Meadan

Meadan is the capital city of the Mellaran Empire. It's a beautiful city built of a light grey, almost white stone, nestled into the hills and the Adhar Mountains. The castle is built into the mountain itself, and the inner city consists of terraces, leading down to the common areas. The last terrace has a great wall surrounding it, protecting the inner city. The common parts of the city are mostly outside the walls. Meadan has a population of about 37000 people.

Demographics

The city is varied, but there is a high concentration of nobility and military due to it being the capital. There are plenty of merchants, although the artisan and crafting community is even larger. There is a good sized middle class, but also large slum areas on the outskirts. There are of course also plenty of criminal activity - the most obvious outside of the wall.

Government

The Empress rule over the capital is total. She has advisors and a council, but they do not hold any acutal executive power, and she does not need their approval. She holds court and sees to the matters of ordinary people once a month, otherwise issues are brought before the counsil or a representative.

Defences

The upper part of the city has the Adhar Mountains at its back, acting as a natural defense. There is also a mote running past the outer wall, which is about 12m high and 4,5m thick.

Industry & Trade

Being the capital, Meadan sees a lot of trade. The guilds here have very high standards, and beautiful work is made here. Although it doesn't have direct access to water ways, that also protects it from armies moving any other way than on foot.

History

Meadan is the oldest city in the Empire. The only older city - al´Theran now replaced by Korint - was completely destroyed by the first Empress during the Imperial War. It has historically always been ruled by a Queen, and due to its protected location was one of the few relatively stable king- or queendoms of the continent. It's been build in layers, and the castle part is the oldest. New terraces were added as the city grew, and now its spread out on the planes in a fan, constantly growing. Meadan is the only city allowed to have walls, to prevent possible rebellions. The current Empress has had her throne for 13 year, ascending at age 20 as is custom.

Architecture

The city is build in white stone, going down in terraces from the castle. There are walls surrounding each terrace, with the outer wall being the thickest and highest.

Geography

Meadan is located within two days travel from two major rivers, and as such the farmland in the area is excellent, contributing to its wealth. Rolling hills surround the sides, and the city has the Adhar Mountain Range at its back.

Type

Capital

Population

37000

Location under

Mellaran Empire