Zarazir City
A city on the border between the regions of Phaera and Chutus. The Crystal River runs through Zarazir City, making it popular as a trading city. Merchants and travelers frequent the city, seeing it as an easy way to trade with both Phaera and Chutus, as well as an easy way to travel between the two regions.
In the middle of the city, on the physical border between Phaera and Chutus, there is a large gate with guards on the Phaera side. This is the official way to pass between the Phaera side of Zarazir and the Chutus side. There are also several unofficial methods, although using them tends to bring about accusations of smuggling. The Phaera officials argue that if you have nothing to hide, then you should have no problems using the gate.
In actuality, much of the problem with the Phaera-Chutus gate in Zarazir is that the guards are not always known for being perfectly righteous. Often, some of the guards will secretly take small items from their owners in the hopes that they won't notice. If they are caught, they'll threaten the owner with accusations of smuggling, and then say that the accusation can be waved aside with a "small fee". In effect, the owner either has to pay the fee and go without their items, or they will be accused of smuggling the items in and arrested.
Recently, the Phaera officials have been trying to put an end to this, although so far their attempts have been less than effective.
In the middle of the city, on the physical border between Phaera and Chutus, there is a large gate with guards on the Phaera side. This is the official way to pass between the Phaera side of Zarazir and the Chutus side. There are also several unofficial methods, although using them tends to bring about accusations of smuggling. The Phaera officials argue that if you have nothing to hide, then you should have no problems using the gate.
In actuality, much of the problem with the Phaera-Chutus gate in Zarazir is that the guards are not always known for being perfectly righteous. Often, some of the guards will secretly take small items from their owners in the hopes that they won't notice. If they are caught, they'll threaten the owner with accusations of smuggling, and then say that the accusation can be waved aside with a "small fee". In effect, the owner either has to pay the fee and go without their items, or they will be accused of smuggling the items in and arrested.
Recently, the Phaera officials have been trying to put an end to this, although so far their attempts have been less than effective.
Demographics
Most Zarazenes are Northern Actreines, although due to its nature as a popular trading city it also has its fair share of other groups.
Government
The city is divided between Phaera and Chutus. While some argue it would make more sense for one region to declare jurisdiction over the city in its entirety, often what instead happens is the Phaera side is ruled by the Phaera king (currently this is King Alastair), while the Chutus side is ruled by the Chutus king (which is currently King Benedict).
Defences
The city has a large brick wall surrounding its entirety. In addition, the gate between the Phaera side and the Chutus side was intended to protect against smuggling. The city also has a fenced-off upper-class district, although this fence is largely more decorative than defensive.
Industry & Trade
The businesses present in Zarazir depend on which side of the Phaera-Chutus gate you are on.
On this side of the gate, much of the economy revolves around trade. This is not the only industry present, however. Various stores and restaurants are scattered around this side of the city, some blacksmiths and tailors have set up shop in some places, and there are a handful of inns and taverns for the travelers who come through. There is also a licensed mercenary guild within the upper class district which has enjoyed some popularity in recent years.
This side of the gate houses many more less-savory types of businesses. Some of them are only just barely above illegality, such as brothels. Others are overtly illegal, such as unlicensed mercenary guilds. There are some of the necessities, such as some stores that sell food for much cheaper than can be bought on the Phaera side (which has sometimes been exploited by the upper class of the Phaera side) or a handful of lower-quality tailors.
Phaera
On this side of the gate, much of the economy revolves around trade. This is not the only industry present, however. Various stores and restaurants are scattered around this side of the city, some blacksmiths and tailors have set up shop in some places, and there are a handful of inns and taverns for the travelers who come through. There is also a licensed mercenary guild within the upper class district which has enjoyed some popularity in recent years.
Chutus
This side of the gate houses many more less-savory types of businesses. Some of them are only just barely above illegality, such as brothels. Others are overtly illegal, such as unlicensed mercenary guilds. There are some of the necessities, such as some stores that sell food for much cheaper than can be bought on the Phaera side (which has sometimes been exploited by the upper class of the Phaera side) or a handful of lower-quality tailors.
Geography
Zarazir City benefits from sitting directly on the Crystal River, as this makes trade significantly easier. However, much of the dirt in the area around Zarazir is not suitable for farming, making Zarazir heavily reliant on trade for access to a greater variety of food. Zarazir is also nearby the southernmost portion of the Aben Forest, giving it easy access to wood. Its proximity to a small mountain range also means that multiple types of rock and some ore can be dug up and fairly easily brought back to the city for trade.
Natural Resources
- Wood (from Aben Forest)
- Water (from the river)
- Rocks and ores (from the mountains)
Alternative Name(s)
Zarazir
Type
Large city
Inhabitant Demonym
Zarazene
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