Al-Jarrabadh (Al-jerr-ae-bad)
"Here in this place we will build a city where all can earn their place, regardless of race, caste or creed the lowest slave and mightiest priest alike shall be judged by the content of their effort and ability to succeed! Divine right is not evident in blood of our ancestors! Power and prowess must be proven in this life and is never found in the leaning on of ones ancestors achievements!"-Engraving found on the keystone at the heart of Al-Jerrabadh attributed to Mahdi Ahmadi the first Merchant King
You step off the boat and your eyes fall upon a vast and lively city. Adobe brown buildings stand in stark contrast to brightly colored awnings and signs meant to draw the eye to a near endless number of merchant stalls, shops and various businesses. Entertainers ply their skills for handfuls of copper coins from small crowds and in the distance the shining brass domes of a palace and the villas of the rich shine in the morning sun.
The air is thick with the smell of spices, perfumes and cooked foods that waft on warm ocean breezes. Yet among these savory scents there is a hint of unwashed masses and drugs carry like a dark undertone to the other smells.
All around you hear merchants of every shape, age and social strata barking out that their wares that or a certain location offers the best, cheapest or most honest of any number of goods and services and below the dull roar of merchants the music of street performers and the hustle and bustle of a thriving urban center forms the voice of Al-Jarrabadh.
Demographics
70% Human
10% Human-kin (Half-humans, Planes Touched, Elemental Touched ect..)
20% Other (Mostly Ratfolk and Catfolk)
Government
The capital city of the Merchant princapalaties is the seat of power for the Merchant Princes and princesses who deligate their control over the nation from here. As per custom the five merchant princes who are ellected to seats of power and can afford the cost of running for office sit in council to decide matters both for the capital city and the nation at large. Under them are officials selected by the council of merchant princes who in turn select their own underlings filling various roles of cival service with wealth and skill determining rank and position in nearly all cases.
Defences
As is with most other facets of life in Al-Jarrabadh the tendencies of merchant princes to make grand shows of wealth in the city have benefited it greatly. As the city has grown each new city wall has been built bigger and better designed as to outdo the walls paid for by the last Merchant Princes. With some of best designed towers and walls in all of Lumia only the boldest and best prepared foes stand a chance at sieging the city.
The cities armed forces are treated much like everything else with skill and merit being rewarded with wealth and grand gestures to earn public favor leave the city with some of the best trained and armed guards one can expect. If trouble were to somehow prove too much for the Merchant princes to match they also posses enough money to field legions of mercenaries or hire the services of power organizations to do their dirty work.
Industry & Trade
As a major sea and land trade hub Al-Jarrabadh is a place of lively economic prosperity with trade goods from the around the world passing through its gates and docks daily. While the city has a number of minor industries and produces and exports a variety of its own goods it is glasswork that has always been the pride of Al-Jarrabadh and its artisans. The clarity and beauty of its glass work products are famous and in many far away lands the wealthy pay to have delicate and intricate Al-Jarrabadh glassware crafted for them. Though it is if note as a meritocracy only the hardest working and most talented of crafters gain any real notoriety or wealth and the fame and skill of crafters and artists often fluctuates wildly as stagnation and plateaus of skill can cause competent crafters to fall to the wayside in favor of innovation and ambition.
Infrastructure
Trade is the life blood of Al-Jarrabadh with an idea location where the overland routes and north Lumian Sea meet it has always seen a robust number of goods pass its gates and docks. This ideal location has seen centuries of merchant princes make shrewd and cagey investments in the cities growth and well being causing it to have one of the most enviable and stable infrastructures in the world.
Aqueducts bring fresh water in from the mountains, workshops and markets are ever busy producing or selling goods and complex magicaly augmented irrigation systems give life to vast gardens, orchards and fields of crops just outside the cities walls. Little expense is spared has been spared in devloping Al-Jarrabadh into a marvelous hub of trade and its middle and upper class want for little.
Districts
Al-Jarrabadh is an old city divided into the following major districts.
The Grand Bazaar Stands the worlds largest shopping and entertainment extravaganza in the world. Here one may find open air markets with merchants trying to yell over each other, quiet shops with discreet clients and every kind of street food and entertainment imaginable on display. What separates the Grand Bazaar from the cities other two merchant districts it that locals are always given preference here and allowed to operate at much lower costs and prices in an effort to ensure jobs and prosperity for the residents of the city first and foremost.
The Bazaar of Wonders was originally built several centuries ago to cater strictly to magical wares and esoteric commodities however as the years passed these goods were normalized and moved to the Grand Bazaar and the Bazaar of Wonders was reorganized and made into the cities foreign market place. Here is where the bulk of foreign merchants ply their trade and sell their various wares and goods. It has also become something of a home for foreigners living in the city and boasts any number of exotic cultural flare along its streets. Its history as once having been a place of magical crafts is also evident in the strange architecture, glowing lights and magical embellishments one can still see through out the district.
The Paradise Oasis Gambling, drugs (even Coffee), alcohol, prostitution and other pleasure trades are illegal or at the least tightly regulated in Al-Jarrabadh and legally available almost exclusively in the district whimsically referred to as Paradise Oassis. Here on the main street one can find restaurants, coffee houses, dancing shows, hookah shops, games and all kinds of arts and entertainment however the more one travels down its shady back allies and away from the main street they more evident that drug dens, fighting rings and a thriving red light district are the true heart and soul of Paradise Oasis. It is even rumored that guilds of thieves, assassins and outlawed religious organizations secretly operate in the shadows of the Paradise Oasis using the entertainment district as a cover for insidious plots using less than savory businesses to cover their actions.
The Slouch was once called the Sapphire District and was the cities primary residential district but as newer larger homes became available the middle and upper class moved leaving the poorer and destitute to eke out their lives in the poor cramped houses that spill out of the city walls growing as the divide between the poorest and richest people in the city has grown. The Older parts of the Slouch are dated but pleasant enough to call home with many old government buildings and art objects of faded glory acting as a reminder of the Sapphire Districts lost glory, it is the rapid growth of smaller cheaper homes and shanty dwellings that has spilled out over the city walls like a bleeding wound that truly mar the old town of Sapphire District. The powers that be have long felt The Slouch to be a safety hazard and a den of criminals and law breakers that can scarcely be contained let alone managed.
The Sun Set District Built on elevated platforms of stone the Sun District rises above the rest of the city looking down upon it with regal glory. The newest of the city districts was built to replace the old Sapphire district and offer housing to the vast middle class and wealthy. One look at the Sun Set Districts opulence makes it very evident that it is the home of the rich and powerful. Spires gleam with polished metal, gleaming homes have access to the cleanest freshest water and even the slaves are well fed and finely dressed. It is also here that the government for both the city and the nation meet to discuss matters of importance.
The Artisans Domain The heart of the mercantile soul of the city acts a foundry of sorts with craftsmen of and artists of all manner and type producing the goods that move through the city going to and from the docks. Magical and mundane craft often means that waste is a problem and only the poorest most unfortunate people live on the borders where the Slouch meets the Artisans Domain.
The Trade Gates Is where the docks met the major trade roads coming into the city. This vast area is dedicated to trade and dealing with raw goods coming into the city. Due to the need for guards to monitor trade goods the cities stockades and main military districts are located here in the Trade Gates.
A Note on Temples Temple districts are rare in much of Lumia with temples being found in various districts as befits the god and their preferences and flock population, like all things in the Merchant Principality religious institutions are expected to pay taxes and operate much like any other business.
Assets
The nature as the central trade city of a merchant empire makes Al-Jarrabadh a place with quite possibly the largest and widest assortment available assets of any city in the world. Even if they were starved trade ships and caravans the cities sizable stores and resources grant them an enviable array of valuables and commodities.
Guilds and Factions
Like any Capital City Al-Jarrabadh boasts many guilds and organizations catering to many crafts, buissnesses, religions, unlawful endevours and passtimes far to minor to be much importance with the exception of a few major players as follows.
The Merchant Princes As the seat of Merchant Principalities government the Merchant Princes take an especial interest to the city of Al-Jarrabadh and with such interest the city oft becomes a hot bed of political intrigue, backstabbing and assassination between the Merchant Princes and those other wealthy people who seek to gain a position on the Council of Princes.
The Hawks Talon It is rumored that Lumias pre-eminent and hyper professional guild of high trained assassins secretly calls Al-Jarrabadh its home and if rumors are true have been paid well by the Merchant Princes to act on their behalf on several occasions.
The Crimson Claws Is currently the largest organization of gangs, thieves and smugglers operating in the region. Symbolized by a tattoo of a red scorpion on their backs the Claws are a problem in many cities and even have influence with several bandit gangs and pirate crews. There is little doubt that Al-Jarrabadh is the heart of their operations and while the government has tried to route them on numerous occasions they seem to return stronger and more spiteful each time.
Chix and Skir: Undercity Entrepreneurs Ratfolk (Not to be confused with wererats) have always been a valued people in the Principalities (Several have even been merchant princes over the centuries) and to maintain their presence and ensure their people are never mistreated or marginalized two of their leaders Chix and her mate Skir founded Undercity Entrepreneurs a guild strictly focused on aiding Ratfolk run and operated businesses and in keeping an eye on other guilds and operations in case they decide to mistreat their Ratfolk workers. Popular rumor also suggests that several Ratfolk exclusive thieves guilds also answer to this organization.
History
Shortly over nine centuries ago the Parahsan Empire lost its grip on the Lumian continent and civil war and chaos threatened to engulphed the empires western most province. Agents of the empire attempted to restore order through violence causing the people of the region to rise against them and drive out any remnants of the Empire.
In the small trading post of Al-Jarrabadh a cagey merchant named Mahdi Ahmadi watched as his beloved home tattered on the brink of collapse and took it upon himself to fix the problem. A man of rare tolerance and with a strong sense of community he would bring his wealth and cunning mind to bare to save his city. Amid the chaos of a falling Parashan empire he worked hard and invested a great deal into Al-Jarrabadh until it declared itself a free city state and Mahdi Ahmadi was named its Merchant King.
Mahdi Ahmadi set the rule of the wealthy needing to prove their status by investing in the city, showing charity to the less fortunate and encouraging people to do their best with rank and rewards for achievement. It was here in his city that he would form a meritocracy ruled by its best and brightest people. Al-Jarrabadh has and will ever remain the birthplace of The Ideals of the Merchant Principalities the legacy of Mahdi Ahmadi the First Merchant king and his belief that birthrights are meaningless, inherited wealth and prestige mean nothing compared to accolades and wealth one earns for themselves.
Points of interest
Grinded Goodies Located in Blue Oasis Anahita's Coffee house and baked goods store is iconic to the local adventuring population just as much or perhaps more so then any tavern. In Al-Jarrabadh many grand adventurers start not with nights in smoky ale soaked taverns but bright mornings with biscuits and a cup of Anahita Ghaffari's exquisitely brewed coffee. The Ghaffari family has owned Grinded Goodies for four generations and pride themselves on a variety of coffee beverages and treats that pair perfectly with the brew. Long ago it became popular with travelers and adventurers looking to perk themselves up before cutting deals with their employers or sharpen wits before planning a dangerous operation. The rather large cafe boasts private rooms, board games and and small library of books for its clientele. There also exists a local rite of passage among local adventurer's and mercenaries where the morning before a deadly excursion a new member of their band orders a cup of a drink referred to as Heroes Brew. This Coffee is black as the void and rumor has it brewed from the beans of coffee cherries that have been eaten by a very small species of dragon and passed through its digestive tract. Heroes brew is immensely strong and bitter (makes a damn fine hang over cure) and typically consumed sparcely (there are a few hardcore coffee lovers who drink the brew daily). Always bustling with activity Grinded Goodies is the envy of many of the cities smaller and more sedate coffee shops.
The Sunset Spires Rising above the city stands the towered homes of the most wealthy people in Al-Jarrabadh and by custom they adorn their roofs with polished brass and shining glass prisms. When the suns rays strike these spires they shine and shimmer with the reflected splendor of the sun and shining bright hues on the multi-colored onion shaped domes of the near by buildings.
Tourism
Al-Jarrabadh is a gathering place for tourists from around the world, its markets drawing in countless people, races and cultures looking to find anything and everything for the right price. Others come to spend time in the cities many cafe's and enjoy the entertainers and luxuries available to travelers and some come to marvel at the buildings and statues or enjoy the warm weather and cool breezes that waft inland from the sea. Tourism is yet another valuable source of income to the Merchant Princes and no small amount of investment has been spent to draw it to the city and nation.
Architecture
Is typcial of Western Lumia with square adobe walled homes making up the residences of the lower and middle class with the homes of the wealthy being made from expensive stones quaried in the near by mountain range. Additionaly wealthy temples and homes often are seen adorned with onion shapped domes painted in bright colors or adorned in sheets of polished metal.
Geography
Al-Jarabadh is built where a mountain river meets the ocean providing the city with comfortable temperatures all year around, fresh water for crops and drinking, abundant fish off the coast and is situated on one of the most well used overland caravan routes in the world. The mountains of the Karadurhi Range that form the eastern border of the Principalities create a strange separation where on one side there is one of the driest most inhospitable places in the world yet on the other is forests, farm lands and almost perfect (If not warm) living conditions.
Natural Resources
With such close proximity to an expanse of dry arid lands fresh water and abundant food are two of the most important resources of Al-Jarrabadh. Salt is harvested from the sea, the sand from the near by beaches is valued for the clarity and fine quality of the glass that can be made from it and nearly every city in the world envies the large bay, easy weather and perfect location for trade.
Founding Date
7327 (EE)
Alternative Name(s)
The Gem of the Western Wastes, The City of Sunsets, The City were coin comes to be spent
Type
Capital
Population
98,297
Inhabitant Demonym
Al Jaren
Location under
Additional Rulers/Owners
Owning Organization
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