Omest lies on an important caravan route. The deep well here provides water for traveling animals and men. To the east lies the mysterious dune sea called the “Singing Soldiers”. To the south, broken relics of a time gone by litter the desert, where large buildings from the past rise from the sand. Local legend has it that these pyramidal structures were built by ancient folk to reach toward the gods. The gods were honored by this worship, and allowed the structures to remain, though they decreed that only the offspring of original worshipers may tend them. A select few local men travel to the pyramids on the mid-day of summer, to tend to what they may. There is a large limestone quarry to the west of Omest, where the stone for the town’s structures, as well as those ancient monuments to the south, has come from. Nearby, a deep shaft dives down into a silver mine, where a few precious minerals are harvested. Nomads travel the sands around Omest, regularly bringing their flocks to town for trade.
Buildings:
Temple of Edalirin
The north and south walls of the Temple of Edalirin in Omest line up exactly with entrance in the north wall of the pyramidal structure of the ancients that lies to the south. This feat of construction was done in honor of the elders who lived before The Sundering. On the mid-day of summer, when the few local descendants of the creators of the pyramid leave to tend them, the remainder of the townfolk gather at the temple to pray. When the workers return, a town-wide celebration is held. On the south wall inside the temple is a mosaic created of semi-precious stones, depicting the pyramidal structure in all its imagined glory.
Priest’s Residence
The Priest’s residence is also used as school for those youths desiring to extend their learning.
Antelope Inn
Antelope Inn is the second oldest structure in town. It is built of limestone like the other structures in town. It boasts a fine kitchen and common room, in addition to clean, fairly affordable rooms. The first owner named it after the herds of antelope that migrate through the desert nearby, following the spring flush of grass.
Rerrajar Trader
Erab Rerrajar has connections to Verem, as well as north to Eeme. His warehouse and store are filled with traded goods including textiles, jewelry, spices, silverware, flatware, pottery, baskets and leather goods.
Edaed Stable
Miram Edaed runs the local stable, with two boys as helpers. The stalls would suit either horses or camels.
Dakath Fletcher
Emil Dakath uses the feathers from wild hawks to produce his arrows. Shafts are imported from the north. His arrows are said to fly truer than the rays of the sun, and are treasured throughout the land. Dakath and his family live in this building.
Qirald Smithy
Rumond Qirald works metals to repair and replace most smaller objects.
Afau Silversmith
Dardan Afau uses silver from the local mine, as well as precious and semi-precious gems to make jewelry, silverware and flatware, which is traded on the caravan routes, as well as sold locally.
Coewen Textiles
Acani Coewen contracts with local shepherds, buying fleeces. He and his family card, spin and die the wool, then weave it into clothing and household textiles.
Aceridith Spices
Serin Aceridith and his family collect as well as trade for spices. Family secrets guard the locations of the prized roots of quoban, which are used locally to spice meats and pastries. Other spices are also collected. Aceridith trades locally and with the caravans.
Hoclya Butcher
Ijar Hoclya contracts with local shepherds to thin the flocks and process the meat. He also performs this service for hunters that take advantage of the antelope herds and other small desert creatures. Hides are traded to Moiwyn for use as leather goods.
Moiwyn Leather
Ular Moiwyn and his family work leather into containers, harness, and shoes. Rare (from hunted animals) skins are sometimes preserved here as well.
Other Structures
Well of the Ancients
Though it is unlikely that this well served the larger ruins to the south, the early settlers of Omest were certain it tapped the same aquifer. That gave the well its name. The well is deep, and a steady supply of w