Altaruk

Altaruk shortly after its most recent reconstruction, 20 years ago.

Used as a trading stop between Balic, Tyr, the northern city-states, and the eastern Tablelands. Controlled by Balican merchant houses: Wavir, Rees, and Tomblador. Governed by Arisphistaneles.

Surrounded by a 15-foot wall gaurded by well-trained mercenaries. The mercenaries maintain a secure perimeter of a half-day's ride. All visitors must pay a security toll charge.

The town contains a Merchant Quarter with a small Elven Market on the outskirt of the quarter near the town gates, and an arena called Bloodsand Arena.

Rumors suggest that the giants of the Estuary of the Forked Tongue plan to attack the town.

Over the years Altaruk has been destroyed (usually by giants) and rebuilt many times. Consequently, maps of Altaruk are often out of date. This map refers to a now abandoned settlment whose inhabitants were slaughtered over 20 years ago.

Location

Located along the Balic-Try trade route on the head inland of the Estuary of the Forked Tongue in the Tablelands.

History

Altaruk has been destroyed (usually by giants) and rebuilt multiple times over the years. Usually each rebuild starts with a small fortified outpost that gradually grows in size.

The most recent destruction occured 23 years before the fall of Kalak. The location of that settlement's ruins have been forgotten. People who remember it refer to is as Old Altaruk.

Old Altaruk was replaced by Trade Fortress Altaruk, which eventually grew into the town commonly known simply as Altaruk today.

Notable Residents

• Arisphistaneles
• Tellemon, captain of the guards in Altaruk from Adventure: Bloodsand Arena.

Trivia

• Altaruk is a common starting location for campaigns especially during 4e Adventures. This is due to the proximity to Tyr the free city and that it is not controlled by a Sorcerer King. Featured in Bloodsands Arena and 4e Encounters.

Source

Adventures: Bloodsand Arena and Sand Raiders.

Supplement: Dark Sun Campaign Setting.