Founded: The Age of Abundance
Government Type: Despotism
Leader(s): Harkol Aum
Population: Unknown
Region: Expansive Steppes
Official Language(s): Common
Currency: Harkols
Overview
Deep within the expansive steppes, Tarkes is renowned as the home of The Hearth—a major source of potable water for the city, and a colossal Golem ritual site. Here, the city’s Artificers employ a fusion of corrupting Magic, processed Scrawlweed, red clay, and coal to transform “volunteer” subjects into the enigmatic, autonomous Golems that roam its streets, with a convenient byproduct of water.
Yet, the lifeblood of this formidable enterprise is not just the arcane arts but the labor of Tarkes’s inhabitants. Under the unyielding rule of the self-proclaimed Death Dealer and Throne, Harkol Aum, the people are compelled into ceaseless toil to keep the Golem production high. They bear the weight of Harkol’s obsession with Golems, which he views as the pinnacle of existence—a superior form, sculpted by his own hand. To maintain his vision, the populace is harnessed as a workforce, often toiling tirelessly in the depths of the Golem factory for meager pay and sustenance.
However, Harkol Aum is a shadowy enigma himself, rarely seen by the very populace he commands. His subjects murmur that Harkol may in-fact be a Golem, a corrupted creation of his own experiments. The Artificers who serve as his mouthpieces are the primary link between the Throne and his subjects, their voices carrying his decrees and desires. Tarkes’ architecture paints a portrait of distinct opulence, where intricate tilework patterns adorn every surface. Wide low structures stack into four and five story tiered edifices. Narrow columns, colonnades, and honeycombed vaults add an air of grandeur to the cityscape. Aided by the strength of their Golem citizenry, monumental red stones contrast enormous sandstone and polished limestone facades. Entrances and gates, framed by dramatic horseshoe arches, are adorned with motifs inspired by the indigenous flora—Scrawlweed, Shadepell, and other enigmatic species. Elaborate decorative scripts grace the borders of buildings and monuments, a testament to Tarkes’ artistic prowess.
Yet, among the most intriguing rumors surrounding Tarkes, the city is said to have discovered and harnessed one of the elusive ancient Discordant Paths. If these whispers hold truth, it has bestowed upon them unparalleled power, facilitating the swift and efficient transportation of their manufactured war machines across Tarisia. These formidable creations, often sold to the highest bidder, have cemented the reputation of Tarkes as an indomitable force within the realm, all under the maniacal gaze of the elusive Throne Harkol Aum.
Notable Locations
The Hearth
- A monolithic and ancient structure from The Age of Abundance located near the center of the city. Looks like a large fragment of a broken Ashur sword, like dark basalt glowing from within with a red-orange hue, and lodged into the earth at a slight angle. Awakened by Harkols Aum’s dark sorcery, it now produces his war machine Golems. Harkols Aum uses the upper spires as his palace, a dominating viewpoint and looming reminder of his superiority.