Overview
| Population | ~80,000 |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | City of Pearls |
| Primary Race(s) | Half Common humanoids; Half Merfolk |
| Location | The Corsair Seas |
| Leadership | The Coin Lords |
| Known For | Pearls, Seafood and Farming, Divination Services |
Description
Taru, jewel of the Corsair Seas, rises with alien beauty where the jungle kisses the shore and the sea plunges into endless azure. Her towers curve like coral, spiraling skyward with the grace of spear-trees, while beneath the waves, her sister-city glows with phosphorescent light—a submerged kingdom of domes and arches forgotten by time. The merfolk move through kelp-draped corridors in silence, their eyes ancient and knowing. Above, sails flap and banners crack in the salt-heavy wind, and the cries of seabirds echo from stone to surf. Once a frequent prize for raiders and sea-scourges, Taru endured constant raids until the Pact of the Coin Lords bound her fate to Moonshadow, Rockspire, and Corsair’s Landing. Now, she stands not alone; but armored in alliance.
History
A Small Settlement built out at the start of the 4th Age after Humans and Merfolk fled the forces of Feng during his ascendency. The calm tropical waters and fertile lands, combined with the skilled artificers that founded the city, created a prosperous city in both agriculture, fishing, and fine works of art. The city was not known for its military prowess and was the frequent target of raids until it agreed to join with the other Chartist Cities, who offered protection in exchange for a portion of Taru's significant wealth. Taru has also become famous for its specialization in divination magic of both the Arcane and Divine schools.
Geography and Layout
Coastal City that is purpose built to be half above the water and half below. The Merfolk generally occupy the underwater districts but the communities generally intermix well.
Economy
- Primary Industries:
- Trade Partners: The Corsair Seas, The Free Lands
- Currency: Standard
Culture and Society
| Religion: | Temples to Talic, Beck, and Sylvester can all be found here | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditions: | Rituals associated with the Tides and Phases of the Moon | ||
Notable Figures and Groups
| Name | Title | Bio | Desciption | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pellun | Coin Lord of Taru, “Prince of Taru” | M Merfolk, 101 | Descendant of a royal bloodline among the Merfolk that can be traced back to the third age. A powerful Druid of the Stars, Prince Pellun specializes in divination magic. Although he relegates most of the management of Taru to his underlings, he is well respected by the citizens of Taru, aquatic and land dwelling alike. Primarily focused on keeping Taru's economy productive and prosperous and is reliant on Corsair's Landing for protection against more serious threats. Although generally liked by the other lords, Taru's reliance on them for protection also works to their advantage and they actively undermine any possible usurper to Pellun's title. Was the first to foresee the ascension of Torgo as a means to open up peace talks with the Githyanki after the battle of Moonshadow. | |||
Points of Interests and Services
| Name | Type | Contact/Owner | Desciption | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Drowning Light | Submerged Temple of Talic | High Oracle Syllun, F Drow Elf | A bioluminescent cathedral visible that is lit up at night, nestled in a coral trench. | |||
| Shell & Spindle | Tailor/Armorer | Glimra, F Sea Elf | Creators of elegant kelpweave robes and chitin armor resistant to crushing pressure. Also expertly crafts noble clothes to order for both surface and aquatic customers | |||
| The Brine Ledger | Trade Hall and Arbitration Court | Judicator Rel Taan, M Merfolk | Pirates, merchants, and Officials resolve disputes in brine-ink contracts. All contracts must be witnessed by a mind-reading barnacle called Echo-Gaze. | |||
| Tidecoil Apothecary | Potion Shop | Thissa Reed, F Human | Offers potions brewed from rare marine fungi and abyssal vents. Every potion comes in a sealed, living jellyfish that must be popped to release the contents. | |||
| The Coral Rung | Dockside Market (Half Above Water / Half Below) | Captain Solra Chainwalker, F Half-Merfolk | Traders ascend and descend the stacked coral towers to buy and sell goods from all strata. Prices fluctuate vertically—cheapest at the bottom, most exclusive at the peak. | |||
| The Glass Current | Observatory | Senn, M Merfolk | Maintains magical maps that track all registered vessels within 200 miles. Visitors can consult the “Living Map”. Astral Charts can also be consulted. A sought after place for those who favor divination magic. | |||
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