The Citadel, as it appears on the map.
As you purchase Upgrades, The Citadel fills in with more buildings.
From the beginning, the world has been regularly haunted by the Great Storm. The only mainstay for the surrounding lands is the Smoldering City (The Citadel). The eternal fire burning on the top of the mountain around which the Citadel is built seems to ensure safety, but the rains are merciless to everything outside its protection. Every few years, citizens go out into the world to explore lands, build settlements, and acquire supplies. Occasionally, remains from the previous Storms can be found: road debris, destroyed buildings, or the remains of an unlucky caravan that did not reach the shelter on time. But there always comes a time when the raindrops get heavier and the air starts to smell too light, and each of the Scorched Queen's subjects must return to seek shelter from the impending destruction.
The Smoldering City is where you can purchase Upgrades and claim completed Deeds between settlement rounds. Remember that all time spent in the city counts toward Blightstorm Cycle Progress.