1) The Amphitheater:
A huge amphitheater has been carved from the rock of the cliff face along the northwest end of Harmonia. It has five concentric levels each leading downwards. The first four outer platforms are each 5’ higher than the next, and spread some 25’ deep. Stone seats line each of the landings and a shallow pit separates the innermost ring from a stage that stands 10’ above the lowest seats.
There is no visible way to access the stage itself. A massive clam-shaped overhang of natural rock shelters the platform, and ramps down the center and sides of the seating areas have been worn down by the passage of years and patronage of hundreds if not thousands of people. A scent of raw earth and stone lingers in the air along with a sense of presence… it may be nothing more than the rich culture and heritage of this place…
2) The Crystal Club:
A cavern full of natural clear crystal formations dotted with rubies, emeralds and sapphires rests naturally in the cliff wall just south of the Amphitheater. Cool humid air carries the scent of perfume and fine wines here, and footsteps echo softly back from the gleaming walls. 15’ in from the mouth of the cave a 4’high rock wall carved from the native rock diverts the flow of patronage, flanked by two full-sets of plate mail on display.
A large iron gate provides entry into the restaurant with two lovely young attendants at hand to collect the steep cover charge of 1 pp. Visible beyond the gate is a series of passages and side rooms filled with tables, intricate waterfalls and other intriguing oddities. Near the back of the main chamber is a large crystal column, around which a magnificent bar has been constructed. Goblets and glasses of pure crystal hang from an overhead false roof. The bar top and underside of the roof are lined with mirrors. Everything looks clean and gleams with a soft crisp light. Music drifts from within, resonating within the many chambers.
3) Harmonic Hall:
A stately mansion with spires mimicking a small castle stands proudly here just off of the Loop. Before it to the East is a grassy park area spreads, where often can be seen musicians at practice and locals taking their ease.
A large fountain stands between the hall and the Amphitheater depicting a bearded man playing a lute and singing. He sits along a bench and two huge, apparently napping, dogs lie at his feet. The figure is most handsome, yet the sculptor carved him in such a manner as to convey a sense of power and mystery.
[This is a Bardic college per Complete bard standards. For a fee, PCs can take almost any musically related NWP training here, as well as Dancing or (from complete bard): Acting, Chanting, Craft Instrument, Crowd Working (bard or rogue only) Poetry, Whistling/Humming
‘Members’ of the college (bard only pending application) get a discount on such purchases.]
4) South Hill:
While the Harmonia is relatively level, the Southeast corner remains the exception. A steep sided flat-topped hill stands here, often just called ‘The Hill’. It is buttressed by an old and crumbling 15’ tall city wall. The eastern side is a sheer 45’ high cliff, but a cobblestone road leads up the northwest slope. The rich and powerful dwell here in an elaborate array of expensive homes and small mansions with meticulously manicured gardens.
5) Meistersinger’s Mansion:
The only significant rise in Harmonia, aside from South Hill, supports the Meistersinger’s mansion. This estate is well fortified by an octagonal wall some 12' high that rests atop a 15' mound of earth. The matte below the structure is clearly manmade and intended to give those within the walls an advantage over any who might attack the Meistersinger. Delicate carvings cover the upper quarter of the wall, paying tribute to the singers and musicians who have made Harmonia the jewel of Kartakass.
Behind the wall, a lone tower of ornate stone can be seen as it just peeks its top over the wall. The rest of the mansion is hidden from view by the stone wall. Although mysterious sounds are sometimes heard from within and the wind often carries the scent of exotic herbs into the streets of Harmonia, none can say for certain what goes on inside the mansion.
6) City Gates:
These gates are always shut and a well-worn 20’ drawbridge raised against the wall. The only exceptions are when expelling or receiving or flocks of sheep in the morning and evening, or when the guards on the city wall are hailed by travelers.
7) City Moat:
A stinking 20’ wide ribbon of stagnant water lined on each side by rows of sharpened stakes guards Harmonia to the south. It is scattered with rainbow-hued oily patches and litter from the city. Flocks of biting and stinging insects swarm here constantly during the day. .
Whirling Bride of Harmonia:
A solid square tower of moss-covered stone stands here set atop a somewhat larger rock base. The top of the tower is decorated with ornate carvings of gargoyles and monsters, many of them so lifelike that it seems they have but to wait for the sunset to spring to life and terrorize the countryside. A closer look, however, shows that there is a tunnel running through the center of the tower that would easily accommodate the largest of wagons. Further, a pair of worn, but sturdy, wooden bridges run from both sides of the river to the entrances to this tunnel. At several points along their lengths, ring pins have been set into the bridges. Well oiled chains stretch from these points to vanish into the mouths of the gargoyles atop of the tower. When the bridge is open travelers to Harmonia walk across the bridge, enter the tunnel, and exit from the far side of the tower to complete their passage over the river. They seem to be delayed for some time, perhaps a minute, within the dark tunnel before they exit, but there is no sign of what happens within. A secondary tunnel runs through the rock base, but it's purpose cannot be readily guessed as only about 2' of it's height is above the water line.
9) Guard Tower:
Two of these slender 35’ stone towers flank the river to the north, guarding access to the town of Harmonia. A third stands on the lower bank below the cliffs just north of town and west of the road, casting its watchful gaze out across that vital waterway. Parapets ring the top of the tower, making it impossible to see what manner of deadly weapons are hidden there. Not much else can be seen without getting closer.
10) The Cliff Lift:
A 20' x 10' wooden platform with several large rocks on it rests on the ground here. The wood is worn smooth, as are the rocks. The entire area is carefully watched by eight strong-looking guards. A solid iron chain stretches from each corner of the wooden platform to meet with a single great, large chain. This, in turn, ascends the cliff until it loops around a spiked wheel high atop the cliff top. From here, the chain loops back down until it splits into four lesser chains that support a second wooden platform that now hangs near the top of the cliff. Although the contraption looks safe, the winds through this area are brisk. As they pass through the heavy chain, it is not uncommon for a low moaning sound to be heard. It sounds almost as if this were the moaning of a tortured spirit.
11) The Great Catapult:
A huge catapult perches on the very edge of the cliff here. It looks down upon the main drawbridge and docks north of town like a great bird of prey seeking some hapless victim. It is ornately fashioned and covered to resemble a giant hawk. A pair of glass eyes set in the finely detailed face catch the light and flash a warning to all who approach Harmonia from the North.
BB) Blue Bolt:
Marie is a talented seamstress with a flair for design. She can make practically anything for the right price and keeps regular clothing items in-stock. She and her husband Monard live in the back of the shop.
BH) Boar's Hide:
Lambrey Dreyfus runs a leathergoods business out of his home here. The man and building are both rather unkempt and he is often quite rude.
BJ) Broken Jug:
A dive bar with a rough reputation for violence and strong spirits.
BK) The Bank of Harmonia:
The town bank. Money can be deposited, loaned, and coin exchanged for a modest fee. Built next to the Meistersinger’s Mansion itself, there are always a few guards on duty when open.
BS) Blacksmith:
A simple but functional smithy stands here, though no sign describes it as such. John Sledge and his apprentice work here, neither of the two have the eye or hair coloring of the locals. Weapons, armor and general ironworks can be purchased or made to order here.
DM) Drop of the Moon:
Jeweler’s shop run by the astonishingly beautiful Mademoiselle Argent Chevalier. She and her sons operate the place. They can work with all precious metals plus cut, polish and set gemstones. Jewelry can be purchased, sold and made to order.
DP) Dirty Plow:
A ramshackle bar with cheap booze in the poorest area of town.
EL) The Enchanting Lute:
A triangular building rests on this bend of The Loop not far from the ‘Harmonic Hall’ itself. The sign bears an elaborately stylized version of the Kartakan device; a golden lute on a sable backdrop. Windowed storefronts make up two of the street-sides of the shop, displaying various instruments and performing supplies.
A lean, foppish man named Ailos Verninac runs the place along with three shopkeeps and a master luthier for repairs. Instruments can be repaired, purchased or made to order here, but prices are a little steep. The place is often filled, with many people there simply to admire the craftsmanship and day-dream about some of the fine wares. Here and there are items of a more magical nature such as spell components or the occasional scroll.
Pens) Sheep Pens:
Large sheep pens stand open here. The lingering scent of wool and offal hovers here, though it is not so bad in the colder months. These are used by local shepherds for corralling sheep when they need to be tended or sheared.
TS) Songstress Inn:
A decent sized two-story Inn makes up the western side of the intersection between The Loop and the main road leading north out of town. The building has been constructed so that it has a flat-faced view to the east towards the Amphitheater. A large suite with French doors and a tiny but ornate balcony perhaps three feet wide form this side of the second story. A large delicately carved and painted sign above the door shows a woman in red singing with hands folded at her waist. The rooms are clean and well-kept, if a bit smaller and more expensive than usual.
There is almost always a singer entertaining in the evenings, sometimes accompanied by another musician. A beautifully made piano stands against the wall of the common room by the stage. Rooms are usually booked-up on the weekends due to the festivals at the Amphitheater.
SS) The Silver Scale:
A small but neatly kept shop rests on the busy street. Few patrons seem to be interested in it. A silver triangular device, similar to a dragon’s scale, decorates the sign above the door. It turns out to be a magic shop run by Serath Allanision.
S) The Smithy:
An impressive stone-walled building stands here, with a sign bearing a large black anvil. Enris Schaeffer and his two apprentices work as smithies here. The shop is always busy. Weapons, armor and general ironworks can be purchased or made to order here.
TT) The Toad’s Toe:
Off the beaten path a long, almost ramshackle shop with a narrow front and dingy windows hides. The sign, which is in need of re-painting, depicts a craggly toad with one vastly over-sized toe sticking out from the rest. It is anybody’s guess as to what goes on within. It turns out to be a shop run by Rataunt DuBuisson, who deals in all manner of concoctions as well as spells and other objects of a magical or mysterious nature...
WH) The Warehouse:
An old storage barn converted into a seedy bar. Known for gambling, frequent fights and illegal activities.
WR) The Wayfarer’s Rest:
A two-story Inn of moderate size for the city stands on the southwest corner of ‘The Loop’ where it crosses the south-road out of town. A large suite forms the corner of the second floor, windowed on both sides to provide a no-doubt breathtaking view of the city. Prices are reasonable and the rooms are clean and slightly more spacious than others in town. It is owned and run by Guilliam Sartre.
As with most inns in town, there is almost always musical entertainment of some kind. Rooms are usually booked-up on the weekends due to the festivals at the Amphitheater.