Qal Simshar

The Floating Mirage

Qal Simshar, the nomadic capital of C'Saidin, is a marvel of engineering and illusion. Built atop colossal, magically enchanted sand skiffs, it appears to float above the desert sands, a shimmering mirage that defies logic. This architectural wonder is a testament to the C'Saidin's ingenuity and their deep-rooted connection to their nomadic heritage.

A City in Motion

The city's constant movement reflects the C'Saidin's spirit of freedom and adaptability. It is a living entity, its position dictated by the availability of water, grazing lands, and the whims of its leaders. As the heart of C'Saidin, Qal Simshar is a microcosm of the nation, a place where tradition and innovation intertwine.

Structure and Layout

• Central Hub: At the core of Qal Simshar is a massive, tiered structure that serves as the city's command center. From here, the city's movement is orchestrated, and major decisions are made.
• Residential Districts: These are arranged in concentric circles around the central hub, with each circle representing a different social or familial group. The outermost circle is typically reserved for newcomers and visitors.
• Market Quarter: A bustling area filled with colorful tents and stalls, where goods from across Aerith and beyond are traded.
• Artisan District: Here, skilled craftspeople create intricate jewelry, leatherwork, and other desert-inspired items.
• Medjay Quarter: A dedicated area for the elite warriors of C'Saidin, where they train and hone their skills.
• Sacred Enclave: This secluded area is home to the city's spiritual leaders and houses the sacred artifacts of C'Saidin.

Life in the Floating City

Life in Qal Simshar is a unique blend of adventure and community. Residents are accustomed to the constant motion of their home, and they have developed ingenious ways to stabilize their lives amidst the shifting sands. Children grow up learning the art of balance, while elders share tales of the desert and its secrets.

Qal Simshar is more than just a city, they say. It's a living thing. It hungers. That's why they move it all the time, to feed it. Some say it's the souls of those who've lived there that nourish it.

The city's defenses are as impressive as its architecture. A fleet of smaller skiffs, armed with powerful ballistae and manned by skilled archers, provides protection against potential threats. Additionally, the city's constant movement makes it a difficult target for attackers.

Qal Simshar is more than just a city; it is a symbol of C'Saidin's resilience and determination. It is a place where the old ways and the new coexist, a testament to a people who have found a way to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Aerith.

The Magic of Stabilization

The ability of Qal Simshar to float and move across the desert is a feat of both engineering and magic. At the heart of this marvel are the Sand Skiffs, colossal constructs that serve as the city's foundation.

The city doesn't float, it's pulled by invisible chains. Or that's what my old man used to say. He claimed to have seen them, shimmering like moonlight in the desert. Some say those chains are connected to a hidden city deep beneath the sands, a city made of gold and magic.

The Sand Skiffs

These immense platforms are not mere vessels; they are living, magical entities. Imbued with a unique form of elemental magic, they possess the following properties:

• Levitation: The skiffs can elevate themselves and the city above the desert floor, creating the illusion of floating.
• Terrain Adaptation: The skiffs can adjust their shape and composition to navigate various desert terrains, from shifting sands to rocky outcrops.
• Self-Repair: Through a process similar to organic regeneration, the skiffs can repair damage caused by storms, wear and tear, or attacks.
• Energy Generation: The skiffs harness the sun's energy and the natural energy of the desert to power the city's functions.

The Stabilizing Core

To counteract the destabilizing forces of wind, sand, and the skiffs' own movement, Qal Simshar is equipped with a complex system of counterweights, gyroscopes, and magical stabilizers.

• Counterweights: Massive, water-filled tanks are distributed throughout the city. The weight of the water helps to anchor the city and prevent it from toppling.
• Gyroscopes: These devices, powered by the skiffs' magical energy, counteract the city's rotational forces, ensuring stability.
• Stabilizing Crystals: Rare crystals, found deep within the Jalla Mountains, are embedded within the city's structure. They emit a constant magical field that reinforces the overall stability.

The combination of these elements creates a harmonious equilibrium, allowing Qal Simshar to glide across the desert with remarkable grace and stability.

Notable Citizens of Qal Simshar

Daniela, Master Artisan

Daniela is a legend among the C'Saidin artisans. With hands as deft as a surgeon's, she creates masterpieces from the simplest of materials. Her work is prized across Aerith, and her workshop in Qal Simshar is a pilgrimage site for aspiring craftspeople. Beyond her artistic talent, Daniela is known for her fiery temper and uncompromising standards.

Dinu, Medjay Champion

A titan among the Medjay, Dinu is renowned not only for his unparalleled skill with a blade but also for his wisdom and tactical mind. His leadership in the Medjay has earned him the respect of the entire city. A quiet and contemplative man, Dinu is often found meditating on the city's edge, contemplating the desert's mysteries.

Dinu, Shrewd Merchant

With a sharp mind and a sharper tongue, this Dinu is a master of the marketplace. His caravans traverse the desert, bringing exotic goods to Qal Simshar. More than just a merchant, he is a shrewd observer of the world. Some say he possesses a knack for prophecy, his predictions often proving eerily accurate.

Gheorghe, Shrewd Merchant

A rival to the other Dinu, Gheorghe is a cunning and ambitious merchant. While he lacks the prophetic abilities of his competitor, he is a formidable businessman with a vast network of contacts. Rumors persist about his involvement in clandestine activities, but no one has ever managed to prove anything.

Sorin, Arcane Scribe

A solitary figure, Sorin spends his days lost in ancient texts and arcane symbols. His knowledge of the desert's magic is unparalleled, and his counsel is sought by the city's leaders in times of crisis. Despite his scholarly demeanor, Sorin is a fierce protector of Qal Simshar and possesses a surprising depth of combat skills.

I'd never seen anything like it. Qal Simshar is a mirage, a dream city floating in the heart of the desert. One moment it’s just sand and sky, the next, there it is, a whole city hovering above the dunes. It's like something out of a story. The towers and spires catch the sunlight and shimmer, and the whole place seems to dance on the heat waves. I've been traveling for weeks, and I've seen some strange sights, but nothing prepared me for this. It's like the desert itself decided to build a castle.