Kotor is another walled city that has an ancient history as far back as 168 B.C.
Kotor is a town in Coastal region of Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period, which gives it a distinctive appearance of a castle on the water.
Kotor is known for its large population of cats, which have become symbols of the city. Cats can be found everywhere in Kotor—lounging on ancient stone steps, prowling through the narrow streets, and even congregating in the city’s Cats' Square (Trg od mačaka). Kotor's population of cats makes for a suitable analogue to H.P. Lovecraft's city of Ulthar, where it is a crime to harm a cat. Perhaps cats are even worshipped in a fantasy version of the city.
There's a long history of magical talking heads, from brazen heads (which are automatons) to teraphim (reanimated heads). The head of St. Tryphon could be a powerful relic in your campaign, with divine properties that protect the city or its people. It could grant blessings, heal the sick, or even be used in rituals to ward off evil forces. However, such a potent artifact would also attract the attention of dark powers eager to possess it.
The island shrine could be a focal point of divine power in your campaign. The icon could be imbued with holy magic, offering protection or miracles to those who worship there. However, its power might also draw the attention of malevolent forces -- or perhaps it's a front for an aquatic Lovecraftian cult, like Dagon.
Kotor is a town in Coastal region of Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period, which gives it a distinctive appearance of a castle on the water.
An Ancient City
Kotor’s old city is encircled by ancient walls that rise steeply up the mountainside and were designed to protect the city from invaders. The walls stretch for over three miles and reach up to 60 feet high in some places. They are crowned by the fortress of St. John, which offers a breathtaking view of the bay. The climb to the fortress of St. John is not for the faint of heart. It was so hot when we visited that we were discouraged from even trying. Defenders and invaders both had to take that into account when defending or besieging the city.Kotor is known for its large population of cats, which have become symbols of the city. Cats can be found everywhere in Kotor—lounging on ancient stone steps, prowling through the narrow streets, and even congregating in the city’s Cats' Square (Trg od mačaka). Kotor's population of cats makes for a suitable analogue to H.P. Lovecraft's city of Ulthar, where it is a crime to harm a cat. Perhaps cats are even worshipped in a fantasy version of the city.
The Holy Head
The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of Kotor’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1166, it houses the relics of St. Tryphon, including his head, which is kept in a richly decorated reliquary. St. Tryphon is the city’s patron saint, and his relics have been a source of reverence and pilgrimage for centuries.There's a long history of magical talking heads, from brazen heads (which are automatons) to teraphim (reanimated heads). The head of St. Tryphon could be a powerful relic in your campaign, with divine properties that protect the city or its people. It could grant blessings, heal the sick, or even be used in rituals to ward off evil forces. However, such a potent artifact would also attract the attention of dark powers eager to possess it.
The Island Shrine
Near Kotor lies the small town of Perast, famous for the artificial island and shrine known as Our Lady of the Rocks. According to legend, the island was created by local seamen who, after finding an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the bay, began adding stones and sinking old ships to create an island for a church. The church, which still houses the icon, has been a place of devotion and legend for centuries.The island shrine could be a focal point of divine power in your campaign. The icon could be imbued with holy magic, offering protection or miracles to those who worship there. However, its power might also draw the attention of malevolent forces -- or perhaps it's a front for an aquatic Lovecraftian cult, like Dagon.
In Your Campaign
Kotor's diverse influences make it a magical place. The city’s walls, sacred relics, miraculous sites, and feline guardians offer a wealth of inspiration for epic adventures. Whether they’re defending the city from invaders, seeking the advice of a saint's head, uncovering the secrets of a miraculous island shrine, or following a cat to hidden mysteries, Kotor provides a backdrop that’s steeped in history and ripe for adventure. It also shares an acronym with the Star Wars video game series, Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR).Other Sources of Inspiration
As I travel on vacation I do my best to document the experience and how I might use it as inspiration for my games. Here's where I've been so far:- Appalachian Trail
- Bari
- Corfu
- Dubrovnik
- Edinburgh
- Venice
- Zakynthos
