Nula
Nula is the main capital of the underwater nation, Zarazah: The Underwater Nation . The biggest landmark is the coral kingdom, which shines like a beacon in the center of the city. Much of the kingdom, though underwater, is enchanted so that travelers and humanoid species can breathe normally, even without diving gear or their own magic.
Several coral homes in the higher districts also stay eternally lit, but the main source of light in the entire kingdom is solar kelp, which lights the dark, murky waters as well as any torch.
The underwater country is ruled from within the city Nula by a kind but powerful matriarch named Queen Kalani of the Raine. The Raine family has ruled for several generations, for promoting prosperity and protection for the whole of the underwater realm.
The matriarch and many higher-tier citizens are Merfolk, either half-blood or pure, whereas many of the lower-tier individuals are more humanoid and "outcasted" people, who are looked down upon by many Merfolk. Much of the civil disputes are ignored by the kingdom, as there are "greater things to attend to."
The Merfolk are a proud race and historically made the underground lullabies for themselves. But there were some that felt for the humanoids above sea level and wished for this lullaby to be a sanctuary for all. It was the right-hand wizard of Queen Chernobyl of the Raine (Kalani's great, great, grandmother) who finally set the enchanted spell over the entire country. As the Merfolk live closer to the underwater leylines, they are able to take much more power for their water spells.
However, using the Mad God's magic came with a price. Not only did the wizard (Lachlan of the Fritaline ) die due to too much radiation in the magic, but several populations living within miles of the kingdoms were sucked dry of their life, and created the lifeless deserts outside the kingdom, known as the "Lachlan Desert".
The kingdom greatly outweighs much of the smaller areas near it, but there are four cities total in the underwater nation: Nula, the capital; Fritalia, the desert city; Coral Grove, the sea caves to the west, and Apalacoatl, the city protected by water dragons.
Demographics
Higher tiers are typically reserved for merfolk and other sea creatures. Most other "foreign entities" are seen as just that and don't have as much sway within the kingdom and typically live in the lower districts.
Government
Matriarchy - monarchy currently held by the family of Raine
Defences
Predominately, the depth in the sea keeps other countries away from them. However, they do have some royal guard, and the Reeds keep out any unwanted visitors. Anything short of a dragon would have a difficult time getting into Nula.
Industry & Trade
Most of the inhabitants work for the kingdom itself. It's self-sustaining, so everyone plays a role in keeping the kingdom where it is. if you work, you eat. If you don't work, you don't. Most food within the kingdom is rationed so as to not disrupt the balance of the food chain just outside of its walls.
Infrastructure
Underwater civilization - some sea-farming, and magic harvesting, but otherwise, things are usually kept to themselves. Trade isn't something they focus on, as the kingdom is relatively self-sustaining. Occasionally you'll have "treasure hunters" or "relic quests" to seek out things that humans have abandoned into the sea. Much of these are placed on display, rather than traded or sold.
Lachlin created an ever-lasting barrier around the capital, where those who are within the city can breathe, even if they are underwater. This isn't entirely the case with the remaining cities.
Assets
There are a few smiths that are used to working with some unique types of materials. Down here, you could cast something made of coral, or conch shells should you find the right materials. You can also get magic-forged blades, as the magic is stronger here, and easier to work with. Similar to island prices, much of them are marked up.
Guilds and Factions
There is a "Workers' Faction," where what you might define as "low-tier" jobs are brought in on a Union-like basis for the constituents. For mid-tier workers, they have a specific trade and usually a trade master. These are where you'll find the guilds, smiths, artisans, and so forth. Finally, the high-tier workers, are those that work under the highest honor, which usually means working within the palace walls. Tending to the royal family, becoming a royal guard, and even becoming certified as a journeyman for the sake of the country.
History
After the Overgrowth, there was a time of chaos and darkness for all creatures, and the merfolk weren't an exception. While the land humanoids saught hiding places from those that would kill them, the merfolk independently searched in the dark seas for light. One mermaid, named Starla of the Yewdrops discovered the Solar Kelp. She clung to it, and called into the darkness, hoping for anyone to hear her. Others came to her call. It is said that every kelp leaf had a hand or fin touching it for miles. Some pulled the kelp from the earth, which stayed alight, and wrapped it around their arms. Starla started instructing groups to search the sea and come back with materials, for this would be the kingdom where they would build their sanctuary, their own version of a lullaby.
The merfolk and other creatures brought back only what they could carry - shells, coral, metal found from rotting sea ships.
Type
Capital
Population
650,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Nulians
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Comments