Aphomptis

"Aphomptis, its first buildings made from the skin and bones of the great drako, Carnidis, slayed by the hero Aphom, at the greatest cost. His descendants to this day honor his sacrifice by living in this place, a constant reminder to the drakos of how much they lost to humanity."

-Boundary Walker Ariveas Av'Tun Dereias, the Explorer

Demographics

The human inhabitants are traditionally divided into four gens, each divided into six tribes. However, a class of wealthy men is arising, who do not care about their tribe, but only for their immediate family.

Government

Within each tribe, decisions are decided upon using an ancient model of direct democracy. One of the appointed tribe elders may call upon for a meeting of all the members of age, both men and women, in front of the patron deity's temple. The problem is openly discussed in the afternoon for as many days as it is necessary and once all the parties have voiced their opinions, the vote is cast in the evening. On the city level, a model of representative democracy is used. Government officials can only be men. Some offices are given through election by all men of age while others given through lottery. It is a duty for a citizen to vote and take part in the lottery.
The closest position to a head of state is the warlord, who controls the army, guardsmen and oversees that the democratic process is respected by the other institutions. The Lawmakers' Council is a group of 300 elected officials who decide laws involving the whole of the city. The Tribunal is composed of 500 judges, chosen by lot, who decide on punishments for those who violate the law.
Lately, a new developing class who base their power on their wealth is beginning to shake this centuries old foundation. These people are able to influence the lawmakers, judges and guards through financial incentives and most even hold long-standing offices in the Council, also obtained through bribery. Citizens have been slow to respond to this newly emerged threat of corruption.

Industry & Trade

Ship building has been the main craftsmanship of Aphomptis for centuries, which has allowed it to maintain its military supremacy in the area. Its trading longboats sail the Adronian Sea from continent to continent, while its military ships patrol the nearby waters to protect traders from barbarian plunderers.
However, for some, Aphomptis' greatest trade is that of knowledge. For such a small population, the city has a vibrating intellectual life. Philosophers, playwrights, painters, sculptors and master-craftsmen come to this city from across the sea to share their knowledge. Indeed, many of the illustrious faces frequenting the banquets and amphitheaters are not citizens, but foreigners who have lived here for many years.

Infrastructure

Two underground viaducts bring water from the mountains within the city. Roads lead to the cities of Antihoz, Pheremin and Rantioh. The Warlord's Palace and the Council's Hall are the grandest and most ornate buildings that dominate the city's skyline. Five amphitheaters are used for arts, festivals and political events such as judicial hearings and elections. Dozens of temples, some unassuming, some monumental are scattered across the city and its surroundings. Stone walls and towers were built only 20 years ago. Until then, the city had wooden walls.

History

• Founding - While the inhabitants claim to have been established in Outer Plane Standard Cycle (OPSC) 4612, or year 0 by their own calendar or year 216 of the Hibrean calendar, the place was most likely inhabited long before that date.
• - 4870 - 4872 OPSC - The Heroic War against the Perdians, mostly legend.
• - 4963 - earliest dated written document in Aphomptian
• - 4978 - first documented election of a warlod, named Pandorhil
• - 4997 - documented battle of Grentera, against Antihoz
• - 5021 - the start of the proper recording of elected warlords
• - 5068 - 5070 - war against Rantioh
• - 5081 - war against Antihoz
• - 5097 - ousting of warlord Heronius, two half-warlords take temporary power
• - 5098 - 5099 - Civil War; warlord Umven is elected
• - 5108 - 5112 - War against the Hamudai Empire, in Coalition with other city-states

Architecture

Houses have only two stories at most, and are made of clay bricks, with wooden beam reinforcements and wooden or thatched roof. Religious and government buildings are made of stone, with wooden roofs.

Geography

Placed on the western coast of the Agrohetein Peninsula, in an easily defensible bay from the sea, and surrounded by cliffs which protect from incursion from the land.

Natural Resources

The lands surrounding the city contain vast gardens of olives, from which oil is made and traded across the Inner Sea. Mines within the cliffs produce copper and tin which, while may have been rendered less valuable with the introduction of iron, are still an important export resource.

Alternative Name(s)

Aphom's Triumph

Type

City

Population

82 000

Inhabitant Demonym

Aphomptians

Location under

Adronian Sea