Idra
A giant, beautiful metropolis at the southernmost point of Ulahi Valley, carved out of the Elbara Mountains. One of the wealthiest and most secure settlements across all of Ulahi Valley and a cultural hub for all things art and entertainment. Composed of five ascending circular levels going from the beach all the way to the mountains peak. This is one of the very few places in Ulahi Valley that was built with the full intention to become a city, rather than simply adding more as more people arrived.
Idra began as a refuge, guarded by five hundred Heralds during the Age of Apocalypse. It's ability to flourish during such dark times is likely due to the reputation of the military force that protected it.
Demographics
As a city and bastion for any who seek sanctuary, Idra has become incredibly diverse over it's five hundred years, but the majority of the population are still the Indra, given that they were not only the original settlers, but also the people responsible for the city's construction.
Government
The government is composed of two representatives from each circle, one from Coramar, one from Dawn-Crest, and one from Idris and Inza respectfully, as those two orders maintain most of the city's defenses and it's internal guard as well. There is also one representative who speaks on behalf of civil services, everything from laws to mainenance.
This council has no jurisdiction over essential city services, all changes to the laws of the city are done by unanimous vote, and this position is one people do without financial compensation or insentive. They are elected every five years and cannot sit on the council for more than ten years total. No leader of any of the institutions are allowed to participate in this council, only elected representatives. This is in place to mitigate power and influence.
Infrastructure
Idra is not only built along the coastal edge of an eroded mountain, but also next to the falls where the the Makala River rejoins the sea. A series of small waterways and waterfalls run through the the city itself, acting as irrigation tunnels for watering plant life throughtout the city. There are also water mills placed throughout that not only serve mechanical purpose like fluffing cloth, cutting wood, or flattening metals, put also have runes placed on them that purify the waters. There are many end points before water reaches the sea that collect the water to be used for drinking, cleaning, or washing. At the end points, the water is re-purified and goes back out to the sea.
Districts
The lowest level of the city is known as the Seaside Circle, which handles the docks, the salt flats, the maritime trade, the Beachside Bazaar, and is a large residential area.
The second level is the Shield Circle, which houses the bulk of the residential space, public bath houses, and small city defense spaces.
The third level is the Swordedge Circle, the space dedicated to the sporting arenas, guild houses, and other organizations that are frequented by travelers, as the main gate into the city is also on this circle.
The fourth is the Summit Circle, which contains the Coramar Academy, Idris and Inza towers, Dawn-Crest temple, and essential building for city maintenance and government. There are no residences here.
The fifth and final circle is the Spearpoint Circle at the mountain-top, which holds, among other things, the Sunstone Spear- a massive sunstone originally created by the Angels who once called this place their palace. When the palace was destroyed and the Angels cast out, this was changed from a gaudy statue to a spearhead, and put to use absorbing energy to help power all of the magical elements built into the city. It also houses the myriad of greenhouses that grow food year-round regardless of seasons, which provide free food for all the people of the city. It's rumored that this is also the resting place of Idri herself, who will return from her station within the Veil Court if the city should ever face oblivion.
Architecture
The circle-centric building style, including frequent uses of terraces and veranda and external stairs, are all cornerstones of Amazian Architecturre, which was the architectural style that birthed the entire city.
Most multi-floor buildings in Idra have either domed ceilings, or domed roofs that are not accessible from inside, though some roofs may contain a dome while still having ana accessible area. These domes are usually made of strong crystaline glass or the black volcanic rock of the Elbara mountains.
Founding Date
3/11/509
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
City of Dreams, The Black Circle,
Type
Metropolis
Population
761,457
Inhabitant Demonym
Idrans
Location under
Included Locations
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