Calak'mul

Overview

Calak'mul, city of the damned, once sat at the base of a giant waterfall at The Edge of the World before its destruction during the first Verunist Crusade. It was a well-connected center of commerce, trade, and military training in the Sunken World. High walls and enchanted ice-arrow ballistae kept out raving fire elementals.

Inside, there were breweries, fountains of blood, elaborate bonecages holding prisoners, and soot-stained slums. Calak'mul's primary exports were pressure-forged demonsteel, rock salt, rare volcanic minerals, and the service of the Inferni.

A lava river outside of Calak'mul, and the ziggurat (Kaxxigan) at its center. (art by victoria_fantasy_art)

The area around Calak'mul was hot, humid, and bright. Even when the sun was down, there was enough molten rock and lightning to keep the area well lit and flashing. Sinkholes, lava rivers, magma vents, and vicious monsters posed a threat to anyone who ventured beyond the main roads.

Inside the city, screams often echoed through the streets from prisoners begging for death. It was a brutal, violent, vicious place. The only thread of entertainment was the lecherous debauchery that took place in Calak'mul's endless bars, taverns, and pleasure houses.

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A typical Inferni (art by victoria_fantasy_art)

Inhabitants

Calak'mul was inhabited by the Inferni. The Inferni are a mixture of various demon- and monster-spawn. Cambions, succubi, incubi, and others of higher status ran the city. Few “pure” demons are still left in the world after Vandun’s destruction. Other races, like lamia and driders, allied themselves with demons and also lived in the city.

The Inferni are highly intelligent but driven to hedonistic pursuits. A rigid militaristic government was established to prevent utter chaos in their realm.

The Inferni are largely independent individuals who care only about looking out for themselves. It is expected that wealth, power, and rank comes only to the hardest workers who can backstab and maim their way to the top. As a result, Calak'mul is a relatively lawless place. Thieving, murdering, lying, and generally committing despicable acts are punishable by one's superiors; but only if the perpetrator gets caught, and only if the superior cares.

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Military

Calak'mul's legions were well-equipped units of fighters who waged war against the Steel Dwarves, their neighbors. The Inferni take dwarven prisoners and string them up on the walls of Calak'mul to slowly roast in the intense heat, or harvest them for blood. Warm blood is like a fine wine to the Inferni.

Calak'mul was "ruled" by one General and one High Priestess or Priest. The General oversaw war efforts and commanded nine legions of Inferni. General seldom last more than a few years, as assassinations and bids for power are common in Calak'mul. Inferni lifespans are expectedly quite short.

The High Priestess of the Inferni was responsible for spiritualism, blood ritual, and gaining favor of the gods. She keeps the ancient word of the now-dead patron of demonkind, Vandun, alive. Many Inferni were fervent followers of the High Priestess, and many were not. It depended on individual zeal.

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Kaxxigan

At the center of Calak'mul lay a giant ziggurat called Kaxxigan. Kaxxigan is the spiritual heart of the city, and from it sprawls several temples, barracks, and offices for city administrators. Kaxxigan was notably once made the prison for the Demon of Holy Flame. It was immense in size, magical power, and influence over the city's fortunes. Kaxxigan contained living space for Inferni, copious torture chambers and prisoner holdings, soulforges for empowering weapons, and much more.

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History

After Armageddon, a demon named Kadrazel rose to power in Calak'mul. Cunning and ambitious, Kadrazel accumulated enough power to claim the domain of decadence and elevate himself to godhood. His first great act was the capture of Veladriel, goddess of the sun, whom he imprisoned in Kaxxigan.

The kidnapping of Veladriel triggered the Verunist Crusade. Led by Hejong and Aster Bladebreaker, a coalition of Vestian forces descended on the Sunken World. Key figures including Hestia Dawnwalker, Arilos Dawnwalker, and Casimir Dawnwalker participated in the campaign.

Calak'mul was destroyed during the assault. Kadrazel was slain, and Veladriel was freed.

The ruins of Calak'mul remain in the Sunken World. The Inferni who survived the Crusade are scattered and leaderless.