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==The Far West Major Cities== | ==The Far West Major Cities== | ||
===Paärthalaär=== | ===Paärthalaär=== | ||
Paärthalaär is an ancient city, though it was only established as the Dread Empire's capital after the first one, Salavaän, was obliterated by the first Fire-scar launched by the Suvial Altalar in 197 AC. Since | Paärthalaär is an ancient city, though it was only established as the Dread Empire's capital after the first one, Salavaän, was obliterated by the first Fire-scar launched by the Suvial Altalar in 197 AC. Since then, this capital of the Kathar people has grown into a sprawling, equal parts grotesque, and gorgeous expression of their ideals. Sitting at the very top of the site is the Grand Palace, a massive facility where the Empress, her Champion, and the 14 Khaahls routinely hold their meetings and carry out their many political schemes surrounded by allies, enemies, and the unrelated. Surrounding this place are numerous districts, from the Metal Quarter with its smiths and forges of unique and often ornate armor to the Pleasure Palace, a vast series of pleasure centers located against the city’s northern wall with warm water common there due to local hot springs. Beyond the city walls are the broader settlements, divided into the Western, Southern, and Waterborne Enclaves. The Western Enclave is mostly made up of [[Wolond]] and [[Wyldwarped Kathar]], living within a single patch of jungle that has survived around the fringes of Paärthalaär. Beastmarkets exist there, with the selling and breeding of both exotic and everyday animals for sacrifice, domestic purposes, and meat. The Southern Enclave, meanwhile, is dominated by [[Shenath]] and is almost a carbon copy of their existence out on the Kathar Steppes, with their unique tents known as Jarak’nga, plenty of [[Myakgërus]] moving about, and plenty of pits for [[The Brawl of Ultharanc]] also dotted throughout the subdivision. The Waterborne Enclave is the shantytown of some of the poorest in the city’s society built out and around the city’s extensive harbor. Murder is rampant here, and so-called Dock Kings rise up every few years to exert total control over the expanse of floating homes, businesses, and crude wharves. These Kings are perhaps the most powerful any Kathar can hope to be in the Enclave. Most are immediately snatched up by politically powerful Kathar in the capital for use as advisors or warriors. All and all, the city is said to be twice the size and population of the City of Regalia, making it home to some two million people. | ||
===Sallatar=== | ===Sallatar=== | ||
Sallatar was formerly a minor city near the western coastline of Shi Lakarta, the middle island in the Shi Island Group that makes up Avela Shivalika. However, after the devastation unleashed by the Kathar, the Avelas promptly came together and appointed it their capital. Since that time, the city has greatly expanded to accommodate the administration requirements and is often packed with people. The city has unique planning given that it is an inland city, though with access to the sea through the nearby Salla River that cuts through the far southern corner of the settlement. It is here that the city has its meager port facilities, mostly made to serve fishermen and small-scale trade, as the vast majority of trade comes in via land. Next to the river, though, is the Salla Estuary, a region only partly within the city’s boundaries and home to scant housing as such. The city’s boundaries are determined by no zoning or government, but instead the unique purple shield produced by the ancient Dragon Temple at the city's heart. Heavily guarded by many of the best mages and fighters in Sallatar, the Temple has existed for centuries though some wonder if the shield’s existence is more recent in what is likely a millennia-old history. The steps leading up to it are decorated with thousands of offerings and other gifts, thanking its power. Proceeding straight on from the Temple is the central lane, which in turn leads right to the Moon-Fire Door, the largest and most impressive entry point into the city (with several others scattered around the edges of the shield’s border). Made of rose-quartz and located at the northern edge of the shield, it is ornately carved. It is said to have unique, strange inscriptions written into an ancient, almost mythical scenery showing Dragons, Nasha, Altalar, and other fantastic imagery. The Door is the only way for Exist-affiliated people to enter or exit Sallatar. The city’s markets are closely connected to the central lane, with the rest of the city dominated by housing. The western corner of the city holds the Avelan Palace, the location of most Avelas political representatives, their administration, and the military planning offices. Finally, the city is ringed by a high, pale yellow sandstone wall that seamlessly connects to the often highly decorative doorways into the capital, though the wall is set back from the shield’s edge so that the defenders are protected themselves. | Sallatar was formerly a minor city near the western coastline of Shi Lakarta, the middle island in the Shi Island Group that makes up Avela Shivalika. However, after the devastation unleashed by the Kathar, the Avelas promptly came together and appointed it their capital. Since that time, the city has greatly expanded to accommodate the administration requirements and is often packed with people. The city has unique planning given that it is an inland city, though with access to the sea through the nearby Salla River that cuts through the far southern corner of the settlement. It is here that the city has its meager port facilities, mostly made to serve fishermen and small-scale trade, as the vast majority of trade comes in via land. Next to the river, though, is the Salla Estuary, a region only partly within the city’s boundaries and home to scant housing as such. The city’s boundaries are determined by no zoning or government, but instead the unique purple shield produced by the ancient Dragon Temple at the city's heart. Heavily guarded by many of the best mages and fighters in Sallatar, the Temple has existed for centuries though some wonder if the shield’s existence is more recent in what is likely a millennia-old history. The steps leading up to it are decorated with thousands of offerings and other gifts, thanking its power. Proceeding straight on from the Temple is the central lane, which in turn leads right to the Moon-Fire Door, the largest and most impressive entry point into the city (with several others scattered around the edges of the shield’s border). Made of rose-quartz and located at the northern edge of the shield, it is ornately carved. It is said to have unique, strange inscriptions written into an ancient, almost mythical scenery showing Dragons, Nasha, Altalar, and other fantastic imagery. The Door is the only way for Exist-affiliated people to enter or exit Sallatar. The city’s markets are closely connected to the central lane, with the rest of the city dominated by housing. The western corner of the city holds the Avelan Palace, the location of most Avelas political representatives, their administration, and the military planning offices. Finally, the city is ringed by a high, pale yellow sandstone wall that seamlessly connects to the often highly decorative doorways into the capital, though the wall is set back from the shield’s edge so that the defenders are protected themselves. | ||