The City of Brass in Dungeons and Dragons is located in the hottest area of the Plane of Fire. Those who have been playing Dungeons and Dragons for many years will recognize the iconic cover to the 1st Edition Dungeon Master’s Guide. This depicts a group of adventurers arriving at the gates of the City of Brass and being confronted by the Efreeti Guard Captain who has grown to giant size to intimidate these potential threats to the city. For most people this was the introduction to the idea of a city on the plane of fire. A city ruled by the Efreeti. This city seems to hover over the plane of fire.
I had the pleasure of seeing the original painting of the City of Brass used for the cover of the 1st Edition Dungeon Masters Guide when I attended GenCon 50 a couple of years ago. It was even more amazing in person. It was created by David Sutherland III who also did a number of other iconic works for the game.
Defense of the City of Brass in Dungeons and Dragons
Despite being on the Plane of Fire others do, on occasion, attack this citadel. This might seem surprising. But given the nature of the Efreeti it probably should not be. These beings are universally evil and are quite hated. They have many enemies. And there are untold riches in this city.
Naturally the Efreeti have taken great measures to protect this place from invaders. Some of these defenses include:
- The ability of the city itself to float away from danger
- Over 100,000 Efreeti soldiers and 3000 elite soldiers to protect it
- Manscorpions and other slaves which can be pressed into service
- Millions of other Efreet who live there and will defend their city if needed
History of the City of Brass in Dungeons and Dragons
The City of Brass has been called the oldest city in creation. It is known to contain many portals to the nine hells. Devils come and go from this place on missions for their lords.
Once a powerful archmage named Tzunk tried to lead an invasion of the city with the help of a powerful artifact known as the Codex of Infinite planes but could not overcome the huge numbers of Efreet that protect this place from invasion.
On other occasions a powerful Frost Giant Jarl led raids on the city causing great chaos but not really threatening to conquer it.
Population of the City of Brass in Dungeons and Dragons
The exact figure is unknown. But what is known is that there are millions of Efreeti who live there. Along with the Efreet there are thousands (perhaps hundreds of thousands) of slaves. It is also known that many Devils and other powerful plane travelers visit the city and conduct business with the Efreet.
The Plane of Fire is an Inhospitable Plane for a City
The sea of fire lies beneath the great city. This is a place where only those who can resist the great heat of this plane can survive. The nature of this plane tends to create individuals with evil tempers. It is known that fiery canals cross the City of Brass in many places.
The City of Brass is an Important Trading Hub Among the Planes
Many traders from across the planes come to the City of Brass to do business. Slave markets, Bazaars and even Metal Forgers come to this world to ply their trades and sell their products. The city is known for it’s incense and tobacco products. Slave traders do a brisk business here. The many portals to the Nine Hells allow trade in information as well as in slaves.
The Ruler of the City of Brass is the Grand Sultan of the Efreet
The Grand Sultan of the Efreet rules this city. He is aided by Six Pashas and many Efreeti Nobles. Law and order is maintained by his elite guard and his guard captain. Laws are strict and curfews are often imposed in times of danger. Slaves are obligated to wear bracelets showing their owner. Those who borrow money in the city often become slaves if they are unable to pay it back.
Adventures in the City of Brass
Over the years there have been a few published (and unpublished adventures) involving the City of Brass for Dungeons and Dragons and a few other role playing games. Some of these include:
- The City of Brass (5th Edition)
- The City of Brass (3.5 Edition)
- The City of Brass (Swords and Wizardry)
- The City of Brass Book II ((3.5 Edition)
- The Secrets of the Lamp (2nd Edition)
- Midnight in the City of Brass (5th Edition)
- To the City of Brass (AD&D tournament adventure by Rob Kuntz
The City of Brass in Dungeons and Dragons and the Codex of Infinite Planes
The very first place that the City of Brass was ever discussed in any of the editions of Dungeons and Dragons was on page 156 of the 1st Edition Dungeon Master’s Guide in the artifacts section of the magic items descriptions. Specifically it was in the Codex of Infinite Planes which was mentioned previously in this article.
“…and the two strong slaves lifted it (the Codex) from the back of the Beast. Thereupon I commanded the Brazen Portals to be brought low. The Efreet howled in fear and fled when I caused the page to be read, and the Beast passed into the City of Brass. Now was I, Tzunk, Master of the Plane of Molten Skies. With sure hand I closed Ygrax’ Tome (the Codex), dreading to-“
It is clear from this text that the Codex itself is huge and must be carried by something or someone very strong. The Codex was once used by the powerful Arch Mage Tzunk to try to invade the City of Brass. Presumably it is lost there. Perhaps it is even now located within the city itself.
The City of Brass in Dungeons and Dragons is a Dangerous Yet Fantastic Place
One of the wonderful things about Dungeons and Dragons, regardless of which edition that you play, is the wonderful and fantastic places that players could visit. Only the imagination of the Dungeon Master could limit where the players might visit. Other planes, castles floating in the sky, cities beneath the sea and the heavens and the hells are within reach of the adventurers daring enough to visit them. The City of Brass is but one of these places. And it is truly amazing.
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