Jarakia
Demographics
Jarakia’s demographic composition is largely homogeneous in terms of species, as nearly all residents descend from the original survivors of the Joan’s crash. Minor variations exist in the form of sub-ethnicities or specialized lineages—such as certain Helix specialists displaying faint draconic traits or Subtirvores occupying menial roles—but these differences rarely disrupt the sense of collective identity. Wealth disparities are relatively subdued, given the empire’s emphasis on strategic distribution of resources; however, arcane proficiency can influence social standing. High-ranking mages within the Arcane Collective often enjoy additional privileges—like priority housing or advanced Helix treatments—while front-line soldiers in elite units may be accorded extra rations and combat enhancements.
Government
Jarakia is run by The Authority, an all-encompassing system headed by the Politician. Selected through opaque, highly ritualized methods, the Politician wields ultimate power over law, resource management, and strategic policy. Supporting them are the Magistrates, each presiding over specialized domains such as defense, Helix research, or public welfare. Beneath this administrative layer, organizations like the Arcane Collective and Primers ensure that education, security, and infrastructure projects flow according to plan. Legislation revolves around a strict adherence to discipline and the common good: transgressors are typically reeducated rather than exiled, reflecting the belief that all Jarakians serve best when cooperating as one. Taxation takes the form of mandatory labor assignments or arcane-based quotas, ensuring that every citizen contributes effectively to the city’s upkeep.
Defences
Jarakia’s outermost line of defense merges traditional fortress architecture with advanced Helix-based warding. Towering walls, forged from sturdy alloys and etched with arcane runes, create an imposing perimeter that resists both physical assaults and the Neft’s corrosive mists. Positioned at intervals along the ramparts stand ward towers manned by Primers and spellcasters, each tower crowned by Helix amplifiers capable of repelling large-scale invasions or sudden Helix surges. Beneath these walls, a tiered moat system—unconventional in design—filters corrosive toxins through Helix-charged sluices, rendering direct assault nearly impossible without heavy losses. Massive gateway complexes, reinforced by sliding portcullises and illusions to confuse intruders, serve as strictly monitored choke points where suspicious entries are inspected or turned away by squads of vigilant Colts.
Within the outer ring lie subtler layers of protection. Urban passages can be sealed via collapsible arcane barriers, letting Magistrates swiftly quarantine any district in the event of monstrous attacks or internal rebellions. Helix wards embedded in road intersections not only neutralize stray magical energies but also intercept stealthy infiltrators, alerting local garrisons to suspicious anomalies. High above, Brack Throwers patrol the skies, riding controlled Helix currents to scout beyond the walls and rain down countermeasures on invading forces. Even illusions come into play—specialized illusionsmiths conjure deceptive pathways or protective veils that confuse enemies while guiding civilians to safe havens. This combined network of walls, wards, illusions, and aerial oversight epitomizes Jarakia’s ethos: layering discipline-driven engineering with arcane ingenuity to form a near-impenetrable shield for its citizens.
Industry & Trade
Jarakia’s economic backbone is rooted in the fusion of arcane innovations with disciplined production processes. Major enclaves like Gamma and Mu drive manufacturing, crafting everything from ward-infused metals to everyday Helix-enhanced household goods. Crop cultivation relies on tightly controlled, high-yield greenhouses in Delta, where Helix-charged nutrients speed up growth and offer a reliable food supply under the Neft’s hostile skies. Beyond feeding its population, Jarakia exports smaller batches of Helix-forged gear and specialized arcane relics to neighboring enclaves—though only under strict oversight. Imports center on raw Helix crystals, rare minerals, and exotic reagents that can further bolster their wards or experimental magitech. Merchant caravans funnel these resources through guarded checkpoints like Xi or Sigma, ensuring that no single foreign alliance undermines Jarakia’s carefully balanced economy.
Inhabitants often specialize according to district demands: farmers in Delta manage Helix-fed fields, while engineers in Gamma refine or craft spelltouched weaponry. Meanwhile, advanced crafters and artificers in Omicron or Lambda push the boundaries of Helix-based inventions, occasionally selling prototypes to state-approved buyers. Even minor trades like weaving or pottery incorporate small enchantments, lending a tinge of arcane utility to mundane tasks. Bartering occurs at monthly District Exchanges, where licensed artisans swap Helix components for finished goods, ensuring each district’s continuous development. Despite the relative order, a clandestine black-market sometimes arises in hidden corners, trading contraband artifacts or Draconic lore—a reminder that even the most rigorously policed system can’t quell all shades of ambition.
Infrastructure
Jarakia’s infrastructure blends practical engineering with arcane ingenuity to thrive under the Neft’s punishing conditions. A network of Helix-powered wards lines the outer walls, offering protection against toxic mists and monstrous raids. Inside, carefully planned roads connect districts dedicated to various tasks: Magicraft labs cluster in secluded areas for safety, while the central wards feature forges and training squares for the Primers and Colts. Access to potable water and nutrient-rich crops comes via enclosed hydroponic facilities, augmented by Helix spells that stimulate growth and filtration. Bridges, reinforced walkways, and sealed underground passages allow swift movement even during arcane storms. Coupled with advanced sewage systems designed to handle the occasional corrosive rainfall, Jarakia’s infrastructure exemplifies how a disciplined populace can fuse magic and technology to carve out a bastion in an otherwise unrelenting plane.
Districts
Alpha District
Alpha serves as Jarakia’s administrative core, home to the Politician’s seat of power and the Magistrates’ central offices. Visitors can deliver petitions and observe official proceedings in heavily patrolled civic halls. Clerks manage resource allocations, while broader enclaves house bureaucratic staff. The district’s thoroughfares remain relatively open, showcasing both impressive Helix architecture and unrelenting security patrols. Despite the public traffic, order is paramount: even minor disturbances are met with swift intervention by the Primers, exemplifying Alpha’s blend of accessible governance and unyielding discipline.Beta District
Beta is primarily devoted to training mid-level Helix practitioners, focusing on foundational drills for future Primers or other specialized soldiers. Recruit barracks and practice arenas cluster in its interior, where novices endure rigorous regimens to refine spellcasting and martial prowess. Beta is somewhat open, allowing families to visit or observe drills—an unspoken invitation for the entire empire to respect Jarakia’s commitment to raising disciplined defenders. Although official labs and ward-fortified storage bunkers dot the district, informal sparring courtyards at the edges foster camaraderie among recruits. Rumors of intense competition between training cadres persist, pushing Beta’s denizens to excel or risk falling behind.Gamma District
Gamma houses the Helix artifact forges and is vital to Jarakia’s arsenal production. Government-licensed workshops occupy the district center, protected by wards that guard against catastrophic magical accidents. Crafters labor over everything from ward-lattice components to arcane spearheads. Access is partially restricted: while authorized personnel may collect or deliver orders, novices or casual wanderers face limited entry. Some artisan families maintain outer forges that produce more mundane goods, occasionally trading with the black market if carefully concealed from Magistrates. In short, Gamma’s blend of official manufacturing zones and semi-private workshops illustrates how essential yet tightly controlled forging is to the empire’s stability.Delta District
Delta specializes in agriculture and nutrient synthesis, crucial for sustaining Jarakia’s Helix-enhanced diets. Its greenhouses use arcane filtration to shield crops from the Neft’s corrosive elements, while breeding farms integrate Helix methods to accelerate growth. Outsiders can safely visit designated observation paths, witnessing the city’s unique approach to high-yield farming. District Supervisors enforce stringent production quotas, distributing resources across the entire fortress-city. On Delta’s fringes, smaller farms experiment with new crop variants under intense scrutiny, ensuring the empire’s food supply remains both abundant and resilient.Epsilon District
Epsilon revolves around child-rearing and basic Magicraft lab facilities, handling the earliest stages of Jarakian development. This district’s communal housing offers a structured environment for newly formed Father-Mother units and their lab-grown offspring. Access is moderately regulated, allowing extended family visits or Arcane Collective checkups. Inside, Helix-based monitoring equipment ensures each child’s magical potential meets the Authority’s benchmarks. Public schools here focus on rudimentary discipline and loyalty drills, echoing Jarakia’s belief that every young citizen must embrace communal responsibility from the start.Zeta District
Zeta serves as a fortified zone near Jarakia’s outer walls, dedicated to siege weaponry, barrier maintenance, and advanced defensive wards. High ramparts bristle with Helix artillery, ready to repel monstrous incursions or external threats at a moment’s notice. Zeta welcomes minimal civilian activity; only specialized engineers, ward-smiths, and trained garrisons typically roam its corridors. Those allowed inside soon grasp that this district channels unwavering vigilance: even routine patrols observe strict protocols, mindful of any potential weakness. Zeta’s imposing towers and labyrinth of armories stand testament to Jarakia’s enduring determination to protect its core from a treacherous environment.Eta District
Eta is the medical epicenter, housing Netheral clinics, reeducation facilities, and advanced Helix therapy wards. Civilian patients with common ailments find quick relief in outer treatment centers, while complex procedures or memory modifications occur behind sealed doors deeper within. Roving Netherals keep watch not just for physical maladies but also for psychological strains that might disrupt societal harmony. Publicly accessible portions emphasize efficiency and care, though rumors swirl about reeducation wings where more intrusive interventions transpire. By blending high-order healing with implicit authority, Eta underscores Jarakia’s conviction that personal health and collective stability remain tightly interlinked.Theta District
Theta is the intellectual heart of arcane inquiry, hosting the Arcane Collective’s central libraries and research halls. Students at varying skill levels debate theories in carefully warded lecture rooms, supervised by seasoned Helix mentors. Formal labs explore cutting-edge spells and expansions of magical technology, while smaller, informal clubs offer safe experimentation with lesser arcane arts. Theta remains open to academically authorized guests, promoting knowledge exchange while keeping key documents under lock and ward. The district’s architecture reflects a balance between scholarly serenity and the heightened security demanded by high-stakes Helix experimentation.Iota District
Iota features a residential enclave for mid-to-upper-echelon citizens—particularly mid-ranked Magistrates and distinguished Arcane Collective figures. Though not entirely closed off, checkpoint gates carefully screen entrants to preserve the residents’ security and mental focus. Official compounds stand in a well-organized grid near the center, while peripheral streets house support staff and private retinues. Occasional informal gatherings let junior officials discuss reforms in a relaxed setting, though the potential for upward mobility keeps these events subdued. Iota’s meticulous planning and restricted feel attest to the empire’s stratified approach to living arrangements.Kappa District
Kappa is home to cultural archives and historical records that chronicle Jarakia’s evolution. Public halls display curated texts, Helix treatises, and ancient war accounts; citizens may browse, though certain restricted tomes require special clearance. The Magistrates oversee every exhibit, maintaining a strict threshold for what is deemed appropriate knowledge. Smaller cultural societies occupy side rooms, editing and annotating official records for scholarly debate. A hush pervades the district as researchers shuffle through meticulously guarded volumes—a tangible reminder that Jarakia’s formidable present stands on carefully archived lessons from the past.Lambda District
Lambda concentrates on high-level Helix research, hosting elite labs where top minds refine or push magical boundaries. Entry demands formidable credentials; novices rarely see beyond the reception halls. Inside, advanced wards protect ongoing experiments, rumored to teeter on the edge of Draconic energies or newly discovered arcane frontiers. Researchers adhere to a stringent code of conduct, aware that any misstep could bring catastrophic results—and severe repercussions from the Authority. Coupled with its secrecy, Lambda’s atmosphere of brilliance and caution reflects how Jarakia pursues innovation while rigorously controlling its dissemination.Mu District
Mu is Jarakia’s industrial powerhouse, producing Helix-compatible materials for civilian infrastructure. Factories assemble ward-laced building components, while smaller workshops mass-produce daily goods infused with minimal arcane enhancements. Transport routes crisscross the district, facilitating the smooth flow of raw resources into forging centers. Civilians can visit certain assembly lines or drop by open-market sections that sell Helix-upgraded utensils and household gear. Yet behind the hum of productivity, officials ensure no unauthorized inventions or rebellious devices can emerge, symbolizing the pragmatic lens Mu applies to mass manufacturing.Nu District
Nu focuses on flight innovation and Brack Thrower training, bridging combat readiness with Helix-powered aviation. Restrictive gates bar unaccredited visitors from witnessing specialized aerial drills, safeguarding advanced tech and trade secrets. Large hangar-like structures dominate, acting as launch points for Helix-levitated craft or winged gear prototypes. Young recruits endure rigorous sessions to master silent flight maneuvers, illusions, and coordinated aerial strikes. Despite minimal civilian presence, Nu’s success stories often reach other districts, inspiring the next generation of aspirants to soar higher—under the watchful eyes of the Authority.Xi District
Xi is Jarakia’s quarantine and security checkpoint for external entrants. Here, travelers and foreign envoys undergo comprehensive scanning, Helix-based medical checks, and identity verification. Guarded corridors lead to holding areas where potentially contaminated or high-risk visitors remain for observation. The district’s architecture fosters a sense of watchfulness: wards line every surface, ensuring no threat penetrates deeper into the city. Though some friction arises when itinerant merchants balk at the district’s strict scrutiny, Xi’s unwavering vigilance remains non-negotiable, echoing the empire’s bedrock principle that collective safety takes precedence over convenience.Omicron District
Omicron houses secretive labs dedicated to advanced Helix weaponry prototypes—rumored to include devices borderline on forbidden Draconic forces. Access is granted only to specialized teams who hold high-level clearance, leaving novices and wanderers at the threshold. Inside, project leads refine spells capable of neutralizing large-scale threats or reinforcing Jarakia’s most fortified wards. Smaller enclaves within Omicron test the synergy of Helix-engineered materials with unorthodox reagents from the Neft’s outskirts. Cloaked in confidentiality, the district symbolizes Jarakia’s drive to secure an ever-stronger military edge amid the plane’s unrelenting dangers.Pi District
Pi District serves as a public forum and cultural nexus for daily life. Expansive squares host addresses by the Concierge, ensuring citizens receive updates or motivational speeches. Street vendors, minimal but authorized, line the adjacent pathways to offer Helix-infused refreshments and simple crafts. Despite this relative openness, Magistrates keep a stern watch, ensuring that spontaneous rallies or outspoken critiques don’t spiral into chaos. Pi fosters a sense of normalcy and minimal leisure activities—albeit under the backdrop of unwavering order. Wandering visitors find this district the most accessible, though they’re never out of sight from patrolling guards.Qoppa District
Qoppa is a semi-abandoned network of wards originally expanded in Jarakia’s early years. Today, it functions as a containment zone for Helix meltdown experiments or potential plane-related anomalies. Official meltdown monitoring stations keep a vigilant presence, while deserted corridors occasionally become havens for low-level Subtirvores or minor dissident hideouts. Venturing deeper requires specialized hazard gear and official sanction. Some engineers see Qoppa as a proving ground to test advanced spells amid limited stakes. Still, its eerie emptiness reminds one of Jarakia’s cautious approach: each expansion must be worth the looming risk of arcane disaster.Rho District
Rho stands as the judicial heart and reeducation stronghold. Magistrates preside over formal courts that employ Helix wards to enforce honesty and quell disruptive emotions. Convicted offenders deemed correctable undergo memory realignment or psychological treatments in deep reeducation cells. Families seldom enter unless summoned for testimonies or final verdicts. Despite the district’s austere outward appearance, swirling rumors abound of intense reprogramming sessions that push Jarakia’s ethical boundaries. For the majority, however, Rho’s oversight maintains social order—an unyielding reminder of how society deals with those who break discipline.Sigma District
Sigma orchestrates the lifeblood of logistics, coordinating everything from Helix courier deliveries to massive resource convoys. Warehouses brim with rations, arcane equipment, and raw materials, efficiently distributed among various enclaves. Government dispatch stations dominate the central plaza, while side routes house specialized cargo stations linked to Delta or Gamma. Though usually bustling, Sigma enforces systemized procedures for shipping, ensuring minimal chaos. Behind the scenes, clandestine black-market circles attempt to exploit crowded depots, though they do so at great risk of Magistrate crackdowns.Tau District
Tau is the exclusive realm of the Colts, devoted to honing lethal close-quarters combat techniques and Helix-enhanced strikes. Though less formal than Beta’s fundamental training, Tau’s academies push adept fighters to their physical and magical extremes. High-level sparring arenas stand in the open for demonstration bouts that reinforce the empire’s martial prestige. Beneath that official facade, personal practice rooms allow advanced warriors to refine synergy spells or unorthodox fighting forms. Bound by unwavering discipline, Tau’s graduates represent the cutting edge of Jarakia’s martial might.Upsilon District
Upsilon caters to controlled expressions of culture and minimal entertainment. Carefully selected art exhibits and Helix-laced theatrical shows serve as a minor reprieve from the fortress-city’s intensity. Public displays lean toward historical reenactments, highlighting heroic battles or moral fables that reaffirm discipline over individualism. Citizen troupes put on intricately choreographed recitals, always mindful that overt sentimentality or subversive themes might draw censure. Although visitors find the atmosphere more relaxed than in most districts, Upsilon’s curators maintain a deliberate filter to keep it consistent with Jarakia’s overarching values.Phi District
Phi is where illusions flourish, focusing on the refinement of spells that can obscure or disguise forms—particularly helpful for emergency modesty wards. Advanced arcane researchers test illusions of various complexities, studying their application in warfare, diplomatic gestures, or daily life. Apprentices learn to cast ephemeral coverings for those accidental moments of exposed skin, reinforcing the city’s deeply ingrained taboo against nudity. While academic in nature, the district’s hush fosters an air of secrecy: Helix illusions can be as powerful socially as they are strategically. Regulation remains tight to ensure no illusions are misused to forge chaos or undermine official authority.Chi District
Chi extends Nu’s flight initiatives into a specialized staging arena for high-level aerial missions. Brack Throwers use large flight decks to practice formation maneuvers, illusions for stealth, and advanced Helix propulsion. Strict clearance gates keep the district off-limits to outsiders, as test flights and airborne drills risk catastrophic arcs of rogue magic. Housing for top pilots, plus minor research labs for flight gear experimentation, clusters around the principal hangars. Chi’s synergy with Nu underscores Jarakia’s ambition to secure a cutting-edge aerial advantage amid the Neft’s lethal skies.Psi District
Psi offers a rare glimpse at Jarakia’s minimal religion or spiritual reflection, though it remains heavily shaped by practicality. Central shrines honor Helix energies and the empire’s ideological pillars rather than traditional gods. Citizens occasionally gather to reaffirm loyalty, chanting brief arcane mantras that symbolically bind them to the plane’s magic. On the sidelines, a few cultish groups push for outside deity veneration—a practice the Magistrates scrutinize closely. Despite these minor divergences, Psi’s principal identity revolves around harnessing spiritual fervor to serve Jarakia’s disciplined ethos.Omega District
Omega is the most secretive zone in Jarakia, reputedly containing the Politician’s private corridors and last-resort armaments. Authorization is restricted to top-ranked figures, from selected Magistrates to certain Arcane Collective elites. Cloaked wards and labyrinthine passages protect rumored vaults of Helix relics or advanced breeding facilities. Public details are scarce; citizens whisper about hidden knowledge or doomsday spells locked behind Omega’s sealed gates. Whatever resides there, Omega embodies Jarakia’s belief that ultimate power warrants ultimate vigilance—allowing only the most trusted individuals to cross its thresholds.Digamma District
Digamma stands apart as a partially experimental region for new expansions and untested Helix strategies. Officially recognized but only loosely integrated, it hosts pilot projects for advanced ward-lattice designs or next-generation farmland techniques. Eerily quiet alleys lead to half-constructed architecture, some of which sits abandoned after unsuccessful attempts at harnessing the Neft’s energies. The district’s meager permanent population includes risk-taking innovators and Subtirvores relegated to peripheral zones. Progress in Digamma can herald breakthroughs, but also potential disasters—underscoring Jarakia’s willingness to tread carefully at the frontier of civilization.Assets
The Jarakians’ most significant assets revolve around their mastery of Helix-infused equipment—items that seamlessly blend arcane potency with utilitarian design. From light blades lightly etched with Helix runes to heavily warded polearms suited for siege warfare, each piece of weaponry is crafted under strict oversight to ensure it aligns with Jarakian discipline and practicality. Their famed Noxarian Aegis—a magical armor shaped in adolescence through a rigorous trial—is a striking example, summoned at will to envelop the wearer in Helix-touched metal. Artisans in specialized forges also produce day-to-day tools and goods, such as self-repairing uniforms or illusions to provide discreet coverage if clothing is torn. These wares exist primarily to reinforce the empire’s unyielding ethos: every helmet, cloak, or shield must contribute to both survival in the Neft’s toxic climate and the preservation of communal decorum.
Beyond armaments, Jarakians maintain carefully regulated stores of Helix shards, rarified crystals harvested from the Neft and refined into a stable power source. In massive granaries and arcane vaults, Helix-laced crops and nutrient packs support their regimented diet, while warded “Helix batteries” energize everything from district lighting to advanced illusions. Access to these resources follows tightly enforced protocols, with Magistrates or Arcane Collective officials overseeing distribution to ensure no single district hoards power. Trade outposts in Gamma or Sigma District might handle the everyday exchange of Helix tools, but high-level or experimental artifacts remain under lock and ward in labyrinthine repositories. In this way, Jarakian assets embody their dual pursuit of efficiency and order, interweaving martial might, arcane innovation, and cultural modesty into a cohesive inventory crucial to their survival in a merciless realm.
Guilds and Factions
While Jarakia’s governance pivots around the Politician and the Authority, several guilds and factions wield influence behind the scenes, shaping city policies and fueling innovation. The Artificers’ Circle, concentrated in Gamma and Mu, unites master crafters committed to maintaining quality and consistency in Helix-infused weaponry and utilities. Their reputation grants them leeway to negotiate bulk resource allocations and experiment with new forging techniques—much to the envy of smaller forges. Meanwhile, the Riftseekers, a semi-official group of mages and explorers, sponsor sanctioned expeditions beyond Jarakia’s walls, scouring the Neft for hidden Helix nodes or lost relics. Known for their borderline zeal, Riftseekers report directly to Arcane Collective heads, walking a fine line between official exploration and personal glory-seeking.
Opposite these benign organizations lie more controversial or secretive groups. The Veiled Wardens, for instance, claim to protect Jarakia’s moral fabric by rooting out any hint of Draconic influence or subversive arcane practices in neighborhoods. They conduct stealth investigations, sometimes clashing with Netherals or Magistrates who disapprove of their vigilante tactics. Then there are rumors of a Helix Frontier Cabal, a cluster of renegade researchers who dream of transcending the empire’s rigid constraints to pursue unorthodox magic. Officials dismiss them as rumor or “failed experiments,” but quiet sightings of advanced illusions and prototype gear hint otherwise. Taken together, these guilds and factions mirror Jarakia’s delicate balance: an empire held aloft by discipline, yet ever susceptible to the deeper currents of ambition and arcane curiosity.
History
Jarakia’s foundations trace back to the immediate aftermath of the Joan’s crash, when scattered survivors desperately consolidated what remained of their medical ship’s technology to weather the hostile Neft. Under the subtle guidance of the enigmatic Concierge—whose influence shaped their earliest genetic and societal frameworks—these survivors slowly coalesced into proto-enclaves clinging to Helix-based research and rudimentary wards for survival. Though fragmented at first, the enclaves discovered that pooling their resources and expertise accelerated both their resilience and arcane mastery, seeding the idea of a unifying fortress-city.
Over time, the embryonic enclaves merged into what would become the heart of Jarakia, a bastion forged by disciplined labor and Helix-wrought engineering. During these early centuries, the establishment of the Politician as a figurehead stabilized governance, allowing the populace to rally behind a singular authority. Meanwhile, the Magicraft labs perfected the process of controlled reproduction and Helix augmentation, creating generation upon generation of Jarakians optimized for the plane’s lethal environment. Despite sporadic skirmishes with local beasts and hostile factions, Jarakia’s population steadily expanded, building thick walls, advanced wards, and a hierarchical social system that cemented the city’s status as a major power.
Tension with vampiric houses soon escalated, culminating in watershed conflicts like the Shadow Wars and Eclipse War, which tested Jarakia’s fortifications and arcane defenses to their limit. Though deeply scarred, the city emerged from these wars with renewed focus on militarization and magical innovation, eventually fueling expansions into specialized districts such as Gamma for forging and Delta for agriculture. During this period, cultural traditions like the Procession of Wards and the Cohabitation Oath Ceremony also crystallized into the bedrock of civic life, reminding citizens daily of the disciplined ethos that underpinned Jarakia’s survival.
Internally, Jarakia navigated multiple rebellions—most notably the Amber Rebellion, sparked by the insurgent Yellow King, and the subtler Silver Fox uprising, which targeted key data vaults. Both episodes temporarily fractured the city’s unity, exposing the delicate balance between the Politician’s absolute power and the populace’s aspirations for measured change. Ultimately, the Magistrates and various enforcement organizations (like the Primers and Netherals) clamped down on dissent, but not without absorbing valuable lessons. These internal turmoils shaped reforms that allowed limited emotional expression and intellectual exploration, all carefully supervised by the Authority to prevent future upheavals.
Having endured external onslaughts—such as Mallows Hayt’s oppressive regime—and internal tragedies like the Drakian Rebellion, Jarakia evolved into a corporate-like empire, tightly regulating every aspect of life from birth to governance. Across centuries of warfare and societal reformation, the fortress-city stood unwavering, an emblem of Helix mastery and collective resolve. Today, its iconic wards and methodical district structure stand as a testament to Jarakia’s journey from desperate survivors to an influential power, bound by discipline, arcane ingenuity, and the enduring legacy of the Politician’s unifying vision.
Points of interest
One of Jarakia’s most emblematic landmarks is the Helix Nexus, a towering spire in the heart of Alpha District. Though outwardly a grand monument, it serves as a critical hub for arcane energies, channeling the Neft’s ambient magic into the city’s wards and infrastructure. The Nexus is off-limits to casual wanderers; only select Arcane Collective members and Magistrates are allowed beyond the front courtyard. Nevertheless, visitors often gather at the plaza beneath its shimmering aura to witness nightly pulses of light rippling through the city’s ward network. This pulsation is not just a spectacle but a tangible reminder of Jarakia’s reliance on Helix synergy. Nearby, marble reliefs depict early struggles—the crash of the Joan and the horrors of the Neft—underscoring how vital these wards have been to the city’s survival.
Equally impressive is the Labyrinth of Gamma, a sprawling series of forge-tunnels and foundries where Helix-infused metals are shaped into weapons, armor, and everyday artifacts. A strategic arrangement of corridors ensures that experimental forges remain isolated, minimizing catastrophic risk. Deep within, legendary smiths craft one-of-a-kind pieces, from ceremonial staves to custom Noxarian armor panels. The labyrinth’s winding passages reflect a symbiosis of art and function—under the gleam of heated metal, artisans kneel in disciplined concentration, a testament to Jarakia’s philosophy that beauty emerges from purposeful, regulated creativity. Rumors whisper of hidden enclaves within these winding corridors, where black-market trades or secret prototypes may pass hands beyond Magistrate oversight.
In Theta District, the Grand Archive of the Arcane Collective beckons scholars and curious minds alike. Open-air colonnades lead into vaulted halls where reams of Helix transcripts and magically preserved texts are neatly cataloged. Scribes and archivists bustle through the corridors, analyzing ancient inscriptions to adapt them for modern wards or artifact design. An ethereal hush pervades the main reading chamber—a ring of glowing Helix sconces ensures optimal study light even under the Neft’s permanent twilight. Local lore claims that somewhere in the deepest annexes, forbidden texts on Draconic lore lie under triple-locked wards, intensifying the archive’s aura of both reverence and secrecy.
Another curiosity sits at the edge of Epsilon District—a small yet meticulously kept Memory Garden dedicated to child units who did not meet genetic or arcane standards. Rows of neat stone pillars inscribed with minimal details represent the unviable offspring discarded by the labs, a stark testament to Jarakia’s rigid approach to reproduction. Families who choose to pay respects do so silently, leaving small Helix-lit lanterns at the base of each pillar, illuminating the garden in soft, spectral hues. This poignant space exemplifies the city’s willingness to display, if subtly, the price of sustaining its pure-bred arcane lineage.
Finally, no exploration of Jarakia’s highlights would be complete without noting Pi District’s Public Forum, a sprawling plaza that hosts debates, ceremonial addresses from the Concierge, and heavily scripted theatrical performances. Lined with robust stone arches and minimal decorative flourishes, the Forum’s stage is outfitted with Helix amplifiers, allowing orators and performers alike to project across the plaza. While entertainment remains tightly censored and rarely strays into frivolous territory, visitors praise the crisp acoustics and the electric energy whenever major announcements or Helix demonstrations occur here. Surrounded by tidy vendor stalls, the Public Forum encapsulates Jarakia’s ethos: disciplined public engagement, orchestrated pageantry, and unwavering devotion to communal ideals.
Tourism
Although Jarakia does not actively court visitors, a handful of outsiders—ambitious mages, intrepid scholars, and occasional emissaries—do venture behind its warded walls seeking the city’s arcane expertise. Some come to witness legendary forging processes in Gamma or consult with the Arcane Collective in Theta, hoping to glean insights into Helix-based technology. Others aim to negotiate trade for Helix artifacts or glean state-sanctioned knowledge from the Kappa District’s historical archives. Those few who arrive must comply with rigorous security checks at Xi District gates, where they are screened for contraband magic or health risks. In general, tourists who pass these hurdles find themselves both awed and unsettled by the city’s pervasive discipline and subtle illusions.
Accommodations are primarily provided in Pi District, where small, state-regulated inns cater to short-term visitors. These inns enforce strict house rules—guests are expected to follow curfews, avoid wandering certain districts, and maintain decorum aligned with Jarakian norms. Tourist itineraries typically revolve around official tours of the Helix Nexus, curated glimpses of the forge-labyrinths, and permission-based library visits in Theta. Chaperones, often recruited from the Primers or the Colts, accompany travelers to ensure neither property nor proprietary boundaries are breached. While the city’s reserved ambiance limits typical recreational allure, dedicated arcane seekers deem Jarakia a must-see destination for advanced Helix theory or potential trade in cutting-edge wards—if one can abide by the empire’s exacting demands for conduct and compliance.
Architecture
The architecture in Jarakia reflects a fusion of arcane functionality and disciplined aesthetics. Buildings are typically fashioned from ward-laced alloys and dense, magically treated stone quarried from the Neft, enabling them to withstand the realm’s corrosive mists and sporadic Helix surges. Exteriors favor clean lines, angular shapes, and minimal ornamentation—an outward symbol of Jarakia’s rigid ethos. Yet subtle details, like carved runes along doorframes or faintly glowing Helix sigils embossed on cornerstones, bring a measured beauty to each structure. Public buildings, such as district halls or Arcane Collective institutes, feature towering facades reinforced by wards that shimmer faintly under the plane’s crimson sky. Windows are narrow and shuttered with Helix-infused glass to protect the interiors from unpredictable magical storms, resulting in a subdued lighting scheme inside.
Residential areas echo the same utilitarian approach: houses align in neat rows, separated by precisely measured walkways for swift military or medical mobilization. Ornamental touches are almost always arcane in nature, with illusions or runic inlays on walls that can selectively light up for special events. In some districts—like Theta or Kappa—younger residents occasionally paint geometric murals that incorporate stylized Helix motifs, but these remain subdued in color and complexity. Decorative door-hangings or window frames often utilize protective wards that block harmful energies while letting in fresh air. Over time, a slight patina forms on the metal-laced walls, but regular upkeep and re-enchantments keep them free of cracks or vulnerabilities. Collectively, Jarakian architecture projects an image of unwavering defense—each structure testament to how the society melds magic and discipline for both form and purpose.
Geography
Situated in the Neft, Jarakia occupies a plateau-like outcrop that rises above noxious lowlands blanketed by toxic marshes. The city’s vantage point offers tactical advantages: warded ramparts overlook a sprawl of jagged rock formations and pockets of shimmer-veiled Helix vents. To the far south, a notorious “bone wall” demarcates a region of corrosive fog, which some particularly daring Jarakian squads brave to acquire rare minerals. Northward, the land transitions to shards of volcanic terrain fractured by Helix quakes, creating natural labyrinths and rifts that deter marauders. Within Jarakia’s boundaries, meticulously planned districts connect via raised causeways that preserve dryness above swampy patches.
While the plane of the Neft lacks a true sun, Jarakia experiences a perpetual twilight illuminated by the faint red glow of the sky. Streams or rivers are nearly nonexistent; instead, the city relies on magically purified groundwater extracted from beneath the plateau. Districts like Delta convert this water source into an agricultural lifeline through Helix-aided irrigation. For vantage or leisure, residents occasionally ascend battlements or small overlooks perched atop outlying spires, gazing upon the swirling mists and vast gloom beyond. Despite the plane’s oppressive aura, Jarakia’s tiered geography grants it a sense of isolation and security—allowing watchful eyes in higher districts to surveil the surrounding expanse for roving beasts or potential invaders.
Climate
The Neft’s climate is characterized by perpetual dusk, with rare fluctuations that range from mild gloom to searing arcane storms. Temperatures hover between a cool and damp chill, though periodic Helix surges can spike local heat within a matter of hours. Jarakia’s wards shield inhabitants from the brunt of these sudden changes, maintaining a carefully controlled microclimate within city limits. Rain rarely falls in a traditional sense; instead, corrosive fogs or magical drizzles sometimes descend, potentially warping vegetation and corroding unprotected metal. Citizens have grown so accustomed to this moody environment that any glimmer of normal sunlight would likely astonish—and alarm—them.
Seasonal concepts barely apply to the Neft; rather, climatic patterns revolve around Helix cycles. During high Helix tides, energies in the air spark ephemeral lightning or swirling illusions across the horizon. By contrast, “low tide” phases evoke a heavier gloom and increased monstrous activity along Jarakia’s borders. The city’s wards calibrate automatically to these shifts, intensifying or easing arcane outputs to keep conditions livable. While the climate can appear stable within Jarakia itself, travelers venturing outside quickly learn how volatile the plane truly is: a calm twilight can give way to crackling Helix storms or ghostly mists that test even the best-prepared.
Natural Resources
Jarakia’s primary resource stems from Helix-infused minerals extracted from nearby geological seams, crucial for forging wards, equipment, and building materials. Known as “Helix ore,” this raw substance becomes malleable under arcane heat, allowing crafters to shape it into everything from protective plating to magical conduits. Supplementing these minerals are small pockets of “Creatine deposits” found near the southern bone wall—one of the few substances resistant to the corrosive fog. Expeditions to gather these highly prized materials often require specialist squads, bridging the need for both skilled martial power (to fend off lurking monstrosities) and arcane talent (to navigate volatile Helix surges).
Additionally, Jarakia capitalizes on specially engineered Helix-fed agriculture to supply the city’s diet, harnessing arcane irrigation to grow high-density crops in greenhouse enclaves. While these yields lack the diversity seen in more temperate planes, they suffice to keep the populace well-fed on nutrient-rich staples. Domesticated fauna such as Helix-bred avian or docile reptilian livestock thrive in sealed pens, providing essential proteins and rare alchemical byproducts. Meanwhile, small veins of black crystal or semi-living wood—unique to the Neft—are refined into charms or lesser wards that support everyday chores. The city’s ability to exploit these resources in a harsh environment underscores Jarakia’s hallmark trait: unwavering discipline intertwined with arcane craftsmanship, ensuring no resource remains untapped for the collective good.
Founders
Type
Large town
Population
The last official census records Jarakia’s permanent population at approximately 250,000 citizens.
Inhabitant Demonym
Jarakians
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Additional Rulers/Owners
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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