Assur

Oh Tiglath-Pileser, unrivalled king of the universe, king of the four quarters, king of all princes, lord of lords… whose weapons the god Assur has sharpened and whose name he has pronounced eternally for control of the four quarters… splendid flame which covers the hostile land like a rain storm. How our empire has fallen, only under your rule can we regain our strength, only under your rule can Ashur return and bless this land. - Grand Priest of Ashur Ishtar-Beleti

History:
There is no doubt within the pages of history that Summer was the first true civilization walk Gaia's body, but it is also known that the first true empire was the mighty Assyrian's. Descended from Sargon the Great of Akkad, this city rose to power in the days before the bronze age, and continued long past it its untimely downfall. Empire had a history of brutal warfare and ruling with an Iron fist, and it was that strategy that allowed them grow, but ultimately fall as well. Assur was renown for innovative war strategies and advancements in weaponry, and came to rule the one of largest empires known to the region. Perhaps the first society to use Iron weapons, this gave them an extreme advantage to their bronze wielding enemies in Mesopotamia. Experts and innovators of siege warfare, their siege engines were known to bring down any wall.
Assur was a beautiful city of the Tigris River, and the a patron city to the God Ashur. Ashur was personification of Assur, and a god of war and vigor, but scholars believe that this was not a god in any means. None the less the city stood as a beacon of the Assyrian empires power, and was filled with many lush fauna, and beautiful buildings. The walls were about 2.5 miles long and was surrounded by man made moats fed from the river. In ancient times there were over 30 temples to the gods, which included Ishtar (Sumerian Inanna), sin-Shamash, and Nabu. The northwest region of the city house a beautiful noble sector, where the homes were spaced and had most luxuries of the era. The rest of the housing throughout the east side of the city was densely packed with narrows streets and alleyways. Cloth drapes covered the area to keep the people cool during the 100 degree days.
When the city was rebuilt in the Crossroads, they rebuilt the Library of Ashurbanipal, one of the great libraries of the Crossroads. This library contains the written history of the Mesopotamian Golden Age. From Sumer to Egypt, and Babylon and Assur, the library is one of the few cultural landmarks remaining of the Assyrian empire.   Each citizen of the land understand the significance of their home, and carry immense pride and vanity towards the accomplishments of their home.   The king Tiglath-Pileser and his advisor King Sargon II gently guide their people through these uncertain times.  Xerces has his Satrap keep an ever watching eye on the kingdom, and unlike other kingdoms, he will not hesitate to burn it to ground once again.  Be forewarned traveler, Assur is a sleeping giant, patiently waiting for the opportune moment to take back what they believe is rightfully theirs.    

Notable Locations:

The Old Palace:  The main capital building of Assur, and home to Tiglath-Pileser, it is surrounded by double layered walls and stand 3 stories tall.   The building was originally made of mudbrick, but was later retrofitted to made of a more sturdy material, but the white gypsum plaster still remains.   It glistens in the sunlight and is one of the most guarded areas in the city.  If allowed entrance it would have reception halls for dignitaries of the land, and the throne room itself allows for no surprise visitors.   The walls of the interior are inlayed and engraved with the accomplishments of the king.
The New Palace:   The second palace is dedicated to the other great kings of Assur, and home to Sargon II.  Like the main capital building, this one is also coated in  white gypsum.  Most of the ambassadors of Persia have an office hear, and it is the duty of Sargon II to keep an ever watching eye on any foreign power.  Standing 2 stories tall it overlooks the temples to Anu and Adad, Sin and Shamash, and Ishtar and Nabu.  With very few exceptions this is the only capital building people will be allowed to enter, and the Assyrian police is ran out of the courtyard of the palace.
Emblematic District: This district is located at the West Gate, and is home to the land belonging to Satrap Darrius.  His palace sits at the center of the district, and is surrounded by its own walls.  A small legion of immortals is stationed in this district, and should the Assyrians revolt they will subdue any hopes of independence.    The entrance to the district houses the General Amasis home and barracks.   He is charged with meeting with Sargon II and working towards a peaceful Persian rule in the city, but is well aware of the dangers of the city.  The only legal weapon smith is located within this district and weapons outside of spears are registered in the barracks.
Library of Ashurbanipal: Located in the center of the town near the Ziggurat to Ashur is the beautiful Library of Ashurbanipal, and most of the history of the Mesopotamia region is housed in this Library.  Former king and Grandmaster Ashurbanipal is charged with keeping this beautiful library up to date and all Assyrians history is freely taught to Assyrian born children.  Enforced education is a staple of this kingdom, and all pure-blooded Assyrian's are required to take course every year.   Those that do not, have their citizen ship revoked, and are treated as less than equal.  The building itself has been updated to ranforced marble, and also has the standard white Gypsum plaster coated to the walls.    In the courtyard there are statues dedicated to all the great kings of Assyria. 
Shul Tan z ' e: ri District: All educated Assyrians are granted a home within Shul Tan z ' ri district, and offers the nicest home within the city.   Each has a small courtyard and underground room to retreat to on hot days.   Even though education is free for Assyrian born citizens, it does not mean all citizen pass the test required each year to maintain their citizenship.   Most fail and become drafted soldiers and farmers, and live in another district that is shared with non-natural born citizens.  The greatest of warriors are a given land to farm and take care of, and are treated the same as the Assyrian Elite.
Temple of Ashur: Located in the north east section of the city is the temple to Ashur, the great deity of the City.   it is a massive mudbrick temple that has been reinforced with magic, and plastered with white Gypsum.   It is said there is a section that off the temple that houses recreated statues of the gods that Ashur has defeated, but with empire crumbled and belonging to Persia, not even Ashur is the main shrine within the temple.  Every temples grandest and largest statue is Xerces in Assur, and the people find this to be a massive slight against their people.    Grand Priest Ilu-shuma of Ashur and High Priestess Soheila of Xerces are charged with running this temple and every other temple within Assur.

Population: 50,623 (75% Assyrian, 15% Persian, and 10% other races).
Divine Kingdom: The Divine Empire
Mortal Kingdom: The Persian Empire
Government: King Tiglath-Pileser is the official ruler of Assur, but answers to the Satrap Darius of Persia. The society is an absolute monarchy and those who do not have citizenship do not have a say within the kingdom of Assur.
Economy: Assur is a military power, and is often hired as mercenaries by other kingdoms within Persia, and as long as they never fight against Persia they make an abundance of money for the city. The city is also a trade hub, and source of agriculture for the Persian empire, but not as lucrative as the neighbors surrounding Assur. Most non-citizens are sold into slavery to the Persian empire as both a cleans of Assur and lesson for the people of Assur to learn from.
Military: General Esarhaddon is charged with protection and power of Assur, and answer directly to Sargon II. He commands the lower generals, and makes sure Assyrian's see war as mercenaries. A 100% of Assyrian Citizens are trained and enlisted by the military, and with their education requirements, most are trained on the civic trades as well. Assyria like Romans, are have trained engineers within their ranks. This is is to help with the transport of potential siege engines as well as their repairs. Non-Citizen make up the infantry of the Assyrian army, and most never leave the unit as they are the first to perish in combat.

Notable Locations in Assur:

• The Grand Bazaar: Located with the Emblematic District, the Grand Bazaar of Assur is ran by the Persian lords, and most of the trade commerce is done within the area. Most shop keepers are Persian born, and almost every good in tracked when purchased within Assur.
• The Karum: Located near city center is the Karum, and these are the shops approved by Persia to be ran by Assyrians. This includes general goods, Varity of Assyrian goods, the taverns of Assur, and other miscellaneous shops.
• The Winged Sun:   The local high end tavern of Assur and sits near the Temple of Assur.  Unlike other buildings this one is made of important cedar, and while it does have the gypsum coloring ,like most buildings, the owner is more stylish in its use.   The cedar walls and doors glisten in the light, and the gold trim along most of the cedar adds a beautiful accent to the Gypsum plaster.   The Taverns is roughly 3 stories tall, and has a penthouse suit for famed dignitaries.  In order to stay at the inn, you are required to get a reservation and all reservations are approved by king's council.
• The Tree of Life:  There lies a tree located within Assur, that all Assyrians respect and admire.   The name of this tree has long been since forgotten, and is simply known as the tree of life.  The tree of life and can be traced back to the Akkadian ancestors of Assur, and the Grand Priest Ashur-nasil-pal is charged with protecting and taking care of the Tree.   Ashur-naisil-pal is a very old soul, but looks to be in early twenties, and is in the process of becoming the first Arch-Priest of Persia.

Type

City

Notable People:

• King Tiglath-Pileser:   The chosen king of Assur, and one of greatest minds of war and ruling an empire.    He is described as 6ft 1 and is adorned with many jewels, his tunic is colored with white gypsum, and he carries the winged staff of Ashur with him at all times.
• King Sargon II:   Known as the governor, King Sargon is charged with the safety and diplomacy of the Assur.   King Tiglath is charged with the future of the kingdom, but Sargon II is what the people see.    Similar to what the king is described as, Sargon II is also decorated with many fine jewels and gypsum colored tunic, and carreis a staff of Marduk and a sword of Ninurta.   
• Ashur-Maliki "The Might of Ashur":   The Patron to Ashur himself has the most difficult and dangerous jobs in Persia.   He is charged with protecting the image, life, and happiness of King Tiglath.    Charged with the protection of Tiglath, he is one of the few people, if any, that have seen the King.   He runs the "Wings of Ashur", who aid him in protecting Tiglath.
• Grand Priest Ilu-shuma of Ashur:   Described as an over adorned man, Ilu-Shuma is the Grand Priest to the patron deity Ashur.   To your typical Assyrian he is larger than life, but to the Persians he is a weak man.   To be watched over by a woman and lower rank official was done to disrespect his position.   King Xerces sent Sohelia as a reminder that his high priest are grander than most Grand Priest, and even Persian women are more respected than a Assyrian male.   He never lets his frustrations be shown, and view this as a trial from Ashur himself.   Strength is also knowing patience, and the patient man is not a weak man.   He is a clever man, like the lions who stalks its prey, waiting for a mistake.
• High Priestess Soheila of Xerces:   with a look of an oracle, Sohelia is the high priest to her lord Xerces.   Chosen to be his eyes and ears in Persia, she succeeded her task so profoundly that he has charged her with maintaining civility in Assur.  The path to controlling Assur is through Ashur, and she is charged with replacing her counterpart.
• Grand Priest Ashur-naisil-pal of the Old Pantheon:     In his past lives, he has been reborn a major religious figure throughout the ages.    Priest, Bishop, Pope, Seer, and a variety of different titles.    Each time he feels he has failed his purpose, and is reborn to try again in another age.   This life is the first life that brought him back to the Tree of life.  In line to be the first Arch-Priest of Persia, and rumors state maybe the newest member of the "Philosophers".   He is seen sitting in silence at the base of the Tree of Life, and people speculate that purpose to commune with gods.