Every City in Sakar has a Pyramid, home to their own City-God, somewhere within their boundaries, which are all similar in layout design and decoration, only the size differs. The Pyramid of Albatak al-Hiyal, described below, is located in a medium sized city.

The Pyramid of Albatak al-Hiyal

A white stone pyramid, some 200ft high, with a base about 300ft square, sits in the middle of a graveyard cum garden. A single massive entrance, with stone doors and pillars carved with glyphs leads from the gardens inside. The Garden, perhaps a 100ft on each side of the Pyramid, is surrounded by a 15ft high wall, set with gates in the middle of each side. A small range of buildings, by each gate, provides accommodation for gardeners, guards and priests. The gardens are filled with fragrant blossoms, interspersed between many mausoleums which often have 'lucky' cats sitting by them, or patrolling nearby. Each mausoleum, is said to lead down to the catacombs that stretch beneath the whole site. The mausolea are all decorated with images of a beautiful woman, along with carved representations of skulls, gemstones and daggers. However, interment within the Pyramid Gardens is expensive, and reserved for amirs, nobles, heroes, and city dignitaries, including the head priest of the Pyramid.

The Pyramid is said to be the resting place of Albatak, founder of Hiyal, who was elevated to godhood on his death, and is now the patron deity of the city. Interred alongside him are his wives and a few favourite servants, as well as every respected leader or hero of the town. Legend tells that legions of Mummies and Skeletons will pour out of the pyramid and catacombs, to defend the city, in times of need. However, the price is always high, as many of the city’s residents also perish in the carnage. One legendary tale warns that neglecting the pyramid will also result in an outpouring of undead, who will punish the city’s citizens in just reprisals. Every city, with a pyramid and city-god, treat them as an important civic institution.