Vakwari
One of the oldest cities in Karasi, Vakwari is under the leadership of Shazi Mishra, one of the seven faction leaders of Karasi (though she nominally goes by Mishra).
It is well known in the area for the Festival of Still Sands - an annual, 3-day affair that takes place during the winter time (Jundar 6-9). It is a celebration of peace, and is celebrated with reenactments of the clash between two brothers that led to the founding of the city, and the ceremonial burying of weapons.
Even throughout the rest of the year, it is the custom for Vakwari citizens to refrain from wearing anything with long sleeves on it, so as to demonstrate that they carry no hidden weapons on them.
Government
The government of Vakwari - and the surrounding cities - is one that seeks to elevate the canton's (county) populace. Particularly those of less-than ample means. Less than twenty percent of the population can be considered wealthy (and even less than five percent "aristocratic"), while over 40% can live modestly.
Mishra sees that remaining 40% of those who are on (or under) the line of poverty as a great travesty, and so has instituted a rather hefty tax rate of 35% on all incomes that would be above the threshold of "modest living."
Some that feel they are being fleeced by her taxes may complain, but due to her shrewd economic policies, the canton's coffers are completely full, and Mishra has begun to put her plans for the betterment of Vakwari into action.
Defences
Vakwari's arcane masters were commissioned long ago to make ways for the city guard to traverse the crowded streets in a manner that would allow the quickest response times possible. As arcanists are wont to do, they turned to magic and, rather than creating underground tunnels or highways only accessible to the city guard, they created a series of teleportation circles at key access points around the city.
The guards, upon taking their vows, are branded and the divots of the wound filled with yashvah. This is their "keycard," allowing them to be authorized for use of the teleportation circles. If they leave the guards, the yashvah is simply melted down and removed from the wound. If they are dishonorably discharged (for instance, as part of a criminal conviction), the brand is burned away so as to no longer be readable, in addition to the removal of the yashvah.
Industry & Trade
While the city's government may be in fine accord, their trade is very much constrained within its own walls. There is very little international (or even local) trade. If you want something, you had better hope that Vakwari produces it themselves, as there is unlikely to be an export shipment.
Districts
Two-Brothers Pass
Named for the warring siblings (and considered the place of their final stand), Two-Brothers Pass is a choke point between the northeast and southwest parts of the city. People usually claim to be from Devak (northeast; the older brother), or from Deshal (southwest; the younger brother).
The gorge that makes up Two-Brothers Pass has several caves carved into the sides of it before the defacement of the landmark became illegal, and as such there are small cave networks, businesses, artwork, and even homes along each side of the wall.
Lanihad
The banking district of Vakwari is located in Devak, esoteric and luxury shops find their places here - the logic being that those who would visit the money exchanges frequently would have the money to buy their wares.
Architecture
Vakwari is a city of bright colors and wide open courtyards with fountains to reflect and diffuse the desert sunlight.
Natural Resources
What Vakwari is known for is ores. Not the least of which is yashvah, but also other minerals and ores of both luxury and utilitarian usage, such as sodium, amethyst, and magnesium.
Places in Vakwari
Two-Brothers Pass
- (enchanter)
- (brothel)
- (restaurant)
Devak
Northeast
- The Symphero household
Lanihad
- (magic item shop)
- (luxury bakery)
- (luxury furniture)
- (alchemist)
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