ahnkeen

[grigori]

ahnkeen home of jharjhar markets

Ahnkeen is not so much as a city, town, or anything of that sort—it's a hub. The people here have found a way to not only live but to thrive in the desert—making the most of the oasis' bounty. Most impressively, are the buildings that stand tall and make up the hub. They're far from grand monuments glistening but the signs of what they once were are there. Signs of the strain of being restrained to an oasis. Signs of the possibility that it wasn't always just an oasis...

But try not to focus on that; the entire market is living, breathing, and demands the attention of all that enter—isn't there something you could want? Here have a look at this or maybe this. Doesn't this just look great on you? The constant pull of the people and the life they breath into this oasis makes it so easy to forget where you are. It's all very easy to forget how fragile everything is. Delicately balancing on the knife's edge.

... is no one really going to be concerned about that snake skeleton? Well, we think it's a snake.

technology level: anachronistic 1920-50s with a dash of far too futuristic tech (ie; there's no motor vehicles, but some carts float above the ground behind their beasts of burden); fairly well maintained despite sand and heat
population: thriving, elbow-to-elbow, mixed; humans and sentient non-human humanoids and non-humanoids alike call this place home - the watchers are not the only winged beings here
clothing styles: traditional and historical persian, moroccan, and ottoman styles; bright colors, layers (think aladdin live action, we guess, if you want a point of pop culture reference). some more slightly modern, desert-friendly styles are available from outside traders

1. OASIS - When first entering the hub it's impossible to not notice the skull and then the what one could only assume are bones that follow. Fossilized and bleached bones that impale the with inconsistent frequency. From the ground, it's hard to tell what the skeletons form with them just forming bleached pillars, however from the tops of one of the many builds surrounding the, a shape forms and with the skull at the entrance. It's very clear that it's likely the remains of a serpent. Or, well, it's what one would expect except that the locals aren't too interested in talking about it and are much more interested in the wares you could buy. ( 1, 2 )

Scattered across the city are fountains to provide relief for those who need it when they need it, however most are just small cravings out from the wall or pumps along the streets with run off. The larger fountains do exist—such as the one in the housing district—but there are ones located near the abandoned building that see both the most use and the least amount of use. Despite their deep pools that always seem to be flowing steadily, most of the locals do not use it and favor the smaller fountains and wells through the city. If asked why a few of the oldest residents would say it's because the water isn't meant for them. Maybe it has to do with the glass bottles? ( 1, 2, 3 )

2. MARKET PLACE - The place where people buy and sell their goods and wares have always been the blood of a city—a place that will keep things flowing and moving, however here the market is the heart. Unlike Cittàgazze that was a city that was a shell of itself, Ahkneen is both aged, almost ancient, but still living. To call it “thriving” may be a stretch but it's pulse is steady. The people here are quick to talk about the exchange of goods—what is it that you need?

Of course like with any reasonable market, there are cafes and small stands selling food (both on a stick and for sitting down) for sale. (Or for bartering if you don't have any money. Everyone values hardwork.) It's just a matter of how much you're willing to spend on what it is that you want to eat. That glistening, plump looking apple? Perhaps consider something on the side of dried and heavily salted instead. There's only so much reprieve anyone can find in an oasis. ( 1, 2 )


additional shops in the market: clothing, expensive grocers, smoked/cured meats, food vendors, jewelers, textiles, literature, spices, trinkets - if it's in a desert bazaar, you will likely find it in the jharjhar market

3. HOUSING DISTRICT - Beyond the markets down the streets away from the noise and the come and goings of the residents are homes. Not all of them are filled as any good hub of commerce understands that passersby only need a place to rest their feet for a few days before needing to go on the move again. Etched in the stone and entrances of some of the houses are winged beings as well as some other symbols. Not all homes have it, though, and more curiously are that at the top of some homes are notches again. Maybe some of you recognize it from Cittàgazze? Or maybe it was just something you imagined.

While the housing isn't opulent, the interior of every empty home will find itself a few rooms of comfort that's expected of a place of business—soft linens on the bed, sturdy furniture in the shape of a dresser and a desk. All decorated in a way that is hopefully non-offensive for the majority who would claim it as their home for a few days with a tap of your coin to the door. The bathroom is simple: a bath, a basin to act as a sink, and a toilet. However water does not come so freely and strict regulations are in place. Only so much is time and water allowed for bathing and for use in the basin. ( 1, 2, 3 )

In an opening where many different streets leading to different parts of the housing districts part from is a courtyard of sorts. It isn't a place that stands out but it is a place where there is a fountain—there are others around the city, but this one seems to be specifically placed here for the houses. It seems that the residents here have carved out little areas for rest and mingling away from their homes with carpets and pillows under an arch or a shaded area. It's not where anyone would want to throw a party, but very much so could. If they wanted. Maybe check with your roomie first, though. ( 1 )

4. ABANDONED MANSION - Seemingly abandoned stands a building above the others in its grandeur. It's timeless and beautiful in its structure and one of the buildings that has seen the least effects from the age and stress from life in the oasis. Yet, no one lives there. Or that's what the locals say. However, sometimes there are shadows that pass across the window and upon pulling on the doors provide no give. Any windows that are on the ground level have been barred shut. Aside from the shadows, it seems like the entire building is abandoned and locked. ( 1 )

5. HOOKAH BAR - Tucked away from most people is a place where the clientele are a bit varied but they all come for the same thing—a break from the hustle, bustle, crowds of the market. They come for conversation and a good time. It's one of the very few places without super strict regulations and restrictions on water—not that those who enter here do much drinking of that sort. There are alcoholic beverages that are available for those who ask and the water that is often passed on is made better on instruments with hoses attached. It's pretty obvious what they're for, especially with how some are more than willing to show you how it works if you're confused. We're all here for a good time, right? Do be mindful of the smoke. ( 1, 2 )


note: the hookah bar is primarily tobacco (flavored and unflavored) - there is no weed, but there are local alternatives that have a weaker effect

6. CHURCH - In addition to the abandoned building is another one that stands out against the others with its stark white walls and simplicity. Unlike the grand building, there are residents that come and go from the building, yet at the same time, it doesn't seem as though they go in there to do much. In contrast to it's modest outside, the interior walls and ceilings are decorated with mosaics of angels and depict scenes of a glorious landscape filled with life. Unfortunately, the mosaics aren't in the best condition and some of the tiles have fallen away and the color faded. But the pews remain and well worn and occasionally sit one of the residents as they look to the mosaics. A certain look in the eyes of a few. ( 1, 2 )

7. OUTPOST - For those who are most curious or feel claustrophobic about the residents and peddlers alike, are welcome to wander to beyond the bones to an outpost that resides a ways outside of the oasis. No one seems to be there and the condition can be described as poor at best and in ruins for those less generous. Further still is a single building whose use is unclear from the outside. The state of it is no better than the outpost, however the walls are sturdy, the door is heavy, and the windows are narrow. If it was a home, then who would live so far removed from the oasis? ( 1, 2, 3 )

Far past the market and the outpost rages a violent and powerful windstorm—a sandstorm—that strangely remains in place and does not spread forward nor dies down. It rages and rages as it creates an impossible barrier for anyone to attempt to cross. Do not entertain the idea of crossing it without preparing it...or entertain it at all. The sand and the wind will tear into and shred anything or anyone who dares to enter. There must be some sort of reason for this barrier, right?

 

full navigation ✨ locations ✨ statuses ✨ profiles ✨ audiences ✨
private conversations ✨ murder proposals ✨ curfew ✨ daemons ✨