Tamas

To most from other places, Tamasia is a backwater with nothing but flat land and country bumpkins. They think there is no true civilization here. If such people saw the city of Tamas, they would see things quite differently.

Demographics

As the population of Tamasia has a massive human majority, the city of Tamas has a similar demographic. Just as it is with most of the continent of Vald, the minority under them is of halflings.
As a somewhat large city, there are individuals of practically any race found here, but these stand out. The city is also a hub for travelers for the region. In particular, it is very welcoming of gnome camps, often having a festival to celebrate their arrival.

Government

As the capital of the kingdom of Tamasia, the queen resides here, and has total legal control of the goings-on in the city. Many of the nobility have homes here, whether they are permanent residences or not. The queen keeps a very tight reign on them, however.

Defences

Tamas is not only surrounded by high stone walls, but also has a secondary wall deeper in the city. In the city's core is a grand castle that serves as the home of the royal family. It also serves as the perfect fallback point in the event of a siege.
The majority of the Tamasian army is also here. This force is highly trained, well organized, and more than willing to drive off any invaders. The queen's knights are also one of the greatest forces of warriors known in the Twin Worlds. The Alabaster Brotherhood also has their headquarters here, lending their magic to the city's defense.

Industry & Trade

The city serves as one of the few places in southern Vald that even remotely resembles a trading hub. The location is far from central, however, leading to some inconvenience for traders. Even so, the markets are lively and bustling with activity.
Many industries in the city cater to the nobles that live within. One can find fine tailors, and many who make high-quality metal and glassworks. Many more people serve the needs of the common folk, creating more affordable goods. Even adventurers can find the services they require, despite the relative rarity of that profession in Tamasia.

History

When the Tamasian people began to settle from their nomadic lifestyle, Tamas was the first town created by these people. It grew at a surprising rate, becoming a respectable community in just a few decades.
By the time of the civil war, Tamas had already grown into a city. The lord ruling it had the greatest number of troops. When Visalia Leonsen arrived there, she took the city not by force, but by charm. It is said that this lord fell instantly in love with her, and promised to give her the city in exchange for her hand in marriage.
She agreed and quickly became the most powerful force in the war. It didn't take long before the fighting was over, and she was crowned the first queen of the newly unified Tamasia.
Long after the Leonsen dynasty fell, the Third Rising swept the land. Tamas saw itself besieged by the mind flayers. Their giant thralls were breaking the walls like glass, and it looked as though the city would fall. It was the the quick thinking of an association of mages that saved the city by setting arcane traps throughout the city. Having very little knowledge of magic, the mind flayers were defeated. These mages were given special privileges and eventually became the Alabaster Brotherhood.
The history of the city was mostly peaceful after that, and seemed as though it always would be. It was only when Ansarien Ill'conter captured the city of Whiteriver that it seemed like this might change. They called their entire army to prepare for an invasion that never came. This incident frightened the Tamasian throne enough to build the outer wall, shaping the city into its current form.

Architecture

Tamas makes very heavy use of imported materials. Even though it is close to the mountains, it's not so close that shipping stone here is an easy task. Still, the stone walls and castle dominate the cityscape, often decorated with majestic banners, especially the green banners of the royal family.
Some of the older buildings also make use of this stone, but these are very few. Most of the buildings are made of lumber. These are usually made very thick and strong to stand up to the heavy winds of the Grass Sea.

Geography

It is something of a mystery among scholars as to why the location was even chosen by early settlers. It is not centrally located, and there seems to be nothing in the area. It is believed that the reason is due to the large, but gently-sloping hill dominating the city's landscape allowed the early settlers to watch for invaders.
The royal castle is built on top of the hill, and overlooks the city with the mountains visible in the distance. Surrounding the castle wall are the inner districts, generally an upper-class part of town. These districts are surrounded by a high wall that is old but in very good condition.
Outside of this wall is even more of the city's buildings. These districts are lower-class, but not poor. In fact, they are still rather prosperous. Another wall surrounds them, this one newly constructed and still untested in battle.

Type

City

Population

approx. 35,000

Location under

Grass Sea

Owning Organization

Tamasia