Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #205

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #205 

July 24th, 2023 

• Number: 205 

• Name:  Deep Dive on a Site of Interest: Ulono Atu – The Curse of a Million Suns 

• Location:  Central Wastelands west of the Ulu Maug range 

• Population (approx.): None within, 50 on the outskirts
  

• Brief: The City of Water and the Cathedral of Vai was a wondrous district criss-crossed with canals and channels connecting reflecting pool, sparkling fountains and quiet ponds, filled with water called from underground and the skies by the priests and clerics. Then something (whether real or concocted is lost to history) turned the fury of Church of Light against them, bring down the Curse of a Million Suns upon them. The light from above was magnified a thousand-fold in an instant. It could not be dispelled, and spells of Shadow and Dark from Water’s allies of Night were shredded apart. When the day ended, night fell, there was hope that the Curse had ended. But dawn came and a million suns rose. Canals and channels ran dry. Pools and ponds emptied, fish and flora broiling and browned. The underground springs stopped, and clouds would not form. The City of Water died a blazing dry death.  

• Centuries ago, those who survived fled, some eventually forming a second home at the Church-State of Earth and Water (#29), whose capital, the City of Pools (#135), reflected but a small part of the City’s legendary beauty. Pilgrims regularly make the journey south to the City of Water to an encampment on the outskirts outside of the effects of the Curse.  

• Reltrana, 30, a female Half-Elf, is a Pilgrim journeying to the City of Water. She is taller than most Humans and has dirty blonde hair and moonstone-colored eyes. She is covered with tattoos on the right side of her body that show her dedication to all things of Vai. Reltrana wears light blue robes with gold trim around the collar and sleeves. She uses a staff both as a walking stick and as a weapon. 

• Reltrana's mother dedicated her to the deity of water at birth. Since then, she has made the pilgrimage to the city every five years. The Curse has caused countless suffering to many people. Reltrana hopes that her dedication and offerings will make life easier for those who live on the outskirts. 

• Reltrana is newly married to Sandaran Mezan, 27, Human. Sandaran doesn't believe in any religion; but understands how important this journey is to Reltrana. While Reltrana visits the City, she sees several friends she has met on her trips from her hometown in the Church-State. They include Heledi, 142, an female Elven healer resident at the encampment, and her mentor. She is also friends with Tyadin Hotgort, 75, a male Dwarven carpenter who is a fervent water worshipper. All pray for the day when the Curse is broken, and they can bring water back to the channels and canals. 

• Geography: The City of Water occupies the southwest district of Ulono Atu. After centuries under the blaze of the suns, the entire area is bleached white and dusty as bone. Many buildings have collapsed. No flora or fauna remains but for some hardy creatures that wander over from other districts at night and scurry away in the morning. A small permanent encampment can be found southwest of the encircling avenue about Ulono Atu. Dedicated clerics pray to Vai for relief. They regularly test the strength of the Curse and have noted that it has weakened over time (a feature common to all six curses). 

• Next Article: The City of Six Curses – The Second Curse