Shra'kt'lor
Character
This is the githzerai's largest city, with a population estimated at 2.000.000 persons. Not surprisingly, it's primarily a military stronghold, designed to be the race's final defensive point should their enemies ever invade Limbo en masse. That such a "last stand" location exists is not so much a matter of necessity, but rather an eloquent statement about the githzerai mindset.Ruler
Zaerith Menyar-Ag-Gith, the Great Githzerai. This immortal fighter/wizard rules as god-king over the githzerai everywhere, but his military seat of power is located in this city. From here, he directs his generals in plotting endless missions to weaken the githyanki.Behind the Throne
The generals of this city like to believe, that as the driving force behind githzerai vengeance, it's they who rule this city. Of course, they do so in the service of their god-king, but they believe him to be so preoccupied by his duties as religous leader that he cannot fully grasp the details of their military operations. Consequently, they struggle among themselves for primacy. In truth the Great Githzerai encourages their struggles, believing that it not only brings out the best in their military effectiveness, but also prevents them from ever challenging his authority as supreme ruler of the githzerai.Description
Shra'kt'lor is an austere place with seven rings of high, thick, granite walls and massive iron gatehouses. Quarters inside the city are rather cramped, but as the githzerai aren't noted for mirth and gaiety, the lack of space suits them adequately. Foreigners are relegated to tents outside the main gates, where they cannot work mischief on the city itself or spy out its defenses.Militia
Inside the city, order is kept by companies of the god-king's army on a rotating basis. Outside the city, the Foreign Brigade - a band of mercenaries in the pay of the Great Githzerai - keeps an eye on things. If the foreign quarter gets too rowdy, these mercenaries forfeit a portion of their pay, so they watch the city of tents fairly closely. 'Course, many of these guardsmen aren't above taking a bribe now and again.Services
Shra'kt'lor is a great place to purchase arms and armor, as long as a cutter's not buying in bulk. Large purchases of such things draw the attention of the army. Considering how large the city is, there are lots of other supplies perpetually in stock, making the site a good place to provision before setting off on an adventure. What cannot be found, however, is entertainment. In all, the city itself is rather grim, and its shadow falls firmly over the foreign quarter, casting a pall on public displays of levity there as well.Local News
There isn't much in the way of news a traveler hears from inside the city, but the tent city outside is always abuzz with tales and gossip. One day the rumor is that a great horde of slaadi is on its way to assault the place: the next day it's that the githzerai are preparing every man, woman, and child in the city for a suicide mission to the Astral, an dthey'll be driving the foreigners outside before them for the attack. A wise cutter just ignores such tales.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
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