Abderaliana

Abderaliana is the capitol and only major city of Xoshoyjan, and is the most densely populated city in all of Salea with a population of around 9 million inhabitants. Since the The Great War and the signing of the Treaty of Abderaliana, it has become a world capital and locus for international relations. Its high fashion, beautiful architecture, and endless history make it a must-see tourist spot as well as a religious destination for any Draconic adherent.

Demographics

As the birthplace of the Dragonborn race, that lineage is still the majority population in the city accounting for around 80% of the population. There is no particular lineage that overpowers the other 20% of the population with Dwarves, Humans, Aaracockra, Yuan-Ti, Giff, Lizardfolk, Bugbears, and all folks mingling much more along class lines than racial. The only particular concentration of a particular race is Dwarven, Halfling, and Gnomish refugees who fled The Great War and settled on the outskirts of town.

Government

The Emir of Abderraliana is the absolute ruler of the city and has final say over all matters down to the approval of vehicle registration if he so wishes. In reality, the Minister of the City who is appointed by the Emir and serves on his Court Council handles almost all municipal matters through the Ministry of the City.

Defences

The primary defense of Abderaliana is the dangerous and vast desert surrounding it for hundreds of miles. The city itself was originally built inside a massive Wall, but has since expanded beyond it. The Wall still provides defense to the most vital centers of the city as well as external defense and observation of the bay.

Industry & Trade

Textiles and dyes are the major industry of Abderaliana and are considered the best in the world. Several desert plants rich in pigment and native only to Xoshoyjan give the city a monopoly on certain colors that other nation's high society pay dearly for. A native type of flax and a native species of goat provide fibers for fine linens and cashmere. Abderalianan fashion is not particularly well suited to the rest of the world given the city's extreme heat and dryness, but the colors, patterns, and accoutrements worn in Abderaliana tend to find their way into the dress of the elite in Mizraq, Mapledown, or Kirchkirchen.

Infrastructure

Abderaliana has two major ports, the Ivy Docks and the Rose Docks. They are named for the plants that grow over their docks, hitching posts, and any wooden structure. These plants were originally planted by Emira Amira, the Saint of Joy, as a gift for her husband. Druids in her cult maintain them to this day. The Ivy Docks primarily deals in raw materials, and the Rose Docks in finished goods.

Districts

Within the Wall:

1. Old Town: Center of the City including Saraoth's Square home to the Castle, the Great Library, and the Ministers' Hall.
2. Rose Docks: See Above
3. West Ward: Market district between the Ivy and Rose Docks.
4. Two Hearths: Middleclass neighborhood and home to garment district.
5. Lower East Ten: Lower-middle class neighborhood where wealthier traders, farm-owners, and specialty shops live.

Outside the Wall:

1. Narrowborough: Lower class neighborhood and home to the major tanneries, mills, and textile factories.
2. Ivy Dock: See Above
3. Gloomrock: Slums for day laborers at the factories in Narrowborough, farm workers, and refugees.

Architecture

Most of the city is made up of red brick buildings faced in a layer of red mud for a smooth finish. These buildings can be quite large, but at the most 2-3 stories tall. Larger buildings made of stone appear in Old Town, most remarkably the Castle, Great Library, and Minister's Hall. Further out, reed and woven plant matter homes prevail in the Gloomrock and Narrowborough districts, and wood is used in Narrowborough and the Docks to build storage houses and factories.
Artistry and design is held as a personal virtue with even the poorest houses at least attempt decoration in the construction of their homes. This can be seen from an interesting weaving pattern on plant matter, to painted and carved stucco exteriors, to the intricately carved stones of the Library. Visitors often hire guides to take them to the most interesting homes and homeowners compete lavishly to get listed as stops on these tours.

Climate

Abderaliana is the most desertous city in Salea, even surpassing Mizraq and El Gebiman in Chuyqua for the last amount of annual rainfall. It is a hot and arid place. According to official history, the Dragon gods placed a freshwater spring in the bay of Abderaliana, and whether this is true or myth, this spring provides all of the potable water for the city and the wind from the oceans keeps the districts closest to the harbors bearable. The northernmost parts of Narrowborough and Gloomrock can become quiet dangerous at the height of the sun and locals use whatever means available to keep cool.

Founding Date

circa 48AE

Alternative Name(s)

"The First City", "The City of Dragons", "Bahamut's Pride"

Type

Capital

Population

~9,000,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Abderalianan, Xoshoyjan

Owner/Ruler

Boutaje Zafrani

Ruling/Owning Rank

Emir of Abderraliana

Owning Organization

Xoshoyjan