Dawaad
Dawaad, a city in the desert of Numeda a few days’ travel from the capital of Kirtius, has stood for many centuries as the center of worship for the god Anumon. The prophet Sulymon, a mortal possessed of a lifespan beyond that of normal men, rules this as a theocracy with the help of trusted assistants to see to the mundane details of the city while he looks after the spiritual training of its people and the many visitors who come to learn from his wisdom.
A twisted ramp rises 300 feet from the desert floor and winds up to the gates of the city, which are guarded by a massive gatehouse and a pair of guard towers. Just inside the gates is the foreign quarter, with merchants’ warehouses, casbahs, taverns, and inns for those who may not be in the city for religious reasons. Past that is the city’s great souk, or open-air market. Farther in is a section with lodging for large numbers of visiting pilgrims, and a district just outside the temple grounds for the many priests of Anumon. Called the khoury, these priests primarily live contemplative lives reading the prophecies of Sulymon and the other sacred texts of their faith. They are also permitted to have families, with in some cases both parents being priests and children even following in the footsteps of their parents in the church of Anumon.
The high temple of Anumon is surrounded by lush gardens, and many people walk here for pleasure or for religious contemplation. The temple itself is a mighty edifice to the power of law and order, with its main feature being a large assembly hall for mass services of worship. The focal point is a large stone statue of Anumon himself, who appears as a noble king with a plaited beard, and bearing a huge bronze scepter.
Settlement
Dawaad, City of
Type
City
Owning Organization
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