Scald

The City of Scald

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In a deep crevasse at the edge of the Barren Wastes, hidden from the worst strength of the desert sun, lies the city of Scald.
Scald is a place apart. Separated from the rest of The Azure Sea by the waters of The Great Deep and the harsh landscape of the Barren Wastes, it has developed its own strange customs and communities.
The city exists over several levels, with the poorest and most numerous inhabitants crammed into the base of the canyon. Higher up the spaces become larger and more airy, large rock pillars known as "the Rounds" supporting various buildings of red stone. It is at the top of the Rounds where the more affluent populace lives, their waste and discarded things casually thrown and making their way down to the inhabitants of the undercity.
The desert-folk of Scald pay tribute to three adult red dragons, known as the Al Zaeim, that live around the fire rifts of the Barren Wastes, deep crevasses that belch smoke and ash into the sky. Unlike typical red dragons, the Al Zaeim seem content to work together for what is best for the city. Their voice in the city is that of 'amira Aaliyah, who resides in The Awakened Palace.
Most of the inhabitants of Scald are Humans, though the odd Orc and Half Orc are also to be seen. Elves are incredibly rare here, and are considered beings of myth and legend.
A single river, the Lifegiver, flows through the city from the nearby coast, falling down into the abyss of the canyon in which the city lies.
The city runs a small flotilla of dragon-headed Longships for defence along the coast.

Notable Features and Buildings

Artisans' Round
This large open area in the city of Scald sits atop one of the many Rounds of the city. It is a place of art, music, dance, theatre and beauty. Performances are spontaneously held, poets recite strange verses from atop small pedestals, and artists paint vivid portraits in an atmosphere of hedonistic joy and carelessness.
The Awakened Palace
'amira Aaliyah, princess of the city of Scald sits in this huge, extravagant palace of marble and gold. There is so much wealth on display here that is hard to fully comprehend. Nominally leader of the city and voice of the Al Zaeim, even she answers to the Majlis al Zaeim in subjects pertaining to the people of the city.
The Emerald Souk
The Emerald Souk is the main market place at the centre of the city of Scald lies atop the largest Round of the city. The market is all inside the skeleton of a gargantuan snake, covered in cloths and canvases and such to block out the sun. This gives it a claustrophobic air, especially with all the tightly packed stalls and vendors crying out for business, selling all kinds of wares from across the Known World.
Guardhouse
The Jundiun of Scald are housed here. These city guards wear bright red kaftans and wield long scimitars. They are merciless with criminals and dispense justice on the spot in whatever way they see fit.
Hamaam Scald
Hamaam Scald is a large bath house in the city of Scald. It offers respite from the relentless sun to the more affluent citizens. The significance of the Hammam is both religious and civic: it provides for the needs of ritual ablutions but also provides general hygiene and served other social functions in the community, such as a gendered meeting place for men and for women in its steam chambers.
House of Claws
The Claws of Scald are an infamous house of assassins based in the city of Scald. Their base is a single tower set atop a small Round close to the Temple of Fire. The guild and their means and traditions remains a mystery to all outsiders, but it is said that leaving an eagle feather on the steps of the tower shows that you wish to put some business their way.
Majlis al Zaeim
The council of Scald, known as Majlis al Zaeim, sits in this ornate building in the north of the city. From here they cast judgement over the populace and enforce the rules of the city and it's trade.
Mustahil Gardens
In the southern district of the city of Scald sits a series of tall round towers. Beneath several huge glass domes that seem to defy physics are a series of tropical gardens full of palm trees, flowing water, and myriad birds and butterflies.
Sahar Bazaar
Sahar Bazaar is a market in the city of Scald. Easily the largest open-air market in The Known World, the Sahar Bazaar even surpasses the great markets of Keymouth. Constant change to the layout of the Bazaar make it a confusing place to shop for those unaccustomed to its methods. Many well-established merchant houses, mystics, and barbers have maintained shops here for years. Trade at the bazaar is conducted from dawn until curfew, aided by special oil lamps to illuminate the vast area after dark.
The Scorched Arena
The Scorched Arena in Scald is a large, open sand-covered tower on which games and feats of martial skill are displayed. Smaller roped-off areas are used for one-one-one combats that anyone can enter, and there is a strong side-line business in gambling on the outcomes.
The Stargazers Guild
Atop a large round pillar in the south of the city of Scald sits a tall white stone building with a strange device of glass lenses and brass levers. Inside the building is a single room with a massive, constantly moving orrery that displays the movements of important stars and planets. The cowled leaders of the guild are a mix of soothsayer, astrologer and astronomer.
Temple of Fire
This multi-faith temple in the city of Scald is more like a strange crowded marketplace than a temple. The halls are filled with soothsayers and mystics, and three large halls are centred around the main apse that house the largest of the places of worship. The Hall of Mystics is dedicated to Boccob, the Hall of Light is dedicated to Pelor, and the Hall of Fire is dedicated to Tiamat. This makes the temple a place of very uneasy bedfellows.
The Violet Ziggurat
The Violet Ziggurat is a large tavern in the city of Scald that sits on it's own Round close to the main marketplace. Luxurious, brightly coloured carpets cover the stone floor, and large grand carvings break up the huge common room. Customers sit smoking hookahs and playing cards and dama (a form of checkers). Accommodations consist of several large rooms with beds and woollen mattresses.

Travel Distances

All distances are approximate and via the shortest possible routes, which might not always be practical. Where a travel distance is not shown there is no connecting route possible (e.g. there is no road or waterway that links the places).

The City of Scald by Caio Santos

Alternative Name(s)

Canyon City, Tuhraq

Type

City

Population

ca. 15,000

Location under

Barren Wastes