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Located in western Solamnia, on the Bay of Branchala,
the Cityhome, as it was known among its inhabitants, was
governed by a noble lord under the auspices of the Knights
of Solamnia, whose stronghold - the Tower of the High
Clerist - guarded the mountain pass that kept goods and
wealth flowing from Palanthas to the lands beyond.
But, though the city's walls and pavement, its tall
towers and graceful minarets, may have survived the
Cataclysm without damage, the disaster opened cracks
within its population. These cracks had always been there,
but the rifts had been covered by wealth, reverence for the
gods, respect for (and fear of) the knights.
Now, almost a year after the Cataclysm, wealth had
ceased to enter Palanthas. Few ships sailed the sea. Beggars,
not gold, came pouring through the gates. The city's
economy collapsed beneath the weight. Here, as in other
places throughout Ansalon, the people looked for someone
other than themselves to blame.
Michael and Nikol, along with numerous other fellow
travelers, arrived at the city of Palanthas in midmorning.
They'd heard rumors in abundance, some good, but many
more dark - tales of beating, looting, murder. Mostly, they'd
discounted them, but rumor had not prepared them for the
sight that met their eyes.
"May the gods have mercy," said Michael, staring in
pity and horror.
Throngs of people - ragged, wretched - crouched on the
road outside the walls. At the sight of new arrivals, they
surged forward, begging for anything that might, for a
moment, relieve their misery and suffering
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