Description
Proskur is a trading city that used to harbour thieves’ guilds and at some point even the ominous Red Mages. It has now underwent a change to become a respectable place of just laws and honest trade, whose newfound national identity led to an aversion to foreign nations. While still recovering from the Red Mages’ actions, it has an active economy, thanks to its agricultural exports made possible by the comparably lush flora that grows in the area. It is populated mainly by Tabaxi.
Geography
The region surrounding Proskur is said to once have been an expansive desert, with only a few oases providing some shade and water. However, sometime around 840 DR, the region began to flourish, with rivers filling up, and flora and fauna alike growing substantially. It is around that time that Proskur was founded by settlers seeking to exploit the region’s newfound prosperity.
DM Note
The revitalization of the region is due to the founding of the Monastery of Eldath, more specifically the creation of the Tree of Enlightenment.
Proskur sits between the Sunset Mountains and the The Storm Horns, with a river flowing eastwards into the Lake of Dragons close to it. This provides the area with more than enough humidity to sustain its agricultural export.
Agriculture
Proskur’s main export is agriculture. The town farms Roouddan, known as the “red turnip of Proskur”, as well as the foul-smelling maxor plants, from which maxoris can be extracted, a white, powdery substance with properties similar to salt, useful for keeping meat and other foods from spoiling.
History
Proskur was founded in 846 DR, after the news of the revitalized region spread through the Sword Coast. It started as a bustling settlement, and enjoyed great prosperity thanks to the large amounts of plants that could be cultivated.
While the exact deeds of the Red Mages were lost to time, the hatred and wariness remains in the hearts of the remaining citizens. All that is known is that their acts in 1352 DR ravaged the towns economy and caused many to flee, leaving behind only a husk of the former Proskur.
Inhabitants
Proskur has always had a mostly Tabaxi population. Their biology allows them to live comfortably in the still arid region. They are also extremely distrustful of mages ever since the Red Mages wreaked havoc upon their town. This, combined with their general distrust of outsiders, made Proskur into a city that, while not unwelcoming, mostly keeps to itself.
Proskur is ruled by the council of Proskur, comprised entirely of former thieves’ guild members. This makes smuggling and thievery difficult to establish, as the now-honest council members are very familiar with such methods.
DM Note
Of the council of Proskur, only one currently remains, as the rest have left the city following ‘The Drying’. The only member left was the eldest, Golden Cloud. He did not want to leave the city without a leader, and his old age further cemented his decision.
Culture & Traditions
Due to their close-knit community, it is common amongst the Tabaxis of Proskur to call each by names associated with family. Younger folk will address each other as ‘Brother’ or ‘Sister’ as a sign of respect. Elders may address younger Tabaxi as ‘Son’ or ‘Daughter’ both as a sign of endearment, and to establish authority. Less familiar folk may opt to use more distant terms such as ‘Cousin’ or ‘Uncle’, to distinguish each other from close friends.
Points of Interest
Standing Stone Inn
A successfully-run inn, owned by Spots of a Leopard (Flecken eines Geparden), a middle-aged male Tabaxi.
House of the sword
An armorer’s shop run by the Harper agent Helmir Obersaer, a scruffy and mean dwarf.
Temple of Tempus
A holy house of the Lord of Battles overseen by Priest-Captain Stone In Water (Stein In Wasser) (Tall, loud tiger) and his six lesser clergy. Akadius’ friend is one of them, however currently captured.
Notable Events
The Drying
”Proskur’s prosperity at risk! In an event traders are referring to as ‘The Drying’, the trading city Proskur’s usually fertile lands and rivers have begun to dry up, crippling its already unsteady economy. It is still unknown why this is happening, or how long it will last.” Waterdeep News, Kythorn 10 1481 DR