Hiyal

The soot-covered, industrious city of Hiyal lies in the valley of the river Al-Wahl, at the opposite, inner end of Suq Bay from its rival Huzuz. It is considered one of the three great cities of Zakhara. Many foundries and kilns shroud the city in smoke, and this dark atmosphere seems to nurture the trades of smuggling, stealing and underhanded dealings, earning Hyial the name City of Intrigue. The ruler is Sultana Alurah bint Asrah, aged 60 and in ill health. Some consider her a wise and fair ruler, others consider her a dark-hearted schemer. A city of 600,000 or so, Hiyla is noted for its crime, pollution, foundries, coal, iron, steel, weaponry, armor, metalwork, slaves, information, and pottery. Hiyal foundries turn out some of the finest weapons in Zakhara.