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In the past, the city has a developed system of aqueducts and sewers to deal with the water; however, most of it has been torn apart by the first Everstorm.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
[[File:Thaylen city map.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The ancient Thaylen City; in the present, this part is known as the Ancient Ward]]▼
=== Landmarks ===
▲[[File:Thaylen city map.jpg|thumb|
==== The Oathgate ====
The ancient [[Thalath]] Oathgate is located on the northern edge of Thaylen City, next to the Royal Ward. Back in the [[Silver Kingdoms]] Epoch, it would've been beyond the city limits, in contrast to other major settlement of the era, like [[Kholinar]] and [[Stormseat]].{{map ref|Thaylen City}} In the present, it has been turned into a sculpture garden, and provides an excellent viewpoint to observe the city.{{book ref|sa3|58}} It's unlocked by [[Kaladin]] and [[Shallan]], who fly there after Queen [[Fen Rnamdi|Fen]] agrees to ally with [[Dalinar]].{{book ref|sa3|51}}
While the Oathgate has been locked along with all the others, the Thaylens have retained some memory of the platform's original purpose. The local folklore refers to it as a "portal of worlds", claiming that only the most [[Passions|Passionate]] would be able to reopen it. While the story is particularly popular among young girls, the Oathgate holds great religious significance for all the Thaylens.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
==== Docks ====
The Thaylen docks had been one of the city's greatest points of pride before the Everstorm swept them away.{{book ref|sa3|58}} They were located outside the fortifications, taking up the entire southern part of the shore, taking advantage of a natural bay formed there.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} They were constructed primarily of wood, which is why they were so easily destroyed.{{book ref|sa3|58}}
The area surrounding the docks has developed greatly over time into a market and warehouse district.{{book ref|sa3|58}} A notable feature there was the grand bazaar, a marketplace famous even in [[Alethkar]].{{book ref|sa3|59}} Unfortunately, as the structures were, like the docks, constructed from wood, the Evestorm all but flattened the area.{{book ref|sa3|12}} This part of the city was eventually renamed to '''Thaylen Field'''.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
==== Temples ====
* '''The Temple of [[Talenelat]]''' - located in the central part of the Royal Ward, on a stone plaza dedicated to the Herald. A set of steps leads up to an arched enterance, while the surrounding walls are covered in mosaics showing Taln standing fast against the [[Voidbringers]]. The temple has fared poorly against the [[Everstorm]], with the entire roof having collapsed from a lightning strike; it's possible that [[Odium]] targeted it deliberately out of vengeance. It's in the temple of Telenelat that Dalinar discovers his ability to mend buildings; as such, it's the first he fixes.{{book ref|sa3|59}}
* '''The Temple of [[Pailiah]]''' - located in the northeast part of the Royal Ward.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} It's open, allowing wind to flow through it.{{book ref|sa3|118}} [[Renarin]] goes there to pray when he begins to see visions of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|117}}
==== Gemstone Reserve ====
{{for|Thaylen Gemstone Reserve}}
The Gemstone Reserve is a national bank of [[Thaylenah]]. It's located in the Low Ward, near one of the entrances to the Ancient Ward.{{map ref|Thaylen City}} The structure is build like a fortress, to protect its contents.{{book ref|sa3|111}} It has no windows. Within are numerous vaults storing various gemstones, including some of the largest and most unique ones, like the [[King's Drop]]. People can sell and buy their writs of ownership, allowing them to trade large sums easily.{{book ref|sa3|i|13}}
During the Battle of Thaylen Field, the building is destroyed by a [[thunderclast]] on orders of Odium, who wants to prevent Dalnar from accessing King's Drop, a [[perfect gemstone]].{{book ref|sa3|116}}
== History ==
The once extensive docks of Thaylen City were mostly destroyed when the [[Everstorm]] first arrived. Much of the fleet that was in the harbor were destroyed or stolen by the awakened [[Parshmen]].{{cite}}{{expand}} Thaylen City was the site of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].
== Politics ==
{{quote
| Strategically, Thaylen City is '''far''' more important than Jah Keved—but at the same time, '''far''' worse defended.
| [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa3|107}}
}}
Thaylen City serves as the center of Thaylen commerce and politics. The reigning monarch resides there, and the various merchant councils, as well as the Thaylen navy, have their headquarters there. The city's vast port holds numerous trading and naval vessels. Moreover, the [[Thaylen Gemstone Reserve]] holds vast majority of the country's wealth, allowing for long-distance trade via [[spanreed]]s.{{book ref|sa3|58}}{{book ref|sa3|111}}
Unfortunately, the city suffered vast losses in the Everstorm, dealing a severe blow its power. The grand docks and warehouses were destroyed; the ships, stolen by the escaping [[parshmen]].{{book ref|sa3|12}} The Gemstone Reserve has been wrecked in the Battle of Thaylen Field, and though majority of the gems contained within appears to have survived, they were scattered across the city, and it's questionable whether the government can retrieve them all.{{book ref|sa3|116}} In the present, the city is all but reliant on [[Alethi]] support to survive the Desolation.{{book ref|sa3|113}}
Nonetheless, Thaylen City remains important. It's one of the few cities with [[Oathgate]]s controlled by the people opposed to [[Odium]], giving it an instant access to [[Urithiru]] and allowing the alliance to project power in the South of Roshar. Moreover, the city's location makes holding it crucial to any strategy in the region. Whoever controls Thaylen City controls the [[Southern Depths]], and can threaten the entire coast, from [[New Natanan]] all the way to [[Shinovar]]. As such, it is most important that the alliance keep it, which was the main impetus for the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{book ref|sa3|107}}
== Notable citizens ==
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