Zaragoza
Type
Major City - Muslim-controlled taifa capital
Overview
Zaragoza is a significant city in 894 AD Iberia, ruled by the Emir of Zaragoza. It is now the site of the party's most infamous act: the public assassination of the Emir's nephew in his own fortress, witnessed by dozens and ending in fire.
The Fortress
Structure
- Palace/fortress complex serving as the Emir's seat
- Multiple defensive layers
- Connected to Underground Tunnels (Zaragoza) system beneath
- Grand rooms and guard quarters
- Now partially fire-damaged from the assassination
Security
Before the attack:
- Guard patrols throughout
- Checkpoint systems
- Likely strong until proven otherwise by party infiltration
After the attack:
- Heightened alert status
- Increased security measures
- Manhunt for assassins
- Investigation into tunnel access point
The Assassination
The Attack
The party's infamous raid:
- Infiltrated via abandoned tunnels
- Fought Alaric of Toulouse's bandits in the tunnels
- Attempted to bluff their way through (failed)
- Engaged fortress guards in combat
- Killed the Emir's nephew/prince
- Set building on fire
- Escaped despite dozens of witnesses
Consequences
- Dozens of witnesses saw the attack
- Fire damage to fortress/palace
- Political crisis from heir's death
- Massive manhunt for the assassins
- Regional instability from the brazen attack
The Tunnels
Access Point
- Abandoned underground system beneath fortress
- Once used by bandits as base/hideout
- Alaric of Toulouse's bandit group operated here
- Party eliminated bandits during infiltration
- Now likely sealed or heavily guarded after attack
Discovery
The tunnel system represented a critical security vulnerability that:
- Allowed infiltration of supposedly secure fortress
- Housed hostile forces unknown to Emir
- Provided escape route for assassins
- Must now be addressed by authorities
Current Situation
City State
- Under highest alert
- Searching for Norse assassins
- Fortress damaged but operational
- Political uncertainty from nephew's death
- Possible succession crisis
The Party's Status
- Wanted fugitives - dozens of witnesses
- Marked assassins - specific description available
- Likely injured - from fortress fighting
- Must avoid Zaragoza - certain capture/death if found
Regional Impact
- Tensions with neighboring taifas
- Christian-Muslim conflict potentially inflamed
- Questions about Emir's security and strength
- Other powers may see opportunity
Political Context
894 AD Iberia
- Fragmented into competing taifas (Muslim kingdoms)
- Ongoing Reconquista by Christian kingdoms
- Complex web of alliances and betrayals
- Foreign mercenaries and spies common (Jean-Luc, Alaric of Toulouse)
Zaragoza's Position
- Major taifa capital
- Strategic location
- Competing with neighbors like Valencia
- Vulnerable to both internal and external threats
Points of Interest
The Fortress/Palace
- Emir's residence and seat of power
- Site of nephew's assassination
- Partially fire-damaged
- Center of manhunt operations
The Underground System
- Former bandit hideout
- Infiltration route
- Now compromised and investigated
- May contain other secrets
The City
- Urban center with markets, neighborhoods
- Diverse population (Muslim, Jewish, Christian minorities)
- Center of trade and culture
- Now living under shadow of recent attack
Connections