Kaflabad is a walled city, situated at the
foot of the Crystal Mountains, and owes its existence to the
rain that falls there and flows into the Kaflabad river. This
river eventually dries up altogether in the surrounding desert.
The town itself is built in a rather higgledy-piggledy fashion,
and the biggest buildings are all constructed in the ziggurat
style – a tiered wedding-cake shape. The king’s ziggurat
dominates the main square, which also boasts a sophisticated
magic carpet rack. There are a lot of restaurants in this area.
The bazaar is on the south-western side of
the square, and the world famous dye-market to the north-west.
You can get anything at all dyed here, from your hair to your
quaddiump. The chariot rank is to the south, and the main eating
area to the east. The botanical garden is near the dye-market.
History
Legend has it that Kaflabad was founded by
King Bamboozle The Crafty, after a voice told him it was a neat
hideout. The town grew rapidly, gaining a reputation for
lawlessness until King Sykotik slaughtered everyone and started
again from scratch. Since then it has become a notable trading
centre, with K’Faddle & Offspring making it their
headquarters and continuing the tradition begun by King
Bamboozle – get a good security system, hire the best lawyers,
and cut every corner you can.
Tourist attractions
The botanical gardens are unique, featuring
several colourful varieties of the rare squeaking cactus, and
the king’s ziggurat is a must, with gardens and orchards on
each level. The headquarters of K’Faddle & Offspring should only be visited if you have a genuine business enquiry,
as you could find yourself turned into a worm by the security
system. The building itself is a superb example of enchanted
architecture, however, with flavoured walls and scented windows.
The bridge over the Kaflabad River is worth a look as well, as
it is lined with statues of famous criminals from times gone by.
Getting around
Chariots are available at any hour of the
day or night, but do make sure you agree on the fare before you
set off. Chariot drivers are extremely reckless, and usually
have the scars to prove it. You can hire a magic carpet at Pile’s,
who have a magnificent range from thick to very clever indeed.
Quaddiumps are banned from the town centre, except for those
doing deliveries.
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Climate:
Hot and dry, all year round.
Population:
Mainly amberlies, but some nomads and other
traders and travellers.
The
Kafla Desert
The desert surrounding Kaflabad has a
desolate beauty all its own.
Wildlife
Look for the stabber-birds down by the
river. Cutthroats are very rare these days, but you might get
lucky and hear them roaring from the desert at night.
Places to stay
There are numerous inns and guest houses,
with a flea-rating of one to five. There is also a very good
livery stable for your quaddiump.
Places to eat
Kaflabad offal is world famous. Tripe,
liver, kidneys, and lesser-known organs – you name it, they
fry it, barbecue it, boil it, fricassee it – be sure to try
the scorched intestines with pukeberry sauce. Recommended
restaurants: Salmon Ella’s, Cramps, and Belly
Up.
Shopping
Shop till you drop in Kaflabad – it’s
the home of K’Faddle & Offspring, who make every
magical appliance imaginable, and quite a few that you’d never
dream up in your wildest nightmares. The bazaar is pretty good,
too, although you must haggle if you want a bargain. And even
then you’ll be lucky to get one.
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Guide
to Kaflabad
click on an image to see it larger
City Map of Kaflabad
Map of Betony's world
The Kafla Desert
A ziggurat
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