"This place is a reminder of the secrets beneath our feet. How many cities met this fate?" Before the Valterrian Nial was a pleasant Alahean city slightly southwest from the center of the country. It was both prosperous and unimportant, as far as war efforts were concerned. The city had a reputation for being the haven of artists and composers, from which it drew the majority of its revenue. Tourists would travel to this city to sample its culture, forgetting their troubles in the few weeks they spent in one of the many inns. Now it rests near the southern coast of the Sylira region, one days ride from where Cyphrus and Syliras meet on the southern edge of the continent, in a sparsely wooded section of foothills which the lower wildlands are known for. In modern times nearly the entire city is buried beneath tons of dirt. Those structures which are still visible above the ground are mostly roofless lofts and towers which were constructed of quality stone. In spite of the exquisite craftsmanship which went into these buildings, enabling them to last well beyond the life of their city, the wealth which was onced housed within is long lost. Visitors to the city can see the evidence of past excavations. Collapsed pits or bare rectancles of earth upon which no new growth has intruded. There may still be valuable pieces of art beneath the hills and trees of this city, but if there are then they have been buried deep. Treasure hunters sometimes visit this place to pick over its bones like scavengers on a corpse. While archeologists and experienced treasure hunters have no further use for the location, travelers sometimes seek solace in one of the ruined buildings. Each circle of stone has some evidence of campfire, or the scattered bits of trash one finds in long established campsites. One never knows who, or what, they will find sharing the shelter of the city with them. |