Al-Sifon
This ancient ruined city lies at the eastern edge of the Seething Jungle, near the foothills of the southwestern spur of the Hollow Spire Mountains. Locals claim it is cursed, but the few adventurers who have been there speak of the extent of the ruins. A few main structures are discernable, including an 80-foot-tall cone-shaped structure and an equally tall step pyramid made of gray stone interspersed with rows of massive boulders carved to resemble skulls. The majority of the city is overgrown with vines and towering trees, mostly lost to the expanse of jungle.
The death-priest Akruel Rathamon rose to power in Al-Sifon in –613 I.R. and marched the Cult of Aurikas from the ancient city against cities, towns, and homesteads throughout the coastal regions of the Reaping Sea. After decades of bloodshed, the Khemitian priest Shah Rasalt and his gathered forces fought Akruel’s death cult to a standstill during the War of Divine Discord. After Shah Rasalt defeated Akruel in the little homestead of Lessef in –579 I.R., he marched his army to Al-Sifon and laid siege to the city of evil cultists. When Shah Rasalt finally left the Seething Jungle, very few structures of the ancient city were left standing. Unfortunately, evil never really seems to die, and some intrepid jungle explorers now claim the ancient city stands anew, rebuilt stone by stone, despite the encroaching jungle that surrounds it. Undead wander afresh through the paved streets and lurk in the haunted halls.
Several small settlements along the Quell River are located south of the ruins of Al-Sifon, and range from a few dozen huts to larger villages with names such as Ceza’ Atan and Cata Luawn. Their inhabitants lead a simple, peaceful life unbothered by any supposed curse on the nearby ruins.
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