The streets of these quarters are oddly deserted for the great city of Absalom, especially for the areas within it.  The Ivy District, long seen as one of the greatest centers of beauty and the arts in the known world, is half in ruins, and battles regularly rage through its ruins.  Many of the artists have fled this place, and blood spatters abound where Cheliax's harsh justice has come into play.  The pounding of hobnailed boots echos, and one can hear the screams of hellcats and the baying of hell hounds throughout the nights.  Few can travel safely through this region by night, and fewer still can pass unnoticed or want to.