Zunaris - The Golden City
Zunaris, the capital of Aurorum, is known as the Golden City for its gleaming spires and golden rooftops, a testament to the wealth and divine favor of The Exalted. It is the seat of The Supremacy, where the ruler, believed to be the avatar of Zun, governs with absolute authority.
Located near the large central body of water, it is the heart of the Aurorum Empire, a hub of political, religious, and economic power, connecting various trade routes and military roads.
Government
Zunaris, as the capital of The Theocracy of Aurorum, is the epicenter of both political and religious power within the empire. The city is governed directly by The Supremacy, who is considered the living avatar and representative of Zun’s will on Alathor. The Supremacy’s decrees are absolute, and they govern with divine authority, ensuring that every aspect of life in Zunaris aligns with the will of Zun-3.
Beneath The Supremacy, the city’s administration is managed by the High Exalted, a council composed of the most influential families from The Exalted class. These families have risen to power through a combination of religious zealotry, political maneuvering, and military might, tracing their lineage back to the original tribes that formed the Exalted. The High Exalted are responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of Zun’s laws, overseeing everything from theological matters to urban planning.
The city’s government is highly hierarchical, with lower orders of Exalted managing various districts and sectors of Zunaris. These lower officials ensure that the daily operations of the city run smoothly, from tax collection to law enforcement, always with an eye toward maintaining the divine order established by The Supremacy.
Industry & Trade
Zunaris is the industrial and commercial powerhouse of Aurorum. The city’s industry is diverse, focusing on both luxury goods and essential supplies needed to sustain the empire’s vast military and bureaucratic apparatus.
Craftsmanship and Luxury Goods: Zunaris is renowned for its production of luxury items, including fine jewelry, religious artifacts, and intricate tapestries. The city’s artisans are among the most skilled in Alathor, crafting items that are not only functional but also serve as symbols of the divine order. These goods are highly sought after by the elite of Aurorum and even beyond its borders, where they are traded for exotic materials and rare commodities.
Military Production: Given Aurorum’s focus on conquest and defense, Zunaris is also a center for the production of military equipment. Weapons, armor, and siege engines are manufactured in large quantities, supplying the empire’s armies. The city’s forges are constantly active, ensuring that Aurorum’s military remains well-equipped and ready for any conflict.
Trade: Zunaris’ strategic location near a large body of water allows it to serve as a key hub for both land and naval trade. The city’s ports are some of the busiest in Alathor, with ships arriving daily from other parts of the empire and beyond. The trade in Zunaris is carefully regulated by The Exalted, who impose heavy taxes and tariffs on goods, ensuring that the wealth continues to flow into the city and, by extension, the coffers of The Supremacy and the Exalted families.
Zunaris’ trade networks are extensive, reaching every corner of the empire and forging connections with other nations, albeit with a constant undercurrent of suspicion and tension due to Aurorum’s ambitions. The city imports raw materials, rare spices, and exotic goods, which are then either used in the city’s industries or exported as finished products. The wealth generated by this trade reinforces Zunaris’ status as the heart of Aurorum and a symbol of its divine and temporal power.
Infrastructure
Zunaris is a city of grandeur and meticulous design, reflecting the divine nature of its ruler. The city is organized into several concentric districts, each representing a different aspect of the empire’s power and society.
The Inner Sanctum: At the heart of Zunaris lies the Inner Sanctum, a massive complex that includes the Palace of The Supremacy and the Grand Temple of Zun. The Palace is an imposing structure of gold and white marble, where The Supremacy resides and holds court. The Grand Temple, the largest and most opulent religious structure in Aurorum, serves as the spiritual center of the empire, where the most sacred rituals and ceremonies are performed.
The Exalted Quarters: Surrounding the Inner Sanctum are the Exalted Quarters, where the noble families of the Exalted live in luxurious estates. This district is characterized by its pristine streets, guarded gates, and an abundance of gardens, statues, and fountains, all designed to showcase the wealth and power of the ruling class.
The Trade and Artisan District: Further out lies the Trade and Artisan District, the bustling heart of Zunaris’ economy. This district is filled with workshops, markets, and guild halls where the finest craftsmen produce goods for the empire. It is also where merchants from across Alathor come to trade, making it one of the most economically vibrant parts of the city.
The Outer Districts: The outermost areas of Zunaris are home to the common populace and the city’s extensive infrastructure. These districts include residential areas, public markets, and essential services like waterworks, waste management, and the city’s vast network of roads and canals. Despite being farther from the center, the outer districts are still meticulously maintained, reflecting the order and efficiency expected in the capital of Aurorum.
Type
Capital
Population
71000
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
