Sarranda
Sarranda was once the mighty capital of the Kingdom of Daraba, the westernmost of the Pareran kingdoms. Long ago, it was forced to bend the knee to the Kingdom of Termia, and now it serves King Alfonte of Elmara. Though they serve the faraway king, the people of Sarranda consider themselves Pareran first and Elmaran second. Sarranda is a city where the balance of power flows like a river—fast and ever-changing. No faction in the city holds all the power, but each is waiting for the right moment to tip the balance and claim control.
At the heart of the Old City is the St. Luzzo Cathedral. It has served as the heart of Sarrandan politics for many years. Archbishop Ulicio is not only the spiritual leader of the city but also its guardian, watching over its soul. Ulicio openly listens to King Alfonte, but behind closed doors, he listens much more closely to wealthy merchants and powerful families. Whoever fills the coffers of the church gains divine favor in the Archbishop's sermons.
The Tiaudore Family, though based far away in Rommio-Varlia, has embedded itself in the city's nobility. They fund the cathedral and maintain the famous Gardens of Eldina, a place of quiet rest and even quieter dealings. In their opinion, the kings of Elmara are all too prone to accidents, and they don't wish to tie themselves to a sinking ship. In Sarranda, they seek to establish a foothold and elevate one of their family members to the rank of Duke.
The greatest rivals of the Tiaudore family are the House of Lianetta. Their estate is located in the Gardens of Eldina, where they are tasked with maintaining the gardens and overseeing the botanical collections. They serve the king loyally and act as the monarchy's eyes and ears in the city. It is said that Aluanda, the Queen and Spymistress of Elmara, has close ties with the family and that her agents are placed everywhere. If the Tiaudore family seeks to claim rulership over Sarranda, the House of Lianetta is there to hinder them at every turn.
Across the river, Castello de Isti watches over the scattered houses and farms beyond the city walls. While these streets may seem quiet and peaceful, much goes on beneath the surface. Merchants come from far and wide. Some come to trade goods, but many more trade in whispers, rumors, and sealed letters to the powerful houses. The caravanserai is where all these secrets meet and are exchanged—and not always with the right people.
Sarranda is a fragile city, held together by powerful factions. Each has made itself indispensable, and none can tolerate the other. Still, open aggression is not an option, and conflicts are resolved in dark alleys, quiet meetings, and secret whispers. For now.
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