When the Gishmesh arrived in Zothay ninety years ago they built their dwellings
outside the city walls. They quickly became an essential part of city life, however, and
the Tyrant decided to extend the walls round what is now the Gishmesh Quarter. Although
economically they are integrated into the city the Gishmesh culturally have their own ways
and this section
of the town is still a world of its own. Streets are
crooked, houses are small and many-terraced, and the Gishmesh men protect their own as well
as any guard could. Most of the inhabitants are fishermen, coppersmiths or potters. The
Quarter is relatively lightly patrolled by the watch and the Gishmesh have a reputation
for dealing with their own disputes internally.
The Gishmesh are believed to be loyal subjects of Zothay: they have every reason to
be grateful to the city that took them in. They have no particular reason to like the
Skandiks who treat them with some disdain.