Sempyria
City in the Clouds
Founded over half a millennia ago Sempyria was built off the back of several large gold deposits found near the peak of the Blackstone Mountains. Rather than construct their community at the base of the mountains, and climb them each time they wished to dig for gold, they built their city at the summit.
Due it its remote location and formidable defences Sempyria has never been sacked despite being laid siege to several times. The city’s vast gold and precious gem deposits make it an attractive prospect to any warlord wishing to fund his insurrection.
The Wind Gate
The only way to enter Sempyria is via the Wind Gate; a fortified gatehouse cut from the mountainside and accessed by a narrow stone bridge. In times of war this bridge was coated with oil and set alight with bellows of fire.
Crime and Punishment
Sempyria is renowned for it harsh judicial system and severe punishment. Many crimes are punishable by death and the preferred method of execution is staking the offender to the roof of the courthouse and feeding them alive to the condors.
The City of Sempyria
At almost four miles above sea level visitors or merchants travelling to Sempria either face a gruelling ten-day trek through the Blackstone Mountains or a a five-hour winch ride in one of the city’s slave-operated cranes.
Those who travel to the city by the winding mountain pass are exhausted but usually escape Cloud Sickness; severe bouts of vomiting, confusion, dizziness and headaches.
Entering the city by winch always results in what the locals call Cloud Sickness. New arrivals have been known to collapse in the street and have had to spend at least a week in the House of Healing.