Prior to the rise of Bal'met, the cities of Ashtan and Shallam were home to many orphans. Most of these children, as they told adventurers, had lost their parents through unfortunate incidents, such as storms, and spent their lives wandering the streets. Both cities set up organisations to take in orphans:
- The Loving Hearts Orphanage
- The Halfway House
- The Basilican choir
- The Te'Serran Academy