The Shivering Mirage
On the spice road in the heart of the Great Sand Sea is one of the most welcoming oasis in all the desert kingdoms. The Shivering Mirage is a fortress that offers rest and refreshment to weary caravans and travelers. Located at what was once the crossroads of several major trade routes, the region is temporary home to a variety of goods and cultures.
Thirty-foot walls enclose the main compound; towers placed strategically provide protection to those within. Entering through the main gate, a traveler’s senses experience a full assault from
every direction. Rich colors of dyed cloth awnings hung from the interior walls and fastened to large poles angle toward the center, highlighting a palm tree-lined pool of crystal blue water. Under these awnings, merchants hawk their wares, roast meats with aromatic spices and sell wine to the thirsty. Sitting on hempen mats, travelers enjoy a meal while telling stories of the road and playing gambling games to pass the time. Have your wits about you, as some travelers lose more than they would like and decide to take back their losses by sword. Guards are quick to subdue unruly visitors.
Magical Blue - The Deep Blue
The oasis pool is a wonder. At night, its deep azure water casts an enchanting glow that can be spotted from miles away. Travelers often mistake it for a rising celestial body and use it to guidethem back to the inn. Some say the veil between planes must be weak here, for on some nights the sky above the pool turns a blueish-green that dances across the night sky. The pool holds cool
water that is available for all visitors to drink. Malkum Baratush, owner of the Shivering Mirage, garners a hefty profit from his sales of the bottled water.
Architecture
Beyond the oasis pool stands the main compound structure, a squat two-story mud brick building for travelers who do not wish to dine among the rabble, nor sleep beside a camel. The first-floor tavern boasts seating for more than one hundred guests. Fine woven carpets cover the floor and pillows surround low tables; customary seating in these parts. A large stage houses some form of entertainment at all hours. Colorful silk sashes drape from the ceiling and curve up into themselves. Magic floating orbs cast soft light through the silks, creating jewel-toned waves in an upside-down fabric ocean. Carved wall niches outfitted with pillows and curtains provide cover for those skirting the public gaze. Servers in fanciful, flowing outfits dance between tables while taking customer orders. Intimidating guards stand sentry; visible beside the doors and in dark corners. Visitors who cannot control their tempers are swiftly tossed out into the sand.
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