Driegzar
The City of Driegzar is the largest city and capital of the Karshan Empire (aka. Karsha), and the city of residence for the Karshan Reichgrav, Gregor Valdolem, Overlord of the Empire, whose Palace is the most impressive feature of the city. (A smaller Reichgrav Palace was previously located in the port of Zhanda to the north.) Driegzar is a major seaport and one of the largest centers of trade on the eastern end of the Midrun Sea, second only to Telaphra. The city of Driegzar is also the seat of the Karshan Ascendancy, which safeguards the realm and its way of life.
Over the years, the city has been ruled by various nations and peoples. It is built upon the ruins of older foundations, most notably the ancient Duergun seaport of Darag-Zar, whose history is shrouded in myth and legend. Crumbling old buildings, vine-covered walls, and worn cobblestone streets all combine to give Driegzar a sense of age, even amidst newer construction. The crowded city and the warren of sewers beneath it are rumored to hold a number of forgotten secrets.
Driegzar's criminal underworld is alive and well, but in a way that is different from how Thieve's Guilds operate in other cities. There are many neighborhood gangs who fight one another over turf and occasionally commit petty crimes against outsiders, but they are rather protective of the locals for which they take responsibility. These groups, referred to as Kordermen (from the original term "Quartermen"), keep watch over merchants and citizens of their neighborhood, and make sure the "Yoots" (young people and children) don't get into trouble. Recognized as having a civic function, the the Kordermen are paid what might be considered "protection money" by members of the community. More often receiving payment in goods and services, they effectively serve as the neighborhood guard.
Of course, there are more nefarious factions in the city that prey upon the innocent townsfolk, but they tend to keep a very low profile in public. Residents and visitors to the city are actually encouraged to bear arms, since the city relies on the people themselves to keep the peace.
The Militär
The Karshan Militär (armed forces) have a large garrison force in Driegzar, but are only a small portion of the Reichgrav’s army stationed throughout the realm. Soldiers of the Fith Battalion are led by Commander Grashket, who also serves the Reichgrav as a political advisior. These troops can be employed by the Reichgrav both inside and outside the city, as needed.
The imperial guards (Gravsmen) protect the palace and the surrounding noble quarter; they serve as the Reicghgrav's "secret service." Other private mercenary companies and guards are employed by the wealthy as well.
The Ascendancy
The head of the Karshan Ascendancy, High Lord Barathazaar, has his primary residence in the Great Sanguinary, located in the center of the city. Here people of the city can come to Sanguinists for medical treatment, with care available to all. The Red Guards have many chapter houses throughout the city, and are able to respond in emergency situations. The ruling council of "Ascendants" judge criminal cases investigated by their agents, the "Inspectors," who effectively serve as police detectives. More on information of the Karshan Ascendency and the Red Guard can be found in the main Karsha webpage.
The Bridgers Campaign
GR. 40 "The Bridgers" is a campaign set in the city of Driegzar, following the adventures of a gang of Kordermen known as known as the "Bridgers" based in the Oldtown Quarter of the city. Their leader's name is Triptan Givens (called "Trip"). Other members include Gevlut "G" (Keenan), Boros (Jon), Tuck (Greg), Vayos (Vince), and Bran Cemryss (Brian), and the youngest of the group called Toddy (aka "the Toddler").
The blocks watched over by this group of Kordermen center around the Oldtown Bridge, the well-known Inn of the Copper Cup, and the Scrivener and Lockgold Streets neighborhood. Some of the other businesses in the area include: the Bucket O’ Beer Public House, Ricken's Grocer, Mudgel’s Lodging House, the Ring of Coins Pawnshop, Ralliskip & Son General Supplies, the Honeysuckle Bakery, and the Mayford, Grimmell & Crabbe Counting House. The Alderman for this district is a man named Mister Jansen Beraji, who is the owner and proprietor of the Copper Cup Inn. He is referred to as Mister Beraji (beh-RAJH-ee). No one dares to call him "Jans."
Some of the other Kordermen gangs in Driegzar include: The Landcrew, The Rohrmen (Pipemen), The (Grave) Diggers, The Keymen, The Rattles/Rattlers, The Striders, The Fowlers, The (Market) Snippers, The Tarhands, The Welldivers, the Blut Gang (Bloodgang), the Dolchmen (Daggermen), the Candlekeepers.
Reichsgrav Gregor Vandolem (Ruler)
Commander Grashket (Militär General)
High Lord Barathazaar (Ascendancy)
Mister Jansen Beraji (Copper Cup Inn)
Triptan "Trip" Givens
The Red Guards
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