Zaribar

The Sea of Splendor is known for its ships carrying varieties of exotic and expensive goods. Almost all of these ships are making their way either to or from Zaribar, the jewel of the Sea of Splendor. Of all the cities of Iskatel, more trade-goods flow through Zaribar than any other place. The city sits on the northern border of the Bahadur Desert, from which Hayim caravans enter bearing exotic Sikari and Burkit goods, as well as goods of their own. East of Zaribar is the Plain of the Elephant Kings, an important source of ivory and rare herbs. And within Zaribar itself are plethoras of skilled clothiers and craftsmen. Watching over it all are the powerful Irean noble families, some of whom who have taken stakes in merchant enterprises, others who find such things beneath them.
The city of Zaribar itself embraces a large bay with mud-brick and stone buildings built in an amalgamation of architectural styles, taken from all parts of the world. Rising up from the dock areas and to the west, the wealthy and noble look down on the rest of the city from their palaces, while east of the docks the poor and meek scrabble out a living among mud streets and food scraps. In the center of the city are the markets, grand affairs of tents and caravans selling everything to be found in the wide world. These markets are filled with unique and exotic goods, giving Zaribar a reputation as a city where the strange or unusual may be found and making it a destination of curiosity for the wealthy and the academic.
While Irean noble families openly rule over these streets, another organization exerts its own control from the shadows. This organization is the Burning Eye, and it is the most well-connected and powerful secret organization in the world. Members of the Burning Eye are thieves, spies, assassins, explorers, fences, collectors, and more. It is the goal of the Burning Eye to see, know, and control everything that occurs in the world and to manipulate it to their own benefit (financial, political, or otherwise). As an organization filled with ambition and totally devoid of morality, the Burning Eye is a powerful friend and dangerous enemy.