| “ | Everyone here is after something-fame, notoriety, power, money. Me? I'll have the whole bloody lot. | „ |
| ~ Self-made Lalafell and former Syndicate Member, Cicidoa Sosodoa |
Ul'dah is a city-state located on the continent of Aldenard. The bustling commercial hub sits amid the desolate desert landscape on the southern end of the continent. The city is organized strategically around the dome-shaped citadel at its center. Its towering fortifications and protective outer walls are visible for malms in all directions, and serve as a stark deterrent to would-be besiegers.
Visitors from every corner of Eorzea come to Ul'dah to partake in the city's famed recreation, most notably the fighting arenas and gambling halls. Ul'dahn culture is known for its affluence, and the wealth of the nation comes in large part from abundant mineral resources and prestigious clothcraft industry.
Historically, it is the sultan who claims sovereignty over Ul'dah, but true power is wielded by the Syndicate, an elite group of the most influential and richest members of society. Nald'thal is the patron deity of the city, and two great halls devoted to his two aspects, can be found in the eastern and western sections of the city.
History
(See also: History of Ul'dah)
As one of Eorzea's major city-states in Thanalan, Ul'dah shares a long history involving the resurgence of dark magic and family rivalry. Once known as the ancient nation of Belah'dia, it has been split into two cities, Sil'dih and Ul'dah, following the death of its first sultan. After a long series of wars, Ul'dah emerged to be the ruling city and remains to be the main hub of culture and civilization in Thanalan today.
Areas
The Steps of Nald
Located in Ul'dah's western region, this area follows the outside city's curvature. A bustling thoroughfare dotted with stores, temples, and inns sits in the middle of it. The neighborhood is constantly alive with the sounds of trade and conversation due to the hordes of people wandering in throughout the day.
The Steps of Thal
The Steps of Thal curl around Ul'dah's eastern side, while the Steps of Nald bend around the city's western walls. The Sultana's residence, the Royal Palace, is located in the middle and is capped with a magnificent bronze dome that can be seen from far away.
Other areas of Ul'dah include the lower level of the city, known as the Merchant Strip. It houses the following areas:
- Chocobo Stables
- Romululu's Bric-a-Brac
- Ul'dah Aetheryte Plaza
- The Dunes
Organizations
The Ul Dynasty
Sasagan Ul Sisigan, the first of his name and the founding father of Ul'dah, is the ancestor of the Ul line. The second UI Dynasty has ruled without interruption ever since the Thorne family reestablished their right to do so. Sultana Nanamo Ul Namo, the sole child of Sasabal Ul Sisibal and Nanasha Ul Nasha, currently holds the throne. She became empress after the tragic passing of her parents, making her the seventeenth monarch in her line. The sultana, however, is incredibly powerless in comparison to the Syndicate's strength.
The Syndicate
The Syndicate has six chains, each headed by the member who has contributed the most to Ul'dah's coffers. Although they initially had an advising function, they are currently the country's governing body. The dominant faction, the Monetarists, try to impose rule, but Raubahn opposes their efforts. The sultana's influence carries little weight, however.
Given the Syndicate's wide range of power, competition for membership has always been vigorous. Eolande Quiveron, who is popularly believed to have died in the Seventh Umbral Calamity, is one recent example. Godbert Manderville has subsequently taken the old head of Frondale's Phrontistery's place, however reports persist that Eolande was killed as a result of a dispute among Monetarist ranks.[1]
The Sultansworn
By Sasagan Ul Sisigan's order, the Sultansworn, the sultan's personal guard, were established in 969. They were initially made up of paladins who assisted in the founding of Ul'dah and have been steadfast guardians of the royal line for five hundred years, despite dynastic changes.
Although they still show the sultana fealty, the Monetarists have been able to reduce the organization's power to half of what it once held. As a result, the Sultanswom must now accept the Brass Blades' assistance even in protecting the Royal Palace, and as a result, their morale has significantly decreased. Their power has also been negatively impacted by the loss of Oathkeeper, the blade Sasagan left to the first Sultansworn captain.
The Brass Blades
The Brass Blades are sellswords working for affluent Ul'dahns, who are represented by the Syndicate, and tasked with upholding law and order in the sultanate. Even though they appear to work for the Divan, they are well aware of who actually pays their salaries. Due to their reputation for carrying out the wishes of the wealthy, few would object if they were referred to as the Monetarists' private army. As sellsword loyalties may be bought, bribery charges have become so common as to infuriate upright citizens. There are some Brass Blades who appear to be honorable and sincere in the performance of their duties, therefore not all of them are without morals.
The Stone Torches
The Stone Torches, which were founded by Fyrgeiss, chairman of Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern, defend the company's interests, whether they pertain to the actual mining sites or its freight trains and railways. Though they are a private army, the Stone Torches have shown that they are willing to help the Immortal Flames and are willing to follow commands from the Grand Company if necessary.[2]
East Aldenard Trading Company
The East Aldenard Trading Company is the biggest business of its kind in Ul'dah, and it is the owner of well-known companies like Eshtaime's Lapidaries, Romululu's Bric-a-Brac, and the shipping company Jolly Raptor. The company's traders traveled the trade routes to the east in the past and made a fortune doing so. However, with the collapse of Ala Mhigo, the Company has begun trading across oceans in an effort to make money, and its area of operation extends from Radz-at-Han to the remote nations of the Far East. It was also said to have briefly interacted with provinces ruled by the Garlean Empire.
The Company is renowned for its cunning, even cutthroat business techniques. Newcomers to marketplaces have been known to be eliminated using the Brass Blades, and according to a local proverb, Ul'dah business is lost if one offends the Company.
The Mirage Trust
Although the Mirage Trust is well-known for running the casinos at the Platinum Mirage, its mainstay is actually a bank, and moneylending is where it derives the majority of its fortune. Another facility managed by the Trust is The Hourglass, which is also known as Ul'dah's most well-known inn.
Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern
A well regarded business, this company contributes significantly to Ul'dah's mining sector. From the several shafts they manage to their railway—a cutting-edge project that began right after the Calamity—their operations are numerous. The Concern has constructed a number of buildings for the purpose of prospecting on the frontier, as it is constantly looking for fresh ore veins. In return, they have continuously provoked the anger of the Amalj'aa and other vengeful monsters by doing so. In order to protect these resources, the Stone Torches were created.[3]
The Order of Nald'thal
The rites and rituals of the Traders have long been performed by the Order of Nald'thal. They have developed wisdom over time not only in religion but also in history, the occult, and interpreting the stars and the skies. The Order's most knowledgeable members worked with the Divan to draft the complex rules of law for the city-state of Ul'dah after consulting its royal lines. Following the ascendancy of the Monetarists, they modified certain portions of these regulations to satisfy the Syndicate's needs. Despite these connections, the Order strives to take a back seat in power conflicts and maintains an air of impartiality in public.
Manderville & Manderville
Manderville & Manderville is an exceptional business that has expanded quickly in the years since the Calamity. The name is intended to reflect the collaborative nature of its management by Lady Julyan and Lord Godbert, a Syndicate member. The company initially only sold Godbert's handcrafted jewelry, but more recently it has entered the entertainment industry. The Manderville Gold Saucer, a magnificent building on the outskirts of the Sagolii Desert, is one such venture.[4]
Guilds
| Guild | Location | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Adventurer | The Quicksand | |
| Alchemist | Frondale's Phrontistery | Disciple of the Hand |
| Gladiator | The Coliseum | Disciple of War |
| Goldsmith | Eshtaime's Lapidaries | Disciple of the Hand |
| Miner | Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern | Disciple of the Hand |
| Pugilist | The Coliseum | Disciple of War |
| Thaumaturge | Arrzaneth Ossuary | Disciple of Magic |
| Weaver | Sunsilk Tapestries | Disciple of the Hand |
Factions
There are three factions within Ul'dah:
- Brotherhood of the Broken Blade
- Azeyma's Shields
- Horn and Hand
Quests and leves
References
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