Arion

Arion is a city-port in the far north eastern corner of Khul.

History
It grew up in the seventeenth century OT on the remains of a much older settlement from the days before the dividing of the continents. In its early days Arion thrived on trade with Ashkyos and Kabesh and grew in stature until it rivalled Kabesh itself. Although influenced to an extent by Kabeshian culture, Arion never formed part of the Kabeshian Khanate.

Brendan Bloodaxe
During the Great War Against Evil, it was the forces of Arion, led by Brendan Bloodaxe, that destroyed the armies of Chaos on the lands now called the Battlegrounds. These forces went on to sweep across the central plains of Khul and came to the aid of Klarash to finally destroy the opposition and end the war. Although Arion was unscathed by the Great War, many warriors did not return home.

Rule
It is the largest city in the north east and has grown slightly over the last two centuries. It is now ruled over by the descendents of Brendan Bloodaxe himself, and the Helmet of Bloodaxe has been passed down from ruler to ruler. Legend has it that should the helmet ever fall into the wrong hands, chaos would stalk the streets of the city. The court of the King and Queen is frequented by the many nobles of the city and surrounding lands. Examples of noble families are the Houses of Falashti and Azzur, and the now discredited Snau. The Noble Council of Elders advises the sovereign in all matters. The citizens of Arion are among the most content in Arion, not least because the city takes only minimal taxes from its citizens because the money gained by taxation is used with careful thought. Arion itself is the chief stronghold of the land of Arion whose boundaries extend north as far as Lake Nekros.

City Geography
The city is divided into many districts, the most famous of which is the Dockland Area with its crowded quays and many inns and taverns. Establishments such as the seedy dive called the Barnacled Keel sit near the waterfront. Also, the alleys that lead from the docks into the city are home to such drinking dens. For instance on Creel-makers Alley are two inns: The Elfbane Bar is famous for its gambling wheel on the wall. The Bushel, is an upmarket establishment where the bar girls wear uniforms.

Ecomomics
The city has the complete spectrum of humanity inhabiting its streets, from nobles to old crones selling heather for luck. Thugs, yobs and other degenerates also do their part to add a more subversive texture to the city. However, the rich gold mines controlled by Arion continue to make this city largely a wealthy one. Past the more upper class quarters of the city in the north is the Gate of Skulls, the northern gateway of Arion. Although people may travel within the lands of Arion however, they seldom travel far from their familiar world and certainly not past the shores of Lake Nekros. Even traders rarely make the trip to Fallow dale on the other side of the Lake.

Recent Events
However, in recent times a number of incidents of note have happened with regard to Arion whose sources have been beyond the borders of the land. In both instances heroes have been found to deal with these crises. In 281 AC, the evil Morgana had almost perfected the art of elemental control using sigils. The sovereign, the great-grandchild of Daern and Telessa set out to defeat Morgana and did so. In 291AC, Princess Telessa, named after her great-great-grandmother, was kidnapped by Arachnos and taken to Deathmoor, but was subsequently rescued by the adventurer known as The Lonely Mariner. The Royal Seal of Arion is that of intertwined snakes which look like the number 88.