Found on the Western Coast of Arabia Damascus rises 1200 meters above sea level. It lies at the foot of Kassioun Mountain, and to the south of the Barada River. The mountain is a summer residence for Sultans and Princes. The Caliph Al-Mamood built his famous observatory on its top to watch planets and stars. There are lots of monasteries, but most of them are desolated. One of the most famous monasteries is Masan Mah-rihm.

The land surrounding Damascus is called Al-Ghouta and is considered one of the four paradises of the Arabian World. Al-Ghouta is the source of life for the inhabitants of Damascus. The Barada river irrigates Al-Ghouta. The rich soil and plentiful water supply means Damascus is a hub of agriculture, with beautiful gardens and orchids.

Due to its rich soil Damascus is capable of large amounts of agricultural production. Unfortunately Damascus’s trade suffers because Damascus is located on the far western edge of the Empire, meaning it is often the furthest port of call for Jackals traders.

Damascene houses are palaces in the full meaning of the word. What distinguishes these houses from others is more than one thing; every house is adorned with fine paintings which decorate the walls, this is complimented with beautiful hand crafted items and fine mirrors. The houses look solid and sealed off from the outside, but inside all rooms look onto a spacious open courtyard with trees planted here and there and a water basin in the centre. The rooms are large and comfortable. More often there is a second floor over the ground floor, having windows that open to the main streets. The walls of houses are decorated with shelves where books or utensils, pots and cups are stored in a manner meant to be decorative. Families keep their homes for generations, and form close bonds with their neighbours. As the families expand so do the houses. In some cases the upper floors of two houses might protrude over part of the street so close together, in fact, that the alley might look like a tunnel.

Damascus is a walled city with 7 Gates, each one a brilliant example of Arabian architecture. Towards the rear of the city in the East is the great Damascene fort, a link to the former days when Arabia was at war with Aeygptus and needed to defend its borders and Ports. It has been a long time since it has seen military use and has become infested with trading tables and gambling dens. The fort has gone from the safest place in the city to arguably the most dangerous.

With the destruction of Arabia’s capital Baghdad, destroyed by the Conclave, and the famine and subsequent occupation of Tripoli by Crusaders, there has been a large migration of Arabians to the northern cities. Damascus with it rich soils and plentiful foods has recently seen a large influx of peasantry and Nobel houses looking to start a new life.

The inhabitants of the city are mostly humans and Fae, although as with all ports there is a greater mix of races apparent then would be found further inland.

Arabian Cities