Marsa

Marsa is a pre-Confluence human metropolis located in the Tilted Steppes region of Caer Oorun, approximately 217 miles from Arkaster. The city exists in ruins, with notable architectural remains including a theater building that survived The Tumult’s effects.

Pre-Confluence History

According to Leocardius Sree, the city was once called Marsa, though it may have gone by other names throughout its history. The settlement functioned as a major urban center during the pre-Confluence era before being lost to The Tumult.

Architecture and Ruins

Current State

The ruins of Marsa are not as compelling as the remains found in Irundu, according to Waru Toowoom’s archaeological assessment. However, certain structures retain enough features to identify their original purposes.

Theater Building

The ruins of one building caught Waru Toowoom’s attention despite the scars The Tumult left on its façade. Based on traces and clues uncovered at the site, the structure was identified as potentially being a theater. This identification suggests Marsa possessed cultural infrastructure associated with performing arts during its active period.

Location and Geography

Marsa is situated in the Tilted Steppes region, approximately 217 miles from Arkaster. The city exists within an area characterized by gravity-defying floating islands and unusual physical phenomena caused by The Tumult’s influence.

393 AC - Exalt Gathering Point

January 393 AC - Strategic Planning

In January 393 AC, Waru Toowoom decided to settle in the ruins of Marsa. While he admitted without shame that the site’s archaeological appeal was a primary draw, the location served a more immediate strategic purpose.

All Exalts were summoned to Marsa to plan the exploration of next territories. The gathering represented the end of what Waru Toowoom called the “recess” period—a resumption of active expansion efforts.

Next Destination Planning

According to the latest rumors, The Ouroboros high command set their next destination at Marsa. The chosen target was a major geographical landmark: a luminescent mountain to the west of Marsa’s position.

Between Marsa and this next waypoint lay the heart of the true Tumult. The expeditionary forces were finally set to leave the borders of the Known World.

The Initiates monitoring The Tumult’s currents predicted a calm period was expected in the coming weeks. The Exalts needed to move quickly to avoid missing the window of opportunity.

Anticipated Meeting

Waru Toowoom was informed of Avkan ruun-Heshkari’s upcoming visit to Marsa, which he took as a sign that all arrangements for the “tumultuous” succession were complete. Waru Toowoom made sure he would be aboard The Ouroboros when Avkan arrived.

Archaeological Significance

Marsa represents another pre-Confluence settlement providing insights into ancient Asgarthan urban development beyond the Peninsula. The presence of a theater building indicates:

• Cultural sophistication in pre-Confluence cities
• Investment in performing arts infrastructure
• Urban planning that included entertainment venues
• Social organization supporting artistic activities

Relationships

• Tilted Steppes: Region containing Marsa ruins
• Caer Oorun: Province containing the Tilted Steppes region
• Arkaster: Capital city approximately 217 miles to the south-east
• Waru Toowoom: Settled in Marsa ruins, participated in Exalt gathering (393 AC)
• Leocardius Sree: Identified city’s historical name as Marsa
• Avkan ruun-Heshkari: Visited Marsa for meeting with Waru (393 AC)
• The Ouroboros: Airship used for Exalt gathering and high command decisions
• Irundu: Region containing more compelling pre-Confluence ruins for comparison
• The Tumult: Force that scarred the city and created unusual physics in region
• Initiates: Monitored Tumult currents to predict safe exploration windows
• Rediscovery Endeavor: Expedition using Marsa as strategic planning location