Akarat
| settlement name | duchy | district/province | type | population | founding year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akarat § | Kirvan | Province of Arawn | town | 25,139 | 4424 |
Akarat is a curious city, high in the Kirnengo Mountains in southern Kalderesh. It is the seat of power of the Aranites, and as such is a singular curiosity as it is the only religious city in the kingdom.
The city is built into the mountain, with many buildings and social spaces cut into the rock. There are no wooden structures; all free-standing buildings are of stone. Stone stairs, ramps, arches, and tunnels connect the buildings and spaces. This architectural style is unique in Kalderesh. Most buildings are entirely within the mountain; others are partially recessed and partially built outward.
A large gaping cave, perfectly smooth and round, dominates the entrance to the city. The cave is completely empty.
Besides its religious significance, Akarat is known for its many mines, producing the lion’s share of adamantine in the kingdom.
The largest mountain-building complex is the impressive Grand High Temple of Arawn. Akarat is known for the Day of Whispers, a city-wide festival held in almost total silence. Thousands congregate, enjoying food, drink, each other’s company, but no voices are raised. Throughout the day, a solo performer either sings or plays a musical instrument, which can be clearly heard as the sound echoes against the cliffs of the city.
Akarat is also famous for the range of ales and beers it produces and exports, rivalling the wine production of Londesh. In some circles, the saying “He’s gone to Akarat and back”, means the person is inebriated. Of the extremely intoxicated, it is sometimes said, “They’ve been to Akarat and Londesh”.
The city is overseen by Viscount Aeldredus, Lord of Akarat. He is a devout Aranite and tends to a chapel attached to the council offices. The viscount is a skilled architect and advises on the development of new mines in the region. The viscount administers the Province of Arawn, and delegates local duties to the lord mayor, Falyne Quarryman, and his assistant the master sorcerer Nycholas Overfield.
Akarat’s largest industry is mining, the production of beer and ale, and the manufacturing of porcelain goods (including alchemical equipment).
A small delegation of Aranite Paladins, under command of Sir Nicholys Deel, is the official judicial branch of the city.
Various organizations are represented in the city, including the Disciples of the Enlightenment, the Circle of the Glowing Flame, and the Purple Mantles. The latter are not to be confused with the Overlords of the Moon, a secretive scholastic consortium who wear purple cloaks.
A large military contingent, of 500 soldiers, is stationed in the city, commanded by Major General Ezekio Shepard.
As the centre of the worship of Arawn, almost everything in Akarat is related to religious practice. The most magnificent place of worship is the Grand High Temple of Arawn. It is the centre of Aranite power. By custom the Aranites have not had a Prelate for untold centuries, and the most powerful Aranite, Holiness Aisiah Butcher, is the Grand High Priest of Arawn. His Holiness has two seconds-in-command, arch priests Jaecoby Pickleman and Ryderus Shieldson. The Defender of the Temple is Nathylie Riches, a well-known armourer by trade and an expert swordsman. Her right-hand man is Bastyen Barnard, a renowned martial expert who some say is a horrible fiend who shuns the light of day.
There are also two Grand Temples to Arawn deep within the city.
All of the Seven, of course, are present and represented in the city. Two splendid temples to Sahir and Razim are well-attended, as are the many chantries, shrines, and all-gods.
The Guild of Brewers, Distillers & Vintners has their Small Hall in Akarat, reflecting the importance of the city’s ale and beer legacy. The Guild Hall is headed by Master Kamrus Yardly. It produces the various distinctive Akaratian ales, and also imports liquors from all over Kalderesh. The are matured and/or blended and resold for a good profit, helping establish Akarat as a source of both fine wines and ales, rivalling Londesh.
The Royal Guilde of Map Makers & Surveyors has a deep repository somewhere in the city; it is updated annually. Other Guilds with significant clout are the Guild of Bakers, Guild of Forgers & Smiths, Guild of Music & Performers, and the Guild of Bookbinders & Papermakers.
One of the most influential merchant houses, trading in fine porcelain, is that run by Grand Arcane Jasyn Potter, a follower of Sahir.
The Qidranian Arch Priest Haesus Farmer often visits the city, and spends much time in the mountains with a small group of his followers.
The noted sage Grand Wizard Aodreia Shearer has a modest home in the city. She is a specialist in the art, music, and the paleocotany of The Seven.
Lady Eva Dice, the guild coordinator of the Royal Guilde of Map Makers & Surveyors, is noted for her popular social gatherings, balls and dances, at which she enjoys sharing animated tales of local history and heroic figures.
It is rumoured that a temple to a dark power lies deep within the city, and that various powerful mages of the Wizard’s Guild are devotees of some dark lord. This affiliation, however, is vehemently denied by the Wizard Guildmaster, the Supreme Wizard Ewan Birdett.