K24: City of Dinas Halak

Dinas Halak is the capital city of Halleck, where the selected Prince reigns from the “Green Palace,” so-called for the dense growth of ivy vines that cover the stone walls. The city government is a blend of princely authority and local civic administration. As a princely burgh, Dinas Halak enjoys privileges granted by charters from the Prince of Halleck, allowing it to self-govern and manage trade. The town council, led by the provost and supported by bailies and elected councillors, oversees municipal administration, law enforcement, and public works. Trade guilds, each headed by a deacon, regulate economic activities and have significant influence in local governance. While the council maintains considerable autonomy, the Prince's influence remains strong through tax collection and the appointment of key officials. The Ordainer Church also plays a crucial role in governance, particularly in social services and education. 

The city is moderately large (ca 25,000), sitting astride several minor trade routes, but has few features to commend it over the other great cities of the Kehler Lands. The town grew in the shadow of a vast rocky hill called Malmon Hill. This huge granite rock towers several hundred feet above the plain where Halleck’s capital city now sprawls. Sages claim that the rock is the remnant of an ancient volcano, but few Hallecks pay them much attention. The sloping dome of the rock, which has been marred by attempts to quarry rock and build there, is covered with the ruins of several different forts and castles. Each has fallen over within five years of being built, confounding numerous Dwarven engineers hired at great expense. Malmon Hill frequently emits low, eerie groaning noises, and occasionally, strange lights are seen among the ruins at night. Numerous attempts have been made to explain this phenomenon, resulting in as many theories as there are sages to expound upon them. Clerics who venture onto Malmon Hill have sometimes reported a disturbing sensation of being “unwelcome” at the summit, but this likewise has no clear explanation.

  

1) Green Palace

- Garrison Duty: Protect or even besiege the formidable fortress, which serves as the residence of royalty and a military stronghold.

- Political Intrigue: Get involved in court politics, espionage, or protecting/assassinating key figures.

2) Royal Mile

- Markets and Trade: Explore the bustling markets for trade opportunities, rare goods, or to sell spoils from their adventures.

- Guilds and Craftsmanship: Engage with various guilds, perhaps finding employment or commissioning special weapons and armor.

3) St Gillwayne's Cathedral (Ordainer)

- Religious Services: Participate in or protect significant Ordainer religious ceremonies.

- Mystical Investigations: Investigate supernatural occurrences or protect the cathedral from threats.

4) The Grassmarket

- Public Executions and Law Enforcement: Witness or intervene in public executions and serve as law enforcers or bounty hunters.

- Taverns and Inns: Gather information, recruit new members, or simply relax and engage in tavern brawls.

5) Holysun Abbey (Aurinian)

- Diplomatic Missions: Escort or spy on diplomatic missions between the church and the crown.

- Artifact Retrieval: Retrieve or protect valuable religious artifacts.

6) The City Walls and Gates

- Defense and Siege: Participate in defending the city against sieges or be part of a mercenary group hired to breach the walls.

- Patrols: Engage in patrol duties, ensuring the safety of the city's inhabitants.

7) Greenfriars Monastery (Tennist/Ordainer)

- Healing and Rest: Seek healing and respite at the monastery or protect it from external threats.

- Hidden Secrets: Uncover hidden secrets or treasures rumored to be kept by the monks.

8) The Stonebreak Tower

- Law and Order: Involvement in the judicial system, perhaps breaking out comrades or ensuring the execution of justice.

- Political Intrigue: Engage in the political machinations often centered around the Tolbooth.

9) Schola of Dinas Halak 

- Knowledge and Research: Seek out ancient texts, engage with scholars, or protect the university from rivals.

- Mystical Studies: Investigate or combat rogue mages and magical phenomena associated with scholarly pursuits. 

10) The Westgate

- Local Conflicts: Engage in street battles or protect local businesses and residents from criminal elements.

- Festival Participation: Participate in local festivals and cultural events, which might lead to unexpected opportunities.

11) Castle Esplanade

- Training Grounds: Use the training grounds to hone their skills or compete in martial tournaments.

- Gathering Place: Meet with other mercenaries or military leaders to discuss strategy and form alliances.

12) Armsman’s Guild

Guild Hall: Meet clients and patrons for small jobs, make arrangements for companies.

- Stable, Hostel, and Tavern: Hang out between jobs in this shabby but serviceable complex.