Beyond the walls of Shazrad lie other cities, other lands. Some are allies; others, known and charted dangers. Someday, a map will be forthcoming. But don't hold your breath; we wouldn't want you to pass out from lack of air, do we? Duxaur As the closest major city on the other side of the desert, Duxaur has negotiated close relations with Shazrad. She, too, is independent, but this is due to the strength of her well-trained military. Although previously content as a small city-state, notions of conquest are supposedly rising. Kivred Further down on the same coast where Shazrad stands, Kivred is a bitter rival that has more than once set pirates upon Shazrad's trading fleets. Her power dwindles in comparison, however, and she has become a place of some disrepute. She is part of a larger nation, Merador, which stretches southward. Sokaru An island nation a few weeks away by ship, Sokaru is friendly enough toward Shazrad and is a frequent trading partner. Djinni seem to abound here, and thus mages do as well, and they protect Sokaru from other realms which seek to conquer a nation which values the arts over the skills of war. They have a rather different language system. Copyright © 2000-2001 by Alioqui & Yoon Ha Lee <shazrad@cityofveils.com> [ Return to the top of the page ]