| Shou Lung | - | - | - | Kara-Tur |
The city of Karatin is a
large seaport city located at the
mouth of the Hungtse. It
is built mostly on swamp,
with its boundaries hacked
brutally out of the surrounding
jungle. The efforts of succeeding
generations
of Emperors have drained
most of the
swampland, reducing the
insect pop. and
the constant threat of disease.
Karatin was the home of the
Sea Lords, famous
pirates and explorers who
founded the expansionist
Hai Dynasty in 830. It is
one of the first cities to have a
unified architectural theme.
Buildings are arranged in
orderly patterns, facing
north. The streets are wide
and paved with stone. The
Great Palace of the Sea
Lords stands in the center
of the city. A two story
structure similar to the
Emperor's Palace in Kuo Te'
Lung, it is the first of
the palaces to have columns
along its outer courtyards.
Karatin is also known for
the Temple of the Jade Empress,
a most magnificent
structure raised by the
Sea Lords around a statue of
the Empress Ti Hai Chin,
wife of the Hai Dynasty's
founder.
The harbor of Karatin is
deep and well dredged.
Ships constantly come here
to TRADE for silk, rice and
the advanced sciences of
the Empire. It is a bustling
port, where one can find
almost any type of goods,
and meet people from all
over Kara Tur. This is also
the port to which most gaijin
come when they visit the
world of the East.
by Mike Pondsmith