A Stroll Through: Sambrune
By Aerlith Moonsinger
Among sandy dunes, nestled and sheltered in between tall cliffs lies a desert jewel. I am, of course, talking about Sambrune. A multi-cultured trade hub, where among gold, ancient plates switch hands and goods are being traded, where one attuned to language can hear a great many tongues being spoken. There I had the opportunity to speak with Tia Nehra, the second in command and right hand of Aljina Nehra Leader of Sambrune and Guildmistress of the Caravanaseri.
Miss Tia Nehra took some time out of her busy schedule and spent an afternoon strolling through the sandy streets with me.
Aerlith Moonsinger : « First of all, thank you for taking the time to speak with me and show me your beautiful city. To begin, could you tell our readers a little about yourself and your role in Sambrune? »
Tia Nehra : « It’s my pleasure. I run the local bookshop, Tumble Reads, and I also serve as the city’s second-in-command. Jina leads Sambrune, and I do everything I can to support her. Anyone who has business with the city can come to me. Whether it’s a question of policy or arranging trade through the Caravanaseri Guild, I’ll either handle it myself or bring it before Jina. »
We started at the gates of the Cantina and wandered through the bustling streets towards the rooftop marketplace, I couldn’t help but notice the diverse goods being for sale and of course its many species living, trading and bartering here.
Aerlith : « There are so many different species living here in Sambrune, tell me how many? »
Tia : « We have Humans and Asabi living peacefully together. There are also Darkelves who settled here after I arrived. There are Naga, even a mind flayer. Even a Bugbear I believe, but he keeps to himself. But no matter, anyone who comes in peace, and follows our laws, can find a place to live here. »
Aerlith : « How is it possible that species co-exist here so peacefully and prosper? »
Tia : « In the desert, community means survival. Very few people can cross the dunes alone. Working together lets us build a place everyone can call home. »
Aerlith : « And would you describe Sambrune as ‘the’ Trade Hub of Arche Terre? »
Tia : « Well, each of the cities is a hub in its own sense, but being at the far south, we needed a way to get what we need. The surplus is managed by our Caravanaseri Guild, many call Jina Guildmistress and that is true. The guild runs the town, it was one of the first things done when the Nehras came here. People from many walks find work with the guild, we buy what they bring, store in our warehouses and then sell to those who need it. »
Aerlith : « Our reader might not know what the Caravanaseri Guild does. Can you explain to them what they do, what is their main purpose? »
Tia : « Trade, plain and simple. Towns run on the ancient metal « plates » we notice that the trade center in Mur had high prices, so we sought to offer an alternative. »
From there our gentle walk led us further west of town, until we arrived Sambrune’s great quarry. Arriving there we witnessed industrious and diligent workers working tirelessly the cut cliff, breaking stone off it.
Aerlith : « Is stone your primary export? »
Tia : « Absolutely. Most of what you see around you is granite from this quarry. We export it throughout the region and have even donated stone to help rebuild Blacklake and the Delbrook Inn. Besides granite we also harvest sandstone and limestone. Though granite fetches the best price. »
Aerlith : « Granite is known for being one of the hardest rocks. How do you manage to extract it so efficiently? »
Tia : « The nearby sulphur deposits make blasting powder easy to produce, and from there it’s hard work with picks, chisels, hammers, and bars. Our hard-working quarrymen earn every coin from each stone they cut from the cliff face. »
Aerlith : « While you are rich in cut stone, what is Sambrune lacking? What do you need to import? »
Tia : « Wood above all else. There’s precious little forest here, so we import most of our timber. Besides that we also bring in metals and fresh produce from Lomidar, that is imported by boat. Having gathered this much knowledge of how the rock is cut from Sambrune’s cliffs I couldn’t help but marvel at the architecture of the Sandjewel. Buildings with flat roofs, walls adorned with colourful tiled mosaics.
Aerlith : « I could not help but notice the clay tiles that adorn so many buildings here. So I have a two-fold question for you Miss Tia. First: Your architecture is it pure necessity to keep out the scorching heat, or is there more to it? Second: What trades are the Sambrunian people famed for? »
Tia : « You are right on the money, the shapes are to keep walls thick to keep the interior temperate. Some is pure artistry, like the temple which is built into the cliffside. As far as trades go, we have many skilled artisans, though most deal in trading for what they sell. So: Jewelry, textiles, and yes, spices and tiles too. One local artist even opened a gallery of oil paintings. »
We approached one of the rich embroidered houses and the local resident allowed us to have a break at their rooftop.
Arriving there I marveled at all the life giving greenery and looking across the rooftops of Sambrune I could find an endless sea of green on the many roof terraces Sambrune has.
Aerlith : « Those roof gardens are so beautiful, are they only for recreation or do they serve a deeper purpose? »
Tia : « They’re practical and beautiful. The plants help regulate the temperature inside the houses while making them more comfortable places to live in. We maintain them from our wells and the waterfall. I also think they’re symbolic: Tiny oases reminding us that life flourishes, even here in the deep desert. The palms lining our streets are practical too. Date palms provide one of the few fruits we grow ourselves. »
Having time to relax and getting a bit of shade, we gathered enough strength to walk through the scorching heat of Sambrune’s afternoon sun. Our way led us towards the ‘Arena Valley’
Aerlith : « This must be the famed Auction market of Sambrune. Tell the dear reader all about it. »
Tia : « Every quarter we host a great market. Merchants fill the stalls, and the event culminates in a rare goods auction that always draws a crowd. Before that we also hold games, charity events such as a date auction where part of the proceeds we take is supporting the soup kitchen. »
Aerlith : « What advice would you give first-time visitors? »
Tia : « Bring plenty of coin and don’t be shy about raising your voice during bidding. There are usually around thirty auction lots. Also, don’t overlook the market stalls. Sometimes you’ll find auction-quality goods available for direct purchase. »
Aerlith : « What kinds of goods can visitors expect? »
Tia : « Some sell handmade commodities or enchanted bags for instance. Others bring relics recovered from dungeons or alchemical creations. I personally enjoy selling trained scorpions, which are something of a local pastime. »
Aerlith : « Trained scorpions? »
As I asked about the scorpions there was a glint in Tias purple eyes as she replied with excitement.
Tia : « The gentle ones become pets. The feisty ones compete in friendly duels. Owners record each victory on their scorpions’ jars, and some champions have won more than fifty matches. »
We then headed back to the city’s centre and stopped at the bookshop and art gallery.
Aerlith : « Tell us about your bookshop and the neighbouring gallery. »
Tia : « They’re dreams come true. I’ve always wanted to own a bookshop. Tumble Reads offers books on countless subjects and includes a quiet study area in the back. The gallery is filled primarily with Illiana’s own paintings, though every wing showcases something different. She even included some of my poetry. »
I took some time and once more took note of the impressive craftsmanship Sambrune tilers and masons have done to that building, how the laid thick stone upon each other and adorned it with clay tile mosaics letting it shine in a colour display. Though all this time in the sun and talking has made us feel parched and I was promised ahead of our tour to be able to sample Sambrune’s local spirits. So we headed back where we started. To the local cantina.
Aerlith : « If someone had only one evening in Sambrune, what should they eat and drink? »
Tia : « Aljina’s lamb stew without question. And you absolutely must try hummus, naan, and fresh dates. As for drinks, most people enjoy local wine, while the Asabi favour a fermented cactus drink. »
Aerlith : « Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know? »
Tia : « If you ever need help, ask. We’re always happy to welcome visitors, answer questions, and trade with those who come in good faith. »
With our interview finished, I let the rest of the day pass by with some fermented cactus drink. It was an acquired taste for sure but one I recommend people to try.
Sambrune was certainly an experience. A multi-cultured city inside an oasis. Surrounded by coarse sand and harsh cliffs. Somehow people managed to create life here and prospered. It truly is a desert jewel, one that is of a trifold colour a bright amber yellow topaz, the rich blue of the sapphire and the intense green of an emerald.