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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 ruling council is comprised of seven Viziers, five appointed by the Houses and two publicly elected. Out of the seven Viziers, one is selected by the Te'Serran Alliance to lead the city as Caliph. The Caliph can be appointed or removed only by the Te'Serra.
The gods of the Te'Serran Alliance (Mithraea, Pentharian, and Lorielan) 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
Among the most notable sites to see in Shallam are the Chrysalis Basilica, the site at which Maran ascended into Pentharian, and the royal palace. Others 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.
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 Chalis Crescent.
- Caliphan, the Scribe Master, who runs the post office.
- 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.
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.
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