Mehrida

"It is immensely satisfying to rule from the same place where they once treated my people as vermin. Now, it is they who scuttle like rats beneath my gaze." - Ahmir al-Mehri, Muhafiz of the Qutra Muhafazah

Mehrida is an ancient city on the island of Qutra, and one of the largest cities in the Malikate of Saba. It was originally founded by the armies of Hundaru of Telmun during the initial expansion of the Telmunic Empire, and went on to become the capital of the Kingdom of Suhq after the island of Qutra left the empire. Today, it is the capital of the Qutra Muhafazah of the Malikate of Saba, and the seat of the highly influential Mehri Bamsam.

An Imperial Port

According to legend, the city of Mehrida was founded when the great conquerer Hundaru of Telmun received a present of dates gathered from the northern coast of Qutra. He declared them superior to any dates he had previously, and instructed his assistant to arrange for a regular supply, as dates were a particular favorite of his. His assistant (whose name has been lost to history), then established a small port near where the exceptional dates grew, and set the locals to the task of tending the orchard. At this time, the town was named Telmaruna, meaning "Place of the Sweet Dates". It is likely there was already a village in the location before the official founding of the town, but if so no record of it was kept.

With ships regularly going in and out of the harbor at Telmaruna, it quickly became a center of trade for the northern islands in the Sabaen Archipelago. Goods from elsewhere on Qutra and from the nearby islands would be brought to market at Telmaruna, and the people who lived there grew wealthy and powerful. For over three hundred years, it was a major port in the Telmunic Empire, and a vital link for trade between the Kaphtor Islands and the Telmun Islands.

A Capital City

After the founding of the Nagarajya on Saba, the Telmunic Empire rapidly lost its grip on the Sabaen Archipelago. The island of Qutra broke away from the empire in 2457, with the founding of the Kingdom of Suhq. Shamshiramtha Aqhata, the first queen of Suhq, chose Telmaruna as her capital, and it remained the seat of the Suhq government for the next thousand years. During this period, the city was expanded and rebuilt a dozen times, resulting the current mixture of architectural styles. Depending on when a particular building was constructed, it may display influences from the Naga, the Telmuns, or the Kaphtori, all filtered through the aesthetic sensibilities of the ruling Suhqatri people.

During this time, the city was also witness to the increasing hostility between the human Suhqatri, and the Kikipua Taniyn peoples of the island. The Suhqatri did not trust the Taniyn, and over the centuries they became more oppressive and discriminatory towards them, eventually forcing them to live only on the most desolate portions of the island, where it was nearly impossible for them to survive, much less thrive. When the Malika of Saba approached the oppressed Taniyn with an offer to ally with them in overthrowing Suhq, she found them ready and willing.

Mehrida and the Malikate

The allied forces of the Taniyn and the Malika were successful in overthrowing the Suhqatri, and the city of Telmaruna fell to them in 3520. The Malika granted the city and the surrounding territory to the Mehri Bamsam, a powerful Bamsam of the Taniyn who had been early supporters of the alliance. They renamed the city to Mehrida as a way to mark the change in regime, and to separate themselves from the oppressive Suhq government.

The Taniyn of Qutra, including the Mehri Bamsam, continued their alliance with the Malika as she went on to conquer the Nagarajya and established the Malikate of Saba. Mehrida became the capital of the Qutra Muhafazah, one of the larger provinces of the Malikate, which governs the northeastern islands of the nation. While the position of Muhafiz of Qutra is not hereditary, she has historically given the post to one of the Taniyn, and frequently to a member of the Mehri Bamsam. The current Muhafiz is Ahmir al-Mehri, who is a part of that storied Bamsam and also a True Mage associated with the Burj Alhikma. Mehrida continues to be a nexus of trade and politics for the Sabaen Archipelago, and is one of the most important cities in the Southeastern Region.

Demographics

Mehrida is a cosmopolitan city, and the population reflects that fact. About three quarters of the residents are Taniyn Kikipua, but the remainder are from all the species and cultures of the Great Ring. Most common are humans of the Suhqatri, Kaphtorikós, and Telmun cultures, as well as Naga from Saba and an enclave of the winged Kaphtori Aethry. Additionally, sailors and merchants from all over the Great Ring pass through Mehrida, bringing their languages, customs, and wares into the city.

Government

As the capital of the Qutra Muhafazah, the city is directly under the control of the Muhafiz and the officials they appoint. While Ahmir al-Mehri does accept advice from the elders of the Mehri Bamsam, their authority is essentially unlimited unless the Malika herself appeared to overrule them.

Muhafiz Ahmir has appointed several officials beneath them to carry out essential governmental functions, primarily around the collection of taxes and the enforcement of the Malikate's laws. For most people, involvement with government officials is minimal; there are guards in the streets and tax collectors at the docks, and the rest of the time there is little reason to think about the government.

Districts

Over the years, several districts have developed within the city. The oldest is Mina Qadima, or the Old Port. This area of the city is where the original docks from the cities founding were located, and while much of the trade has moved to newer facilities, it is still a busy market district with shops, artisans, and a large open-air fish market.

Overlooking the Mina Qadima is the palace of the Muhafiz, a compound that serves as both residence, fortress, and governmental center. It marks the boundary between the parts of the city where visitors typically are found, and the quieter areas where the Taniyn keep their homes. The residential district of the Taniyn is known as the Rabat al-Jabal, and is located on the hills to the south of the Muhafiz's palace. It is one of the wealthiest areas, and is dominated by the estate belonging to the Mehri Bamsam.

Another notable area is the Dar al-Mazall, or Shades. This is a low-lying district where most of the cities poorer citizens live. It is a maze of ancient buildings that have been haphazardly expanded and maintained, and contains taverns, smuggler's dens, and other businesses catering to the city's underworld.

Founding Date

2092

Founders

• Hundaru of Telmun

Alternative Name(s)

Telmaruna

Type

Large city

Location under

Qutra

Owner/Ruler

Ahmir al-Mehri

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Malika of Saba

Owning Organization

Qutra Muhafazah

Geographic Details

Location: Qutra, Southeastern Region
Latitude: 12.27 degrees North
Longitude: 39.01 degrees East

Routes

Water

• Manarat al-Tair: Sail northwest out of Mehrida, and look for the Manarat al-Tair lighthouse on the island of Zaiba. ~400 miles.
• Tarshish: Sail southwest to Saba and the great city of Tarshish, capital of the Malikate. ~800 miles.

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