Baras Korthag, the Juwel of the Grand Desert, is a city located at the center of Bel'Akhzor, the desert spanning southern Asthafar. Build at the waters of the Spring of Kosh, it is one of the few safe-havens in the desert. The Golden Road crosses through Baras Korthag from west to east and connects Samisarûn with the port-city of Alkh'Zarad.
Founded: ~ -3000 EC
Inhabitants: ~25.000
Economy: Growing
Baras Korthag was founded sometime during the 3rd Pre-Century (PC) by the Dolochô as they expanded east across Asthafar. After the destruction of Zar Fron and the uprisings against the Dolochô-Tyranny, Baras Korthag fell into the hands of the human tribe of the Barandians.
The Barandians nurtured good relations with the neighbouring tribes and they became a valuable ally to the Kingdom of Balior. They fought on Balior's side against the Elves in the first and second Balior-War. They remained independent after the Fall of Balior in 220 EC for some time, resisting elvish influence, until the city was conquered in 234 EC.
Some Barandians escaped conquest and fled into the Grand Desert, where they fought for over a decade against the Elves in a guerilla war, but to little success.
The city was one of the first to support General Banisûl's rebellion in 1977 EC. Many of the Barandians' descendants rallied to his side to fight against elvish oppression. Baras Korthag would end up becoming one of the biggest cities of the Sultanat of Banisûl. It remained unharmed during the Great War.
The buildings of Baras Korthag are made of sandstone, which is found plentiful in northern and southern Bel'Akhzor.