City Map

This map pertains to the city Sahta, capital of the empire of the same name, which is a focal setting in Vattu. Descriptions are given below of practically every area of significance to the story.

This was drawn in Fall 2021, using as reference the 3D model I built in 2010 and 2011 to help keep the city consistent.

Click the image for a larger, annotated version.

Rivers, Canals, Roads

The river Gran Tarria (called Gran Tarsha by the Grish) proceeds from the north, and the point of its fork is the city Sahta. The city has grown in phases, always occupying the space between the two forks: Tarria to the east (called Tarsha by the Grish, and Ata by the Fluters) and Asria to the west (called Ashrak by the Grish).

The forking-river motif is ubiquitous in Sahtan iconography, and the three canals that traverse the city replicate it. The "Gran Tarria" canal goes up Capital and goes underground near Old Town. The fork of the canals is at the intersection of Capital and the other major street of the city, Market. The "Tarria" and "Asria" canals go south through the Quarters and Low-Town, and connect with the moat.

The Imperial Isle

The site of Imperial authority, at the point of the Gran Tarria’s forking. Separated from the body of the city by a deep artificial channel.

1. The Yard. The northernmost point of the city, at the fork. Enteyer performs her private rituals in the water just beyond the yard. See page 780.
2. The Imperial Tower. The tallest and most significant point of the Isle and the City, where the Emperor and his court customarily live. See page 573.
3. The Meeting-Hall. Where the Emperor and his court take visitors, and where the ascension to the office and other public ceremonies are held. See page 523.

Old Town

The original extent of the city, now home mostly to the wealthier and more institutionally important families.

4. The Old Town Church. The first Church of Tarrus built in the city. Where the Sisterhood regularly met when Marria first joined it. See page 343.
5. The Torrai Home. Home of Emperor Single-Proxy Calirus Torrai, his wife Carlae Torrai, and their son Caniri Torrai. See page 962.

The Quarters

The part of the city built after Old Town. The streets Capital and Market divide this area into four parts: Church Quarter, Lantern Quarter, Port’s Quarter, and Canal Quarter.

6. The Quarters Church. The largest Church of Tarrus and focal point of its authority. The church is surrounded by affiliated institutional buildings. See page 714.
7. The Carparia Home. Home of Emperor Double-Proxy Morrian Carparia, and later of his wife Marria Carparia. Later used as the meeting-place for the Sisterhood. See page 205.
8. A Tavern. Where Velas Dagren and Borro Dorranos meet. See page 831.
9. Velas’ Studio. Where Velas Dagren lived and worked when he first appeared in the story. See page 311.
10. Tarria’s Wall. An unfinished wall, where Tarria took Arrius the Seventh as a child. See page 758.
11. Market Street. A wide central street with various shops. Connects to bridges over the Tarria and Asria. See page 367.
12. The Asria Port. The main port of the city, on the river Asria. Surrounded by warehouses, of which Tennaro Tennia owns several. See page 839.
13. Tarrus Statuary. At the intersection of the three canals stands an ancient, large statue of the god Tarrus. Just south of this, along Capital, are six newer statues of the six aspects. See page 204.
14. The East Bazaar. A small complex of shops, including one run by the Surin toy-maker Jinen. See page 372.
15. The Surin Enclave. Home of the Surin, an isolated people devoted to a religion dealing with Unweight. See page 299.
16. The Enclave Chapterhouse. The place of highest religious authority for the Surin of the Enclave, where The Weightless One dwells and Unweight is officially produced. See page 304.
17. The Unweight Staging Area. Where the monthly shipment of Unweight is gathered and put in a cart to leave the Enclave. See page 362.
18. The Enclave Girls’ House. Where girls live until they are selected to be Acolytes and move to the Chapterhouse. See page 303.

Low-Town

The largest, poorest area of the city. Low-Town was built most recently, although Grishet is a remnant of a Grish settlement that predates the city.

19. Grishet. Home to the amphibious Grish, an underclass in the city. See page 595.
20. The Pit. A secret area underground where the Grish perform their ritual fights. See page 615.
21. Bakrah’s Garden. Where Bakrah begins growing flowers. See page 1014.
22. The Shipwright’s House. Home of Shezek and Kadarsh. See page 597.
23. The Low-Town Church. A smaller, newer, and less orthodox Church of Tarrus. See page 592.
24. Vattu’s Hideout. Where Vattu lived at the start of Book 2. See page 297.
25. The Grenth Barracks. The prison-barracks where War-Men and War-Women from Grenth are kept. See page 268.
26. The Main Entry Gate. Entryway to Capital Street. See page 200.

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3rd Voice logotype by Andriy Lukin.