Qarth is a great trading city located on the southern coast of Essos, on the straits linking the Summer Sea to the Jade Sea. Ships from Westeros, the Free Cities, the Summer Islands, and Slaver's Bay all pass through the Straits of Qarth on their way to the great trading cities of the Jade Sea, such as Yi Ti and Asshai. Unlike most cities in Essos, it has no fear of the Dothraki, as the forbidding and vast Red Waste divides it from the Dothraki sea.[1] Nor was Qarth ever conquered by the old Valyrian Freehold.[2] The Red Waste also separates Qarth from land-based travel with other parts of Essos, though it is a major port that conducts brisk maritime trade with major cities from Westeros to Asshai. An oasis city surrounded by this desert, Qarth has a tropical coastal climate.
Qarth is defended by immense stone walls and strong gates. The Qartheen have been known to bar entry to the city to those who do not meet their approval. The bones of those who were denied entry can be found extending around its walls. This area is sometimes called the "garden of bones".
The people of Qarth are known as the Qartheen. The people of Qarth call their home "The greatest city that ever was or will be." Qarth is ruled by a council of nobles and merchants known as the Thirteen. Although they rule by consensus, a member of the Thirteen can overrule the decision of the rest by invoking sumai, pledging their life and their blood to back up their decision.[3]
CONGRATULATIONS TO RyroD ON THE FTF
