Zimmerheim

Zimmerheim, the majestic capital of the Empire of Zimea and the thriving heart of the Zimmerland province. Nestled amidst rolling hills and guarded by imposing walls, Zimmerheim stands as a testament to the grandeur and strength of the empire. It is also the seat of the emperor, and it has been the Imperial capital since the empire was founded by Reimar the Great back in 742 AM. As the current seat of the Imperial Court, Zimmerheim supports a flourishing economy, which attracts all kinds of people. It is a bustling city with a substantial community of merchants, adventurers, landsknechts and fortune seekers from all across the world. The wealth passing through Zimmerheim's gates and the political intrigues that unfold within its courts also support a rotten underbelly, a den for thieves, corrupt city officials and assassins. There are certain streets that even the city watch avoids at night for fear of finding a dagger stuck between their shoulder blades.

Structure

The capital structure of Zimmerheim, the majestic capital of the Empire of Zimea, is a testament to both its grandeur and its complex social fabric.
Imperial Palace
At the heart of Zimmerheim lies the towering Imperial Palace, a colossal structure reminiscent of a cathedral, with soaring turrets and spires that seem to touch the heavens. This magnificent edifice serves as the seat of the Emperor, the ruling monarch of the empire. Surrounded by intricately carved walls and guarded by elite Imperial Guards, the palace exudes an aura of imperial authority and power.
Government Buildings
Surrounding the Imperial Palace are the various government buildings that house the administrative offices of the empire. Here, imperial bureaucrats and officials manage the affairs of state, from taxation and law enforcement to diplomacy and trade regulation. These buildings are often adorned with symbols of imperial authority, such as the imperial crest and the sigils of noble houses, reflecting the city's role as the political center of the empire.
Opulent Mansions
The affluent districts of Zimmerheim are dotted with opulent mansions belonging to the elite nobility and wealthy merchants. These mansions, often built in lavish architectural styles and adorned with ornate decorations, serve as symbols of wealth and social status. They are surrounded by well-tended gardens and high walls, offering their inhabitants a sanctuary of luxury and privilege amidst the bustling city.
Imperial Kollege
The Imperial Kollege stands as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment in Zimmerheim, dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence. This prestigious institution attracts scholars and students from across the empire, offering rigorous courses of study in various disciplines, including philosophy, theology, and the arcane arts. The Kollege's sprawling campus includes lecture halls, libraries, and laboratories, fostering a vibrant intellectual atmosphere within the city.
Market Squares
Zimmerheim's bustling market squares are the vibrant heart of the city's commercial activity. Here, merchants from all corners of the empire converge to trade in exotic goods, textiles, and precious metals. The market squares are a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, filled with the chatter of traders and the aroma of spices and freshly baked bread. Colorful stalls line the cobblestone streets, offering everything from fine silks to exotic spices, attracting crowds of locals and visitors alike.
Scholarly Enclaves
Scattered throughout Zimmerheim are scholarly enclaves dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and learning. These districts are home to libraries, academies, and research institutions, where scholars and academics gather to study and exchange ideas. The scholarly enclaves contribute to Zimmerheim's reputation as a center of intellectual enlightenment, attracting thinkers and philosophers from far and wide.

Trade

Zimmerheim's prosperity is fueled by a bustling marketplace that sprawls through the city's heart. Merchants from all corners of the empire converge here to trade in exotic goods, textiles, spices, and precious metals. The city's strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes ensures a constant influx of wealth and cultural exchange.
Guildhalls line the streets, each representing a different trade, from blacksmiths and artisans to alchemists and apothecaries. The city's economy is a well-oiled machine, with the Guilds playing a pivotal role in maintaining order and ensuring fair trade practices.

The Imperial Kollege

The Imperial Kollege in Zimmerheim stands as a monumental testament to intellectual pursuit and academic excellence within the Empire of Zimea. This prestigious institution, housed within an architectural marvel, serves as the focal point for scholars and students alike who seek to expand their knowledge across a multitude of disciplines.
The Imperial Kollege is a sprawling complex of grand halls, towering spires, and ornate courtyards, exuding an aura of scholarly magnificence. Its architecture blends elements of classical design with intricate detailing, reflecting the empire's dedication to both tradition and innovation. The Kollege's main building, with its majestic facade adorned with statues of renowned scholars and philosophers, serves as an iconic symbol of academic pursuit in Zimmerheim.
Within the halls of the Imperial Kollege, a vast array of academic disciplines are studied and taught with meticulous care. From philosophy and theology to the arcane arts and natural sciences, the Kollege offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to nurture intellectual curiosity and scholarly rigor. Esteemed professors and scholars, renowned for their expertise in their respective fields, guide students through rigorous courses of study, fostering a culture of academic excellence and inquiry.
The Imperial Kollege boasts an extensive library that rivals any in the known world. Its shelves are lined with ancient tomes, rare manuscripts, and scholarly treatises spanning centuries of knowledge and wisdom. Students and scholars alike have access to a wealth of resources, allowing them to delve into the depths of history, philosophy, and arcane lore. The library serves as a sanctuary of learning, where the pursuit of wisdom is revered and celebrated.
The atmosphere within the Imperial Kollege hums with scholarly debates, discussions, and intellectual exchange. Students and scholars from across the empire converge in Zimmerheim to engage in spirited discourse, challenging each other's ideas and perspectives. The Kollege fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among its academic community, creating an environment where intellectual growth and discovery flourish.
Throughout its storied history, the Imperial Kollege has produced generations of esteemed scholars, philosophers, and leaders who have made significant contributions to the empire and beyond. Its legacy of academic excellence and intellectual inquiry continues to inspire future generations of scholars who seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe and push the boundaries of human knowledge.

Defences

Zimmerheim's defenses epitomize the Empire of Zimea's resolute dedication to safeguarding its core and asserting its sovereignty. The capital's strategic significance as the heart of the empire necessitates an impregnable fortress and a highly proficient defensive force, fortified by a unique cultural aspect: the landsknechts.
Towering Walls and Fortifications
Encircling Zimmerheim stand towering walls, fortified with battlements and watchtowers, representing the city's initial line of defense against potential threats. Constructed with sturdy materials and reinforced with defensive structures, these imposing barriers serve as a formidable deterrent to would-be invaders, symbolizing the empire's commitment to fortifying its core against external aggression.
Elite Imperial Soldiers and Landsknechts
The city gates of Zimmerheim are vigilantly guarded by elite imperial soldiers, renowned for their unparalleled discipline and combat prowess. These soldiers, clad in gleaming armor and wielding finely crafted halberds, are the bedrock of Zimmerheim's ground defenses, exemplifying the empire's military prowess and determination to repel any hostile incursion.
Among the elite imperial soldiers and castle garrison, the culture of landsknechts holds a prominent place. Hailing from a tradition deeply ingrained in the empire's military history, landsknechts are renowned mercenaries known for their formidable skills in battle and distinctive attire, characterized by colorful slashed doublets and distinctive headwear.
Imperial Wardens
Patrolling the skies above Zimmerheim are the gryphon-riding Imperial Wardens, a revered cadre of knights sworn to the imperial throne itself. Mounted atop majestic gryphons, these elite warriors possess unparalleled aerial mobility and striking power, serving as a swift-response force against airborne threats or incursions, symbolizing the empire's mastery over both land and sky.
Castle Garrison
Dominating Zimmerheim's defenses is the formidable castle, serving as both the residence of the Emperor and a stronghold for the empire's most skilled warriors. Within the castle's garrison, alongside the elite imperial soldiers, are the landsknechts, mercenaries of renowned repute and indomitable spirit. These battle-hardened warriors, drawn from diverse backgrounds and lands in the empire, bring a distinct martial tradition and cultural flair to Zimmerheim's defenses, enriching the city's military heritage and prowess.
In essence, Zimmerheim's defenses embody the Empire of Zimea's unwavering resolve to protect its core and assert its sovereignty, fortified by a diverse array of defensive forces, including elite imperial soldiers and landsknechts, symbolizing the empire's martial prowess and cultural depth.

Government

The supreme ruler of Zimmerheim is the Elector Count of Zimmerland, who is also the Emperor of the Empire of Zimea. His rule over his city is almost undisputed, not only because of his statesmenship but also because he mostly commands the adoration of his people. Yet despite his best efforts, the day-to-day demands of governance are too much for one man or woman to keep track of. Dozens of decisions each day demand the Emperor’s attention, from policy on grain taxes to the final appeal of a prisoner condemned for treason to officially opening the Grand Zimmerheim Fair. To prioritize this mess and make sure that only those with the most urgent business get an audience with the Emperor himself, successive emperors appointed members of prominent families to advise them on matters of law, finance, diplomacy, and military matters, among others. Over time, this group of advisors grew into a formal body, the Council of State.

Council of State

The Council has no formal power, although the previous emperor tried to write a constitution for the Empire built around the Council. This was quietly quashed by the Electors, who oppose anything that would limit their authority. The Council, however, does control access to the Emperor and thus what information he receives. Their power is, therefore, quite strong—when they can make a united stand.
The Council includes the following positions that are all appointed by the Emperor himself.

• Religious Leader of Matters Spiritual
• Chancellor of the Zimmerland (Imperial spymaster)
• Counsellor on Matters Magical
• Chamberlain of the Seal (Foreign Relations)
• Personal Military Advisor to the Emperor
• Chancellor of the Imperial Fisc
• Supreme Law Lord (Legal Affairs)
• Chamberlain of the Imperial Household

The Prime Estates

The Prime Estates is an Imperial organization which was created to help administrate the actions and well-beings of the Emperor in person. It was instituted after an incident that where an emperor named Boris the Incompetent tried to confer the title of Duke to his favorite race horse, the Electors unanimously decided that they had to administrate the emperor's actions so as to keep face with the Empire's people. So they assigned one representative each to form a watchdog body that would take the name of Prime Estates.

Assets

Ironclad Forge (Blacksmith): Located in a sturdy stone building with a roaring furnace and anvil, Master Gormund Ironforge's forge is adorned with weapons and armor of exceptional quality. A plot hook: Master Gormund tasks the players with retrieving a legendary ore rumored to be hidden in a dangerous cave, promising to craft them a masterpiece in return.
Mystic Emporium (Magic Shop): Madame Elara Stormweaver's emporium is a mystical haven filled with shelves of arcane artifacts and enchanted items. A plot hook: Madame Elara seeks adventurers to recover a stolen spellbook belonging to a rival wizard, offering a powerful magical item as a reward.
Verdant Remedies (Apocathery/Herbalist): Apothecary Johann Grimm's shop is a cozy establishment filled with shelves of dried herbs and vials of colorful potions. A plot hook: Apothecary Johann asks the players to gather rare herbs from the dangerous forest for a potent healing elixir, promising a discount on his wares in return.
Curious Conundrums (Curiosity Shop): Quirinus Quickwit's shop is a treasure trove of strange artifacts, magical oddities, and mysterious relics. A plot hook: Quirinus tasks the players with deciphering an ancient puzzle box rumored to hold a powerful artifact within, offering a clue to its whereabouts.
Nomadic Treasures (Traveling Merchant): Caravan Master Wilhelm Goldleaf's colorful caravan is filled with exotic goods from distant lands, displayed on vibrant carpets under a canopy of colorful banners. A plot hook: Caravan Master Wilhelm hires the players as guards for his next journey, promising adventure and riches along the way.
Moonlit Ornaments (Jewelry Shop): Lady Adelinde Silvermoon's shop is an elegant boutique adorned with sparkling gemstones and exquisite jewelry. A plot hook: Lady Adelinde commissions the players to retrieve a stolen family heirloom from a notorious thief, offering a rare magical ring as a reward.
Lore's Haven (Bookstore/Library): Librarian Otto von Wissen's bookstore is a cozy sanctuary filled with shelves of ancient tomes, scrolls, and manuscripts. A plot hook: Librarian Otto tasks the players with recovering a lost spellbook from a haunted library, promising rare magical scrolls as a reward.
Ink & Parchment Parlor (Writing Supplies): Scribe Gertrude Inkwell's shop is a quaint parlor filled with quills, parchment, ink, and other writing supplies. A plot hook: Scribe Gertrude hires the players to deliver an important scroll to a distant wizard tower, offering a rare enchanted quill as payment.
Arcane Tomes & Scrolls (Spellbook Emporium): Archmage Ludovic Brightspell's emporium is a grand establishment filled with shelves of spellbooks, scrolls, and mystical tomes. A plot hook: Archmage Ludovic requests the players' assistance in retrieving a stolen spellbook from a rival wizard, offering a powerful magical staff as a reward.
Celestial Cartography (Astrology Shop): Astrologer Astrid Nightfall's shop is adorned with celestial charts, maps, and mystical artifacts depicting the movements of the stars. A plot hook: Astrologer Astrid tasks the players with recovering a stolen celestial artifact from a group of thieves, offering a rare magical compass as a reward.
Sable Sands Stables (Exotic Mount Trader): Nestled in a hidden enclave of Zimmerheim's bustling market district, Sable Sands Stables stands as a sanctuary for those in search of exotic mounts from distant lands. Operated by the mysterious trader Zara the Wanderer, the stables offer a breathtaking array of creatures, from swift pegasi to majestic griffins, each embodying the untamed beauty of the wild. Zara, with her weathered visage and piercing gaze, is renowned for her expertise in matching riders with their ideal companions. However, when Zara seeks adventurers to safeguard a shipment of rare mounts through perilous territories plagued by banditry, the players are presented with an opportunity for adventure and profit. Will they rise to the challenge and ensure the safe passage of these precious beasts, or will they succumb to the dangers lurking along the trade routes?
Taverns and Inns The capital has a plethora of different inns and taverns:

• The Gilded Griffin Inn (Noble's Retreat): Situated in the affluent district of Zimmerheim, The Gilded Griffin Inn caters to the city's elite and aristocracy. Its opulent decor, adorned with plush velvet drapes and gleaming chandeliers, exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Patrons indulge in fine wines and gourmet cuisine while mingling with fellow nobles and dignitaries, making it the preferred destination for high society gatherings and exclusive events.
• The Rusty Tankard Tavern (Adventurer's Haven): Tucked away in a bustling corner of Zimmerheim's market district, The Rusty Tankard Tavern is a favorite haunt among adventurers and mercenaries. Its rugged ambiance, marked by weathered wooden tables and dimly lit torches, provides a welcome respite for weary travelers seeking tales of daring escapades and lucrative quests. Here, patrons swap stories over tankards of ale and hearty meals, forging bonds of camaraderie amidst the clatter of dice and the sounds of merriment.
• The Whispering Woods Tavern (Nature Lover's Haven): Nestled on the outskirts of Zimmerheim amidst a lush forest, The Whispering Woods Tavern is a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and wilderness enthusiasts. Its rustic charm, highlighted by wooden beams and natural motifs, harmonizes with the surrounding natural beauty. Patrons revel in the tavern's serene ambiance, savoring locally sourced fare and artisanal brews while swapping stories of encounters with mythical creatures and enchanted forests.
• The Ironclad Inn (Mercenary's Meeting Ground): Located within the walls of Zimmerheim's military quarter, The Ironclad Inn serves as a gathering place for soldiers, mercenaries, and warriors. Its sturdy architecture, fortified with ironclad doors and reinforced beams, reflects the rugged nature of its clientele. Patrons unwind in the inn's robust atmosphere, sharing battle scars and war stories over hearty meals and tankards of ale. Here, alliances are forged, and contracts are sealed amidst the clashing of swords and the echo of war chants.
• The Moonlit Mermaid Inn (Seafarer's Sanctuary): Overlooking the shimmering waters of the Zimmer River, The Moonlit Mermaid Inn is a maritime-themed establishment frequented by sailors, fishermen, and traders. Its maritime decor, adorned with shipwrecked relics and nautical memorabilia, evokes the spirit of seafaring adventure. Patrons gather around the tavern's bustling bar, regaling each other with tales of legendary sea monsters and fabled lost treasures while enjoying freshly caught seafood and hearty grog.

Guilds and Factions

Guilds in Zimmerheim first appeared in the early 11th century. They were originally formed to protect the tradesmen, rather than regulate the trade.
Today, hundreds of various guilds exist in Zimmerheim. All guilds offer some sort of apprenticeship process and demand some kind of fee or service, but beyond that there are very few unifying characteristics. Many guilds are very old and have evolved complex bylaws. In a few cases, guilds have even reserved the right to try their members outside the Imperial justice system.
The Order of the Silver Flame (Die Orden des Silbernen Flammenburg)
A sacred brotherhood of paladins and clerics devoted to protecting the Empire of Zimea from supernatural threats. Their headquarters, known as "Silbernen Flammenburg," is a fortress-like structure located within Zimmerheim.
The Shadow Blades (Die Schattenklingen)
A clandestine guild of skilled assassins and spies, operating in the shadows to maintain the empire's security. Their headquarters, known as "Schattenklingenbastion," is a hidden network of underground tunnels beneath the city.
The Brotherhood of the Iron Fist (Bruderschaft der Eisernen Faust)
Disciplined monks and martial artists who follow the teachings of the ancient Teutonic warriors. Their headquarters, known as "Eisernen Faustkloster," is a secluded monastery nestled in the mountains surrounding Zimmerheim.
The Guild of Elemental Sorcerers (Die Gilde der Elementarmagier)
Sorcerers and mages who harness the elemental forces of the empire's natural landscape. Their headquarters, known as "Elementarmagierakademie," is a grand tower located up the northern river of the capital.
The Society of Astronomical Navigators (Gesellschaft der Astronomischen Navigatoren)
Navigators and scholars who explore the celestial realms and chart the movements of the stars to guide the empire's ships and caravans. Their headquarters, known as "Astronomische Navigatorenhaus," is an observatory perched atop the highest peak in the empire's mountain range.
The Artisans' Guild (Handwerkerzunft)
Craftsmen and artisans who uphold the traditions of Germanic craftsmanship. Their headquarters, known as "Handwerkerzunfthalle," is a grand guildhall located in the heart of Zimmerheim's artisan district.
The Order of the Celestial Stars (Orden der Himmlischen Sterne)
A mystical order of seers and oracles who interpret the will of the gods and foresee the empire's fate. Their headquarters, known as "Himmlische Sternenordenhaus," is a sacred temple located atop a hill overlooking Zimmerheim.
The Shadow Weavers' Guild (Schattenwebergilde)
A secretive guild of illusionists and enchanters who manipulate shadows and darkness to deceive their enemies. Their headquarters, known as "Schattenwebergildeversteck," is a hidden chamber concealed within the city's sewers.
The Merchants' League (Händlerliga)
A powerful consortium of merchants and traders who control the empire's trade routes and commercial enterprises. Their headquarters, known as "Händlerligahandelsposten," is a bustling marketplace located in the heart of Zimmerheim.
The Order of the Silver Scales (Orden der Silbernen Schuppen)
A noble order of dragonborn knights and warriors who defend the empire's borders. Their headquarters, known as "Silbernen Schuppenburg," is a majestic fortress located on the edge of the empire's territory.
The Academy of Alchemists (Akademie der Alchemisten)
Alchemists and potion-makers who blend science and magic to create powerful elixirs and potions. Their headquarters, known as "Alchemistenakademie," is a grand laboratory located within the Imperial Kollege in Zimmerheim.
The Monster Hunters' Guild (Gilde der Monsterjäger)
Fearless adventurers and hunters who track down and eliminate monstrous creatures. Their headquarters, known as "Monsterjägergildehalle," is a rustic lodge located deep in the forests surrounding Zimmerheim.

History

Zimmerheim's history is shrouded in the mists of time, its exact founding date lost to the annals of history. However, through the accounts of ancient texts and the oral traditions passed down through generations, a narrative emerges of a humble village that blossomed into a thriving city at the crossroads of destiny. It all began with a small settlement nestled on the banks of the Zimmer River, surrounded by untamed wilderness teeming with dangers and mysteries. The earliest inhabitants sought refuge in this tranquil corner of the world, drawn by the fertile lands and the promise of safety amidst the perils of the wild.
As more settlers arrived, the village began to expand, its population swelling as farmers cultivated the surrounding lands to yield bountiful harvests. The Zimmer River, with its swift currents and abundant fish, became a lifeline for the burgeoning community, facilitating trade and commerce with neighboring settlements.
It was in this humble village that Reimar Hammerkrach, a farmer of humble origins, made his home. Little did he know that his destiny would be intertwined with the fate of Zimmerheim and the empire yet to be born. As fate would have it, Reimar rose to prominence, ascending to the throne and founding the Empire of Zimea.
Choosing to rule from his hometown, Reimar elevated Zimmerheim to the status of the imperial capital, transforming it from a modest village into a sprawling metropolis that served as the beating heart of the empire. The city flourished under his reign, its streets bustling with merchants, artisans, and adventurers from far and wide.
Over the centuries, Zimmerheim grew in stature and influence, its walls expanding to accommodate the ever-growing population and the needs of the imperial court. The city became a beacon of prosperity and culture, attracting scholars, artists, and dignitaries from across the empire and beyond.
Today, Zimmerheim stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people, a city steeped in history and tradition yet ever-evolving with the passage of time. Its streets echo with the whispers of bygone eras, while its towering spires reach towards the sky, a testament to the enduring legacy of a humble village that dared to dream of greatness.

Maps

• 

  Zimmerheim

Type

Capital

Population

105 000

Inhabitant Demonym

Zimmerheimian

Owning Organization

Zimea

Characters in Location

• Aroldo Caruzzo
• Francis Graf

Related Reports (Primary)

• Session 19: The Heart of the Empire

Demographics: 70,000 Humans, 12,000 dwarves, 9,000 gnomes, 7,000 halflings, 3,500 elves, 1,700 half-elves, 1,500 half-orcs, 300 others
Government: Electocracy