Zirnakaynin (Deep Elf City)

The massive city of Zirnakaynin (pronounced zeer-nuh-KAY-nin) is one of the largest Deep Elf settlements in the Underdark. It has stood for over eight centuries among the severe cliffs of the great cavern Cocyrdavarin.

The city is separated into three distinct layers, each with their own populations and flavor, though all are decidedly Deep Elven in design.

The topmost layer, whose ancient bladed walls stretch forth from the top of the plateau, is a densely packed center of the city of Zirnakaynen, called the Last City. It was here that the Deep Elves first cowered from the darkness in their original flight from the surface into the Darklands. Now the wealthiest and most powerful non-nobles, artisans and decadent performers call this district of the city home. The topless tower of Ileccinoc reaches into the vast openness of the cavern from the westernmost edge, which serves as the seat of the city's ruling council.

The sprawling layer of Arsyrvhar, the Pale March, is home to most of the city's Deep Elf population, many of its everyday shops and residences, and the markets of Ovessia. Merchants from the metropolis' slave cities can be seen mingling among the common citizens, as can strange visitors from other parts of the Darklands. Some traders' wares are not considered worthy for consumption by the Deep Elves, and these merchants are banished to the slum-bazaar of Drashes in Ghenavoc, the lowest layer of Zirnakaynen.

The Pit of Ghenavoc is home to the true degenerates of deep elf society (a title which certainly says something). These low-born, deformed, freed slaves, and foreign residents make up the population of this lowest of tiers of the great city. Among workhouses, slave pens, drug dens, and warehouses, the least of Zirnakaynin's society scrape out pitiful lives.