Cuska
"Cuska"
Cuska, and its neighboring towns and villages comprise what is called the Cuska City-State of The Pythos Empire. As a controlling city, it is moderately populated, by mainly lower class and poor workers, hunters, farmers, and shop keepers. It is an out of the way territory and quite happy to be forgotten by the other city-states. Very apolitical and only has allegiance to Pythia itself. Day to day life here is routine and uninteresting, with people working hard to make a living. Famous and renown only for the presence of the Marsh Monitor in the Paluster Marsh. The economy thrives on these two and the city would not have been able grow and become the controlling power in the territory without their existence.
Demographics
Most humanoids fear The Pythos Empire and most humans here hate nonhumans, in particular elves. The rare exceptions would be an acceptance of dwarves due to their forging abilities, workmanship, and equal dislike of most things nondwarven. As such the population here is about 98% human and 2% dwarf, with perhaps some hidden others.
Government
The government here is run by a council of guild leaders. Only the top producing guilds are represented and any additional guild wishing to be on the council, must be voted on for entry. Each guild member has one vote and each member is only answerable to the council and Pythia if applicable.
Defences
This city has no walls and is defended by a small militia that serves as local law enforcement and military defense when needed. The militia is run by a representative of The Pythos Empire and can request additional support troops when needed. Troop barracks are located around the perimeter of the city and house several catapults. Additional trained attack War Monitor, Lizarriot, and mounted Spiked Monitors are housed in a barracks near the training ground on the eastern edge of the city.
Industry & Trade
Most inhabitants make a living either directly through things that come from Paluster Marsh or by using those items to make other products. Cuska is famous for its proximity to the marsh and the Marsh Monitor that lives there. A significant portion of the industry comes from the large lizard, whether its meat, hides, or even the venom glads, all are put to good use. The hides in particular are used to make the well known and waterproof Marsh Leather.
Additionally, many other marsh animals are harvested, be it various snakes, lizards, or insects, even some plants. Although not quite in the swamp, many flooded fields are used to grow rice as a main cash crop.
Infrastructure
Hard packed dirt roads crisscross the city with merchants and shops set up among the lower elevations and the upper class residing on the higher elevated areas. Most common folk live on the outskirts of the shop sections and the poorest live farther out towards the grassland and marsh.
Assets
The main assets of Cuska are the abundance of rice that is farmed, the natural resources of the Paluster Marsh, and the Marsh Monitor itself.
After the unification of The Pythos Empire and the waterproof properties of the Marsh Monitor became widespread, there was rampant and unregulated hunting of the lizard. This led to near extinction of the monitor and an explosion of its main prey species, most notably the Marsh Rat. These rats grew in number and in size and spread from the marsh into the city and nearby villages bringing many diseases and infecting the people. New laws, regulations, and permits were created to help the recovery and management of the Marsh Monitor. This resulted in a population boom, that both reduced the number of Marsh Rats and their diseases, and provided a sustainable supply of monitors in which to harvest wisely.
Guilds and Factions
There are several guilds present in the city, but only a few of them compose the ruling council here. Some of the more significant guilds are:
The Hunters Guild, that regulates all hunting of all animals in the marsh,
The Tanners Guild, that processes the hides and fabricates the famous Marsh Leather,
The Artisans Guild, that oversees any and all artwork and higher end items that are made and sold,
The Lumber Guild, that manages what trees can be harvested and from where,
The Brewers Guild, that guides the creation and sale of alcoholic beverages,
The Religious Guild, that standardizes the day to day religious services in accordance with the Holy Emperor,
The Law Enforcement Guild, organizes, recruits, trains, and runs the militia and law enforcement units,
The Farmers Guild, coordinates the agriculture of the city,
The Ricers Guild, that directs the growth, harvesting, and sale of rice. Once part of the Farmers Guild but was able to break free due to its explosive success.
History
Cuska has always happily been a forgotten and independent city both before and after the unification into The Pythos Empire. When the war broke out, it quickly sided with Pythia and made great profit supplying rare materials to their clerics and sorcerers as well as food, particularly rice, for the soldiers. Since unification, Cuska has been focused mainly on managing the recovery of the Marsh Monitor and staying out of any politics.
Architecture
Cypress, spruce, and oak with sandstone and limestone are usually used for constructions here. The lower class usually have homes made from mud bricks and shanties held together with various scrap materials. The middle class has stone foundations with wooden walls and roofs and painted various earth tone shades. The upper class can afford to have imported materials of higher quality stone and wood to build their houses from. They usually paint their homes white with green trim.
Geography
Cuska is located on the once grassy and rocky plains abutting the Paluster Marsh in the north eastern part of The Pythos Empire. During the time since The Sundering, the expansion of the marsh has flooded much of Cuska's terrain, turning it into a wetland as well.
Natural Resources
A wide variety of natural resources come from the Paluster Marsh itself. Mostly known for its multitude of plant, fungi, bird, amphibian, and reptile wares, particularly the Marsh Monitor and what they can provide. Some local farming is also done here.
Type
City
Population
Approximately 9,000 residents live in and around the city.
Inhabitant Demonym
Upper class inhabitants are often reffered to as "Cuskans" and the lower class as "Soakers" due to being constantly wet from daily work in the marshlands.
Owning Organization
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