Interior Zakhara Vast interior Zakhara , like its Zakharan population , was divided into two distinct parts : the dry and barren landlocked elevation of the Haunted Lands took up its north and east and were the dwelling place of hardy desert nomads , genie s , and the remnants of more bountiful days . Its south and west , at the shores of Suq Bay and the Golden Gulf , contained great centers of civilization in the incomparable Cities of the Heart and the devout Cities of the Pantheon . Geographic limits . Towards the northwest , interior Zakhara was separated from the Free Cities of Zakhara of the north by the length of the Furrowed Mountains , where trade and travel were made difficult by savage hill tribes . In the northeast , the Haunted Lands slowly rose until they abutted the edge of the World Pillar Mountains , where the evil yak - men had their mysterious domain . The hills at the eastern edge of the Haunted Lands and , further south , the eastern - most ridges of the Mountains of Creation and the Mountains of Desolation separated interior Zakhara from the jungles of the east . Towards the south , al - Faraq Islands were still within reach of the Cities of the Pantheon , while the archipelago around the Naqq and Qutil Island s marked the border towards the larger Crowded Sea , with the Nada al - Hazan island chain being the nearest outside neighbor . In the west , the Golden Gulf separated interior Zakhara from the Pearl Cities in the south , and the hills along Suq Bay from the High Desert in the north . Suq Bay itself , as lifeline of trade and travel among the Cities of the Heart , was still part of interior Zakhara . Haunted Lands . The Haunted Lands were the larger of Zakhara ' s two great deserts . In the 14th century DR they were sparsely populated by small tribes raising livestock and raiding trade caravans and each other . They had a rich history of fallen petty kingdoms . Cities of the Heart . The Cities of the Heart were a group of four metropolises that featured the greatest centers of religion , culture , trade , and industry in all of Zakhara . Halwa . The inland City of Solitude , at the bank of Wadi Malih , was a point of active trade between its larger sister cities along Suq Bay and the Al - Hadhar tribes of the Haunted Lands . Hiyal . The great and dirty City of Intrigue , near the mouth of Al - Wahl River , was a center for the production of metals and weapons . Its population had a reputation for underhanded dealings . Huzuz . The City of Delights , Gem of Zakhara , located at the banks of Al - Sarif River , was the " heart of the heart " of the Land of Fate : It held the center of political power in the seat of the Grand Caliph , the nexus of trade in the Grand Bazaar , and the most important goal for pilgrims , the Golden Mosque . Golden Huzuz was famed for its sparkling roofs and cosmopolitan population . Wasat . The Middle City , near the mouth of Al - Qalil River , was a rather quiet way - station for travelers between its larger sister cities . Its inhabitants were known for their even disposition . Cities of the Pantheon . These five cities formed the tight - knit League of the Pantheon , unified by a conservative outlook on life and religion and a firm and exclusive belief in the five Gods of the Pantheon . Fahhas . The City of Searching , at the mouth of Al - Naqus River , was prosperous in agricultural production of the surrounding farmlands , but its people were downcast and somber , and always questing for deeper enlightenment . Hilm . The plain and colorless City of Kindness , near the mouth of Al - Muti River , was a model of lawfulness and charity towards the lower classes . Hudid . The City of Humility , at the mouth of Al - Jana River , was famed for its trade in exotic goods , achievements in science and technology , and the largest university in all of Zakhara . I ' tiraf . The City of Confessions , at the mouth of Al - Hadi River , functioned as the Capital of the League of the Pantheon . It strictly followed moralist teachings of the Pantheon and also enforced them in visitors . Mahabba . The City of Charity , at the mouth of Al - Munamma River , was dominated by the struggle between its strict Caliph and the League ' s military force against the followers of Bala , fighting from the shadows , leading to an oppressed and xenophobic atmosphere . Talab . The City of Questing , at the source of Al - Muti River , was a meeting point between the Cities of the Pantheon and the surrounding wilder parts of Zakhara , and featured a major university . Despite this , its inhabitants were secretive rather than cosmopolitan .