This province is the heart of the desert. It is harsh, and often mysterious, for many ruins lie in the sands. Mainly herding and craftsmen, the folk of this province trade with those of distant lands.
History:
The city of Verem is an important stop for travelers leaving the great city of Sakril and heading toward the north or east. Because of the proximity of the oases, Verem is also an important producer of foodstuffs. Crops, including dates, nuts, wheat and cotton (fiber) are produced in abundance near the oases. Reeds and plant fibers are harvested from the oases. Sheep and goats are also herded nearby. The bazaars in Verem are always active and have abundant items for trade, both locally produced, and those bartered from the passing caravans. Central to the city is the temple, a place where the worship of Edalirin is solemnized, though the Sakoans view every act throughout the day as a form of worship. The areas set aside for Bazaars circle the temple. Outside of this “town square” area lie the many independent shops, hostels, and houses. With the exception of the temple, the buildings are of native limestone, off white in color, quarried not far away.
Buildings:
Temple of Edalirin
A magnificent, if not enormous structure, the temple in Verem has an important city-center location. Deep within the pillared halls is a quarter-size replica of the Ta’ril (Throne of Stone), painstakingly carved from jade. The stones from the temple were quarried nearby, and are sandstone of a yellowed color similar to the sands of the surrounding deserts.
Crescent Moon Inn
An inn on the northwest corner of the market square, catering to travelers from the caravans, for the most part. The inn is well kept, has 10 or so rooms to rent, and a staff including kitchen help, servers, and of course the innkeeper’s various family members.
Daoud’s Stable
Owned and operated by Daoud Markaf, an eligible bachelor, this stable is well-maintained, has accommodations for animals from the inn as well as for a few from larger caravans and for the stableboys themselves. Urine is collected from the stable with an ingenious sluice system, and used by the tanner. Manure is sold to the locals who farm the oases’ lands.
Pahkat Imseer, Butcher
Large butcher shop with a salting cellar and smoking room, so that local meats can be preserved.
Ylamini Tannery
Tannery owned by the Ylamini family, utilizing skins from the nearby butcher. The tanner is also an apothecary of sorts, mixing herbs and spices to color and protect his leather goods. Harness, shoes and accessories are the main goods here.
Giftook Zobar, Candles and Lighting
A shop owned by Giftook Zobar, specializing in tallow candles, oils, and glass objects (mainly lamps). Zobar obtains the animal matter he needs from Imseer’s butcher shop, and spices and oils taken in trade are used to scent his distinctive candles and lamp oils.
Master Tarim’s Pottery
Mud and water from the oases are used by Tarim and his apprentices to create pottery needs, from lamps to dishes. One corner of his shop holds a large kiln.
Woolgrower’s Warehouse
Fleeces are held, cleaned, carded and spun here. Most of the wool is sold to local merchants, though some may be kept “raw” for transport on the caravans. Part of the woolgrowers warehouse is leased during cotton harvest for the farmers of that crop.
Woven Delight
Shaheena Asmir creates woven masterpieces for apparel and homes. Small rugs and native attire may be purchased here. Within the upper floor of the shop, there are many looms, and in the back of the lower form, there are many vats used for dying.
Omar Ropemaker
Omar Dinsan is not only a ropemaker, though he does use the tough fibers from local plants for such. He also creates canvas and tents using the native cotton.
Priest’s Residence
A rather large residence that sits in prominent position on the east approach to the city is maintained by the priests of the Temple of Edalirin. Some of the rooms are used by novices, some are kept for travelers’ use. Classes taught by the priests take place in several of the rooms of this building.
Mayor’s Office
The Mayor of Verem holds a largely ceremonial role. He opens the Bazaars, thus has a daily duty on most days, the exceptions being holy days when no trade occurs. Half of the offices house the city militia/police force, who answer directly to the mayor. Included in this area are cells used to briefly incarcerate breakers of the law.
Smarka Stable
A higher class stable, run by Smarka Yzbaghi. Higher prices are the rule.
Temple Inn
An inn on the southeast corner of market square. Currently owned by Smarka Yzbaghi. The Temple Inn caters to the “richer” crowd, playing on its proximity both to the temple and to the mayor’s office.
Enzinah Shipping
Esram Enzinah caters to the caravans by coordinating shipping of goods and receiving/marketing in Verem. He has associates in other cities that make contact with him a benefit to any seeking to transport merchandise. In addition, Enzinah has contacts with guards to protect shipments.
Traveler’s Sundries
A general store, carrying both cloth and foodstuffs (salt, spices, flour, dried meats), as well as tack and other materials travelers might require. Located on the south side of the market square.
Noushaf Miller
Abel Noushaf and his family own and run the mill here. Donkeys are used to turn the great slabs of stone that grind wheat into flour. Noushaf negotiates with local farmers for wheat, and cotton (for sacks), and sells his flour both to local bakeries as well as on commission through Traveler’s Sundries.
Jacob the Pie Man
Jacob Kaarteri makes delicious meat pies, as well as sweet pies of dates and local nutmeats. His family lives in the small building, and helps in the manufacture and sale of the pies.
Argat Gems
Dan’ad Argat is a gem trader. He frequently buys gems from the local folk, as well as passing caravans. He doesn’t work specifically to set or use the gems, only deals in the stones themselves.
Zoram’s Silversmith
Zoram Quinzi works silver and gems into beautiful jewelry and flatware. He trades both with local and caravan customers.
Carpet of Dreams
Carpet of dreams sells locally made rugs and carpets. The upper floor has several looms (large) and the bottom half is storage/display.
Hindar Fine Teas
No one is quite sure where the name Hindar came from, but this is the warehouse/trading center for a consortium of traders who ship tea and coffee beans for distribution to the western Sakoan lands.
Asmeer Bakery
Sarget Asmeer and his family specialize in breads, rolls and muffins. The shop is located on the northwest side of the market square They buy flour from Noushaf miller, and sell both locally, to the Crescent Moon Inn and those in the market, and to caravans.
Fantoor Cabinetry
Located northernmost in the row of buildings to the west of the market, Fantoor Cabinetry specializes in rare and elegant wood carving and boxes of various sorts. They probably could repair a barrel, too, but would be insulted by the crudeness of design.
Norgam Tinker
Containing a workshop, tools for drawing and working both metal and wood, Norgam Tinker is where simple metal and wood devices (such as hinges, shovels, pins, etc) are created.
Ayana’s Dresses
Simple, yet beautiful dresses and robes are created and sold here.
Intash Barbor
Intash the barbor not only cuts hair and beards (for men only), but he also has some curative/ healing duties (such as pulling teeth). For those tasks that he is not suited, he is wise enough to recommend a visit to the Hands of Mercy.
HOM
The small outpost home of the Hands of Mercy.
Votira’s baskets
The shop on the southern corner of Verem specializes in baskets, containers and furniture created from the reeds that are harvested from the oases.
Ysaaf the smith
A blacksmithy/forge using dried animal dung as fuel.
Other Structures:
The Six Sisters Six
Ancient palm trees line the eastern approach to the market square and temple. Legend has it that these trees were once six beautiful sisters who came to Verem from an outlying herding family. They were pledged to merchants as brides, but none of them were happy with the chosen husband. Their father, however, was insistent. As they approached Verem, they wailed and begged Edalirin to save them from this fate. In pity, the god turned them into trees. It is said that the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind is the sisters speaking among themselves. It is the duty of the priest of the temple to water and care for these trees.
Fountain of Life
Northernmost of three fountains that play before the steps of the temple of Edalirin. The Fountain of Life is often used in ceremonies bringing newborn children into the community.
Fountain of the Sun
Center of the three fountains, this one is immediately in front of the temple. It is most holy, representing both the sun and Edalirin, and no human or domestic animal is allowed to drink from it our touch its waters, except on holidays, where it may be important in ritual celebration.
Fountain of Death
A representation of the circle of life, the fountain of death is not feared, but represents the end of all life. The Fountain of Death is important in several of the holy festivals. Still, travelers don’t seem to wish to drink from it.