Mhara

Far to the north of the Empire lies the city Mhara, the second most populated city of Mellara and the most important one for trade. It faces the ocean that separates the Empire from Komori to the north, and has the only port in the Empire where trade between the two is conducted. Producs from Komori go through Mhara, and from Mhara to the rest of the Empire. The exports also go through Mhara, making it a vital city indeed. Docks cover the coast, and ships of all types and sizes lie waiting to go back out on the sea. It is a lively city, full of people of all different classes and types. Of course, this means it also has a vast criminal network that works beneath the surface.

Demographics

Merchants and traders make up a large part of the populaion, as well as sea farers and sailors. The docks are always busy with people working during the day, and drinking and gambling during the night. All different species can be found here, as all who are involved in trade usually end up coming to Mhara.

Government

Mhara is run by a council of merchants and guild leaders, although the council is overseen by a noble appointed by the Empress. The noble in charge is changed every two years as to prevent them from gaining too much powers. They are mostly a symbol of Her presence in the city, rather than a source of excecutive power. The true rulers are the city council.

Defences

Like all cities in the Empire, walls aren't allowed. A large part of the Imperial Navy is stationed there, however, in case of aggression from Komori.

Industry & Trade

Although there is farmland south of the city, it thrives on trade.

Infrastructure

There are plenty of shipyards in the city, and trade is what the entire city is built on. Due to the difficult terrain of the Empire, most trade is conducted by sea, and so the trade network is built around that. There are a large number of inns and taverns all throughout the city.

Guilds and Factions

There are plenty of guilds in the city. Many skilled artisans are based here, and all prominent merchants have at least one store in the city. Most guilds have their building far from the dock in the high end parts of Mhara, placed almost as embassies around the Council building. Merchants, representatives from Komori, craftsmen, representatives of the Empress, they all try their best to control the city and each other for maximum profit.

History

Mhara lies close to what used to be the center of one of the ancient kingdoms before the Empire. When the continent split over 600 years ago, Mhara lost much of the farmland it hadn't already lost in the war against the Empire. Now part of it, it was struggling until trade started with Komori again around 450 years ago. Since then it has grown at an extremely fast pace as it's location becomes increasingly key to the Empire's economy.

Architecture

The buildings around the docs, with the exceptions of the warehouses, are mostly build out of wood. The further you get from the actual docks themselves, however, the building grow larger, better built, and made of stone. On the edges of the city lie stone mansions, made out of white stone and with blue or grey roofs. The inner city building are in earthier tones, but colors that evoke images of the ocean are popular throughout. Grey, blue, and white are definitely the colors of Mhara.

Geography

Mhara lies right on the coast in the north east, and is the starting and ending point of all trade in the Empire. The smell of the sea permiates the entire city, and the screeching of sea gulls can be heard everywhere. The docks are at the center of the city, while sea facing mansions are further out to the sides, away from the noise and dirt of the city. South of the city is farmland, providing the city with food and wool.

Type

Large city

Population

25000

Location under

Mellaran Empire