Okahn (OCK'N)

"By stone we grew, by silk we soar."

Okahn is an industrial city in Ustraria only somewhat smaller than Korzhûn in terms of population and pre-war prosperity. It is located vaguely in the center of the country slightly to the west-southwest of the capital, east of the Root River. Its population pre-war (c. 985AC) was around 120,000 people, which dropped staggeringly to around 50,000 post-war by 1000AC due to both war casualties and the lack of post-war mining activity that provided the vast majority of jobs. The city itself is perched on a giant slab of bedrock "for no apparent reason other than preference" and is surrounded on its southeastern edge by fields of ikerua.
Though it had existed as a small settlement from around 600AC, the establishment of the Okahn Glory of the Order of the Burning Crown in 962AC granted it the city rank. Prior to this, the original settlement was established when significant mining opportunities were discovered nearby; this was followed some decades later when its high visibility, easy defense, and strategic value to Korzhûn led to the construction of Fort Okahn on its northern side. When more peaceful times arrived, a group of faun trader-farmers established a stead nearby and while lending their strength to Okahn's booming mining industry, they introduced silk farming. The stead gradually grew large enough to become incorporated into the town proper, and the silk industry itself quickly became another source of its pre-war wealth.
Although the Korzhûn Stewardship technically has extended, overarching governance here, the day-to-day running of the city is overseen by Mayor Dinelyn Maudeonoc and her staff.

Industry & Trade

Nearby quarries for fine and building-grade stone, building materials, and mines for metals and gems form the backbone of Okahn's trade and wealth, though most of the actual processing and transport of these goods occurs outside of the city proper. However, the remarkable silk farms that were able to be established and the sheer density of the loom houses set up in the city have meant that Okahn has the largest cloudweave and bloodsilk industry in the country.

Districts

Fort Okahn District -- the youngest portion of the city, reflecting its past history as a small territorial fort.

Silkhorn District -- the second oldest portion of the city, reflecting the faun settlers that came for trade, founded an unusually large stead, and led the settlement's first sericulture farms.

Old District -- the oldest portion of the city, consisting of the original settlement.

Guilds and Factions

Although not as prevalent as they were before the war, several proprietary Mining Houses and Silk Houses are present and exist under unions.

Points of interest

The Fortwright's Rest is the most popular inn/tavern in town, and is set into the retaining wall that separates the Silkhorn District from the terraces of the Fort Okahn District. It is notably longer than it is wide, with three separate basement stables. In Okahn's pre-war heyday it was also richly outfitted in its decor, a piece of which is the rare stained glass window of its front door depicting a stonemason with Fort Okahn on a hill behind them and a crescent moon.
The Broken Hill Mining House is one of many such Mining Houses in the city, the main administrative office of which is in the Silkhorn District. Its three quarries are to the northwest of the city.

Architecture

Mismatched and eclectic, reflecting the cobbling-together of various scrap stone from the surrounding quarries. Due to the hard bedrock on which the city sits, much of its foundations has been carved into it in tiers.

Natural Resources

Mosstone is their largest export.

Founding Date

c. 600AC

Type

City

Population

50,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Okal

Location under

Icalar

Owner/Ruler

Dinelyn Maudeonoc

Characters in Location

• Dinelyn Maudeonoc
• Iubrach Roor
• Tieorise Mamnafetche

Related Historical Events

• 983 AC
  Kaavius Springfist begins work for Iubrach Roor
• 982 AC
  Kaavius Springfist arrives in Okahn, becomes Crownist