Esmak Al-Dinar

### Population

600,000 (Human 60%, Half-elf 10%, Dwarf 8%, Elf 5%, Halfling 5%, Gnome 5%, Other 7%) though if transients are accounted for the figure would be closer to 900,000

### Local Pantheons

Enlightened, Bast, Nephythys, Tefnut, Indra, Siva, Ratri

### Exports

coal, iron, steel, weaponry, armor, metalwork, pottery, slaves and information

### People Of Note

Tocka (Assassin and servant to the Sultana)

A few hundred miles up the Dinar River from Bahira, lies the gray, industrious city of Esmak Al-Dinar. The city itself is cloaked in the smoky stench of foundries and kilns. The shroud seems to nurture the illicit, for within the city’s alleys and back rooms, many deals of smugglers, thieves, and unscrupulous power brokers are made.

The ruler, Sultana Alurah bint Asrah, took to power after her husband died suddenly at a state dinner, collapsing unceremoniously in his meal. In the brief chaos that ensued, Alurah played the factions against each other until she could seize control from them all. She has since proven herself to be a competent, industrious, and wise ruler. She is also a dark-hearted schemer, maintaining her power through stealth and guile.

Her court consists of her three sons and two daughters. With the exception of one of her daughters, each of the children constantly vies for the mother’s affections in hopes of being named the next heir to the throne. It is difficult to say which is the most dangerous, though all who consider themselves close to the sultana are someone to be feared. Her personal servant Tocka is just as feared as any of her children. He is a gnome who was once a member of a local assassin’s guild which was eradicated by the sultana’s husband. The sultana somehow managed to rescue Tocka and he has been unquestionably loyal to her ever since. The populace stands aside in fear whenever he walks through the streets on some mission assigned by his mistress.

The city is known for its smoky skies and unpleasant odor. The city is literally capped with a cloud of pollution. Its buildings are various shades of gray and covered in dirt and grime. Only the sultana’s palace is an exception, because it is continually and rigorously cleaned by slaves.

The people of Esmak Al-Dinar have a reputation for being untrustworthy and sharp in their business dealing with each other and outsiders. For the most part, this is untrue, but the reputation attracts less-than-honest individuals to the city. In addition to legitimate business, Esmak Al-Dinar is often the site for underground dealings, covert transactions, smuggling, and other illegal activities – most of which are carried out by transients with permanent connections to the city.

The major products of Esmak Al-Dinar are coal, iron, steel, weaponry, armor, metalwork, pottery, slaves and information. The last two are obviously black-market industries, but they are widespread enough that they contribute to a substantial amount of the city’s wealth.

## People

The people of Esmak Al-Dinar are largely connected with the black market and have little reason to leave the city (and more importantly their connections) behind. Those who do leave the city for the adventuring life have few connections but are comfortable dealing with the black market. In fact, most choose to deal with underground powers before any sort of legitimate ones.