Narcella

Demographics

The population of Narcella is composed of primarily Telesmatan-born people, most of them human. There are a few elberhai communities within the city, as well as communities of immigrants from Telesmata's neighboring countries of Kalem and Bralthe. (Though there have been tensions between Kalemite and Bralthian communities, given the ongoing war between the two nations.)

Government

The day-to-day governing is handled by nine council members who are given authority over Narcella by the Royal Family. Each council member represents one of the wards of the city, and each ward holds an election to decide who represents them every nine years. These elections are staggered in such a way that every year is an election year for one of the wards. This was done so that there's always a chance for 'new blood and new ideas' to be introduced to the council. 
Laws are inforced by the Vigilant Watch of Narcella, more commonly referred to as just 'the Vigilants'. Known for the dark crimson capes they wear over their armor, the Vigilants apprehend criminals, settle petty disputes, and help people who are lost find their way around the city. 
Taxes are handled by the Gildhouse, an organization of tax collectors and accountants. Due to several instances of violence against its agents, collectors wear suits of reinforced leather armor that, while not fit for the battlefield, are enough to resist being stabbed with a knife or having a brick thrown at their heads. However, Gildhouse collectors are forbidden from carrying weapons while taking collections.

Defences

The city is guarded by a powerful standing navy as well as several fortifications that line Narcella's boundaries both on land and at sea. It is because of these defenses that Narcella- and Telesmata by extension - has maintained neutrality as neighboring kingdoms go to war with each other.

Industry & Trade

When East Kidanese historian Zaoh Zenya wrote of his travels across the continent of Meladoria, he described the industry of Narcella as 'singular threads of each and every color, intertwined to form an unbreakable rope'. There is no one singular 'trade' in Narcella, and almost anything can be found within its boundaries if you know where to look.

Infrastructure

Narcella's claim to fame is its spider-web-like grid of canals, navigated via  gondola and the occasional personal skiff. Narcella has the most robust public transport system in the world, with each 'island' of the city possessing one or more stations through which to board a gondola. Each station has a chart that tells passengers when each gondola is due to arrive and how long it will take to get to any given station.

Districts

Officially, the city of Narcella is separated into nine wards: 

• Cardonoc: Nestled alongside the city's shoreline, Cardonoc serves as a bustling trading port and maritime hub. Ships from around the world can be seen here. Sailors, traders, and the occasional pirate looking to offload plundered loot frequent this ward, giving it a lively atmosphere. Cardonoc is also the heart of Narcella's thriving fish industry, with the Fishmonger's Guild having a pronounced presence here.
• Gomiandi: Home of the prestigious Astrellarium, the most esteemed academy dedicated to the study of starbinding magic. Its influence is felt in every cobblestone across the Ward, from the omnipresent star motifs to the massive celestial clocktower that can be seen from almost every street corner. Here, starbinders practice the use of their varied pact abilities and seek employment with those who would find whatever particular magic they practice valuable.
• D'Ortela: A refuge from the chaos and commotion of the city, D'Ortela is renowned for its parks, botanical gardens, and menageries. One of the most popular attractions in D'Ortela is the Maniero di Luccono. The Maniero di Luccono hosts one of the most extensive menageries ever assembled, as well as a massive hedge maze and a botanical garden hosting thousands of floral specimens from around the world.
• Bavetti: The commercial district of Narcella, filled with markets, trading posts, and merchant's guilds. Exotic goods from distant lands also get sold here, giving the area a certain multicultural flair.
• Lagia: Every major city has its 'bad part of town', and for Narcella, that part is Lagia. Once a prosperous textile producer, Lagia fell on hard times after a string of arsons ravaged the ward around twenty years ago. What's worse, attempts to rebuild or replace the textile mills always ends in another act of arson, though nobody knows who is responsible for setting the fires. The Vigilants even went so far as to fake a rebuilding attempt to lure out the culprits, only for the sham mill to be burned down with seemingly nobody to be responsible for setting the fire. This incident gave rise to the popular rumor that a curse was placed upon Lagia.
• Malatro: A haven for artisans and the arts. Narcella's finest craftsmen sell their works here alongside importers of artifacts and baubles from around the world. If you're lucky, you can find arcane artifacts made by the memory-weavers of Kidan.
• Farielona: The religious hub of Narcella, Farielona is also known as 'the All-Gods' Ward' for its many cathedrals to the various gods worshipped around the known world. Its cathedrals are so tall they block out the sun in most parts of the Ward, ironically making it a popular spot amongst Narcella's criminal underworld to make deals away from prying eyes. 
• Anocina: Home of the richest families in Narcella, Anocina is a veritable city within a city, with entire industries existing solely for the use of the wealthy. Of course, such opulence attracts thieves and beggars, leading Anocinan manors employing private mercenary companies instead of relying on the Vigilants. 
• Beliandra: The figurative and literal heart of Narcella, holding both the Castello Jaciano from which the Royal Family rules, and the House of Decrees where the city council convenes.

Architecture

Narcellan architecture has a very distinct visual style, featuring 'double curved' arches, large central halls, stained glass windows, and buildings made with brick and stucco as opposed to heavier building materials.

Founding Date

709

Type

Capital

Population

107,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Narcellan

Included Locations

• The Astrellarium

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Telesmata

Characters in Location

• Yarrow Panestella