Malan
As recently as 10 years ago, Malan had decayed into a city where the divide between rich and poor was extreme and appalling. Nobility, wealthy merchants, and the guardsmen who were supposed to keep the peace and protect the people held clear sway over the rest of the city and the surrounding area. Skilled craftsmen were taxed and harassed to the point that they could barely feed their families; less-skilled workers were even more hard pressed. Gaitan Baldenar usurped power from his own father and took over the city and the barony with the support of the overking. The anger and rage at this drove his father to an early grave, but the act of defiance gave this city new hope.
Corruption as deep and pervasive as that suffered here in Malan is difficult to overcome quickly but Gaitan’s swift and decisive actions have, at least, driven any remaining malfeasance into the darkness. New leaders for every level of the guard were installed, and those accused and found guilty of corruption were convicted of “treason against the crown” and publicly executed. The guilds cheered these efforts at first, until guild leaders realized their own illegal fees and penalties made them subject to the same crimes. Craftsmen and honest merchants and traders are now free to ply their trades without interference or harassment.
Decaying tenements and buildings have been repaired, or are being repaired, using funds gained by seizing the properties and money of those convicted of corruption. Whispers say that Gaitan used the corruption scandals to eliminate business competitors or personal enemies and steal their wealth. Whether true or not, the general populace loves their new baron and the broad changes that have been made here. Where once caravans would make their way through this crossroads city as quickly as possible, now they pause to enjoy the taverns, inns, and various shops and trading opportunities. “Caravan Run,” a broad section of cobblestone road in the city’s center with guarded parking areas for large groups of wagons, is often filled now.
Ancient stone walls around the city are also being repaired, even if the threat of a military attack seems small. Gaitan considers it a matter of pride. The High Quarters of the city is home to opulent mansions and ornate, walled homes, but many of these homes are now owned by the baron and used to house his top advisors under the philosophy that if they are paid and treated well already, the temptation to resort to graft is eliminated. Other parts of the city are in various states of repair as years of neglect and mismanagement are slowly overcome.
Capital
Malan, City of (Capital)
Type
Capital
Owning Organization
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