Midtal

Midtal

Government
Bureaucracy
Organizations
Bruised But Not Broken, Sulla Arena, Rhes Haghed, Companions of Elric, Kasarian Embassy, Abjura Dolana, Order of Saint Rabban, Buel Vitta Society, Resa's Rest
Temples
Ancev, Beory, Nerull, Pholtus, Ulaa, Zargos
Merchant Houses
Abraxis Combine, Bowman-Outersea Cereals & Commodities, House Ditta, Thal Lithel, Thal Sivale, Thûrash

The capital of Otteun is either the largest or the second largest city in the world, depending on who you ask. The inhabitants don't really care either way but are quick to point out that their bridge is the largest feat of engineering in the world.

The city was originally named Mitttal but over time the spelling changed to Midtal.

Locations

At first glance the city might look like an enormous garrison with fortresses and other reinforced buildings dominating the view. However, when you get into the many 'zieks' (neighborhoods) of the city you'll find everything you'd expect to find in a metropolis.

The Old Town ziek, known as Ul'Tun in the local accent, is the oldest part of the current city, the actual old town is long gone. The Eagles ziek consists almost exclusively of army buildings including living quarters for the highest ranks. The Patriots ziek also contains a lot of Ott buildings but is also home to expensive businesses and up-market shops.

Park ziek contains Zent Gardens, the largest park in the city, the size of a small hamlet, but there are also quite a few buildings, some high-priced residential buildings, commerce, and inns and restaurants. Triumph ziek is one of the latest additions; many of the Ott live here but there are also many shops and leisure time activities.

Udell ziek is one of the older parts of the city and quite exclusive, those living here are known for looking down on those from other zieks. Pekkun ziek can be seen as an extension of the harbor at the riverfront and consists mostly of warehouses and ancillary services. Pottpic ziek and Darkvall ziek are two of the poorer neighborhoods of the city.

Anbu ziek is what the small town that has sprung up on the western side of Nuratt Bridge is often referred to.

Arks Ximmer

This large fort in the northeastern Eagles ziek is where the high command is housed. This is where the Council of Chiefs meet and all important Ott (army) plans ar drawn up.

Bearstett Prison

This large building on the border of the Eagles and Old Town zieks is both courthouse and jail. People aren't kept here long, justice is swift in Otteun and those sentenced to incarceration are almost always shipped off to penal camps.

ElaBOARate More

One of the most famous carveries in the city, and indeed the country, the chefs here have elevated pig roasting, and other forms of pork preparation, to an art. Don't forget to try their pickled kale side dish and finish with their award winning cherry compote.

Exchange of the Gods

A typical example of Otteun humor; this colossal domed building in the Park ziek used to be the temple of Rades, one of the gods from before the Collapse. Now it is the largest covered market in the city where just about anything can be bought.

Festull Base

While not technically a ziek, this army camp at the very southeastern part of the city is certainly the size of one. Most of the lower ranked soldiers are housed here and it is the main staging area for the center of the country.

Five Centuries Monument

This monument on the border of the Patriots and Park zieks was built to celebrate five hundred years of peace in Otteun. The Ott spared no expense to erect the largest structure in the city, money which could have been used in more useful ways, many protested at the time. The monument consists of a number of large abutting arches flanked by two imposing obelisks. Larger than life statues of soldiers and officers circle the entire thing.

Horand Dog Track

The Otteun are quite enamored with (betting on) dog racing. Most larger cities have their own track but this is the largest by far and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Midtal. It is actually found just east of the city, the large complex holds many kennels and two oval tracks with sizeable stands. It is privately owned but the Ott tax gambling at no less than 50%.

Midtal Reformer

One of the largest newspapers in the world, it brings both local and international news. While it is owned by a consortium of investors from Otteun and Dolac (and House Ditta, it is rumored) they are more than careful when it comes to the government. It is very rare to find an article even a little critical of the Ott.

Mifora Way

One of the most expensive inns in town can be found in the Triumph ziek. Here everything is done to make the visitor think they are in Mifora, GICOM, more specifically. Chefs and other staff have been brought over from the old republic and just about everything in the decor as well.

Nuratt Bridge

While Midtal was settled in a very strategic location, one thing had always been impossible; a bridge to the western shore. The River Tal is so wide at this location that the two previous attempts at a bridge never even reached the other bank.

When the dwarves fled their homeland after the Collapse, a large contingent made it to the capital and immediately set out to prove their worth by building a bridge. It was a project of many years and lives were lost but now the thirteen-arches stone bridge is one of the prides of Otteun.

Otteun Academy of Engineering & Technology

Founded soon after the Collapse, this university is seen as one of the best in its field. Though there is a small magic department, most of the studies at OAET focus on the use of applied physics and chemistry to create new technologies, many of them in the field of warfare,

Pride of Work Armories

Owned by Naguk orcs but staffed by local Otteuns, they are the largest arms supplier to the Ott. Regular caravans bring weapons and armor into the city, most of what they carry is immediately brought to the Ott but their shop in the Pekkun ziek is where they sell to everyone else and do repairs.

Quody & Rizoll - Spells and Schooling

These two notorious dwarven wizards run their 'academy' as a sweatshop or so their detractors claim. They certainly teach magic to the masses, most of those who graduate stay on and perform predominantly mundane tasks such a duplication and simple repairs.

Tallsite Citadel

This large structure of fortified buildings in the Old Town ziek is the main center of government for the country and the city. This is where the Chief Council meets and where a veritable army of civil servants implements their edicts.

Wunnoper Auditorium

The largest indoor theater in the world can be found in the Triumph ziek. Plays are staged daily, all of them written at the behest of the government and espousing the joys of life in Otteun.

Znell Stallions

A large complex of stables and pens a few hours outside the city, this company is the foremost seller of Otteun horses. Mainly focused on riding horses they have been breeding best-in-class mounts for centuries.

Notable People

• General Walter Tapp (one of the more outspoken members of the Council of Chiefs)
• Colonel Lod Runk (in charge of local military police)
• Lusse Bertel (human female, steward [mayor])
• Tuuli Dalmor (dwarf female, sage, monsters)
• Hermuk Brightpond (actor)
• Reino Valgok (dwarf male, mercenary)