Roja (Row-Juh)
Roja is a city along Renad's northeastern coasts, and like its neighbors, it functions as an independent nation, rather than a simple city. Renowned for its orange and ashen sand, Roja is a city of opportunity for those in the surrounding towns (and increasingly, the rest of the world). The opportunities are hardly illustrious though, as job opportunities tend to be dangerous, long-term, and physically challenging. The only positive aspect of the job opportunities is how easy they are to find, as little experience is ever required and more hands are always needed.
Renad-Pai rests a few miles off the coast of Roja and serves as the largest source of income for the Rojans. The currently dormant volcano is said to be the peoples' birthright as they burrow within for its fine ores used across Laminarum. While there has been conflict with the elves in the distant past regarding the fiery mountain, most individuals have respected the territory as belonging to the J'barri, particularly because the mining conditions are so poor regardless.
The city has faced tragic conflict throughout its past, be it class revolts, growing J'bar devotion, the practically criminal taxes forced upon the trade of their ores enforced by Kala, or Kala's port fees. This contract, in particular, has been active since Ettermiddag, but there is little that Roja can do to retaliate given their lesser military, political skills, and global contacts. Their refusal to break bread with humans only furthers this struggle, as they despise those whose ancestors pirated their fire magic artifacts.
At present, Kala and Roja are reaching a tipping point where both prides may collapse. Wages in Roja are insufficient to justify mining in harsh conditions, but the ministry refuses to increase pay beyond a certain point due to Kala's high taxes. Kala has been stacking their towers of gold high, but when the modern exodus from Roja prevents mining operations from continuing, Kala's economy may collapse, as their capital is gained purely from their position as a trading city. The Council of Kala has lowered the taxes and port fees several times, but it is only so long before they raise them once more.
Demographics
Roja is a melting pot of people searching for opportunities. Most people that escape Brille come here for work. It is the home for people "lacking any other practical skill." 85% of the population is J'barri
In the decades of their prime, 70% of the population were not citizens. In the modern era, that number is down to 10%.
Government
Roja was originally ruled by a single ruler selected by Riiji. At that time, it was considered to be ruled by Riiji herself. After the death of Can-en, the first magically inclined Rojan leader, it shifted to a system of council members with a "Pride Leader" who handles foreign relations.
Industry & Trade
Their industry is steeped in the selling of precious metals. They were famous for alloy production for humans, elves, and Kala. Eventually, other civilizations discovered that these metals were just alloys, and this damaged their industry
All Rojan trade is subject to Kala ports and tariffs. The only exception would be direct trade with the Eastern Elves, as they have certain trade deals. Roja's industry is undergoing a crisis that has been worsening for hundreds of years.
Infrastructure
Roja is known for its metal architecture. Almost every building is made of copper, iron, tin, etc. They spend little of their time indoors during the day, so the conductivity is not a major issue. On the island-city of Renad-Pai, most structures are makeshift and rugged.
Districts
Legislative District
Region dedicated to those working in governmentWorker's District
Region dedicated to miners and lowerclass citizens (largest district)Artisan's District
Region dedicated to those with special skills or trades, aside from shopowners who may live anywhere.Labor District
Not to be confused with the worker's district, the labor district is dedicated to outsiders looking for work. Any non citizen will live in this district, but may eventually be allowed elsewhere once their immigration is completed.
Founding Date
225MN
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
City of Bronze and Steel, Pride of Riiji
Type
City
Population
150,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Rojan
Location under
Included Locations
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Comments