Tzoka is a bustling port city located at the mouth of the river that flows into the sea. The city has been an important trade hub for centuries and has prospered due to its strategic location. However, the city has also been vulnerable to attacks from sea-faring raiders, pirates, and rival clans, which has necessitated the formation of the "Shadows of Tzoka" mage guild.
There are rumours of the founders of the guild being deserters or exiles of a failed invasion of the Nagan Empire by the Vache Kingdom. The guild has had a tumultuous relationship with Clan Yurami, who are the de facto rulers of the region. While they share the common goal of protecting the city, they have clashed at times over issues of power and influence. The Yurami Clan's samurai often resent the guild's use of magic, which they see as unnatural and dishonorable. Nevertheless, the two groups have managed to coexist and work together in times of need.
The city itself is a bustling hub of activity, with merchants, traders, and travelers passing through its streets and markets. The port is always busy, with ships from all over the region coming and going, laden with goods and wares. The city is divided into several districts, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. The Guild has their headquarters within a walled off district of the city, a towering spire that is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The spire is said to be filled with powerful magical artifacts and secrets, and is off-limits to all but the most trusted members of the guild.
The city also has a large marketplace where all manner of goods are bought and sold, from exotic spices and silks to weapons and armor. The marketplace is a colorful and lively place, with merchants hawking their wares and bargaining with customers. Despite the constant threat of attack, Tzoka is a vibrant and prosperous city, filled with life and energy. It is a place where traders, travelers, and mages come together to make their fortunes and seek their destinies.
Places of Interest
- The Iron Bard: The Iron Bard is a local forge in Tzoka that has been around for generations. The owner, a grizzled dwarf named Gamshi Gomotto, is known for his expertise in crafting weapons and armor that are both beautiful and functional. He is often commissioned by the Shadows of Tzoka guild to create magical items for their members.
- Poko's Shop: Poko's Shop is a general store that sells a little bit of everything, from food and clothing to tools and weapons. The owner, Ling Poko, is a gregarious halfling who loves to haggle and make deals. She is well-respected in the community and often donates a portion of her profits to help those in need.
- Stones and Bones: Stones and Bones is the local alchemist shop, owned by a reclusive dark elf named Zephyr Moono. The shop is filled with strange potions, powders, and herbs, and Zephyr is known for her expertise in healing and transmutation magic. The Shadows of Tzoka guild often turns to her for rare and exotic ingredients needed for their spells and potions.
- Nagami's Bed & Breakfast: Nagami's Bed & Breakfast is a cozy inn located in the middle of the city. The owner, Mikki Nagami, is a friendly human who takes pride in her cooking. The inn is a popular spot for travelers and adventurers passing through Tzoka, and Nagami is known for her warm hospitality and delicious meals.
- The Laughing Lotus: The Laughing Lotus is a large stone tavern that is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It is run by a gregarious half-elf named Jiro Zhang who is known for his skill in mixology. The tavern is always lively, with bards playing music and patrons telling stories of their adventures.
- Season's Gifts: Season's Gifts is the local magic shop run by an enigmatic elf named Sylph Lingrad. The shop is filled with mysterious and exotic items, from enchanted talismans to cursed artifacts. Sylph is known for her vast knowledge of magic and often helps members of the Shadows of Tzoka guild with their spellcasting needs.
- Inkwell Oasis: The Inkwell Oasis stands as a tranquil haven amidst the bustling Dragon Bazaar in the port city of Tzoka. This esteemed establishment serves as a sanctuary for scholars, scribes, and those seeking assistance with writing services. Managed by a former statesman from the Imperial capital, the Inkwell Oasis embodies the spirit of knowledge, preservation, and community.
- Jade Dragon Bank: The Jade Dragon Bank, nestled in the bustling port city of Tzoka, stands as a testament to financial prowess and security within the Protectorate of Clan Yurami. Renowned for its opulence, unwavering security measures, and shrewd management, this prestigious financial institution plays a central role in the economic landscape of the city.
- Harmony Herbs: Harmony Herbs is a quaint and inviting herbalist shop nestled in the heart of the bustling city Tzoka. Run by the twin sisters Maki and Tali, along with a team of skilled herbalists and healers, Harmony Herbs specializes in crafting natural remedies, potions, and teas using herbs and plants sourced from the surrounding countryside.
- Silver Crane Consortium: The Silver Crane Consortium stands as a prominent merchant guild operating within the bustling port city of Tzoka, nestled along the western shores of the Protectorate of Clan Yurami. Focused on maritime trade and shipping ventures, the Consortium has carved a formidable presence along the waterfront, where its warehouses bustle with the constant flow of goods from across the vast expanse of the Nagan Empire.
- The Veloci-Dice Den: The Veloci-Dice Den stands as a vibrant testament to the thrill of chance and the allure of fortune in the heart of Tzoka's moonlit district. This bustling gambling house, adorned with intricate carvings and bustling with activity, beckons adventurers and risk-takers from far and wide to test their luck and skill against the odds.
- Fang and Claw Bounty Guild: The Fang and Claw Bounty Guild operates from an abandoned tavern nestled within the Moonlit district of the bustling port city of Tzoka. Situated next door to Nagami's Bed And Breakfast inn, the guild has carved out a niche for itself as a formidable force in the pursuit and capture of wanted criminals, pirates, and rogue mages.
- Treasure Trove Exchange: Located in the bustling port city of Tzoka, the Treasure Trove Exchange stands as a beacon of intrigue and possibility amid the narrow streets and bustling markets. This dimly lit general store, its shelves adorned with an eclectic array of mysterious trinkets, dusty scrolls, and an assortment of mismatched weapons, beckons adventurers and locals alike into its depths.
- Kendaikhan: The Kendaikhan Monster Hunter Guild is a renowned organization dedicated to the dangerous and challenging task of hunting down rogue dinosaurs that roam the outskirts of Tzoka. Established centuries ago, the guild has become an integral part of the region's defense against these massive and often ferocious creatures.