Munzig is a walled city on the southern slope of the Black Mountains in the Border Princes. Although it lies on the south side of Black Fire Pass, The Empire claims the town to be under its sovereignty. However, the population vehemently reject this claim, and the Imperial government seems to exercise little authority over it.[1] Instead, it is ruled as a simple dictatorship by Graf von Erhard. It is allied with a few other settlements as part of the Northern Borders.[2a]
It is a commercial city, of wooden houses with gabled roofs and is surrounded by high walls. It is located on the Durich River, and constitutes a stage for travelers who ascend through the forests to the Black Fire Pass.[3]
For a Border Princes settlement, Munzig is relatively prosperous. Commerce is its source of life. The city is ruled by a prince, alongside a ruling class made up of the most prosperous merchants. The prince's palace stands tall and proud on a promontory of rock that overlooks the city, with a good view over the Durich River and the trail. that ascend towards Black Fire Pass.[3]
There is a legend that tells of how the settlers that founded Munzig were protected by Elves of the forest who had gathered their troops to expel foreign threats and ensure it was safe territory. It was said that they lived in the beautiful tower of Tor Anrok, that only appeared with the full moon and that could never be found by humans. The truth is that the Elves actually signed a pact with the first settlers, and for centuries they protected humans and acceded to their requests for help. However, with the passage of time, the Elves gradually disappeared, and it seems that there are none are left in the forests with the exception of Gilead Lothain and his loyal friend Fithvael.[3]
Trivia[]
- During the events of Gilead's Blood, the ruler of Munzig is said to be Prince Horgan.