Ruz'aa (Roos-ah)

Ruz'aa (meaning 'the Golden One', or literally 'the one that is gold') is the capital and administrative centre of the Jellnev Empire, and (nominal) seat of the Emperor of Jellnev.
Located strategically between the Jellnev Desert and the Southern Forests, on the mouth of the River Nell, and halfway along the Bay of Onnos, the location has always been one of trade and political influence. However, before the Exile it was but one of the major cities of the Empire, which lacked a true capital in keeping with the migratory nature of Hamhatid trade and government. After the Emperor led his combined armies north and west out of Memek-bil-Net, he decided that a more permanent base was needed for administration.
Ruz'aa was already a centre for gold-working and trade, and was the only major city in which the Five Hamhatid Collega each had a base of operations. Thus, by fiat, Ruz'aa was elevated as the formal capital and centre of the Empire. An imperial palace - the Turquoise House - was built overlooking the old city districts, and the Collega were ordered either to expand their current holdings, or to build new palaces and headquarters around the city. A particularly impressive example of this is the Hall of the Caravans - a vast complex at the eastern end of the city, dealing with most of the city's logistics, as well as housing great assembly halls, mustering squares, and administrative offices needed to oversee the Collega of Caravaneers.
The city's name - the Golden One - is not actually derived from the imperial presence, but is an earlier name referencing the gold deposits near by, the ability to pan for gold even in the wide mouth of the Nell, and the city's consequent trade in gold and jewellery. Nevertheless, the Emperors have encouraged the name, and the powerful bureaucrats they have concentrated in the city use it to their advantage - a specially dyed 'golden' wax is used to seal all official documents and imperial orders, with the most important bearing a gold metal disk in the centre of their seal. Consequently, throughout the Jellnev Empire, to 'have received it on the gold' means that it has been ordered from the highest authorities and cannot be ignored or changed.

Alternative Name(s)

The Golden One

Type

Capital

Population

c 1.2 million

Inhabitant Demonym

Ruzzin