Shallam


Shallam
Leader	Bahtell Argenthand Del'Strata
Council	None
Divine Patron	Pentharian, God of Valour
Founder	Sahart
City Tutor	Averroes
City Guardian	a shimmering Kirin
Heraldic Arms	Gyronny of 12 Argent and Or, a sapphire Azure
Allies	Jaru
Enemies	Mhaldor and Ashtan
Key Documents	The Shallamese Constitution and the Codex of Light

Shallam is the City of Light, also known as the Jewel of the East because of the sparkling crystal and golden domes capping many of the buildings there. It is home to the Templars, the Empyreal Assembly, the Dawnstriders, the Crystalline Circle, and the Sentaari.

Government

On the 6th of Miraman, 502 AF, Shallam adopted a theocratic form of government, abolished the Sultanate, and became a Caliphate.

Shallam's government is presided over by the Citadel of Light, from which all of its officials come. Shallam's ruling council is comprised of five Viziers, selected by the Citadel and voted in by general election. Out of the five Viziers, one is voted by the Citadel and approved by the Te'Serran Alliance to lead the city as Caliph.

The gods of the Te'Serran Alliance (Mithraea, Pentharian, Lorielan, and Miramar) have the power to dismiss any Vizier, candidate for Vizier, or other public official. They also have the power to void any laws of which They disapprove, and to enact new laws and policies by divine decree. Where the Te'Serra do not see fit to intervene, the government of Shallam operates in the traditional republican fashion.

Landmarks

Notable landmarks include:

An overgrown garden off of Rampart Row in the southeast portion of the city; it bears a shattered altar; the crystal decanter of Deucalion, which was used to ward off the red fog years ago; and a statue in remembrance of Martei.
The Maran La'Saen Arena on the southwest side, which offers combat practice.
The Shallamese University, complete with a library, chess table, and pleasant meditation pond.
The Imperial Museum along Kashshi Way, which displays a variety of historical and creative artefacts.
Paradise Park on Nineveh Street where Simbata, an old elephant wanders, and Ishtar Park along Arbela Boulevard.
Azzul Square, named after General Azzul. A statue of this military leader who guarded Shallam during the Plains Wars stands at the centre of the square.
The Citadel of Light, a tall emerald spire formed of the combined energies of the Chrysalis Basilica, the Shallamese Royal Palace, and the Cyrenian Lumeni Chapel. The newest seat of Shallamese governance, it looms with ambiguous portent.

Denizens

Shallam has a variety of colourful and friendly residents. The city is not without its poverty; emaciated orphans roam the streets, as well as a beggar. Other individuals visitors may encounter include the following:

Jamian, a young dwarf, who minds the bait shop on Fish Street.
Averroes, the Prophet, who resides in his home along Chalsis Crescent.
Caliphan, the Scribe Master, who runs the post office.
Oghma, the museum curator.
the lovers Camilla Prietta and Rudolpho Montagenet, who linger in Ishtar Park.
the weaver Winnefred Wisteria, who has set up a stall in the Medina.
the Royal Shallamese Guard headed by Captain Pericles, who can generally be found near the north gates. Dawnstriders, Paladins and Monks of the Guard, Priestesses of the Basilica, and guardian djinns are stationed at various posts throughout the city, while Corporal Cazin mans the catapult on the western ramparts.
Mahmoud and his daughter Coscela, who are in charge of the city's stables.
Deneen, the aristocrat, has lived in Shallam for countless years.
Tumaini, a quiet young troll who works in the new Shallamese bakery.
Earda, Te'Serran Sage who watches over the teaching of orphans within the Citadel of Light.
DeBurr, the legendary near-sighted jeweller of Shallam.
Nirah and Diella who work in the Sahart's restaurant.

Shopping

Shopping is an adventure in Shallam, whose merchants offer a diverse array of options. The legendary jeweller DeBurr runs her shop at the southwest corner of Shallam. Kaela, the sculptor, offers a variety of granite statues for sale from her small studio. There are also two main shopping districts: one along Zanzibaar and Fish Street, and one in the Medina in the heart of the city.

Zanzibaar Street is home to several of Rurin's shops, and to the east and west sides of Zanzibaar, assorted adventurer owned shops display a multitude of wares. Rhydasia, the flower merchant, can be found taking great joy in her work as she tends to her vibrant flower shop off the street as well. A few more shops line the western end of Fish Street just to the south.

The old quarter, referred to as the Medina, is home to another very large group of shops. Crazy Hakhim, the ratman of Shallam, occupies the centre of the medina and provides shoppers with quick gold in exchange for a few rats. A commodity shop and many adventurer-run shops stock goods to turn any shopper's eye. The locksmith Barkash and Bostick, his apprentice, ply their trade in the Medina as well.

Dining

Shallam offers a variety of food choices. Many types of food can be found in the assorted shops throughout the city, although some would argue that the best food in all of Sapience is found at Sahart's. The Silverdrop Inn, a popular gathering spot, offers drinks and entertainment.

Until its destruction in a Mhaldorian raid, Reinhold's Pastries along Viziers Street was also an excellent choice for sweeter fare. Reinhold, the pastry chef, offered a fine selection and was assisted by Vanna, a Tsol'aa baker whose speciality was decorating cakes. Both Reinhold and Vanna are now deceased.

Tumaini now works in the newly rebuilt Shallamese bakery, where local flatbread and rolls may be purchased.

Political History

City ranks

Villager
Citizen
Chieftain
Satrap
Ataman
Emir

The Patrons of Shallam in chronological order:

From the beginning of the Caliphate in 502 AF, the city of Shallam has been patroned jointly by the Te'Serran Alliance, though Pentharian retains the title of official patron.

The Sultans of Shallam in chronological order:

Isildur
Mical Selvaetiim
Maran La'Saen
Cyre Elseth
Kyasha
Dresden La'Seir
Ryvern K'Treva
Grimsblade
Bulvai
Solar Stormcrow
Brinn
Greywolf
Linus
Addrynnyn Silverwind Earendil
Rarch
Carmell Jaydde-Stormcrow
Latus Sioraiocht
Solar Stormcrow
Lari Merre
Emergo Le'Murzen
Hieyoko Eventide
Alban Stormcrow
Alma Rumnaheim
Hieyoko Eventide
Silas Maynard
Laorir D'lajess
Deeva Rian
Silas Maynard (16th of Daedalan, 487)

The Sultanate was abolished on the 6th of Miraman, 502 AF, and replaced by the Caliphate.

The Caliphs of Shallam in chronological order:

Silas Maynard
Quoren Ironson
Mirane de l'Evanoir
Jovaras Wyntersol
Kailo Crescent
Lukis Op'Shae
Bahtell Argenthand Del'Strata