Meloch Sela

Emmel    Geography, Regions, and Settlements    Settlements    Varanasi      Meloch Sela

A small coastal city and the seat of the _Ernie_ Clan. One of the few known direct routes into the Underdark and Blackwater Terminal.

Demographics

Races

Like most Varanasi settlements dragonborn make up the majority, followed by human and lizardfolk, but there is also a sizable dwarf and halfling population due to the Explorer's Guild. Many of the dwarves settled in quickly feeling comforted by the recognizable dwarven architecture.

Wealth

In the usual fashion of Varanasi settlements wealth disparity is minimal or almost nonexistent. Pay matched by their citizen rank even those of low rank make enough money to live decently. Including the foreigners now residing in the city there is very little poverty to be seen.

Profession and Trades

With the presence of so many dwarves, many Varanasi have joined the ranks of guild artisans adding their own cultural flair to traditional dwarven crafts. Many of the local professions revolve around either the Artisan Guilds, the port, the Explorer's Guild, or the military.

Defences

Like every Varanasi city, Meloch Sela is a fortress although some extra work had to be put in as that was not its original intention. To approach from land requires that an outside force breach the several meters thick stone walls all the while having death rained on you from archers, mages, and the Milna. The top side of the city is set back, carved into the stone so the only way forward is straight forward which would not work out well.

From the sea there are two entrances, both are massive caverns riddled with traps and cutouts for troops waiting to receive the enemy. Massive chains loom forward into the waters in front of the city and in case of attack they reel in revealing gargantuan iron spikes that look similar to a pike formation. Its easy to see how this might dissuade a naval attack.

In the worst possible case and then denizens must flee the most travelled entrance to The Queen's Highway lies at the base of the city, and pursuit into the Underdark is only for the most foolhardy of enemies.

Districts

Inferno Park A section of town dominated by the Artisan Guilds. It's name comes from the large amount of furnaces there that make the area more the a little warm. If you need something made or are looking for exquisite dwarven crafts without traveling all the way to Nuraeven Kingdom this is your stop.

Seaspray Gardens The aviary of the city. It is located in the highest parts of the city on the cliff side. When you enter you're greeted by an amazing view of the ocean as a the backdrop of the magnificent beasts that reside here.

Cavesong Piers The docks of the city, named such for the echoes of the cavern as you enter. This is always a bustling place of work and commerce

Void City The lowest district of the city. This is where the entrance to The Queen's Highway is, and the Explorer's Guild Office. This part of town mainly caters to these interests and that of adventurers. Filled to the brim with taverns, inns, smiths, and anything else one could need for exploration and slaying monsters. Not a bad place per se, but maybe exercise some caution in those parts.

Guilds and Factions

Explorer's Guild

The first outpost of the Explorer's Guild, this location is the first exposure to the mysterious guild that many have. This specific outpost handles mostly clerical work arranging supplies to and from Blackwater Terminal. The city does it's best to appease the guild as they bring in the majority of the business, and the guild in return pays the city rather well for it's preferential treatment.

History

Originally founded millennia ago by Dwarven miners during the time they were building The Queen's Highway. Shocked at what they saw when they eventually came face to face with sunlight and the ocean, the dwarves named their new outpost Meloch Sela or translated as "Salt Rock". The exact date it was settled is unknown as The Stormfury  wiped out the town's inhabitants and was abandoned for almost 1000 years until it was rediscovered by the Varanasi people. Very little else is known about the history of the settlement prior to its re-founding.

After the Reclamation War the city became the seat of the _Ernie_ Clan and saw moderate success as a layover port. However after the Discovery of Blackwater Terminal in 583 GE suddenly Meloch Sela became an important port for supplying the new Underdark city, and what followed was an economic boom for the once small town now small city.

Points of interest

The Rusty Pick A local tavern and inn near the Cavesong Piers known for hosting many travelers. Of note is that there is an official Adventurer's Guild board located here.

Founding Date

Original: Unknown, Pre 2006 CE; Resettled: 523 ME

Type

City

Population

10,000

Location under

Giant's Steps

Owning Organization

Varanasi Council