Ysgeth (əsgɛθ)

The Daïdänt mountains are known to be punctuated with hidden bandit strongholds. The largest and most notorious of these is Ysgeth - the witchmarket.
Ysgeth is based in prehistoric tunnels carved out of solid rock by large burrowing creatures. Its general location, in the southeast of the region is known to the people who live near there - both the Gwdaïdän and the mercenaries who hunt them - but the many entrances are either closely guarded secrets, hidden by Daïdänt's shifting valleys, magically protected, or all three. The market itself is found somewhere within the labyrinthine tunnels and changes location, size, and layout while the inhabitants aren't looking, as unmappable as the mountains.
In the event that a traveller finds their way to Ysgeth, they find a sprawling indoor market, the narrow streets created by permanent shops, temporary stalls, and strolling handcarts, lit by witchlight and vanishing off into the tunnels, and wandering vendors. Anything and everything is for sale, but - beyond merely not recognising any country's legal tender - the witchmarket doesn't recognise any tangible currency. Bartering for items is the most common form of trade, though promises, secrets, and favours are preferred and memories, voices, or other body parts are also accepted.

Points of interest

The long-term inhabitants of Ysgeth navigate around the clocktower. This uncanny structure is located in the geographic centre of the market and always appears to be facing the viewer, regardless of their viewing angle. The clock does not tell the time, but the hands, which allegedly stood at 7:13 when the market was founded, move at irregular intervals. Accoding to legend, Ysgeth will fall when the hands reach midnight.

Alternative Name(s)

the witchmarket

Type

Trade post

Inhabitant Demonym

Gwdaïdän

Location under

Daïdänt mountains