Otavai

Otavai is the capital and largest city of Bhanar in Southern Magnamund. It was the centre of power of Autarch Sejanoz during his multi-millennia reign.

Geography

Otavai lies on the coast of Bhanar, overlooking a bay in the Chai Sea, where it meets the River Tehda.

History

Otavai was the seat of power of Autarch Sejanoz after Bhanar gained independence from the Vaduzhan Empire. He was its Autarch for nearly three millennia, until he was slain by |Lone Wolf in MS 5085, during the events of The Hunger of Sejanoz. After his death, his wife, Balerodah took his title. However, Chai, who had been invaded by Bhanar, undertook a counterattack, looting and massacring the city of Yua Tzhan. Chai installed a puppet, Overseer Klutan, on the throne of Bhanar.

In MS 5088, King Kardisa of Vaduzhan, whose dream was to recreate the Vaduzhan Empire, invaded Bhanar. Chai opted not to contest his claims, and both Bhanar and Otavai fell with limited resistance, with Balerodah surrendering immediately. This allowed her to retain her title, forces and governorship of the city. Reportedly, Balerodah hosted feasts while Kardisa invaded. She may have retained power due to her ability to ensnare audiences with a powerful mind-charm.

In MS 5103, during the events of The Dusk of Eternal Night, depending on the actions of the player, Grand Master may enter Otavai to infiltrate the Golden Pagoda, Sejanoz's inner sanctum. Their goal was to gather information about the nature of the Gate of Doom that Sejanoz once opened to communicate with Agarash the Damned in the Pit of Eternal Pain.

Appearance

Otavai is protected by giant battlements covered in Agarashi statues. They formerly housed steam cannons, which were taken off after Sejanoz's fall and Bhanar's capitulation to Vaduzhan. The battlements offer only one entrance, a giant arch shaped like a tiger's maw. Drydocks litter the coastline, once full of warships made from the forests of the Kelderwood Forest, but now lie derelict and damaged.

Inside Otavai, the city's inequality is stark. In the harbour, slums are overshadowed by massive temples and luxurious manors made of black stone, which in turn are overshadowed by the Imperial Palace — a glittering golden palace, with golden spires and tall towers. Within the Imperial Palace lies the Golden Pagoda, Autarch Sejanoz's inner sanctum.

Otavai's magnificent covered market sells the finest goods from across Magnamund. In addition to the standard clothes from the Mythenish nations, the finest clothes and silks from Cloeasia, Slovia, Firalond, Vassagonia and even as far as Kalte can be found here. Tianese jewels, Lencian silverware, Drodarin tools, countless books, musical instruments, food, alcohol, and potions can also be found here.

On Jaan Street, a hideout to the Watchers can be found. This is an abandoned shop, nailed shut, marked with red graffiti worded "traitors".

Many monuments to Sejanoz cover Otavai. The Avenue of the Defeated Kings is lined with statues of kings vanquished by Bhanar, kneeling in defeat. This avenue leads to the Imperial District, containing the wealthiest of Otavai. The Imperial Palace is located on Jadin Plaza, a huge green square of green jadin flagstones, with large barracks surrounding the Palace. The entrance is also decorated with Sejanoz' emblem, a tiger's maw.

Notable people

• Autarch Sejanoz, ruler of Bhanar
• Autarchess Balerodah, ruler of Bhanar
• Princess Larikis, "daughter" of Sejanoz and Balerodah (Larikis is actually a vampire)
• Mokitayo, a mysterious "trader" of an evil nature who desires to assassinate Larikis

In the gamebooks

Otavai may be visited in The Dusk of Eternal Night, should the player choose to investigate Sejanoz's Golden Pagoda to look for information about the Gate of Doom.