Wadi Haifa
Far out into central Taisha's Rhegev Desert lies a loose conglomeration of trading villages that surround, and pay taxes to, a central city with both military and administrative oversight. All said and done, the population of the entire area encompasses no more than a hundred thousand or so hardy souls, and of that, twelve and a half thousand live in that central city of Wadi Haifa. An ancient trade hub, Wadi Haifa is known for exquisite arts and breathtaking beauty in it its architecture, which is entirely inspired by the gorgeousness of the surrounding lands.
The wadi runs with water during the rainy season, and the city dammed the downflow end of it, implementing a water conservation and delivery system many centuries ago; the city's plumbers say the pipes and drains are over a thousand years old in some cases, and all still working like new as long as they are kept clear of debris and detritus. Sure some have been broken in earthquakes, and a hidden reservoir upflow of the town developed a sudden sinkhole after the city's resident tyrant threw a magical temper tantrum one time a few generations ago, but in the main the original equipment and construction was still working just fine. This means much for the citizens living thereabouts, indeed. There is drinking water to be had with the twist of a spatchcock, and limited bathing water as well. These things in and of themselves would make of ther area a paradise, for sand and sweat do not mix, but when the shade of the banana and date palms is added into that mix, the luxury ramps up to another level entirely. Taking the fruits, themselves, into account also brings the experience to new heights.
Bees buzz about the city, busy as ever. Ants scurry, and there's even a babbling brook near the antique public library. Gray squirrels scurry about the lawns busily, and the occasional off-leash hound trots up to passersby to plant its nose in rude places. Dragonflies simply abound; and, one weekend out of the year, the city is entirly mobbed with butterflies. Insects that have flown from the world around to descend on the countryside about Wadi Haifa turn it into a rippling landscape of living grace and beauty. Black velvet and orange suede seem to somehow join forces into the feathery wings that flutter ceaselessly for thirty-six hours, straight. The strange occurrance covers every single thing in the area; including passed out drunks and exhausted lovers, scarecrows and fields of barley. If Wadi Haifa were not so remote, and dangerous to get to, it might be able to attract visitors with this sacred event. As it is, however, there is no tourism to Wadi Haifa.
The people of the city are another gift to the world at large. They are generous with their laughter and smiles, and friendly to almost a fault. They are not afraid to volunteer their time for the right reasons, and the culture is centered around a helpful attitude. The city's local government is egalitarian and truly does care for the well being of its citizens. The city's caliphate, however, ultimately rules the roost, with the tyrant efreeti Gòbba Gaol at the helm. But that is a story for another time...
Demographics
About half Elf and half Human.
Government
Dictatorship.
Defences
The caliphate may be evil, greedy, and somewhat sadistic, yes. But...they protect their own! Greedily. Because they are greedy.
Industry & Trade
Ceramic and crystal drinkware manufacture are specialties in Wadi Haifa, as is jewelry manufacture. Massive naturally occurring salt deposits nearby also bring in a lot of money through the city's highly regulated and controlled export industry. These traders are sworn, on pain of their living soul, to silence about the city of Wadi Haifa and its caliphate's tributaries.
Infrastructure
Bridges, roads and a Civil Protection Service are just examples of the infrastructure throughout the caliphate.
Districts
Each surrounding town is small enough to be its own district.
Assets
Haifa is one of the wealthiest kingdoms in the world, with cobbled streets and white stone, flowered walkways through parks simply riddled with waterfalls.
Guilds and Factions
The caliphate is split into two factions; one that believes in the freedom and equality of all people, and one that follows Gòba Gaol the Tyrant.
History
Founded by a simple trader, it quickly grew into a large trading outpost. It somewhat less quickly grew into a permanent settlement, and then another four hundred years for it to become big enough to call a city. When Gòba Gaol performed his coup and overthrew the old caliphate, the city's fate seemed sealed. But, business seems to be going about as usual, for the most part...
Points of interest
The Bell Tower, the Old Clock, and the Archway Reservoir far under the city.
Tourism
It is very remote, and tourists are not encouraged by and means.
Architecture
Soaring spires and clean lines grace the clean swept streets and groomed parks of the city.
Geography
The city is built on either side of a wadi...a ravine that flows with water during the rainy season, but dries up once the rain stops mid-Mayo.
Climate
The city is built in the middle of a desert. Od course. Where else?
Natural Resources
Silicate sand, coconut, agave, mesquite, fryer slugs, water, salt, more.
Maps
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Rhegev: Wadi Haifa: Noble Neighborhood: The Rift
A neighborhood with a large, rather famous wadi running through it diagonally. It splits the upper plateau of the city, which traditionally is the wealthier section of the city, with groomed parks and roadways swept clean of filth and detritus. The local stonework is built of granite from a mine almost forty miles away. Bright white with blue veins running through it, the stone absorbs the heat of the sun during the day, and gives off a faint glow in the same color at night.
Founding Date
1141TK
Type
City
Population
12,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Haifan
Location under
Additional Rulers/Owners
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