of the Merchant caste among the Goblins and was the first to obtain Warmaster status from that caste. The other Warmasters did not put much faith in Melchinoopo's ability to lead, and he was immediately tasked with recovering some lands from the Witch Queen. Utilizing his trusted and effective military leader, a Bugbear named Taktar, Melchinoopo was able to push back some encroaching Undead Armies. However, the other Warmasters were not easily impressed and stood by patiently waiting for Melchinoopo to make his mark. The responsibility of leading their capital seems to bring prestige on the surface, but to the other Warmasters it was seen as a stepping stone - a way to prove the merit and mettle of being a Warmaster.
Melchinoopo was able to rally many supporters to his side and his time in the Merchant caste prepared him well to build relationships amongst many different factions. It was not long before he felt more confident in his rule. Approaching was the Lord's Auction, being held in Essillion, and the great decision to be made about the direction of the Road of Opportunity - the road that would connect Essillion to Avandar. It was Melchinoopo's plan to show the merits of going through Goblin lands, with the hope of bringing the Goblins into the folds of the rest of the continent. The other Warmasters were doubtful at best, a few openly mocking him.
The Lord's Auction did not go as planned. The road would go south, instead of north and west. To make matters worse, a grave insult was laid on Melchinoopo at the dealings, by Tynar of the Harmbringers. Melchinoopo's plan of peace and commerce was replaced with a strong desire to bring ruin to the Road of Opportunity. He relinquished his rule of Golzect's Throne to Taktar, and set about to take Brightwave, the Harbour Fortress of Avandar. Basselwip was in full support, and Melchinoopo replaced Sargut in the southwest, while Sargut moved to the southeast, near Stonebridge.
The rule of Golzect's Throne has been passed down to Taktar, the only Bugbear to claim the title of Warmaster and to lead Golzect's Throne. His evolution seems imminent and another Ogre will be set upon Starhelm. Taktar has declared martial law in Golzect's Throne and enacted a conscription of all able-bodied citizens. He even declared all refugee Goblins to be brought back into the armies, or suffer the consequences of Golzect's Throne's wrath.
Points of interest
The Killing Ground is the centre of Golzect’s Throne military. It consists of the barracks, the training fields, the armoury, and the prison (such that it is). The rest of the building is similar to other cities military buildings, with the exception of the prison. Goblin prisons typically hold prisoners for a few days before they are led out into the Killing Ground to be used as practice for all manner of troops. It is extremely rare for anyone to survive their time in the Killing Ground, but it has happened. Those that survive are free to go and are violently escorted out of Golzect’s Throne to make their way across the PuKtan. Those extreme few who survive tell awful tales of Goblin ‘hospitality’. Goblins prefer to let a few survive just to spread the word.
Ragehome is where the warrior-priests of Golzect reside and provide service to The Warrens and the Horde equally. It is run by Akertak Bloodthief, a Bugbear of great presence. He is said to be a favourite of Golzect and may be close to evolving into an Ogre soon. He is fierce and a big proponent of Goblin resourcefulness and tenacity. He prefers to help others dig deep into their own abilities and persistence to solve problems. He is often known to withhold any healing or aid, instead guiding his people to survive on their own, as is the Goblin way. He conducts the daily rituals of Golzect, and he sometimes gets a bit enthusiastic, much to the dismay of Goblin adherents.
The Throne is the centre of Goblin government in the city. Previously, Taktar and Mekletek spent the majority of their time in the Throne, while Melchinoopo was out in the world trading or establishing relationships. However, most recently, with the departure of Melchinoopo, Mekletek has taken to spending most of her time in the Warrens. In the centre of The Throne is a large throne that symbolically is reserved for Golzect himself. None can sit in the throne for penalty of death, even a Warmaster. It is visible from anywhere in the main chamber and has four Bugbear guards at all times.
Tourism
It is rare for anyone on the outside to visit Golzect’s Throne. Occasionally the Fallen may send some representatives, but typically the Goblins do not allow visitors.
Architecture
The architecture of Golzect's Throne is simple, unadorned stone, clay, and rock structures built into the ground or sides of the caverns. Sandstone carved into various shapes, some leaning on each other at weird angles speaks to the overcrowding of the population, as many try to live in too small a space.
Geography
Located under the sands of the PuKtan desert, Golzect's Throne is surrounded by rock, clay, sand, and stone. The tunnels that wend their way from the city are fully supported by beams, or carefully dug rock by expert tunnelers.
An irrigated waterway flows through the centre of the city, with collected pools of water on either side of the Throne.
Climate
Golzect’s Throne is dry, somewhat cold, and the air can become stagnant at times. Vents through the sands to the air above give some reprieve, but they can get clogged often and need constant maintenance. Occasionally windstorms race through the tunnels and can stir up some dust and debris but typically they are harmless.
Natural Resources
Rock, clay, sandstone, minerals, and ores are the most prevalent natural resources that can be found in Golzect's Throne.
Founding Date
189 PF
Founders
Type
Capital
Population
626,104
Inhabitant Demonym
Golzectian
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Comments