Overview
- Population: ~65,000
- Nicknames: Plateau City
- Primary Race(s): Common Humaniods, Genasi,
- Location: The Free Lands
- Leadership: The Horse Lords (Council of Warlords and Breeding Masters)
- Known For: Exotic Beasts, Plane-touched Animals, Trade Caravans
Description
Khanen rises from a high mesa like a fortress of bone and sandstone, its tiered stone plazas filled with corrals, training rings, and auction blocks. Aromas of spice, sweat, and wet fur mix with the dry wind. Known across the Freelands for its unrivaled breeding programs, Khanen is home to planar-touched mounts, scaled warbeasts, and creatures not found elsewhere. The city balances the harsh codes of its warlords with the ritualistic discipline of animal husbandry. To walk its streets is to hear the thunder of hooves and the whisper of summoning glyphs.
History
Founded centuries ago by wandering beast tamers and former mercenaries, Khanen began as a migratory camp. Its elevated geography made it defensible, and its proximity to a naturally occurring planar rift gave rise to strange and powerful animals. Over time, the Horse Lords consolidated power, building the city around sacred breeding grounds. They now rule through strength, lineage, and control of the beast markets.
Geography and Layout
Khanen sits atop a wind-scoured plateau with steep cliff roads leading to massive lower enclosures and beast pens. The central city is circular and tiered, with the upper ring housing nobility, planar stables, and glyph towers. The outer quarters are rugged, home to transient traders, training arenas, and caravans preparing for expeditions.
Economy
- Primary Industries: Animal husbandry, Exotic Beasts breeding, sale of related items, planar communications
- Currency: Standard coinage accepted; rare beasts may be bartered for magical goods or contracts
Culture and Society
| Religion: | Loose reverence for Talic, tribal totems, and rarely Icengrim for those who deal in undead beasts. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditions: | Naming rituals for newborn beasts, blood-price duels for broken breeding contracts, and seasonal festivals celebrating herd migrations. | ||
Notable Figures and Groups
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Zafira Sandstrider | A seasoned merchant known for traversing the Badlands, specializing in spices, practical resources, and bulk deliveries. Her nomadic lifestyle has earned her a reputation for resourcefulness and an eye for valuable trade goods. |
| House Ranvel | Merchant house specializing in magical reins, fetters, and beast sigils |
| Wagon Crafting Guild | … |
Points of Interest
| Gates of Khanen: | Constructed from sturdy desert stone and adorned with the symbols of the Horse Lords. Impressive and crafted my master artisans. |
|---|---|
| The Rift Pens: | Dangerous breeding grounds near a minor planar rift; heavily guarded and warded. |
| Market District: | Massive open-air market where breeders, riders, and traders gather monthly. The marketplace buzzes with activity, merchants haggling with customers and showcasing the diverse array of goods from far-off lands. |
| Sandstrider Storehouses: | Impressive warehouses near the edge of the market district. Buildings have intricate carvings depicting desert scenes and legendary creatures. The imposing structure hints at the wealth within. |
| Three Horned Goat: | Specialized in fermented goat milk, kumis, mingles with the lively chatter of patrons. The menu features local delicacies, including spiced meats and desserts infused with desert fruits. The Inn is boisterous, warm, and steeped in tradition. |
Services
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle & Sigil | Enchanter & Saddlewright | Custom planar saddles, bonded gear, and arcane reins. |
| Irika’s Bonecraft | Apothecary & Beast Healer | Herbal salves and planar remedies for magical creatures. |
Media
Market District:
