Anfel

Anfel is a unique and imposing city, situated on a large rock formation in the heart of the Winterlands Valley. It is constructed entirely of iron, with striking red and blue colors that contrast sharply with the surrounding snow and ice. The city's most distinctive feature is its enormous fighting pit, which dominates the center of the city and serves as both its cultural and economic hub.

Unlike most cities, Anfel is not built in the traditional manner of individual buildings connected by roads. Instead, it is one massive circular structure that rises up from the ground and towers over the surrounding landscape. The city is divided into tiers, with the wealthiest residents occupying the upper levels, while the poorer citizens and visitors dwell closer to the ground.

The top tier of Anfel is reserved for the ruler of the city, Halvar Falcon. Halvar is rarely seen in public, and most residents of the city have never laid eyes on him, but those that have met him describe him as a dark and troubled.

The majority of Anfel's permanent population consists of skilled smiths who work day and night to craft weapons and armor for the fighters who battle in the pit. Although the smiths of Anfel are not known for their exceptional quality, they are able to produce large quantities of weapons and armor quickly to meet the constant demand.

The second group of residents in Anfel are the visitors who come to watch the fights in the pit. The city is the first one travelers encounter when entering the north, and many choose to stop here before continuing on their journey. The fighting pit is a brutal and unforgiving place, where criminals are given the chance to earn their freedom by fighting to the death. Those who are sentenced to prison, death, or other harsh punishments can invoke their right to combat and are sent to Anfel to battle other criminals for the entertainment of the masses. The battles themselves are brutal and bloody affairs, with the fighters in the pits employing any tactic, even those devoid of honor, to stay alive. The crowds that gather to watch them are rowdy and raucous. 

While very few prisoners have ever emerged from the pit alive, the alternative of being imprisoned or executed is often seen as far worse. Each victory in the pit brings the prisoner closer to freedom, and after 50 wins, they are granted a brand on their neck depicting two swords clashing and are set free. This mark signifies that they have already invoked their right of combat and cannot do so again if they are arrested in the future. The ruler of Anfel technically has the right to release prisoners early, before they win 50 battles, but this has almost never happened.

Aside from the prisoners, there are also those who enter the pit on their own accord, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and hone their combat skills. These individuals are free to leave the pit whenever they wish, and if they manage to achieve 50 victories in a row without leaving, they are granted knighthood. However, this achievement must be accomplished within a span of 3 months, making it an incredibly challenging feat. Those that enter by choice often enter without the intention of going for all 50 wins, but just to earn some recognition and experience. Their battles are not to the death, even when they are matched against criminals. The criminals are instructed to do their best not to kill them, however accidents do happen, even between two non criminal fighters.

There is almost always a fight happening at Anfel at any given time, as there is no shortage of fighters. Even in the late hours of the night, fighters are battling to the death. Sometimes Anfel will host important major events, like a royal show duel, or even jousting tournaments. Anfel is perfectly set up for hosting events, with the fighting pit being a huge open area surrounded on all sides by the rest of the city, making it a perfect stage. Anfel also hosts large group battles from time to time, pitting many fighters against each other at a time, or even two or more teams of fighters battling. They usually only hold these for special occasions.

Overall, Anfel is a city of contrasts, with its imposing iron walls and striking colors contrasting with the desolate landscape that surrounds it. The fighting pit is a place of brutal violence and death, but it also represents a path to freedom for those who have no other options. The city's unique structure and culture make it a fascinating destination for travelers and an object of curiosity for those who dwell beyond its borders.