Ul'dah
"It's not what you got, it's who you know." - Minerva
The bustling commercial hub of Ul'dah sits amid the desolate desert landscape of southern Aldenard. 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 of 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 its abundant mineral resources and prestigious clothcrafting industry.
Historically, it is the sultan who claims sovereignty over Ul'dah, but true power is wielded by the Syndicate, an elite group of six 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.
The Syndicate
The Syndicate is a group of the six most wealthy individuals in Ul'dah. This group rules the city-state along with the Sultan, and may in fact have more actual power than the royal family.
The current members of the Syndicate are as follows;
Chairman Lord Lolorito of the East Aldenard Trading Company
Prince Teledji Adeledji of the Mirage Trust
Director Eolande of Frondale's Phrontistery
Prior Dewlala of Milvaneth Sacrarium
Chief Foreman Fyrgeiss of Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern
Flame General Raubahn Aldynn, ex-champion of the Coliseum
Among the Syndicate is a group of anti-royal members. Not much is known about them, but they appear to oppose both the Sultana's rule as well as Raubahn Aldynn, who is loyal to the Sultana. It is unknown who among the Syndicate are monetarists.
Tour of Ul'dah
"All Ul'dahns have a price, however dark the deed." -Thimm
The ground level of Ul'dah is known as the Fronds and contains the Merchant strip and many guilds, while the market district is known as the Dunes. Two gates enter the city from Central Thanalan: the Gate of Nald to the north and the Gate of Thal to the east. Above the Fronds lies an area known as the Hustlings Strip. The Royal Promenade leads to an area accessible by those granted audience with the Syndicate.
The Quicksand
The local Adventurers' Guild, run by an enigmatic Dunesfolk Lalafell named Momodi.
The Hourglass
The inn.
Platinum Mirage
Pugilists' Guild
The Coliseum
Gladiators' Guild
Arrzaneth Ossuary
Home Thaumaturges' Guild, the temple of Thal. In Ul'dah, it is said that the Thaumaturges of the Order of Nald'thal write the laws of the city.
Frondale's Phrontistery
Alchemists' Guild
Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern
Miners' Guild
Sunsilk Tapestries
Weavers' Guild
Milvaneth Sacrarium
The temple of Nald
Eshtaime's Lapidaries
Goldsmiths' Guild
Ashgana's Exporters
Mentioned but no physical headquarters seen.
