(Taken from: A Guide to Traveling Across Tyrra, by Mme Zara, Guildmaster, Ravenholt Astrologers Guild. Original to be found in Ember's Library of Ravenholt)

Sessuar Imperium

Nuanesa

The City of Spires- This great human ruled city-state on the far side of the continent of Gandar spreads itself across a wide valley which legends say was once the bottom of a huge lake. Many centuries ago the lake drained, leaving behind tall sandstone spires, and on the valley floor a thick deposit of some of the most fertile farmland to be found in all of Tyrra. Because the climate is gentle all the year 'round, several crops may be harvested annually.

            The soil is so rich, in fact, that no dwellings and only the most necessary roads are permitted to be laid on the ground. Instead, the Nuanesi have constructed their homes, guildhalls, businesses, and royal court inside the spires themselves. Rank upon rank of "apartments" as they are called, have been carved into the soft stone, many with

balconies, parapets and arches embellished  with finely crafted representations of animals and trees for decoration. Even the elves and dwarves of the surrounding territories and beyond  have traveled to Nuanesa to marvel at its beauty.

            Several of the large spires have springs welling up inside of them to provide water for the residents. Others have their crests hollowed into great reservoirs to catch the abundant rainfall; throughout all of then is an elaborate system of pipes made of glazed pottery and bamboo to carry in water and remove waste products. Where it is possible to do so, many of the spires are connected by bridges of wood and bamboo in order to limit the number of surface roads in the valley.

            For those who value the works of mortals, there may be no more breathtaking sight in all of Tyrra than that of Nuanesa at twilight, its spires light with the twinkling glow of lamps like clouds of fireflies caught in a frozen dance.

Rahu and Ketu

    High in a valley in the northeast mountains of the continent of Gandar, there are two neighboring human kingdoms. Each was founded on the same day, three hundred and fifty years ago by twin princes who had each brought a group of followers with them. When viewed from the high central pass leading into it, the valley showed the distinctive contours of a dragon shape, and so was called "Dragon Valley."

    These brothers had ever been somewhat quarrelsome, though not violent, and could not agree on the best site on which to found their settlement. They therefore separated. One brother took the eastern portion of the valley, which he called Rahu, or Dragon's Head; and the other took the western which he called Ketu, or Dragon's Tail.

    They agreed to reunite a decade later. the final decision on the location of their capital would be based upon which settlement had become the most prosperous.

    Unfortunately, when the day of decision arrived, no agreement could be reached. Although the eastern half of the valley had flourished with farms and orchards, the western half could be judged as equally developed, with mining and forestry as its primary resources.

    Quarrels and bickering began among the brothers and quickly spread to their vassals-over water and road rights, family inheritances between settlements, contracts, currency, and a host of other petty issues. The meetings ended with only one positive accomplishment. A small group of negotiators called solicitors was formed by each side to hammer out differences without resorting to armed conflict. A demarcation line was also agreed upon, dividing the Dragon Valley exactly in half, whereupon each twin promptly declared his holdings to be a kingdom. Thus the two realms have existed side by side since that day.

    As a result of the negotiation process, Dragon Valley, and its two kingdoms, Rahu and Ketu, have what may be the most complicated collection of laws, ordinances, regulations, and customs of any human realm on Tyrra. This somewhat lengthy history is necessary for the traveler to Dragon Valley to know, for visitors are not exempt from the fines and permits required for any lengthy stay in either realm, each of which is about the size of a Shire in Evendarr. A host of pitfalls created by the laws await the uneducated. For example it is an offense to wear the colors of Rahu (red and gold) above those of Ketu (blue and silver) while in Ketu, and vice-versa. It is an offense to list, order, or serve first, the food or drink of the  opposing kingdom at any tavern, inn, provisioners, or public feast. It is considered an unforgivable breach of etiquette to make a public statement comparing the two kingdoms, and such innocent remarks by the ignorant have been the cause of more than one tavern brawl. No sane individual would ever consider entering into a business or trade agreement involving either or both of these kingdoms without engaging the services of a solicitor. Needless to say that Solicitors, now a hereditary class- are the wealthiest families in Dragon Valley.

    Despite all of these obstacles, a visit to Dragon Valley may be well worth the inconvenience, for here may be found excellent weapons and armor, hides and leather goods, wines and distilled spirits without equal, and some of the finest inns and taverns on the continent.