Alcazar of Ashes
Capital: The Alcazar of Ashes
The grand palace of the Pasha is a vast complex of burnished bronze and dark marble built at the foot of the Fangs of Argarak. The Alcazar is built at a scale meant to be awe inspiring even for giants, and its immense size is a testament to the influence of its ruler. Multiple wings with a hundred different rooms spread out from the central throne room. Rooms for guests, massive boudoirs, libraries of tales from across the planes, and giant-sized dining-rooms all exist as part of the Alcazar. Some of the outer wings extend into Fernia itself, merging with the halls of different efreet, ensuring that they were always welcome in the titan’s famous parties.
Centuries of extravagant gifts decorate the palace, with entire wings built simply to show off their value. The most common, perhaps, are portraits of the Pasha herself. Cindersilk vestments and scarves of pure fire from the Pasha’s wardrobes, jewelry crafted from the finest Fernian rubies, and crowns of metals; countless treasures unknown to Khorvaire may all lie within. The diplomatic efforts of the Haven Crown mean that items from every nation in Xen’drik can also be found displayed in her collection. Over time, many of these gifts have faded in brilliance; yet more have been looted by enterprising giants or drow thieves. Of course, the majority lie in a single massive chamber, piled lovingly by centuries of dragons - the guardian line of the Gold Watchers.
Shining Watch. The gold dragons of Argonnessen are appointed to watch over central Xen’drik as custodians of its two Overlords, and arbiters of its giants. Immune to fire as they are, the Watchers face little threat from the region’s drow and fire giants, nor from the fiery minions of the Infernal Desire. Traditionally, such dragons are Lightkeepers of Dol Arrah, and devout in their faith. The fading luster of becoming a Watcher in Xen’drik has loosened the restrictions. The current holder of the post, the ancient gold dragon Strasteliatar, is a true believer in her duties.
Her greatest fear is that her age is catching up to her, and that her replacement will not hold the same rigor as she. The powerful dragon is served by a clan of half-dragon drow blessed with draconic features as a gift. The Luster Blades act as agents of Strasteliatar, holding duties ranging from guarding the Alcazar of Ashes, to spying on the Valley of Shadows and Dread Lake, to carrying missives to nearby cities. Their gold scales mark them as heralds immediately, granting them a state of respect and wonder among others. Strasteliatar is eminently reasonable compared to the other Watchers; a party with news on the actions of the Overlords can find a powerful ally in her, but they will need convincing proof.