Town
Capital of Palaskov
Population: 10,000
The single church in Elgorod rings its bell each hour, even into the dark of night, hoping it will offer protection from the dead. The church was originally dedicated to Tur, god of war; but after the dead grew restless, the goddess Nina (Nix) was invoked. It is said the Gray Queen despises the undead.
A visitor to Elgorod will sense a city under siege. Whenever an Elgorodian dies, the body is carted away quickly before the sun sets. Burning does not help, for then the bodies become wraiths; nor burial, for it will claw its way out of the ground. A prayer is said, some oil is sprinkled, and then all hurry back to the safety of Elgorod’s walls.
SOCIETY
Houses are bunched together along the narrow cobblestone streets. There is a sense that all Elgorodians are in this fight together. Garlic — believed to be repellant to the dead — is hung in strings throughout town. Holy symbols and charms hang from doors but their efficacy is questioned. Magic weavers are cast out from the community, for they always become necromancers.
Elgorod is led by a count, Smirador Azov, and a High Priest Daramir.
SIGHTS
• The Fattened Goose: This is Elgorod’s only inn. It offers a warm hearth, fresh-baked bread, and hearty meals. The comfortable beds and delicious food may even cause one to forget they are in an accursed land.
• Ivannor statue: A statue of the last King of Kav. It is said he passed through Elgorod on his way to the holy war.
• The Count’s Castle: This black stone castle is perched on a hilltop outside the town, overlooking the lake.
