Mahrevin (Mah-ru-vahn)

The city of Mahrevin is something of a rarity, in that it is one of the only great cities of the present era which was founded after the end of Tethan authority in the region, rather than during or before the time of the Empire. It began existence as a small village in the Saiau Valley, which did exist during the Imperial period- a fragmentary tax record dating to YT 602 speaks of a small settlement in the area, referred to as ‘Maradaeus’. However, it owes its existence as anything more than a sleepy farming settlement to the recurring dream of a local post-Imperial warlord named Tirodis, known to history as Tiraud I, founder of the Kingdom of Mahran. According to his own account, he was directed in this dream to a small village on the banks of the River Adô. There, it seemed, was a sacred altar, the power of which would awaken to his touch. Travelling to Marathan (as the thorpe was then known), he found the altar in the village chapel- when he laid his hands on it, the whole sanctuary is said to have glowed with a sacred light, which remained around the altar even when the rest had faded. The little shrine is gone now, long since replaced by the Grand Sanctuary, an enormous edifice of marble, gilding, and stained glass. The altar, however, remains where it was that day, now known as the Inviolate Altar. It is now rarely used, except for the royal coronation oaths and for the vows of the Salamander Knights. Its power, put simply, is to render unbreakable all oaths sworn upon it, and to detect and rebuke the deceitful and corrupt. It is the holiest artifact in Mahran, and one of the main symbols of its kings.
 Beyond the doors and under the shadow of the Sanctuary’s spires, the rest of the city is equally unrecognisable. The Mahrevin of today is one of the largest cities in Mardet, with a population of some 350,000 souls. Other than the Sanctuary, the central city is dominated by the mansions of the wealthy, the bustling stalls of the Market of Stars, and the half-subterranean campus of the Royal Academy. Unusually for Mardeti capitals, the royal court is not based in the heart of the city; instead, the kingdom is run from the Auriate Palace, a fortified complex of buildings atop Valmir Hill overlooking the city. Outside of the heart of the city, the stately stone buildings and public squares change into a morass of meandering streets and lanes, with plentiful dead ends and redoubling routes. Here live the regular citizens of the city, people of all races and trades, from well-to-do merchants to beggars and mendicants. The Adô is spanned by three bridges, the largest and most famous of which is the Bridge of Victories, named for the royal custom of placing statues on the bridge to celebrate triumphs and conquests.
 Other than the aforementioned highlights, Mahrevin is known for its distinctive architecture, based around vertical lines and soaring arches. Indeed, it is often referred to as the ‘City of Vaults’ as a reference to the style of ceiling developed and most popular in the city.

Alternative Name(s)

City of Vaults

Type

Capital

Population

c. 350,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Mahrevin

Characters in Location

• Adémar III
• Saraq Iutq of Ilpu Amak