Aswakur

The City of Salt, Taqqadiya’s capital, is a marvel that rises from the desert’s embrace. As the seat of informal power, it is a city where the air is thick with the scent of the sea and the promise of prosperity. The Festival of Salt, which is celebrated annually on the 15th of Midsummer, is not just a celebration but a symbol of the city’s enduring legacy, where the streets come alive with a sea of vibrant colors, music that carries through the wind, and dances that tell the stories of their ancestors.
The Baloshan Palace stands as a testament to Taqqadiyan grandeur, its spires reaching for the heavens, a beacon of power and opulence. The sultan’s harem is a hidden world within, veiled in mystery and allure, while the courtly retinue moves with a grace that speaks of ancient traditions and solemn oaths.
Aswakur itself is a city of contrasts, where the lushness of the Hammerhead Coast meets the stark beauty of the Sands of Kafr. The sandstone walls, imbued with magic, stand as silent guardians against the fury of nature, their presence a constant reminder of the city’s resilience.
Within these walls, the city thrives in defiance of the world outside. The climate, stable and unyielding, allows for gardens of palms and exotic flora to flourish, creating an oasis that defies the desert. Markets buzz with the trade of salt and spices, precious metals, and textiles, a testament to Aswakur’s place as a hub of commerce and culture.
The City of Salt is more than a place; it is a character in its own right, with each stone and every grain of sand holding the essence of Taqqadiya. It is a city that does not simply exist but lives, breathes, and celebrates the very spirit of Argea.

Demographics

Ancestry	%
Catfolk	35
Human	29
Lizardfolk	16
Ratfolk	8
Other	12

Government

The city of Aswakur is a fief held by the Sultan of Taqqadiya. Although the Sultan is now only a figurehead, he still administers the city government. He hears petitioners weekly and appoints individuals to important civil positions such as marshal, engineer, or historian.

Infrastructure

While Aswakur's gargantuan sandstone walls are its most obvious--and perhaps impressive--marvel of infrastructure, even the city's more mundane infrastructure is worthy of awe. Long before cities in Alandr or Okkrgoth enjoyed indoor plumbing, Aswakur introduced a network of sewers that connected every building. Storm drains empty into these sewers, sweeping waste and wastewater from the streets and into the ocean beyond. The city's cobblestoned streets are organized in a grid, centered on the Baloshan Palace and the Spice Bazaar.

Districts

• The Baloshan Palace is the residence of Taqqadiya's Sultan. It covers several city blocks. Although much of it is the personal property of the Sultan, it is crisscrossed by several major roads and surrounds several dwellings belonging to princes or favored courtesans.
• The Saffron Bazaar is the largest open-air market in Argea and the site of the annual Festival of Salt. Measuring ~300 acres, it teems with life every day of the year. The earthy scent of spices, salt, and produce masks the tang of fresh fish and butchered meats, and the sweat of animated merchants hawking their wares.
• The Zephyr Heights: Perched atop the highest sandstone cliffs along Aswakur's southeastern edge, the Zephyr Heights is where the wind whispers secrets of the desert. This district is known for its luxurious residences, home to the city’s elite. The architecture here is a blend of strength and elegance, with high towers designed to catch the cooling breezes. At night, the Heights are alight with lanterns, and the sound of music and laughter floats on the wind.

Level 15
CG Metropolis

Government Sultan, Royal Cycle
Religions Luminicism, Creed of Arrah/Arrahism
Threats External occupation, corruption

Founding Date

4661 YGR

Founders

• Jahangir the Builder

Type

Capital

Population

21,650

Location under

Narum

Owner/Ruler

Usman VI of House Adli

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Avlamir Daymantle

Ruling/Owning Rank

Sultan of Taqqadiya

Owning Organization

The Taqqadiyan Protectorate

Characters in Location

• Avlamir Daymantle
• Bahal Vorintell
• Mehmed XI of House Sofu