Am-Xitha, Parts I & II (Past Chronicle 2013-2014)

Duchy of Am-Xitha - by T.A. Saunders ©2013 v1.5

Kjah Quarter

Am-Xitha Yimi ri Kohas (Am-Xitha School of War)

The Am-Xitha War College as it is also called, has become the center of training for all of the officers that serve in the various armed forces of Vyss. Headmastered by the first Ziyn Shatah Viyn warrior, Khazpar Nau, the War College has begun transforming the Vyssian army from one of the weaker large military forces into something to be truly feared and respected, through teaching their officers better strategies, tactics and training techniques. Duke Blackthorne also teaches a class on strategy and many of his maneuvers during his time as a Miroan Commander, the Peasant's Rebellion of 1345 to the Second Godwar are required learning.

The School of War is a five floor structure, fashioned from Geomancer-shaped, seamless Geomancer-shaped marble, that spirals skyward with twisting vines of hammered gold traveling the length of these thorn-like spires to a height of around 700 feet. This lofty view makes it the second tallest structure in Am-Xitha, next to the Great Hall.

Within, each floor is dedicated to a particular branch of warfare. The first floor is the admission processing office, instructor offices and the general lecture hall for officers, the second floor is dedicated to combat strategy instruction, the third dedicated to military tactics for both large armies and small attack forces, the fourth floor is dedicated to a library on various military histories, tactics and strategies and the fifth floor is a testing hall, where illusionary battle simulations can take place.

Am-Xitha Yimir ri Oran (Am-Xitha Tower of Sorcery)

Constructed 70 years after the founding of Am-Xitha, the Tower of Sorcery was a point of particular pride for the city. So important was the arrival of the school, the Royal Library was ordered to add a fourth floor just to supply the school with sorcerous books and lore. The Tower of Sorcery is decidedly Human in its construction, taking the form of a six floor keep constructed from Ohratite, however the Elves added their own sorcerous innovation by cultivating a sacred Hirsalas tree within its center and using spatial dilation to provide space for its growth. The School's construction was actually commissioned to Human masterwork builders who reached out to their Elvish allies for the opportunity to add to the city. The solid construction proved vital over the centuries, having weathered both duels between students, explosions within and even the bombardment that leveled most of the city.

The School was reopened provisionally on Karo 3, 1346 AC to tutor the numerous refugee children of Shalzaar with the support and watchful eye of the Arcanium. It existed as a strangely peaceful necropolis, still inhabited by the lingering spirits of many deceased students and teachers either unwilling or unable to move onto the afterlife, instead choosing to maintain their place of death and assist in the education of new students.

New free of Arcanium influence, the resurrected Headmistress Lyudmila Shantelle, and to a lesser extent her daughter, control the school due to their connection to the Hirsalas tree that floods its floors with life. Strange creatures that exhibit traits of both flora and fauna linger on the higher floors, but seem incapable of existing outside of the premise.

MacNamara Arms

Serving as the official supplier of firearms to Am-Xitha, the very presence of the MacNamara Arms shop represents the changed philosophy of both Am-Xitha as a formerly ‘not weapons' city and the Shadow Elves as a whole who abhor firearms usually, but have accepted that not all peoples will seek the bow and arrow as they have. While still largely supplied by Owen MacNamara, who builds the majority of the firearms in Blackgate, then has his son, Dean who co-owns the MacNamara & Arthandas Trading Company, and owns this shop, transport the stock by airship.

Run by his younger brother, Connar and the youngest of the MacNamara clan, Alexa, the shop has the full line of MacNamara firearms available, with custom requests filled by either Dean when he's able, or his father, Owen. The MacNamaras are a rowdy bunch, one and all; those with thin skins and timid hearts should not chance the threshold of this place, given the banter and the random testing of firearms that often occurs!

Constructed in the traditions of Shalzaari Hillfolk, the building is made from brick and mortar, and has a gently slanted tiled roof, with two floors and a basement. Connar and Alexa have an apartment on the top floor the siblings share, with the shop on the main floor and extra stock and ‘custom work' stored in the basement.

Pama Dorna ri Kjahti (Council All of Humanity)

Much like many of the other council halls in Am-Xitha, this one exists to address the needs and wants of the Humans that live in the city. Constructed from carved stone, mortar and a stone tile roof, this single floor structure contains a ring of about eight rows of wooden chairs formed in a semi-circle, with a small stage and podium at the opposing end of the building.

Presently, the Human Councilman is the Am-Xitha hero, Berwyn Cadfael, who has a farm of about ten acres in this quarter of the city where he ranches Lashers. Meetings are held monthly and as with other council halls, all are welcomed to attend, to take part in the Am-Xitha political process.