Hewn City

The brutal Court of Nightmares carved into a mountain's heart, a city of cruelty and fear that masks the existence of Velaris from the world.

Also known as: The Court of Nightmares, The Hewn City, The Mountain Court, The Dark City

What They Know

The Hewn City was carved by the first High Lords of Night, using magic and slave labor over centuries, to be a fortress and a throne room for the cruelest court in Prythian.
It is the only part of the Night Court that outsiders—High Lords, emissaries, and enemies—are ever permitted to see; Velaris is kept secret by ancient wards and the High Lord's will.
The city is governed by the High Lord of Night, but day-to-day rule falls to the Steward, Keir, who answers to Rhysand with a mix of fear and resentment.
Blood rubies are issued from here: a single gem sent to a target marks them for death, and every mercenary in the territory knows to collect.
The Court of Nightmares convenes in the great hall for feasts, judgments, and entertainments that would make a mortal faint—cruelty is the coin of this court.
The Hewn City is connected to the Prison by old tunnels sealed with magic, and to Velaris by a single winnowing point known only to the Inner Circle.