Saresh is the beautiful capital of the May’Kar Dominion. It is centered and named after the Sareshian Oasis, the single largest and constant source of water in the entire nation. The capitol is divided into six districts, Temple Hill, Gate of the Small Gods, Market District, Trade Quarter, The Setting Sun district, and the Rising Sun District. Each district is centered around a named well. Each well goes straight down into the enormous and seemingly endless underground aquifer. Wells are owned by no one, and are free to all. The wells are believed to have a guardian spirit, which the well is named after. Once a year, the city turns out for a huge festival, in which each district competes in the name of their guardian well spirit. To win is to bring favor and luck to the district from it’s well. Districts are fiercely proud of their well spirit, and it is not uncommon for argument and sometimes even fights to break out over which spirit is better.
Gate of the Small Gods
This gate leads to the section of the city that houses all the temples and houses of the smaller cults present in the Dominion. It is a popular travel spot. The buildings may be small, but each cult carves and decorates their temples, resulting in an riot of architecture and colors. The air is laden with the scent of burning of spices and incense. This section of the city is the birthplace and the grave of many smaller deities. It is said that if a cult cannot make it past the Gate of the Small Gods, it will not make it anywhere else. Competition is fierce when a spot for a new temple opens up. A cult must prove it has a sufficient enough following, must show that it can get along with it’s neighbors, and do something for the city.
The name of this district’s well is Laghu Deva. This male spirit is depicted wearing a robe, with the hood obscuring his face. Laghu Deva accepts offerings from any and all faiths. His well is covered by a large, permanent pavilion. Each corner of the pavilion depicts the popular architectural styles of different cultures. The pavilion was designed by a famous Syndar architect, who constructed it so that the different styles flowed into one another in a harmonious fashion.
Temple Hill
Temple Hill isn’t a true hill. But the buildings of this section of the city give the illusion of one. At the center of the Temple Hill district is the palace. It is the tallest structure in the entire city, and by law, no other building may be taller than it. The height of the buildings descend down from the palace, giving rise to the illusion of a hill. The Temple Hill is also home to the larger temples of faiths that have greater followings. Large sumptuous temples and gardens decorate this district. Monasteries and abbeys here will often take in children to be raised in the business of tending to gods, a respectful career for those who otherwise might not have much.
The well this district hosts is the Bhalin Well. The Bhalin well is said to be the deepest and clearest of all the city’s wells. It has it’s own temple built around it, and it is used in the making of the powerful paladin blades. The Bhalin well’s spirit does not participate in the district games. It is said to be unfairly powerful, so this district instead watches over the games. Bhalin is depicted as a gender neutral being, with smoothed features that seem to change depending on the angle it is gazed at.
Market District
The Markets of the Dominion certainly merit their own district. Traders from all over come to the markets here,
searching for exotic desert goods and to sell products not available otherwise. Art, pottery, exotic foods and spices, clothes, medicines, all can be found here. The Market District itself is divided up into sections, each sections selling a type of good, i.e foodstuffs, household goods, sundries.
This district also houses many inns and boarding houses, for merchants and travelers from outside the Dominion.
Many of the shops have permanent store fronts, but there is also a large, open air market situated against the city walls. The wall markets are truly a sight to see. The things that may be found there change from day to day, season to season, and it is said that if one looks hard enough, anything can be found in the wall market.
The well this district champions is the Apanadevata Well. The spirit of this well is said to be a female, and her well is located in a large and open square. She is believed to love the sound of spirited bargaining, and as such, small shaded pavilions with chairs are situated by her well. Merchants and potential customers use these pavilions to discuss business, and it is customary to blow Apanadevata a kiss after a bargain is struck.
Trade District
In this district work the tradespeople of the Dominion. It is home to the trade guilds, the buildings where blacksmiths, armors, leatherworkers and more create their goods, warehouses, and the homes of those prosperous enough to afford it.The scents of this district vary, depending on what is being made nearby. It is almost never quiet in this district, until the sun goes down. There are a few taverns here, catering to the working classes.
The well of this district is named the Vyapara. Vyapara is depicted as a male spirit, carrying the most common trade tools, with a leather apron. Offerings are made to Vyapara for skill and a steady hand when crafting. His well is housed in a grand hall, where many craftsmen meet to discuss the particulars of their craft, and to share
knowledge.
The Setting Sun District
This district is the home of most of the working class. The majority of the population lives here, traveling to and from their places of work. Housing varies, depending on the wealth of the family living there. The roads out of this district lead to just about anywhere in the city, and are well traveled.
The Sadharana well is located here. Sadharana is shown as a female spirit, homely and motherly. She is said to
oversee family affairs, and watches over orphans. Her well is a large meeting area, a place for families to come
relax and play when they do not have the space to do so at home.
The Rising Sun District
This district is the home of the wealthy and the noble families. The architecture of this district is dazzling. Large complexes for each family dot the land, with a grand gate leading to the front door of each family’s home. This district is also home to the embassies of other kingdoms.
The Kulina well is surrounding by a beautiful garden, rivaled only by the palace gardens. Small fountains fed by the well keep the gardens alive. A Syndar master from the Bellath-ah-Dien reigns here. Kulina is depicted as a male dressed in fine clothing and a noble bearing, holding a staff of office. Kulina is said to favor those who are honorable in their dealings, and prefers offerings of perfume.