View source for Tarth Moorda

[[File:TarthMoorda03.png|thumb|Cartography by [[Anna Meyer]]]]
'''Tarth Moorda''' is a former garrison in the [[Abbor-Alz]], built by the [[Duchy of Urnst]] and later repurposed as the headquarters of the [[Order  of the Fire Hawk]].

== Description == 
This is a triple-terraced fortress, with the Citadel and the Warmasters's Quarters residing on the uppermost step-layer at the southern end of the compound. There are two postern gates leading outside the 20ft curtain wall, and three towers along its northern length, near the main gate.

=== Features ===
The following are areas detailed within the walls of Tarth Moorda:{{csb|Tarth Moorda ''(2004)'' |3-10}}

First terrace:
* '''Entry'''—Road approaching from the north, hailing point, and main gate
* '''Towers'''—three 30'-tall round, crenellated defensive towers face the approach road
* '''Stables'''—
Middle terrace
* '''Students quarters'''—Armorer's shop, quarters, lobby/dayroom, supply, sleeping rooms
* '''Chapel'''—Sanctuary and cleric's chamber
* '''Dining hall'''—Cistern, pantry, refecotory, kitchen
* '''Warmaster's hall'''—Armory, hall of fame, classroom, library, Inner Circle chamber
Upper terrace
* '''Citadel'''—High Warmarster's quarters, study, bedchambers, audience chamber, 

== History ==
The fort originally served to defend against raids by the gnolls and nomads of the [[Bright Desert]]. It fell into disuse and later to ruin after adventurers drove away most of the neighboring foes.  In [[579 CY]],{{csb|CAr|12}} however, it was given to the [[Order of the Fire Hawk]], renovated, and converted into an academy for [[warmage]]s.

== Geography ==
The garrison itself is positioned atop a peak of the Abbor-Alz, along the edge of the border of the Duchy of Urnst, with the [[Bright Desert]].  Spread out atop the entire peak, various portions of the peak were leveled into tiers to lay the foundations of the academy. Each ledge or tier is approximately 30ft tall, with stairs proceeding 20ft forward to transit across the rise.  

== People ==
[[File:TarthMoorda02.png|750px|thumb|Warmages of the [[Order of the Fire Hawk]] at practice, ''Complete Arcane'', art by Ron Spencer]]
Tarth Moorda is owned by the [[Order of the Fire Hawk]], an order of warmages loyal to the Duchy of Urnst.{{csb|CAr|12}} The Fire Hawks adhere to a rigidly ordered hierarchy led by their High Warmaster, [[Sereda Ostarte]] (LN female [[human]] Warmage 15) . Six warmasters underneath her directly oversee the training of new initiates. They see the inhospitable desert climate of Tarth Moorda as advantageous in installing toughness in their students.

==Map==
<gallery>
File:TarthMoorda01.png|Tarth Moorda as depicted in ''[[Complete Arcane]]'' and ''Tarth Moorda'' web enhancement. Art by Todd Gamble
</gallery>

== References ==
=== Notes ===
<references group="note" />
=== Citations ===
<references />
=== Bibliography ===
*Baker, Richard. ''Complete Arcane''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2004.
*Williams, Penny.  ''Tarth Moorda'' web enhancement, Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, Nov 2004. [https://web.archive.org/web/20041130221430/http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20041119a Available Online]
{{index}}


[[Category:Settlements]]
[[Category:Fortifications]]
[[Category:Locations in the Duchy of Urnst]]