Ashur
"No Kings, No Gods. We shall decide our own fate." -Johaspus the GodslayerThe city-state of Ashur is both a bustling coastal metropolis and a major naval power located along the southwestern coast of Ur'En. It boasts perhaps the finest navy on the continent and one of the busiest ports as well. It is one of the three major Shivra city-states, along with Mina and Lagash, which have vied for power throughout their histories. Ashur is known throughout the continent for its rich cultural heritage, the Great Lighthouse of Ashur and for having overthrown their God-King in violent revolution.
Demographics
Ashur is more diverse than most cities on the continent. While a majority are still Shivra Radashi, their is much more representation of other groups than typically seen in Ur'En. There is a large minority of Al'Quam within the city, despite longstanding conflicts between the peoples. There are a number of other species present within Ashur. This includes a large subjugated Wendikal population, as well as Disken Avius who emigrated from the Autumal Isle. Finally, there is a small but insular community of Rajji who have formed a small enclave within the city.
Government
All of the Shivran city-states incorporate elements of democracy. Ashur goes the furthest in this regard. The city styles itself a direct democracy. Issues are taken to a public forum and debated, then eligible individuals vote on the proposed resolution. The debates are organized and overseen by an elected speaker, who for the past 3 decades has been Johaspus the Godslayer. Johaspus has been fair in his administration, winning nearly unanimously every election, but he is growing very old and will soon be forced to retire. Leaving many to wonder what will become of the fledgling democracy when it's father is gone.
For all their high-minded ideals, eligible individuals are almost exclusively wealthy landowners and merchants. Slaves and peasants are considered ineligible because they are either too ignorant or do not have enough vested invested interest in the prosperity of the city. This has angered many in Ashur as it was largely with the help of the slaves and lower classes that the rebellion was successful.
For all their high-minded ideals, eligible individuals are almost exclusively wealthy landowners and merchants. Slaves and peasants are considered ineligible because they are either too ignorant or do not have enough vested invested interest in the prosperity of the city. This has angered many in Ashur as it was largely with the help of the slaves and lower classes that the rebellion was successful.
Defences
Ashur is arguably the most secure city on Ur'En from attacks by the sea. The garrisoned navy is the envy of the world, with more ships that are faster, more sturdy and crewed by some of the finest sailors on Ur'En Not to mention the structural defenses that line the harbor. Ashur has never been successfully blockaded, a fact its people take great pride in.
Its defenses from land invasions, while not nearly as impressive, as still substantial. The city is nested in rings of stone walls, reinforced with parapets and towers.
Its defenses from land invasions, while not nearly as impressive, as still substantial. The city is nested in rings of stone walls, reinforced with parapets and towers.
Industry & Trade
The city is perfectly situated along the naval trade route between the east and west sides of the continent. Almost every merchant vessel drops anchor at these docks and each crate of Al'Quam silver, Chult wine and Corvus silk is taxed.
The city does manufacture and export a few of its own goods. Any ship encountered at sea stands a decent chance of originating in the shipyards of Ashur. The city also one of the continent's main source of dyes, harvested from special aquatic species of giant peacock snails.
The city does manufacture and export a few of its own goods. Any ship encountered at sea stands a decent chance of originating in the shipyards of Ashur. The city also one of the continent's main source of dyes, harvested from special aquatic species of giant peacock snails.
Infrastructure
The cities' infrastructure revolves around its port. Natural barriers make for an ideal harbor, allowing ships to come and go with ease. These barriers are reinforced with artificial levies and breakwaters. The Great Lighthouse of Ashur, visible for many miles been through dense fog, helps guide ships safely to port. The docks themselves are extensive and account for almost a third of the city's area. Sounds of construction ring out day and night from shipyards that craft some of the finest vessels in Ur'En.
History
The history of Ashur extends back into antiquity, having existed in some form for at least a thousand years. It is assumed that as the Shivran peoples migrated by boat across the southern coast, some settled in the natural port here. Ashur spent several centuries as an unremarkable fishing village. Along with the rise of sea-based trade, Ashur too expanded into a proper power in the region.
With the ascent of the region, other powers looked at Ashur and other neighboring states with hunger. The Al'Badadi Empire to the north began to annex territory, challenging the divided cities to resist. After failed negotiations to end this encroachment, the empire began an open invasion of the south, thus kicking off the War of Splintered Trees.
Ashur played a pivital role in the war, sending it's formidible navy to blockade Wes'Alom, defeating the Al'Badadi navy in a decisive battle. Even as the land campaign ground to a standstill, it was the blockade of the port, and thereby cutting off all trade through the Telentia River that may have forced the Empire to withdraw their forces from the south.
Ashur would spend the next several centuries only growing in influence. They would fight a protracted guerrilla war against the Wendikal Clans of the west, whom the Ashuri were exploiting and enslaving. Because of the frequent efforts to sabotage the construction of roads and trade routes, Ashur and the other cities exert control over the The Howling Woods exists in name only.
The greatest turning point in the history of Ashur and the entire region came in 325 when Johaspus the Godslayer lead a rebellion against Artenimous , storming his palace. The living god attempted to flee but was struck down when Johaspus threw the legendary Eaglebane high into the sky, striking the god mid-flight and killing him. With their ancient leader dead, the Ashari reformed their government with the ideals of democracy in mind.
This new regime had barely a moment of respite before being put to the test. A large guerilla incursion from the Wendikal Clans have been incessantly harassing the region, sensing weakness, and they aren't alone. Ashur's old rivals have looked on, probing for vulnerabilities. The Al'badadi to the north have been sizing up the fledgling democracy, still bitter about its defeat. The Gods of the other Shiva cities have seen the slaying of one of their own as a direct threat to themselves, afraid it will spark similar retaliation against themselves.
With the ascent of the region, other powers looked at Ashur and other neighboring states with hunger. The Al'Badadi Empire to the north began to annex territory, challenging the divided cities to resist. After failed negotiations to end this encroachment, the empire began an open invasion of the south, thus kicking off the War of Splintered Trees.
Ashur played a pivital role in the war, sending it's formidible navy to blockade Wes'Alom, defeating the Al'Badadi navy in a decisive battle. Even as the land campaign ground to a standstill, it was the blockade of the port, and thereby cutting off all trade through the Telentia River that may have forced the Empire to withdraw their forces from the south.
Ashur would spend the next several centuries only growing in influence. They would fight a protracted guerrilla war against the Wendikal Clans of the west, whom the Ashuri were exploiting and enslaving. Because of the frequent efforts to sabotage the construction of roads and trade routes, Ashur and the other cities exert control over the The Howling Woods exists in name only.
The greatest turning point in the history of Ashur and the entire region came in 325 when Johaspus the Godslayer lead a rebellion against Artenimous , storming his palace. The living god attempted to flee but was struck down when Johaspus threw the legendary Eaglebane high into the sky, striking the god mid-flight and killing him. With their ancient leader dead, the Ashari reformed their government with the ideals of democracy in mind.
This new regime had barely a moment of respite before being put to the test. A large guerilla incursion from the Wendikal Clans have been incessantly harassing the region, sensing weakness, and they aren't alone. Ashur's old rivals have looked on, probing for vulnerabilities. The Al'badadi to the north have been sizing up the fledgling democracy, still bitter about its defeat. The Gods of the other Shiva cities have seen the slaying of one of their own as a direct threat to themselves, afraid it will spark similar retaliation against themselves.
Type
Large city
Population
400,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Ashuri
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments