Sharis

Avlis Countries: Atlas | Blandenberg Protectorate | Brekon | Deglos | Drotid | Dubunat | Ferrell | Galdos | Jechran | Khanjar Kuro | Kurathene | M'Chek | The Seven Cities | T'Nanshi | Toran Shaarda | Tyedu | Underdark | Wastelands

Avlis Cities: Andarr | Brekon | Bullwark | Crosstreams | Dormiria | Elysia (city state) | Grantir (city state)| Kitanya Hill | Kuras | Le'Or T'Nanshi | Malekia | Mikona | Myleah | Qwanderal | Qwandovia | Red Gate | Sharis | Stalwart | Toostan | Verloghokbol | Visimontium (city state)

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Note: This information is not common knowledge on the surface of Negaria.

Map of Sharis.

General Information

The city of Sharis is the main bastion of power for the evil Demonlord Sharistracterus. It is located deep beneath the surface of Negaria underneath what is known as the nation of Tyedu. The population is made up largely of Adomkuro and Kharakuro although there are large contingents of evil fey, demon races, and the occasional Spawn of Alifanitax.

Sharis is bounded on two sides by winding tunnels. To the east, the tunnels are thought to lead to the surface, eventually reaching an old abandoned dwarven mining complex and another route heading towards an ancient lava tube from a long extinct volcano. Recent reports declare that the lava tube has recently caved in and is not accessible. The southern tunnels leading out of the city contain numerous agrarian settlements that supply the population with food. Farmers in these winding tunnels are experts in cultivating edible mosses, rothe, and other underdark crops. Beyond these settlements, the tunnels are thought to venture even deeper into the planet, and onward toward other Demon Lord settlements.

To the west, the city is bounded by Lake Bogul, a large subterranean lake that contains many settlements of Adomkuro and Kharakuro along its banks that trade with Sharis. Part of the reason for Sharis' economic success lies in it strategic position for controlling the flow of goods to Negaria's northwestern Underdark.

Within the city there is little religious conviction, although two temples serve what little needs there are. The larger of the two is dedicated to Sharistracterus, and it serves as the world headquarters for his priests. The smaller temple is dedicated to Maleki. Although there is often tension between these two organizations, it rarely results in open war because threats from outside are constant.

Most outside threats come from other Demon Lords. Though Kuthos and Kimonictinus are located in far off lands, and are thus unable to mount regular attacks, numerous smaller Demon Lords, such as Lord Tru’av’kazh aka Lord Trocar. (A trocar is a nasty gnomish blade which consists of a sharp point and a large hollow opening to retain to the tissue it extracts.)

Since the entire city is located underground, there is no day/night cycle in Sharis. However, time is kept by the natural physiological cycle of a phosphorescent moss that grows on the ceiling of the cavern. The moss glows for 12 hours and then goes dark for 12 hours. Though the light of the moss is not enough to see by, it can easily be seen when looking up. Generally, the city streets are dark all the time except for magical stone pillars set at long intervals along the road that glow with Continual Light spells. The day/night cycle is the only time recorded. There are no seasons to speak of. The cavern is at a constant temperature year round, slightly cool but not cool enough to take any measures against it.

Due to the slow descent of water from the snows on the surface, plenty of filtered water makes it into the city. Most of it falls into a large stream that in turn flows into Lake Bogul. However, throughout the settlement, small drops of water occasionally fall from the cavern roof. It is commonly believed among the locals that a typical lifespan in Sharis is equal to the time it takes to be hit randomly by a falling drop of water from the ceiling one hundred times. Much of the social conversation contains phrases surrounding this superstition, and as one may expect, every resident of the city knows his or her "splash count". Being hit by a drop of water is a bittersweet experience: a right of passage with a reminder of mortality. "I've still got a few drops of water to go" is a common phrase.

Sharis Districts

There are three main access points to Sharis. To the east are two gates that come from a single branching tunnel. It is though that somewhere along this tunnel is a vein of ore and abandoned mine shafts that lead to the surface of an ancient dwarven outpost. Another opening to the surface was an ancient lava tube from a long extinct volcanoe, but this path has recently been closed according to new reports. Sharis' southern gate stands watch over the city's agrarian complex, which takes the form of intertwining tunnels used to grow edible mosses and raise rothe and other Underdark food staples. Beyond these winding tunnels is a path that leads to other settlements that lie even deeper. On its western edge, Sharis is bounded by a large underground lake known as Lake Bogul. Several settlements of Kharakuro, Adomkuro, and other races live on the banks of this lake and trade frequently with Sharis.

Laws and Government

The Demonlord Sharistracterus's powers are surpassed only by the deities of the surface world. Though other Demonlords of his stature, such as Kimonictinus and Kuthos could challenge him with some success if they tried, their settlements lie far away through the dangerous routes of the Underdark. Because of this, all beings within the cavern occupied by Sharis pay homage to Sharistracterus.

Though there are few written laws in the city, a liveried group of thugs known as the Night Watch patrols the streets regularly. This group is empowered by Sharistracterus to keep order in the streets. However, whatever happens out of view is generally known to be allowed.

• "Hail Lord Sharistracterus! Now declare the extent of your loyalty."
  
• "There are two types of beings. Those who are outwardly loyal to Sharistracterus, and those who are inwardly disloyal."
  
• "Pay yourself first, but always leave room for your tribute, lest it cost you your life."
  

- Sayings of the Commoners.

Local Political Figures

Sergeant Kirith-Fa

Kirith-Fa is an adomkuro Sergeant in the army of Sharis tasked by Sharistracterus himself to bring back a valuable magical artifact known as the Hammer of Creation from the surface barrens of Tyedu. When Kirith-Fa and his army failed to retrieve the artifact, Sharistracterus sent out a second force led by a kharakuro named Captain Djiuntkris to dispatch Kirith-Fa for his failure and retrieve the artifact. Upon hearing the news, Kirith-Fa fled and his whereabouts are unknown. Rumors persist that he has been sighted back in Sharis, but the foolhearty nature of this rumor makes it hard to believe.

Garix

As a well-known sage in Sharis, Garix enjoys some degree of protection from the many warring factions within the city. It is also thought that his brother is a prominent Night Watchman who doubles as a leader in the Crimson Stalagmite guild. His areas of expertise are in ancient languages, History of The Underdark, and specialized poisons native to the Underdark.

Local Organizations

The Night Watch

Whatever semblance of order there is in Sharis is kept by the Night Watchmen. They are generally known as uniformed thugs in crimson and black uniforms that wear the livery of Sharistracterus and perpetuate crimes in his name. However, all of this is done in the guise of "keeping the peace". More often than not, each member of this organization doubles as an agent for one of the many other secret organizations in the city, such as the Crimson Stalagmite or Alley Reaper guilds.

The Crimson Stalagmite

The Crimson Stalagmite is considered a "full service" Rogue's Guild. Its operations range from petty theft and training of street urchins to grand larceny, grand theft, and manipulation of trade. Its membership is mainly made up of Adomkuro and Kharakuro, though there are several other races represented. Naturally, whenever its territory is threatened, there are consequences, whether it is a lone violator or another organization. The leader of this guild is thought to be a slippery Adomkuro named Alforth, who is thought to be a Night Watchman and brother of Garix in his spare time.

The Alley Reapers

Where there are riches, there are multiple treasure hunters. The Alley Reapers is another so-called "full service" Rogue's Guild, though its membership primarily consists of urban sprites and other evil fey races. Adomkuro and other larger humanoids usually find positions as muscle and enforcers in this guild, because most fey are small sized. A portly yet ruthless urban sprite named Sertich Bladefinger is the undisputed leader of the guild these days. All attempts to catch him to date have failed.

The Violet Order of The Skull

Though its influence is not strong at the upper levels of government, the Guild:VioletOrder has contingents roaming the streets of Sharis, looking for opportunity. The order is loosely directed by a shadowy figure named "Wolf, The Master" who lives in another faraway settlement, but control is not direct, nor is it to any great degree.