The Quarter of Sable Waters
Despite its name, the Quarter of Sable Waters is a place where the desert’s dust clings to everything, and the sun bakes the stone streets beneath an endless sky. Located in the eastern quarter of Dum Ramil, it is the seat of governance, power, and hidden dealings. The heart of the city’s rule lies here, in a vast ziggurat, towering over all else, while just beyond its fortified walls, the people live and work beneath the shadow of their rulers. This is a quarter where law and crime walk hand in hand, where gold changes hands both openly and in whispered transactions, and where the thrill of the arena fuels the city's hunger for spectacle.
A Quarter of Power and Secrets
The Quarter of Sable Waters is a study in contrasts. Behind fortified walls, the ruling body of Dum Ramil governs from their towering ziggurat, while beyond the compound, thieves and merchants alike make their fortunes in the twisting streets. The airship docks rise above the sands, an elevated bridge connecting the city to the sky. Just beyond the city's eastern gates, the grand coliseum roars with the cheers of thousands, where warriors fight for glory, freedom, or survival. In the streets below, craftsmen work their forges, jewelers shape wealth into art, and those skilled in more arcane crafts ply their trade in shadows.
Notable Locations
The Ziggurat of the Iron Chain – A monumental ziggurat, nearly one kilometer per side, dominates the quarter. It is the seat of Dum Ramil’s government, where the Council of Dum Ramil rules, their decisions bound by the Iron Chain, an artifact said to prevent them from harming one another but ensuring their absolute authority. The entire structure is encased within fortified walls, its tiers lined with chambers for law, governance, and the unseen workings of the city’s power.
The Bathhouse of the Golden Mirage – Just west of the ziggurat, this sprawling bathhouse offers respite from the heat, a place where merchants, officials, and the wealthy come to cleanse themselves in cool, perfumed waters. Within its marble chambers, deals are struck, alliances are forged, and whispers drift through the steam like unseen hands guiding the city's fate.
The Smoldering Anvil – A renowned smithy, where master blacksmiths craft weapons and armor fit for the warriors of Dum Ramil. Some claim that the fires here have burned uninterrupted for centuries, their glow casting strange shadows upon the walls. If one seeks a blade that will never break, this is where they will find it.
The House of Many Facets – The finest jewelry house in Dum Ramil, where gold, silver, and gemstones are shaped into pieces fit for rulers. A place of artistry, wealth, and subtle power, where the right ring or necklace may hold as much influence as a well-placed dagger.
The Shadeborn Den – Hidden along the eastern wall, the thieves’ guild operates from within a maze of tunnels and concealed chambers. Here, the city’s underbelly thrives—black-market deals, stolen relics, and whispered contracts sealed with a shake of the hand or the slip of a blade. The Shadeborn rule these streets, and nothing moves in Dum Ramil’s shadows without their knowledge.
The Verdant Veil – A herbalist’s shop nestled in an overgrown courtyard, where rare plants from across the desert—and beyond—are cultivated. From simple remedies to potent poisons, the shop offers whatever one might seek, if they can pay the price.
The Runehammer Forge – More than a smithy, this is the domain of runesmiths, artisans who carve arcane inscriptions into metal, bone, and stone. Those who seek to infuse their weapons, armor, or tools with power come here, though few can afford the price of such craftsmanship.
The Arena of the Sun and Shadow – Built just outside the eastern wall, this coliseum is one of the greatest spectacles in Dum Ramil. The arena is accessible via a gated passage through the wall, allowing warriors and nobles direct entry. Here, gladiators, beasts, and warriors fight beneath the desert sun, their battles watched by thousands, their fates decided by the crowd and the Council.
The Airship Docks – Located southeast of the city, the docks rest on an elevated platform, accessible only by a fortified bridge that leads from the city walls. A place of trade, travel, and mystery, the airship docks serve merchants, diplomats, and those seeking passage across the vast desert—or beyond.
A Quarter of Ambition and Survival
The Quarter of Sable Waters is a place where power is solidified, fortunes are secured, and danger lurks beneath every transaction. Whether in the halls of governance, the depths of the Shadeborn’s tunnels, or the roaring coliseum, this is a district where one’s name can be etched into legend—or erased entirely.
"To rule Dum Ramil is to rule the desert. To walk the Quarter of Sable Waters is to walk among kings, thieves, and the dead alike. Choose your footing carefully."
Comments