Chazdatal
Known as the Poison City and the Blood Temple, Chazdatal is a place of myth in the Farther West, where it is called the birthplace of vampires, of low magic, of dragons, and of various other unknown evils. It is one of the deepest places in the Farther West, and all that is known of it comes from the writings and boastings of adventurers.
The Chazi are believed to worship Winter, which they call the Great Healer, the Gatherer, and the Good Death. Living near the Miasma means the Chazi are sometimes subject to its noxious airs (though not as often nor as regularly as the south). As such, they worship the cold weather that kills these ailments.
Pilgrims have claimed the Chazi have a caste society, wherein everyone is considered a slave of the Shandat, who rules the area. Even the Shandat's children are considered their slaves. Upon each Shandat's death, a great ritual is performed wherein the priests ask the Dead Ones to name a new Shandat. Supposedly, the city is a lawless orgy of death and depravity during this brief period until a new Shandat is named.
These same pilgrims claim the Chazi drink each other's blood as a part of ritualized submission. Those of higher rank drink the blood of those one step beneath them, who must offer up their blood upon request. Those of higher rank may also offer their blood to their inferiors on special occasion, as a reward. This is believed to elevate the souls of the inferior, however briefly.
Chazdatal is home to numerous manses, each holding great families. Upon the death of a family's leader, or Datsalan, their body is ritualistically devoured by the household: the hands and feet are given to the lowest servants, the limbs to trusted retainers, the torso to immediate family, the heart and genitals to the most beloved consort, and the head and brain to the one who wishes to take over the family, usually the second-highest member of the family, called a Shurzin. If a Shurzin devours the brain and survives, they are deemed worthy. If unworthy for any reason, the dead Datsalan's memories will drive the Shurzin mad. When this happens, the household must agree on a new Datsalan quickly, lest their manse and household be invaded and taken over by another family.
The Chazi are a fairly reclusive people, but they are master potioners due to their proximity to the various creatures and curses of the Miasma. Because of this, scholars and healers will sometimes seek them out to learn their secrets, and the rare Chazi that leaves the city can quickly rise high with their knowledge.
Alternative Name(s)
The Poison City, the Blood Temple
Type
City
Inhabitant Demonym
Chazi
Location under