The City of Sol

Nestled within the Uribasan Mountains and situated on a flat wide plateau that ends in a majestic cliff drop is the City of Sol, the Wonder of the World. It is the greatest city of the Uribans. Here the High King rules over all the other Uriban cities. It is a site of bustling trade and the coexistence of animal and plant within one of the largest cities in the world. The City of Sol is also a welcome sight for weary travelers coming to or from Zarmuda.

Structure

Each of Uribasa's cities are ruled by a Prince, over whom the Uriban High King rules all and expects a tithe of all the profits the Princes make to go to the City of Sol.

Culture

Uribans coexist with the land and life that surround them. The Uribasa Mountains appear desolate at first glance but it is in fact one of the most diverse habitats in the world. The contrast between barren lifelessness and abundance extends to how the Uribans see themselves and the world around them. Things are never as they seem at first glance, life is abundant in any harsh land, and if one is able to notice and help to make it prosper, then it too can flourish. Uribans have a close connection to other lifeforms and have a respect for the contrast that makes up the world. They are a chill, friendly people outward and inwardly.

History

"There is so much to take in at once. The giant bugs ferrying people from one place to the next. The lanterns are bio luminescent trees. There are buildings of stone, but they are in communion with plants and vines. Doors swing open on their own volition when they feel the gentle touch of their master. Windows swing open in veneration of the sun. Indeed, I can only ever think of how glorious it is when the sunlight hits the city gates blazing illumination over all. The City of Sol lives up to its magnificent reputation."

The words of Athelian traveler Theodric Gaul are a testament to one of the greatest cities in the world. The City of Sol is also one of the oldest cities in the world, founded and built up over centuries. Uriban tradition claims that the city sprang up from a sapling planted upon desolate patches of soil. This flowering soon led to the birth of the city. The City of Sol is well named, a city drenched daily in the nourishing rays of the sun.

Demography and Population

Uribans are dominant in all of their Trade Cities, with the City of Sol being no exception. There are other races who filter through their lands or who stay as permanent citizens. Such peoples, Darcassian, Dwarf, human, or Zarmudan reside in the Foreign Quarters. These populations are always in flux. Most are travelers or people on pilgrimage to the religious sites or to Zarmuda itself. The people who reside here permanently often choose to do so. Since the Uribans are largely disinterested in creating factories or maintaining large industries, people in need of good air quality and healthy living come to the Uribasan Mountains. There is some tension between the native Uribans and foreigners but this is largely swept aside as the Uribans devote themselves to business and keep to themselves.

Military

The Uribans are not known for their warlike dispositions. Yet they are not to be underestimated. The biggest advantage over their enemies is the employment of many of the powerful and savage insects and beasts of the mountains. Many of these the Uribans have tamed. A close bond is formed between an Uriban and their mounts and warbeasts. These same creatures are can also be domestic pets and transport for trade. The Uriban Trade Cities still standing are also some of the most well defended in the world. Built into or around mountains and mountain passes, the walls of Uriban Cities, particularly the City of Sol, dare enemies to try and take it by force. The lead up to some of these cities are so tight and compact that enemies will be coming under murderous fire from Uribans on their city walls.

Foreign Relations

The City of Sol, like many of its brother cities, play an important role in both Zarmudan and Darcassian foreign policy. Both belligerent states send diplomats and ambassadors urging the High King to pledge himself and his city's loyalty to one cause of the other. Siding with one or the other is a death sentence as it is a guarantee of intervention from one nation and the fracturing of the Uribans as each Trade City has its own concerns and people to consider. For now the High King is content with flattering both the Darcassian Empire and the Fatherland of Zarmuda. How long he can keep the charade up is anyone's guess.

Like the Sun, the City Rises

Type

Geopolitical, City-state

Alternative Names

Wonder of the World, Wonder of the East

Training Level

Semi-trained

Veterancy Level

Trained

Demonym

Solans

Government System

Monarchy, Elective

Currency

All Uribans trade in Solt, which is a by product of a plant of the same name. It appears as a thin, long, and hard band that can be written on to state its value.

Location

Zenosha

Neighboring Nations

Notable Members