In the year 301 AF, shortly after the Shrine Wars that plagued Sapience, a mysterious stalagmite appeared within the mountain island where Sartan, Lord of Evil was found trapped within. In their despair, followers of the imprisoned God began to impale themselves upon it, their sacrifice feeding the spread of a plant-killing red fog. The miasma of evil that was the fog seemed to grow with each death and soon spread off the island. Despite the efforts of Oakstone, the Church and other individuals to stave off the fog, it continued to spread and even take on a life of its own. In desperation to be rid of the fog, Gaia, the Earthmother caused a tremendous quake to try and sink the island. The effect was the opposite, however, and not only did the fog spread faster but the bonds of Sartan were finally broken and He escaped. Upon His release, He dubbed Himself Sartan the Malevolent and raised a stronghold known as Baelgrim Fortress for His faithful. The city of Mhaldor was founded with a Maldaathi Knight named Kaelin as the first Tyrannus.
The city of Mhaldor is located on the island just off the Northern Vashnars, connected by a bridge. It is home to the Houses of The Ebon Fist, The Blood Congregation, The Naga and the guild of the Maldaathi. It is a city dedicated to Evil and the propagation of the Seven Truths of Evil. Its architecture is that of two overlapping circles around Baelgrim Fortress.
Laws
Mhaldor’s laws may be read from an obsidian slab at the gates of the city.
Shopping
Shops are located all over Mhaldor, but the main shops are located in the market district in the lower circle of the city. Rurin’s business has not reached this island and necessities such as inks and even sigils are sold in shops owned by Drogo, the travelling merchant. The quality and durability of said items, however, leave much to be desired. One shop to note near the market district is Vanity, once run by the seductive Emalaith, now under the ownership of Lady Daitya, and stocks a variety of Mhaldorian style clothing and jewellery. Those with an interest in unique stationary might wish to track down Drobund and have a look at his wares. Because of Mhaldor’s high population of thieves, one might find rare or unique guild items within certain shops, either on display or for sale. With some luck, if one was robbed, one might actually be able to buy it back here.
Dining
Mhaldor proves itself to be a unique and challenging experience for diners providing exotic but somewhat grisly fare at the Worm and Grub. Those looking for an after-meal drink should visit the Gilded Corset, the perfect place to unwind and sample hard Mhaldorian liquor.
Recreation
At first glance, Mhaldor might not seem to be a place of much recreation, but a visit to Madame Lucretia and her girls at the Bathory Chalet changes the minds of most. For those less inclined to carnal pleasures, there is the arena. The Colosseum Diabolus is one of the more unique arenas in Sapience with segmented areas joined by a single warp. Those less physically inclined might simply wish to settle down for a round of roulette with Jemima or blackjack with Danzig, or even a game of chess at the Incubi Archives.
Facilities
All facilities in Mhaldor are located on the first level of the city. The Succubi Letters, Mhaldor’s post office, is located on the east side of the city along Nefarious way. It has a rather unique but cranky postal service.
The Incubi Archives are located on the west side of the city along Abomination road. Here, visitors may catch up on news.
Pestilent way at the northern point of the city is where Maric, the ratman and tutor of the city, resides, as well as the local bank, called The Vault, directly south of him.
A point to note are the schools of piranha that are located all over the city in deep pools. They serve as humgiis in the city along with an actual, snarling one who sits with Maric.
Landmarks
The Fissure as well as a statue of Lord Kaelin is located at Central Courtyard in Baelgrim Fortress.
Along the Avenue of Trapped Souls is an eerie looking tree. It is at this tree that aspiring Mhaldorians kneel and swear their oath of loyalty. Don’t stand too close for the tree is blood-thirsty, and has been known to make attempts at grabbing people.
Further north at Pestilent way stands a statue depicting the splitting of Sartan into the gods Shaitan and Apollyon. Also present is a pyramid of skulls, a gruesome collection of the heads of Mhaldor’s enemies over the years. Touching it will reveal the exact number. Groukar the orc has also constructed his pillory here.
A trip to the markets will bring you across Gack, the slaver, as well as many shops selling a range of wares.
Bewares the adventurer who choose to risk the sewers of Mhaldor. Frost beasts and other oddities crawl around the depths. You may also stumble across Bertram, the sewer worker, who could be possibly be the foulest man on Sapience.
Sartan’s public temple is located on the lower level of the city. Every Sarapin, a sacrifice to the Lords of Oppression and Suffering is conducted in the highest chamber. Hidden in this temple is a secret room where a mysterious book will read selected sections of Mhaldorian history to those who hold it.
Lastly is the city subdivision, Acheron, where a number of citizens own private residences.
Notable Residents
Other denizens visitors may encounter while exploring Mhaldor: