Khâlazaar

**Khâlazaar** (Drôhznian: meaning riverbank of gold), also known as the City of Exiles, is located in the southern of Quaïth on the Altygan River. It is the largest and most populous cities in Quaïth as well as being one of the oldest. It stands as an important trading and transit hub, with roads leading to Tarôn-Kae, Drôhznia, Hysperia, Ithenia and Araxia.

## History

### Early History

Before the city of Khâlazaar was built, the area was inhabited by many different Quaïthi tribes over the centuries. At several points in its history, the Altygan River banks were settled upon by small agricultural settlements. Almost all of these groups were invaded by neighbouring nomads and either driven away, killed or captured. By the end of the eighth era, the site of what would become Khâlazaar was inhabited by a tribal group that settled there some time in the centuries prior.

### Drôhznian Conquest

In the 10th century 8E, the armies of Sâlikhín had reached the Altygan river. For many years the Drôhznians had been pushing north, expanding their territory. Records of this time are unreliable, but it is said that Sâlikhín recognised the importance of controlling this river. He thus decided to build a city upon its banks. The city that would become known as Khâlazaar, started as a trading and resupply post for the Drôhznian army. It served as a staging post so that Sâlikhín's forces venture further into new territory.

Over the next two hundred years, the trading post grew into a town and then into a city. During this period, Khâlazaar had a reputation for being a rough, frontier settlement. The inhabitants of the city were predominantly soldiers and business to cater to those soldiers.

### Independance from Drôhznia

After the death of Sâlikhín in the first century 9E, the Drôhznian EMpire started to collapse. By this time, Khâlazaar had become a large city and was integral to logistics and administration of the empire. Khâlazaar was also an important military location as it served as a base for all armies stationed in southern Quaïth. As the northern holdings of the empire started to crumble away, the generals stationed in Khâlazaar became anxious. Over the next few decades, the foreign territories owned by the empire became independent and Khâlazaar was surrounded by foes.

As the empire fell apart, the nomads of Quaïth seized the opportunity and started attacking Drôhznian caravans and settlements. The generals in Khâlazaar knew that these marauders would slowly chip away at them. With no support for the south, they struck a deal with the nomads, paying tribute to protect the city and its caravans. When the new Drôhznian empire was formed, the new Sâlín condemned Khâlazaar for submitting to the savage Qauïthi. He demanded that Khâlazaar cease all dealings with the nomads and submit to Drôhznian authority once more. This caused chaos amongst the generals as they argued over how to address this demand. During this time the city itself was still full of soldiers, who were growing restless. Many of the soldiers had already turned brigand and were sacking nearby villages and attacking trade caravans.

Eventually, the generals turned on each other and fighting broke out in the city. Soldiers, loyal to their generals, turned on each other. The streets ran red and city burned and the fighting raged on. The battle would be known as The Night of Tears and would cost the lives of thousands, both soldiers and innocents. After the dust settled, the generals who survived managed to stop the violence and reach a truce. They would rule the city together and focus on restoring peace and stability to the region.

### The City of Exiles

In the centuries following the Night of Tears, Khâlazaar's power and influence spread throughout the region. The soldiers that once belonged to the Drôhznian army focused on protecting the trade caravans that passed through the city and to keep the marauding tribes at bay. The city flourished and became a safe haven in the wild and dangerous lands of southern Qauïth. Refugees from all over the continent flocked to Khâlazaar in the wake of the collapse of the Drôhznian Empire. Realising that the city could become overcrowded, the ruling generals and their successors only permitted entry to those who could pay. The refugees that did not have the coin were turned away or captured and sold as slaves.

Khâlazaar transformed into a major trading hub and safe haven for anyone escaping persecution in their homeland, provided they have gold to spend. It became a den of scum and villainy, attracting the rejects of other societies. The generals that once ruled the city became merchants and crime lords. The soldiers that were stationed there became mercenaries and thugs, protecting the city and maintaining the peace.

## Government

Khâlazaar lacks any kind of central authority and is ruled by a class of merchants, crimelords and other wealthy individuals.