Welcome to Khorum!

Our adventure begins in Khorum, one of the Zanscare Empire's most diverse cities.  Although it belongs to humankind's most prominent empire, it is located far from the capital on the very fringe of the Empire's territory.  In truth, nothing short of a hostile invasion is likely to elicit more than token aid from the Empire, and Khorum has become moderately self-governing.  It is run by a democratically-elected mayor, and protected by a militarized police force referred to as "the Militia."  Crime rates, especially those of violent crimes, are fairly low, and the occasional raids by outside forces are swiftly and efficiently defeated with minimal loss of life and property damage.  However, the Militia has no authority outside of Khorum, and will not police further than the handful of farms on Khorum's western outskirts.

One of Khorum's most interesting features is that the bulk of the city exists on a land bridge dividing the Madilim and Deora Seas.  There are ports at both the north and south ends of the city.  Between the seaports and it's location as the last Imperial city on the only land route to the East, Khorum is a major center of trade.  In fact, Khorum's economy is based mostly on importing goods from outside the Empire and exporting goods from other parts of the empire, with tourism a contributing factor.  Khorum doesn't produce much on its own, and what is produced locally is usually used locally.

Between traveling merchants and its frontier location, the population of Khorum is more tolerant and more diverse than many other Imperial cities.  Humans, halflings, elves, dwarves, gnomes, and even dragonborn, orcs, and goblins can be found within the city.  Some are simply passing through, others are looking for a place to make a living, honest or not, in a land where their deeds mean more than their heritage.

The land to the west of Khorum is some farmland that gives way to mostly grassy plains dotted with small forests.  It is warm to hot and dry in the summer, cool and rainy in the winter.  To the east, the grassland gives way to desert.

The city of Khorum itself has an unusual mix of climates due to it's location between seas, grassland, and desert.  It is very humid, leading to fog most mornings.  Summers are hot, with temperatures usually in the upper 70s and 80s, although temperatures over 100 can occur.  Precipitation isn't common during the summer months.  Spring and fall are more mild and occasionally rainy.  In the winter, temperatures are usually just above freezing and it's very rainy.  Dips below freezing are fairly common, especially after sunset, and the rain can turn to heavy snow.

Citizens of Khorum tend to be moderately educated.  Public education is provided that teaches history, reading, writing, and basic mathematics and sciences.  The wealthy may also employ private tutors or send children to a university.