Ring of Smoke

Though not truly the outer edge of Haark, or even close to it, the Ring of Smoke represents the outermost part of the city for many Folk. Shantytowns and ruin become more common here, and crime more frequent as well. Although criminals do not rule the streets here, the City Watch does not spend as much time in these places, and it shows in the dark corners and dead-end streets. This is Haark’s most densely populated ring, and the wages of such a swarm of humanity has its cost. Food and water are often rationed. More than once throughout history, the City Watch from Haark’s inner rings had to be mobilized to prevent civil uprising and food riots.

This ring boasts a number of large-scale workshops, as well as warehouse districts. As one would imagine, many of the goods stockpiled in these dusty vaults are not known to the City Watch. In fact, much smuggling is conducted in this ring, sometimes with goods being lifted directly off-shard to faraway places where the consumer is as exploited as the workers from which they were stolen. Redlifting, as the practice is called, is considered one of the more grievous crimes on Haark. Blackmailing officials or bringing in contraband still hold a stiff penalty, but they are drastically less taboo than this. Those caught redlifting are often publicly executed, and their bodies can be seen hanging from the skydocks. Whether or not this is a worse fate than rotting in one of the iron cages which hang beneath the shard itself is a discussion which I am grateful I will never have to personally contemplate.

But this highest ring is not all bad. The people here are unpretentious, and the things one can buy here are cheaper than anywhere else on Haark. Although some of it is stolen, most is simply self-produced, fashioned the old way, with care and mindfulness: a sturdy, one-of-a- kind shawl, a perfectly smooth handmade bowl, or a pair of wooden sandals that will last longer than you. These and many items like them can be purchased from the no-frills merchants of the Ring of Smoke.

The foremost venue for entertainment is the Blue and Breezy. Here they serve a local favorite known as Cloudbrew, a sweet, syrupy stimulant often served in bowls.