The Merchants of Esh

The other city-state to emerge from the aftermath of Old Ixhasa’s fall, Esh was founded for purposes far less noble than Arcanix. It began as a trade hub due to its strategic location, a minor city of no special distinction. It wouldn’t become a power until a residual aftershock from the corrupted Nexus that sank Ixhasa tore open more than the ground beneath the fledgling city. The arcanoquake tore open the tissue between worlds, exposing what the Eshene have come to call the Undermarket: an otherworldly bazaar offering all manner of goods and services, all temptations a man could imagine and several he couldn’t. Anything can be purchased there if one is willing to meet the price, which is rarely monetary; blood, firstborns, and souls (yours or someone else’s) are all accepted forms of currency.

Since the discovery of the Undermarket, Esh has ballooned into a sprawling mercantile metropolis ruled by an oligarchy of trade princes—men most able or willing to barter with the entities in the Undermarket. Esh has no standing army, but has never needed one; mercenaries, from this world and others, are far more cost-effective. The other empires consider Esh an immoral den of obscene wealth, ruled by barely-human individuals only interested in increasing their own fortunes. Which is true. But Esh is also the only place certain materials can be found, so when push comes to shove, they grit their teeth and pay the price.

The Eversor
The Kingdom of Esh has not only willingly provided supplies to the adventurers chosen to journey throughout the multiverse, but also provided the plans to the Arcanix and the Ord on how to build the Eversor which makes travel between worlds possible. Many of the other empires view their generosity with suspicion for as the old saying goes, “Every Eshene gift costs you thrice.” What the Eshene hope to find in the multiverse that will make a good return upon their investments is unknown, but there is no doubt that a return will be expected.

Colors
BURGUNDY and GOLD

Faction Composition
These dudes are merchant princes from Rome on steroids. Togas, Romanesque armor, etc. Merchant princes, charming rogues, and snake oil salesmen are the powerful in Esh, protected by creatures of all shapes and sizes from this world and beyond. This does not mean, however, that an Eshene is ever unable to defend himself. With access to technology from beyond Countermay the Eshens are second only to the Ord in firepower.

Esh is led by the Council of Merchant Princes.

Notable Figures

 * Mordekai
 * Prince Joshua