Malydren

Malydren was a city in the Underdark and the main capital of the race of the ixzan, the subterranean cousins of the ixitxachitl and the center of the worship of their god Ilxendren.

History
Very little is known of the Founding of Malydren in the year 602 DR, perhaps because the Ixzans rarely communicate with outsiders. It is known that there were other Ixzan cities in the lake in ancient times, but these are only ruins now. Humanoid schoolars usually assume that the founding of Malydren was associated with the Revelation of the Demonray and that other Ixzan settlements were destroyed or abandoned at this time.

Geography
It lay near the center of the Lake of Radiant Mists, directly beneath the Rift of Dhalnadar over the Malydas Atoll, one of the isles of the lake. There are no other settlements near to the Lake of Radiant Mists, perhaps because of the hostility of the Ixzans. In fact humanoids traveling though this region might conclude it was uninhabited assuming that they do not in some way provoke the Ixzans.

Structure
The city is built in the Malydas Atoll, centered around the Ziggurat of the Demonray. The shallow slopes of the atoll are used for growing kelp and fish farming.The Ixzans usually avoid the darkest depths of the atoll out of fear for what might live there.

Government
The ruling council of Malydren  is called the Xendreth, and is made up of the most powerful mages and priests. In practice it is dominated by the mutant and vampiric members, such as Phiaqiv and Zekaqux, simply because of their experience and might.

Inhabitants
The  most infamous inhabitants are Phiaqiv and Zekaqux. All other inhabitants are Ixzans, there are usually no members of any other species present. If Aboleth or Kua-Tua ever visit the city, no outsider knows for certain. It is believed that the Ixzans might have kept humanoid slaves in the past due to certain ruins left on the islands of the atoll.

Culture
The culture of the Ixzans would be utterly incomprehensible to any humanoid, assuming any were allowed to visit the city.

Education
The priests of Ilxendren are responsible for indoctrination of the young and the discipline of the adults.

Trade
The city is self contained and does not normally conduct trade with any other species. If humanoids were allowed to visit the city, they might be lodged temporarily on one of the islands of the atoll.

Defenses
The defenses of the city are built around the slops of the atoll reinforced with stone barriers where necessary. Great care is taken to ensure a steady flow of fresh water though the city using sluices and gates. A magically maintained ice sheet covers the surface of the lake and prevents access to the city beneath.

Locations of interest
The city is built around the Ziggurat of the Demonray, which is dedicated to the worship of their god Ilxendren.