At a Glance
An adventurer, and a former companion of Andura, who recently settled down in Scornubel to operate The Serpent’s Tooth, so he makes irregular appearances in that city.
Source
- Dungeon Magazine #19: The Serpent’s Tooth, page 22
An adventurer, and a former companion of Andura, who recently settled down in Scornubel to operate The Serpent’s Tooth, so he makes irregular appearances in that city.
An adventurer from Waterdeep. Due to a price on his head (3000 gp alive, half that if dead) he stays away from the City of Splendors and often keeps his face covered.
He is a former companion of Andura, who recently settled down in Scornubel to operate The Serpent’s Tooth, so he makes irregular appearances in that city.
A tavern on the docks in Scornubel. It’s owned by Andura, a former adventurer. The tavern has a nasty reputation, even among dockside taverns.
A prominent north-south street in Scornubel, beginning in the center of town and ending at the fish market and the ferrydock.
This information is intended for use with the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
A merchant of Waterdeep, loosely associated with the Six Coffers Market Priakos. He has been known to hire assassins, including Hardrim.
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This information is intended for use with the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
A freelance assassin known (at least) around the Sword Coast region. He uses the name of Argent when operating in Scornubel.
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Background: I was reading an old adventure (specifically The Serpent’s Tooth in Dungeon #19) and I saw a suggested weight of 800 lbs for a barrel of beer. The dimensions of the barrel were given as 2 ft diameter and 4 ft height. I’m not a beer drinker, and I’ve never tried to lift a barrel of beer, but that seemed kinda excessively heavy, and maybe also too-conveniently rounded off, so I was curious about the accuracy. Naturally, I poked around the net for some numbers.
Beer is given by http://www.simetric.co.uk/si_liquids.htm as approximately 1010 kg per cubic meter. Multiplied by 0.0624 equals about 63 lbs per cubic foot. This is just slightly more than pure water.
According to http://www.crafty-owl.com/cooperage.htm, an empty barrel typically weighs 125 to 140 lbs. From Woodweb we can eventually approximate the weight of white oak at 47 lbs per cubic foot (760 kg per cubic meter) at a completely arbitrary 20% moisture content. It’s arbitrary because I can’t find any information on the moisture content of the wood typically used in making barrels. I am sure, however, that white oak is the right choice of wood, and I’ll trust Professor Wengert’s numbers.
Dividing the 125-140 lb barrel weight by 47 lbs per cubic foot, we get a range of 2.6 to 3 cubic feet of wood used in the construction of a barrel… 130 lbs means about 2.75 cubic feet of wood; those are nice round numbers. This is not completely accurate because that weight includes some metal bands used to hold the barrel together, but I don’t have separate numbers for the weight of these bands so this assumes the whole thing is made of wood.
A quick look at Tonnellerie Damy Père & Fils gives the dimensions of a smart-looking 300-liter barrel as approximately 41 inches tall and 31 inches in diameter, with a 25-inch head. It’s not the 4-foot tall, 2-foot across barrel from the description I read, but it does have a weight of 58 kg, which is quite close to the 130 lb average barrel size I arrived at above… which means that a very similar amount of wood is used in its construction, which in turn implies that the internal volume of these barrels should be close. Assuming that the arbitrary 20% moisture content is at least fairly accurate.
So basically, 300 liters of beer is what we’re looking at.
Using http://www.onlineconversion.com/volume.htm, we can convert directly from liters to cubic feet; 300 liters is about 10.6 cubic feet. Plugging in the weight of 63 lbs per cubic foot from above, that volume of beer weighs just about exactly 668 lbs. Plus the 130 lb barrel weight, and we have a total of… um, 798 lbs.
That was anti-climactic. Suddenly 800 lbs looks like a pretty fair estimate.
Side note: another section of the conversion site, http://www.onlineconversion.com/object_volume_barrel.htm, suggests a formula for calculating the volume of a barrel: h * Pi * (2*r1^2 + r2^2) / 3, where r1 is the diameter of the middle of the barrel and r2 is the diameter of the top of the barrel. However, we would need to know the internal measurements of the barrel in order to make use of this, and what we have is the external measurements, so it’s just a neat formula.
Using the numbers from Tonnellerie Damy here’s a quick list of barrel sizes and weights, in American units.
| liters | gallons | diam(in) | ht(in) | empty (lb) | full (lb) |
| 225 | 59 | 28 | 37 | 99 | 600 |
| 228 | 60 | 28 | 35 | 99 | 607 |
| 265 | 70 | 28 | 37 | 99 | 689 |
| 300 | 79 | 31 | 41 | 128 | 796 |
| 350 | 92 | 33 | 41 | 154 | 933 |
| 400 | 106 | 33 | 42 | 185 | 1076 |
| 500 | 132 | 32 | 43 | 198 | 1311 |
| 600 | 159 | 41 | 44 | 220 | 1556 |
| 700 | 185 | 41 | 45 | 243 | 1802 |
This information is intended for use with the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
Scornubel, also called the Caravan City, is an independent city-state north of Berdusk and east of Elturel, where the River Reaching joins the River Chionthar. Scornubel is the southern terminus of the Trade Way, although trade continues south on other roads.
On its path to becoming a city, Scornubel absorbed the community of Zirta.
Citizens of Scornubel are referred to as Scornubian or Scornubrian.
Thayan diplomats have established a Thayan Enclave here.
Lady Rhessajan rules the city, aided by the three Lord High Advisors Burdan Hlathiman, Deep Ulurnan, and Phantar Naelannon.
In addition to the named NPCs below, various organizations are active in Scornubel including the Zhentarim, the Cult of the Dragon, and the long list of merchant companies who do business here.
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This information is intended for use with the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
The Pharaoh is the highest authority in Mulhorand, outside of direct divine intervention. He is said to be an incarnation of the God-King Horus-Re, and within Mulhorand all mortals are subject to his will… just as the God-Kings are subject to Horus-Re.
In practice, however, the Pharaoh seems to rule with a light hand. He delegates many tasks to the Vizier, who acts in his name and wields essentially equal authority.
In 1155 MC (-981 DR), the dust was still settling from the Orcgate Wars. Re had apparently been defeated by Gruumsh, and Horus–Re had taken leadership of Mulhorand and the God-Kings. Nut, Shu, and Tefnut had vanished. Osiris had been slain by Set, and quickly resurrected before word escaped the City of the Gods. Anubis and Set were banished from the empires. In the face of this chaos and turmoil, Mulhorand’s God-Kings had to count themselves lucky, considering that the Untheric pantheon was decimated; twelve out of their eighteen deities were missing after the war.
Among mortals, the casualties were in the tens of thousands. The province of Thazarim, once a thriving land of farms and marketplaces supplying Mulhorand’s northern province, was so blasted by boots and spells that the earth itself wailed and the sound drove men to madness. It was a time of immense physical and social upheaval in Mulhorand and Unther. Most disturbingly in the God-Kings’ eyes, it appeared that the source of that unrest could be traced back to Anubis. If the citizens of the new empires ever came to believe that their gods were to blame for so much suffering, who would they turn to? What vengeance would Unther demand for the damage wrought in their pantheon by the hand of Mulhorand? What cost would that war have, given the open wounds already suffered by both countries? Even assuming that peace could be found, what power and what purpose would be left for the remaining God–Kings?
The Mulhorandi pantheon had conferred for some 80 years, and it was ultimately decided that they would withdraw further from interactions with mortals, allowing their followers to govern themselves… at least until such time as humans tired of shouldering the weight of rulership and asked the God–Kings to resume direct control. The God–Kings would be guides and defenders, working always for the eternal glory of Mulhorand… but refraining from openly directing the lives of their fragile subjects. Governing Mulhorand would be the task of a chosen priest, who would appoint trusted officials and delegate duties as he saw fit. That priest would be known as the Pharaoh, and he would bring the wisdom of the God-Kings to the citizens of Mulhorand.
Pharaoh Horustep III is the twenty–second Pharaoh of Mulhorand. He first sat on the golden throne in 3492 MC (1357 DR) at the age of 11 years, as the sun came over the horizon on the morning after his father, Pharaoh Akonhorus II, was assassinated. The Cult of Set, it is believed, infiltrated the imperial palace seeking to slay both the Pharaoh and his heir. Horustep’s life was saved by the quick thinking and selfless devotion of a young palace slave, a fact which grounds the Pharaoh and brings his mind frequently to the needs of his humblest subjects.
Horustep’s youth makes him a target for many individuals and groups who seek to influence events in the South, including the Red Wizards and the Harpers. Fortunately for Mulhorand, the wisdom of Horus–Re influences the Pharaoh more than the honeyed words of well–meaning but corruptible court advisors. No doubt the Pharaoh’s appreciation for the gravity of his destiny owes something to the fact that Hapkhered himself, the manifestation of Horus–Re, steeled the young Pharaoh’s confidence through his lengthy coronation.
The Pharaoh is known, within the palace, to quietly avoid his imperial advisors, and some say the empire is suffering for it. He has granted individual audiences to the Hierarchs of Horus–Re and the other god–kings, the Precepts of Mulhorand’s cities, and even several Councilors, but he said nothing to any of them; he simply listened attentively and then dismissed them without judgement. Typically, a new Pharaoh makes several new edicts within his first year on the throne… and overturns at least one existing law just because he can. This one instance of impulsive bluster is expected, particularly from young Pharaohs. However, the so–called “Boy King” has neither confirmed nor overturned any of his father’s edicts; in fact, in eight years he has not been heard to utter a single word of approval or dislike for anything at all.
The mutual antipathy between the Pharaoh and Vizier Rezim needs no words to find expression, however. The Vizier is visibly annoyed when in the Pharaoh’s company, deriding the youth’s apparent inability to utter a yes or no on even the most insignificant decisions. For his part, the Pharaoh meets with the Vizier only reluctantly, and dismisses him at the earliest opportunity. He watches and listens when Rezim speaks, but does not invite his counsel. Nobody who values their career (or their life) teases the Vizier about his appearance, or anything else, but many in the palace suspect that the Pharaoh simply finds the aging Vizier intimidating.
The truth, of this matter and others, awaits…
Ahkahre becomes Pharaoh in 1155 (–981 DR) and rules until 1235. The reign of Pharaoh Ahkahre is peaceful and productive. Freed of mortal politics, the God–Kings focus on rebuilding Mulhorand after the devastating Orcgate Wars. Delhumide and several smaller communities of Mulhorand are restored during the eight decades of the first Pharaoh’s rule. Ahkahre’s most controversial decision is his appointment of the first Vizier of Mulhorand in 1217. The period from the ascension of Ahkahre until the death of Arehorus I in 1868 is now known as the First Dynasty.
Nehkahre becomes Pharaoh in 1235 (–901 DR) and rules until 1388, succeeding Ahkahre whose reign began in 1155. Pampered and pompous, this grandson of Ahkahre wastes Mulhorand’s resources in self–glorification and allows Narfell and Raumathar to usurp the northern colonies. Nehkahre’s 153–year reign is characterized by cruelty, corruption, and nepotism, and it helps bring about the end of the First Empire of Mulhorand.
Urukahremun becomes Pharaoh in 1388 (–748 DR) and rules until 1409, succeeding Nehkahre whose reign began in 1235. Nehkahre’s heir never gets a chance to rise above his heritage. He is assassinated by wizards determined that Mulhorand should not suffer another reign of gluttony.
Ashokotep becomes Pharaoh in 1409 (–727 DR) and rules until 1484, succeeding Urukahremun whose reign began in 1388. The only son of Urukahremun becomes an exceedingly powerful priest of Horus–Re, but fear of the wizards who slew his father drives him insane and renders him an incompetent ruler. Among other less remarkable things, Ashokotep’s visions result in the founding of Semkhrun. The 75 years of Ashokotep’s reign is a time of nervous xenophobia. So great is his anxiety that it lays the foundation for the paranoia which still pervades the palace of the Pharaoh more than 2000 years later.
Kahrehorus becomes Pharaoh in 1484 (–652 DR) and rules until 1690, succeeding Ashokotep whose reign began in 1409. He avoids drastic changes and heavy–handed edicts, and focuses on Mulhorand’s economic and social recovery from 250 years of ineffective rulership. He is remembered as fair, sympathetic to the people, and unimpressed by the blustering of the priesthoods.
Kurudhetep becomes Pharaoh in 1690 (–446 DR) and rules until 1753, succeeding Kahrehorus whose reign began in 1484. He is old when he becomes Pharaoh and while he lacks his predecessor’s dynamic power, he nevertheless succeeds in cementing the improvements that have been made over the last 200 years.
Arehorus I becomes Pharaoh in 1753 (–383 DR) and rules until 1868, succeeding Kurudhetep whose reign began in 1690. The last of his line, Arehorus dies without heirs. So ends the First Dynasty, after 713 years of triumphs and foibles.
Mephrehorus is appointed Pharaoh in 1868 (–268 DR) and rules until 2038, succeeding Arehorus I whose reign began in 1753. Mephrehorus accurately foresees the fall of Narfell and Raumathar, and prepares Mulhorand to enter what will later be known as the Second Empire. The 170 years of his reign are a time of confidence, power, and happiness. The period from the ascension of Mephrehorus until the death of Horuseres I in 2802 is now known as the Second Dynasty.
Horustep I becomes Pharaoh in 2038 (–98 DR) and rules until 2378, succeeding Mephrehorus whose reign began in 1868. Horustep I overcomes widespread anti–mulan sentiment throughout the South and achieves mutual goodwill with many neighboring nations, a considerable feat. He has the dual honors of the longest reign of any Pharaoh and the longest lifespan of any incarnation of Horus–Re, to date.
Arehorus II becomes Pharaoh in 2378 (243 DR) and rules until 2512, succeeding Horustep I whose reign began in 2038.
Ramenhorus I becomes Pharaoh in 2512 (377 DR) and rules until 2554, succeeding Arehorus II whose reign began in 2378.
Ramenhorus II becomes Pharaoh in 2554 (419 DR) and rules until 2640, succeeding Ramenhorus I whose reign began in 2512.
Ramenhorus III becomes Pharaoh in 2640 (505 DR) and rules until 2778, succeeding Ramenhorus II whose reign began in 2554.
Horuseres I becomes Pharaoh in 2778 (643 DR) and rules until 2802, succeeding Ramenhorus III whose reign began in 2640. He is assassinated before naming an heir. So ends the Second Dynasty, after 935 years of prosperity.
Horuseres II is appointed Pharaoh in 2802 (667 DR) and rules until 2988, succeeding Horuseres I whose reign began in 2778. He chose his name to maintain some continuity with the golden age of the Second Dynasty. His legacy is the most magnificent tomb in the Great Vale, which is still guarded at all times by an army of divine minions. The period from the ascension of Horuseres II until the death of Akonhorus I in 3130 is now known as the Third Dynasty.
Horustep II becomes Pharaoh in 2988 (853 DR) and rules until 3031, succeeding Horuseres II whose reign began in 2802. He is driven insane by the infusion of divine power and responsibility upon the death of his predecessor. The church of Horus–Re quickly responds by engaging in its most aggressive publicity campaigns to date, supported by the rest of the churches in the pantheon, in an attempt to minimize the negative impact of the violence and debauchery enjoyed by this self–seeking young man — skills which the priesthoods have been perfecting ever since. Horustep II holds the onus of being the only Pharaoh deposed by the direct will of Horus–Re.
Akonhorus I becomes Pharaoh in 3031 (896 DR) and rules until 3130, succeeding Horustep II whose reign began in 2988. He makes no significant political decisions, and he is eventually assassinated. The wastrel son and heir of Horustep II, Akonhorus I is remembered as the Pharaoh who “allowed” the wizards of Mulhorand and Unther to rebel and establish the modern nation of Thay. The confidence of the people of Mulhorand in the priesthoods’ ability to administrate and protect the nation hits an all–time low during this period, fueled in part by persistent rumors that this Pharaoh and his predecessor are not as benevolent or competent as the churches would have everyone believe. The church of Horus–Re is thoroughly corrupt by this time and has a penchant for bribery, extortion, embezzlement, and darker deeds. Akonhorus I is assassinated, and no serious investigation is ever conducted. So ends the Third Dynasty, after a mere 328 years of lackadaisical leadership. The costly Battle of Thazalhar and subsequent rise of Thay also mark the end of the Second Empire.
Karathoth is appointed Pharaoh in 3130 (995 DR) and rules until 3168, succeeding Akonhorus I whose reign began in 3031. Following the assassination of Akonhorus I, all incarnations of Horus–Re are dead or incapacitated and Horus–Re chooses to allow the incarnation of Thoth to rule in his stead rather than retaking the throne personally. This is the first and only time since the abdication of Re himself that a deity other than Horus–Re has held the reins of Mulhorand. During his brief tenure on the throne, Pharaoh Karathoth makes no politically important decisions despite continuing pressure from the churches and the common folk who want the God-Kings to destroy the Red Wizards and reconquer Thay. He calmly informs the priesthoods that the God–Kings do not wish Mulhorand to wage war at the present time and so it will not be done. Seemingly immune to the demands and cajolings of the well–practiced priests, Karathoth spends much of his time bolstering the defenses of the imperial palace and creating unique spells and magical items designed to protect the Pharaoh from assassination attempts. When Rehorusteb I is prepared to be crowned Pharaoh, Karathoth readily steps aside. The unique circumstances make him the first Pharaoh to survive beyond his reign. The period of Karathoth’s rule is now sometimes called the Regency of Thoth.
Rehorusteb I is crowned Pharaoh in 3168 (1033 DR) and rules until 3383, succeeding Karathoth whose reign began in 3130. He is the first Pharaoh to grant an audience to a visiting dignitary of another country; he is often cursed for ushering in an age in which foreigners regularly traipse around Mulhorand. His policies generally make him popular with the common folk of Mulhorand, but not with the Church of Horus–Re. He is remembered for improving trade relations with Sembia, Impiltur, and other nation–states of the Inner Sea. Several assassination attempts are thwarted by the various magical and mundane measures put in place by Karathoth. The current era in Mulhorand’s history, commencing with the ascension of Rehorusteb I and extending to the present day, is known as the Fourth Dynasty.
Rehorusteb II becomes Pharaoh in 3383 (1248 DR) and rules until 3455, succeeding Rehorusteb I whose reign began in 3168. Slow to respond to the threat of Thayvian invasion in 3415, he nearly allows northern Mulhorand to be conquered by Thay. He salvages his public image, with the significant assistance of Vizier Rezim, by blaming the Church of Anhur. Supported by the goodwill of the Vizier, Rehorusteb II is still portrayed by the Church of Horus–Re as one of the greatest Pharaohs in the history of Mulhorand.
Akonhorus II becomes Pharaoh in 3455 (1320 DR) and rules until 3492, succeeding Rehorusteb II whose reign began in 3383. He is notable for achieving mutual goodwill with Aglarond, through an alliance with The Simbul as well as favorable trade agreements. Unfortunately, his administration is also infamous for “allowing” Halruan mages to decipher Mulhorandi magical scripts, making it possible (though still very difficult) for the rest of the Realms to learn Mulhorandi magic. After ruling for 37 peaceful years, he is assassinated, and the deed is blamed on the Cult of Set. Rumors suggest, very quietly, that the cult had help infiltrating the palace and bypassing many wards; help that only one such as the Vizier could have provided.
Horustep III becomes Pharaoh in 3492 (1357 DR), succeeding Akonhorus II whose reign began in 3455. His father named him, in the hope that he would bring honor and dignity back to the name of Horustep. So far, it’s difficult to tell whether Akonhorus II’s wishes are being realized.
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