Ankharet is an ancient inland city of Ashur-Rem, rising from the desert around a life-giving oasis revered as sacred ground. Where the coastal cities reflect law and naval power, Ankharet embodies ritual, memory, and divine authority. The city exists not to trade or conquer, but to sanctify death, judgment, and continuity.
Pilgrims, priests, and officials travel days through burning sands to reach Ankharet, believing the oasis to be touched directly by Kelemvor’s gaze. Executions, funerary rites, and consecrations performed here are considered irrevocable.
Layout & Urban Design:
Ankharet is built in a perfect circular design:
• Central Oasis: A still, palm-ringed pool of clear water used exclusively for sacred rites, soul-weighing ceremonies, and funerary blessings. The water is never drawn for mundane use.
• Inner Ring: A dense ring of tall sandstone buildings housing priests, scribes, embalmer-castes, and ritual attendants. These structures are austere, carved with hieroglyphic reliefs depicting judgment, balance, and the passage of souls.
• The Circlet Road: A single, wide stone road encircling the inner ring, used for processions, funerary marches, and public rites. During major ceremonies, the road becomes a sacred boundary none may cross unbidden.
• Outer Ring: shorter sandstone buildings containing pilgrim quarters, storehouses, guards, and administrative offices. Narrow alleyways pierce inward toward the oasis.