Westgate

Westgate houses one of three entrances into Surket, with the other being in Eastgate and South End. This district is notable for its Oristani heritage and cultural influences. Most of the families that live here have their origins in the western nation of Oristan, and it shows. The buildings are a strange but pleasing blend of Oristani and Surketian architecture, with adobe bricks, arched doorways and domed roofs being a common sight. The best example of this fusion is the Temple of Desh, which features seventeen domes all adorned in gold.

Many residents of Westgate practice Deshta, the teachings of the prophet Desh. Deshta is one of the few religions banned by the Temple District, and cannot be freely worshipped there. As such, the citizens of Westgate built a temple within their own district and practice Deshta regularly within. The Pharaoh, usually lenient about other religions, has declared Deshta heresy. The actual followers of Deshta are fairly quiet about their opposition, though they might quietly grumble. Instead, they focus on strengthening their own faith and growing it through action and service. A few of the more radical followers of Deshta, however, have begun a resistance movement known as the Blade of Retribution. So far, they have been peaceful, simply protesting publicly and trying to increase awareness. As they grow, some predict they may seek more radical action, which has all other religious factions nervous.

The district is filled with shops and inns that are generally bustling with caravans that travel the Iron Highway between Surket and Oristan. Practicers of Deshta don't drink, so there isn't much in the way of late-night entertainment within. Instead, people come here for the fine crafts, wineries, and other artisanal goods that are peddled here. Most of these are multi-generational family businesses, and sometimes can have a wide range of goods being sold due to family interests. Possibly the most extreme example of this is the Butcher Baker Soldier Maker; a bakery, meat market, and armory all rolled into one.

Westgate allows all land-owning residents to vote for a mayor. This vote occurs every two years on the spring equinox. It is the mayor's job to coordinate the volunteer police and militia force and to act as the Consul for the Council of Surket. The current mayor is Abdul Almanda, who has served as mayor for three years now. He is the only open follower of Deshta on the Council of Surket. There are no taxes in Westgate, but there is an expectation that everyone will chip in and donate to the Temple of Desh, who use the coin to improve and maintain the district. They redistribute it into the militia, police force, infrastructure, and welfare for all citizens, whether they follow Deshta or not. It is expected that all who have excess will donate most of it to the Temple of Deshta, and nearly every business in the district does so.

Notable Locations

 * Temple of Desh
 * Butcher Baker Soldier Maker
 * Emir's Enchanted Goods
 * Ivan's Ice Cream

Notable Factions

 * Cult of Deshta
 * Westgate Militia
 * Blade of Retribution