02 - Iron Kingdoms W.. - Captain Spud Is Amazing

304 Iron Kingdoms
108.1.141.197
the Ordic army have been known to watch and offer
sarcastic critiques, which has not endeared them to the
locals. Truth be told, soldiers posted at Hearthstone
are generally unwanted elsewhere and are not the best
examples of service.
Merin
In Power: King Baird II, Prince Baird III, and the
Castellans of Ord
Population: 265,000 humans (mostly Tordoran),
5,000 dwarves, 3,500 gobbers, 500+ trollkin, 300+
ogrun
Military: Merin has a large, well-equipped garrison
(by Ordic standards) supported by a small contingent
of warjacks. The Royal Palace supports two hundred
elite royal guards to protect the king and his court. The
overworked Merin watch numbers around six hundred
guards.
Imports: Many
Exports: Coal, grain, textiles, wine, livestock
Though the capital of Ord, Merin is often
overshadowed by the more famous cities, particularly
Midfast and Berck, and a rivalry is evident between
the residents of Berck and Merin—it is said that many
citizens of Berck believe their city should be the seat of
political power. Merin thrives nonetheless, situated in
the epicenter of the kingdom’s most fertile farmland
along the Rohannor River, which also has ample coal
deposits. Located geographically at the center of all of
the major towns and cities, Merin profits as the trade
hub of Ord and experiences considerable river trade
from Lake Vannogear to Berck.
Having been the natural choice for a major Orgoth
stronghold, the city formerly named Tordor suffered
greatly during the Orgoth Rebellion. During the
Scourge, most of Tordor was razed to the ground. It
was salvaged and rebuilt after the Corvis Treaties with
assistance from thousands of Rhulfolk who enjoyed
the challenge of essentially building an entire city from
scratch. Indeed, the most important among them was
Master Builder Dogen Orm who helped plan the city’s
layout. A statue of this dwarf stands proudly in the
Town Square next to one of King Merin Cathor I, and
a tradition of Ordic stonemasonry and architecture
persists in the city called the Dogen School.
For these reasons Merin is a well-plotted city if not
overly pragmatic. It is very easy to find one’s way as the
streets are laid out in a series of grids, shifting at the
river intersection. The government buildings around
the town square are of solid construction and have
survived the last four hundred years with no sign of
wear. The Riverfront district is famed for its diverse
shops, restaurants, playhouses, and the Tordoran
Amphitheater. The local watch is well staffed and led
by a persistent man, Captain Luptar Gorazo (male
Tordoran Ftr10), called “The Judge” by his men and
considered a terror on crime. Although the markets
of Merin remain a hotbed for thieves, the watch has
done an admirable job, and punishments for offenses
are brutal.
The city has grown considerably since its founding;
hence, the fringe neighborhoods are more convoluted
and sprawling. The Downriver district, a cramped
region of twisty streets and small houses seemingly
designed to confuse humans, is home to the majority
of the city’s gobbers. The city’s numerous resident
Rhulfolk are found in a northern neighborhood
termed New Brunder.
Noted Persons
King Baird Cathor II (pg. 285): The rumors that
King Baird gets restless after staying in Merin very long
are true. Five Fingers is his favorite refuge, but Baird
visits all the cities of Ord and enjoys touring his realm
in secret. He believes in getting firsthand information
whenever possible. He even makes unannounced
outings to many smaller towns and villages, a habit
that has made him very popular with the common
folk. Aside from the war, King Baird’s primary political
concern is the power and influence of House Mateu in
Berck. He pretends ignorance of their machinations
but is well aware of how many castellans heed
Izabella.
Castellan Lorcan Dromore, High Magus (male
Tordoran Ari2/Wiz14): High Magus Dromore is the
leader of the local branch of the Fraternal Order of
Wizardry. There is no “court wizard” in Ord, but the
high magus is frequently summoned by King Baird II
or his heir to answer questions on arcane matters. The
mage is sometimes consulted as well by Vaspar Mateu—
he considers this good business rather than a breach in
loyalties. These are just lucrative distractions from his