Desseray

Northernmost of the Isharian City States and also the most reclusive, the city of Desseray fiercely tries to maintain a reputation for advanced magical arts that reflects its roots as the former centre of all magical learning on the continent of Ishar during the Dawn Era. In modern times however, the city is more often regarded by outsiders as a collection of snobs, introverts and oddities.  

Desseray Outskirts

  The environment surrounding Desseray is predominantly rocky and arid, with the occasional sand drift obscuring the ancient canal systems that once nourished the land around the city. The city itself is built into a series of craggy hills that stand like sentinels in the otherwise flat landscape.  

The Doors to Desseray

  As you approach the hills that conceal the ancient city of Desseray, the only sign of any mortal inhabitants comes in the form of an elevated platform cut into the rock. Ascending this platform will reveal the doors to Desseray, usually sealed to the outside world with a vault-like door. The door is decorated with various runes and wards, betraying its purpose as the primary entryway to a domain of magical wonder. If you are lucky enough to gain access through this door, you find yourself in a large triangular receiving chamber that betrays little of its cavern like construction. With tunnels splitting off from this chamber that lead to other surface level constructions and an ornate staircase linking the Council Chambers above the chamber and the city itself below. The chamber itself has many intricate murals upon its walls, however these all have been defaced and broken over the centuries. The only untouched decoration is a single carved rune in the centre of the chamber.  

The Council Chambers

  Meeting place of the The Council Arcanum, the room is arranged with elevated stone tables looking down upon those who enter the room. The table forms a half circle, with nine seats of varying styles and ornateness. The central chair demands the most attention, carved of a fierce looking black rock with cruel edges. This is the Throne of the Archmage, an imposing sight for those seeking an audience. Visitors to the Council Chambers give varying reports on their experience speaking to the foremost magical experts of the world, but one thing remains constant in every telling: only the most powerful of petitioners seemed able to speak untruths while within.  

The City of Blue Fire

  Perhaps more could be learned of this subterranean city...