Zerakim

Zerakim is a former colony of a long-forgotten empire, and ruled by the descendants of the former governors.  The many noble houses, some ancient bloodlines and others recently purchased, compete over trade.  Zerakim itself has only a small military and guard force, and calls on the nobles' large retinues in times of crisis.

Almost every building is made from the same muddy red stone.  There are stone walls surrounding the city on all sides except for the Autarch's Palace, which is built directly into a mountain.

Features:

• Zerakim is home to large numbers of Tieflings, including the Autarch and many of the older bloodlines.
• The entire city of Zerakim (as well as the surrounding countryside) is Low Sanctity, and as a result, there are almost no churches.  Clerics are disliked and believed to cause more trouble than they are worth.

Population: Roughly 23,000

Ruler: Grand Autarch Pelaios Skemenos III

Guards: 100, up to 600 in times of crisis from noble retinues

Autarch's District:
The Autarch's Palace is built into the mountain to the west, and overlooks the rest of the city.  The Autarch's District lies directly below it, and quickly spreads out as it descends the hill.  The various nobles families as well as merchant guilders have homes here, overlooking the bay or the Grand Arena

Emerald Alehouse

Gladiator's District:
In the valley at the center of town is the Gladiator's District, home to the Grand Arena and the poor.

The Blue Pheasant Inn
The Greasy Spigot Tavern

Scholar's District:
The Scholar's District is on a hill to the east, and is home to the Grand Library of Bazionax as well as local Enchanter's Guild facilities.