#### Anisa The city-state of Anisa, in the east of Sensa, is ruled by the aging King Diara. Thanks to the wealth of the Goldwarren mine, the city’s gold production far outpaces that of its neighbors. The people value education highly, and the city is home to Anisa Academy, the only university in the empire. Politically, the city has enjoyed years of peace under King Diara’s rule, but many dread his inevitable retirement. While the king’s heir—his oldest child, Simbon—waffles on how seriously he takes his responsibilities, Diara’s daughter, Zahra, seeks to replace her brother as heir to the throne. #### Niba The city-state of Niba lies along Sensa’s southeastern coast. Ruled by Queen Sainesha, the city is known for its grand bazaars and for being home to some of the most talented goldsmiths in the region. Entertainment in the form of cafes, theaters, and raceways is also central to life in the city. Among Niba’s many celebrities is the queen’s firstborn and heir, the ambitious and charismatic Prince Kirina. #### Tarikh The city-state of Tarikh lies in Sensa’s northwestern reaches, nestled against jagged peaks. Its young ruler, King Sundasha, balances commercial needs and the local environment, as the city’s scattered oases provide it with some of the only arable land in the region. While much of this land provides for the empire’s people, a significant fraction is used to grow feed for the city’s prized herds of camels. Tarikh also hosts the Seven Stairs, the headquarters of the Acolytes of the Faceless Prophet. #### The Azure Dome The deep-blue dome of Empress Inaya’s coastal palace holds the seat of the Sensa Empire’s power. Within the Azure Dome, the empress meets with her councilors and entertains the rulers of her three city-states. Merely entering the Azure Dome is considered a high honor for citizens of the empire. ![[07-005.prince-simon.png]] Prince Simbon The Azure Dome’s legendary security couldn’t protect Empress Inaya’s husband and eldest son, Salaba and Shayan, from dying under unusual circumstances. Both passed away in their sleep after a state dinner—as they were in perfect health, it’s believed they were poisoned by an unknown hand. #### Tomb of the Faceless Half a day’s ride north from Tarikh, the Tomb of the Faceless stands alone in the desert. A site of ritual pilgrimage and worship, the tomb is a large golden dome without an entrance that holds the Prophet’s bones. The Prophet was a respected scholar and reformer adamant that her persona not eclipse her teachings. She insisted that after her death her followers not repeat her name or depict her face in art. Today, the faithful leave offerings of gold and salt at the site, which are collected at dusk by the clergy known as the Acolytes of the Faceless Prophet. According to the acolytes who tend the tomb, learning the Prophet’s name grants forbidden and dangerous power. Every so often, someone attempts to break into the tomb in search of clues to the Prophet’s identity—a crime punished by permanent exile from the empire.