Shrel Kain

Shrel Kain was founded nearly five hundred years before its neighbouring city of Riavod as a neutral trading settlement for the surrounding tribes and quickly became the capital of what became known as the Kenzin culture. It is situated ten miles from the mouth of the Fola Salenin as it enters the great inland sea of Tangara Naji and became a centre for trade with all the towns and cities surrounding the Sea.

Unlike Riavod few of its buildings were influenced by Kadian architecture although one notable exception is the Temple of Order of the Golden Light (which was not built in the era of the Khans as most people assume but in 640 when the Order was founded). Most buildings are built in the traditional Kenzin style with two or three stories and high sloping roofs. The buildings tend to be large enough to accomodate an extended family and are frequently modified to incorporate a workshop or shop facing the street. The chimney stacks are always built of stone (even if the dwelling is otherwise built of wood) and tend to be specifically designed so that storks may nest on them. Storks are considered a protected species in the city and it is considered lucky to have a nesting pair on your roof. It is said that a Kenzin leader returning from Riavod when it was still a construction site commented on its Kadian architecture by saying 'At least they are not going to take our storks'.

Ever since Riavod was founded the two cities have been in competition, and the advantage Riavod has in strategic position is more than made up for Shrel Kain's sheer bustle and energy. There is considerably more noise on the streets and in the docks of Shrel Kain as people hustle to get things done. Unfortunately there is also more crime and more poverty in Shrel Kain but comparatively speaking it is still a pleasant and stimulating place to live compared to many cities north of the Blue Sea.

Shrel Kain is also still the headquarters of the Kenzin League which was refounded after Sankhar achieved independence and aims to control the conditions of trade between the communities around the Tangara Naji.