This week we continue our introduction to The Mirror Realms of the Tempest Campaign Setting with a look at the island and settlement at the center of the world: Salt City.

Two hundred miles off the eastern coast of Kithera and roughly halfway between the Republic of Ironhull and the giant storm of the Tempest, a pair of gigantic rocks sit isolated and alone in the midst of the sea. The rocks are joined by a massive cyclopean bridge that unites the region into a single island of tremendous importance. Atop these rocks sits the largest city of the modern world, the majestic and cosmopolitan Salt City, the geographic and cultural center of the world.

Salt City is a large metropolis and one of the truly impressive sights in all the realms. It is a heavily populated settlement confined to the space of a small island and located near the gateway of the Tempest storm into Stormseye. People from every corner of the world have visited the city because of its central location, and an enormous number of immigrants have transformed the population of the young city into the most diverse society of the world. The city and its international guilds are a focal point of the global economy, and its progressive culture and avant-garde arts have captured the fashion and attention of the world. As a literal waystation on almost every international trade route, the city-state of Salt City is a contender for capital of the world.

The city was founded atop twin rocks in the midst of the Bay of Dawn by a group of Ironkin refugees fleeing the oppressive rule of the Vasatri. It grew over time as shipwrecked survivors were rescued from nearby shores, but the population exploded when the path through the Tempest, to Stormseye, opened the region up to the old worlds and foreign lands.

The settlement itself is a wonder to behold. Over 100,000 people are jammed onto twin rocks called Greatrock and Blackrock, each barely eight miles long, and both carved into myriad shapes to better suit the needs of different residents over the generations. Greatrock, the taller of the two, rises to a mystical fountain from which flows an endless cascade of fresh water that fills the locks and canals of terraces, and then the sewers before dropping into the sea. Blackrock, the denser and thicker island, is shorter and visually less majestic but has numerous subterranean chambers cut out of the rock. Most chambers are poor extensions of ancient dwarven ruins that form the foundation of the city.

Connecting the two cities is a giant-sized arch that has been transformed into a beautiful bridge and day market.

The markets of Salt City are a primary destination in international trade, and their system of finance and associated coin mints and money changers link much of the world economically. The people are highly cosmopolitan as a result of the density and integration of people, cultures, and races from all over the world. If it exists, it can probably be found in Salt City.

Alignment: NCapital: Salt City (metropolis)Notable Settlements: NoneRuler: Officially Governor Solomon Sparrow, actually the mysterious Copperhead Clique of the CollegeGovernment: Republican plutocracyLanguage: Stormish (major), all others (minor)Religions: Senary Church (dominant), Houses to all other gods

Salt City is a recurring landmark and important site in the Tempest Campaign Setting. It features prominently in an upcoming Tempest Digital Adventure Module by Overworld Digital Publishing and SyncRPG. Stay tuned here for more information, coming soon!

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