Djerad Sikta (/dʒɛrɑd sɪktɑː / DJER-ad SIKH-tah)
Fortress of the Sun
Djerad Sikta, (Duryadi Draconic: Djerad: "Clanhold" or "Fortress" and siksta: "sun " so together, its roughly translated as clanhold/fortress of sun) commonly just called Djerad Shizqor, also known as "Fortress of the Sun" is Naghron's greatest city and the golden religious and commercial epicenter of an entire continent. It is the capital of The Imperial Qyzharate of Duryad, seat of the government It is home to the Qyzhar(ah), the Duhryahdi Royal Family, and Durish nobility.
It was named after the mother of the first Qyzhar and served as the cultural nexus for the dragonborn on Naghron and even beyond.
The capital has a direct link to all its provincial capitals and Embassies via the Shizqayrid Gate (Djerad Sikta portal).
The capital is lined with monuments, domed temples, palm trees, and thousands of houses built of along the riverbanks. The whole place sprawls for miles centralised around the great Imperial Palace, Karak-Ymbaroul Khabalin yhl Mudhab. Its shimmering spires can be seen for miles across the water, inviting sailors to approach. Here Shizqayrah Khaz’houn, mother of the first Qyzhar, Dahrmuyahd I "the Magnificent" el Zinad, received the vision of The Valiant, The Justice Maker, Father of Dragons, Bahamut which contained a dream of a united Naghron, of wisdom and the Law. Today the city is still the seat of the Qyzhar/Qyzharah, the "heart of the heart" of the enlightened lands.
Demographics
Upon the founding of Djerad Sikta and the Qyzharate, the population consisted of the native Gholdahar Dragonborn, Gnolls, Human and Genasi and the Duryadi vagrants from the south. Over the years, the human population grew as the city attracted more people, now being fairly diverse as a trade hub. Still, dragonborn, humans, Genasi and gnolls are the most common races.
While dragonborn and humans are the most common race inhabiting the city, there are members of almost any other race found somewhere amongst the large crowds. Genasi and gnolls are especially well represented, closely followed by kobolds and even some Hobgoblins and Tabaxi. Many tieflings had allied themselves with the dragonborn, human and genasi ancestors of the duryadi people who together fought and later fled the Dhômm'ahssid Empire's constant expansion, where they repeatedly proved themselves as a valued addition to the Qyzharate's war for a homeland of tolerance, enlightenment and prosperity. Thus, as a sign of gratitude to honor that allegiance and, thanks to the native dragonborn's policy of racial tolerance, Tieflings also have a significant presence in Djerad Sikta to this day. Dragonborn make up about 60% of Ruinspoke population, however a sizeable number of tieflings were also common inhabitants of the Market Floor.
While dragonborn and humans are the most common race inhabiting the city, there are members of almost any other race found somewhere amongst the large crowds. Genasi and gnolls are especially well represented, closely followed by kobolds and even some Hobgoblins and Tabaxi. Many tieflings had allied themselves with the dragonborn, human and genasi ancestors of the duryadi people who together fought and later fled the Dhômm'ahssid Empire's constant expansion, where they repeatedly proved themselves as a valued addition to the Qyzharate's war for a homeland of tolerance, enlightenment and prosperity. Thus, as a sign of gratitude to honor that allegiance and, thanks to the native dragonborn's policy of racial tolerance, Tieflings also have a significant presence in Djerad Sikta to this day. Dragonborn make up about 60% of Ruinspoke population, however a sizeable number of tieflings were also common inhabitants of the Market Floor.
Government
The city the seat of power of the Qyzharate of Duryad and thus city is governed directly by the Qyzhar/Qyzharah. He or She hears petitioners weekly and appoints individuals to important civil positions such as marshal, engineer, or historian.
Djerad Sikta was built using the "drudach system", an interlocking series of small brick-walled neighborhoods All drudachs were organized into groups of two to five, called sabbans which in turn were grouped into wards. Djerad Sikta is subdivided into 4 quarters, 12 districts, 36 sabbans,and 108 drudachs. Each sabban works as a self-sufficient town—it has its own water supplies, guards, markets, residences, and so on. The Sabalads take their orders from the Grand Vizier of the Krak Djuhrhan Yhl-Duhryadh itself, ensuring that their efforts are coordinated with the Qyzharate at large as well as other matters related to the city.
Djerad Sikta was built using the "drudach system", an interlocking series of small brick-walled neighborhoods All drudachs were organized into groups of two to five, called sabbans which in turn were grouped into wards. Djerad Sikta is subdivided into 4 quarters, 12 districts, 36 sabbans,and 108 drudachs. Each sabban works as a self-sufficient town—it has its own water supplies, guards, markets, residences, and so on. The Sabalads take their orders from the Grand Vizier of the Krak Djuhrhan Yhl-Duhryadh itself, ensuring that their efforts are coordinated with the Qyzharate at large as well as other matters related to the city.
Defences
As of 32 PC, The Fortress of the Sun is protected by a large military force of approximatly 19 425-strong. This elite unit of well-equipped, loyal, and close-knit mameluks, clanhold warriors and Imperial Soldiers, patroll the city and surrounding areas, including roads, farms, and waterways. The guard operate in groups of 21 for patrolling. For a city guard they operate more so like an army in of itself. With its sheer numbers and significant martial skill, along with the Djerad Sikta's navy of 16 warships that closely monitor the waters of Shizkar Bay near the city, it would be next to a fruitless and near impossible endevaor to march an army deep into Djerad Sikta or to place the city under siege. This wast military force is under the leadership of Zheral-Qumandyhr Yashann Ayzebel yrb Melqart Yhl-Duhryadh , aided by Overcaptain Dahrmilcar Gherash Yhl-Thaersibar, Overcaptain Eshshannah yrb Darshann Yhl-Yalduash and Overcaptain Murad Eshmunzar ybn Soroush Yhl-Gamtikosh. It's kept in good order by the more competent leaders of its subdivisions:
- The bulk of the military consisted of 10,000 footmen, which doubled as a city watch during peacetime. They kept order in the city in patrols each under the leadership of a mamluk of the Faithful
- The 2,000 riders of the Imperial Cavalry were mainly renowned for their fanciful appearance in parades.
- The Imperial Aerial Cavalry with 250 members provided an impressive-looking aerial defense.
- Three units of mercenaries with a total of 2,100 men were considered rough but unquestionably brave and able.
- The navy of 40 ships in 32 AC was the most active part of the military, keeping watch over the Shizkar Bay and Arachond Bay.
- The Arcane Legion was a group of 75 Mages, each endowed with a carpet of flying to provide an additional airborne force.
- An unknown number of The Redoubtable served as another defensive force and deterrent to would-be invaders.
- A 1,000 strong Palace Guard was charged with protecting the Qyzharah herself.
- Like all Duryadi cities, Djerad Sikta had a milita which could be called upon in times of need, though in 32 AC it had not seen any action for generations.
Industry & Trade
Djerad Sikta is a thriving metropolis. The city's open bazaar in the Market district is full with shops and stalls belonging to farmers, craft-vendors and artisans from the city and from nearby villages and homesteads, and traders from other nations are allowed and welcome to sell their goods as well.
Djerad Sikta is also known across Euron and Naghron for its military schools on tactics, engineering, and unconventional warfare—particularly dragon-fighting. Many of their exotic martial techniques were inherited from their origins in Ashad, however most of the native martial art of Ragzfarosin (blade - dance) is endemic to Duryad .
Djerad Sikta is named the City of Saffron for good reason. Shizkar Bay is the only place in Naghron or Euron where the crocus flower grows in abundance. From this flower, the rare spice saffron is produced in Djerad Sikta. The city keeps a reserve stockpile of this valuable and much-sought-after spice, as well as stocks of other spices, all well guarded.
Infrastructure
While Djerad Sikta's gargantuan sandstone walls are its most obvious--and perhaps impressive--marvel of infrastructure, even the city's more mundane infrastructure is worthy of awe. Long before cities in Fionmagh or Mekrad enjoyed indoor plumbing, Djerad Sikta introduced a network of sewers that connected every building. Storm drains empty into these sewers, sweeping waste and wastewater from the streets and into the ocean beyond. The city's cobblestoned streets are organized into 12 separate sabbans, or subdivisions, and 84 drudachs, or smaller subdivisions. Each individual sabban was enclosed by walls accessed by various gates, but this did little to affect the governing of the city as a whole. In the epicentre of the city, overlooking the harbour, stood Khabalin yhl Mudhab Palace and The Saffron Bazaar.
Districts
The four quarters of Djerad Sikta, and the districts found within each, are listed below:
Trade Harbour The harbour formed the city's southern border and was cut off from the Shining Sea by several sea walls and was cut off from the city by wall. The shipyard was located on the eastern edge of the docks.
Dragonwater Harbour Headquarters of the The Duryad Imperial Navy where 2,000 Qyzhssaries were garrisoned.The armada and armada barracks were located on the western edge of the docks.
Clothiers' Quarter
- Merchants' District
- Northwest District
- Clothiers' District
People's Quarter
- Peasants' District
- South District
- Pilgrims' District
Palace Quarter
- Court District
- East District
- Affluent District
North Quarter
- Warehouse District
- Central District
- Craft District
Trade Harbour The harbour formed the city's southern border and was cut off from the Shining Sea by several sea walls and was cut off from the city by wall. The shipyard was located on the eastern edge of the docks.
Dragonwater Harbour Headquarters of the The Duryad Imperial Navy where 2,000 Qyzhssaries were garrisoned.The armada and armada barracks were located on the western edge of the docks.
Guilds and Factions
Veteran Guild
The veteran guild was a society composed of around 500 members. They employed infantry, cavalry, and others, including bards to boost the morale of their troops. The guild usually set out to defeat pirates and to take care of old veterans.Brotherhood of The Crimson Crusader
This Paladin order dedicated to the worship of the Bahamut order of initiate knights drew its members from the nobles and adventurers of the city who were deserving of some recognition for their deeds.'History
The origins of Djerad Sikta are not clear, with some sources saying it originated as a trading port of The Samarid Empire, built before the Reckoning of Rethelek to hold off Feywild invasions; while others (namely, the Clan Yhl-Duhryadh's ancestor stories) stating it was built in Naghron, over the ruins of a Blood-Moonstone ziggurat that was the tomb of the old god Nanna-Sin.
According to Clan Yhl-Duhryadh's ancestor stories, the god Bahamut guided one of the surviving dragonborn whom fled the Dhômm'ahssid Empire's constant expansion, Shizqayrah Khaz’houn, to the arid shores of Voyagers Rest in southern Naghron, and gave her a vision, while tending her garden she pricked her finger on a thorn, the thorn grew into a great tree, so vast were the tree's branches that they seemed to her to cover all Naghron, and even much more. with this vision and a divine blessing from Bahamut himself, the Breath of the North Wind and Seven Heavens, to help her to find other surviving dragonborn, and ashadan refugees. The survivors, guided by Shizqayrah's teachings and the leadership of her son, reunited and together founded a new city they called Djerad Sikta in honour of their late savior and saint
Regardless of the true origins of the citadel-city, the dragonborn survivors of the Dhômm'ahssid Invasions founded the realm of Duryad with Djerad Sikta as their capital city
Approximately ten years after its founding, an army of a Gholdahar horde attacked the City of the Sun and was annihilated by a great force of The Redoubtable. This obliteration of the invading army discouraged open attacks on the city for generations to come
it was specially built to be a suitable harbor for the The Duryad Royal Navy, and eventually it became the capital clanhold of Duryad.
Points of interest
Karak-Ymbaroul Khabalin yhl Mudhab
This lavish palace is heavily warded, guarded and contained large hanging gardens with trees palms and exotic flora and fauna. Better known as the The Duhryahdi Palace or The Shizqaridun Palace ,it stands as a testament to Duryadi grandeur, its spires reaching for the heavens, a beacon of power and opulence. The Qyzharah’s court is a hidden world within, veiled in mystery and allure, while the Imperial personal retinue moves with a grace and purpouse that speaks of ancient traditions, solemn oaths and zelaous devoted loyalty. This massive fortress was the size of a district and contained The crypt of Djerad Sikta, where members of Clan Yhl-Duhryadh are buried. The underground crypts are long and narrow, with pillars moving two by two along its length. Between pillars stand the sepulchers of the Duryads of Djerad Sikta, the likenesses of the dead seated on thrones, with runes carved with Bloodmoon Chalk that allowed the royal family to commune with their ancestors, kin and past rulers, much like a speak with dead spell, however this was far more elaborate. The Palace occupied the entire northern drudach of the northeastern sabban. It was more heavily fortified than even the infamous Goldkrait Castle in Dralio—both structurally and magically.The Saffron Bazaar
It is the largest open-air market in Naghron and the site of the annual The Festival of Shizqayrah. Measuring ~300 acres, it teems with life every day of the year. The earthy scent of spices, salt, and produce masks the tang of fresh fish and butchered meats, and the sweat of animated merchants hawking their wares.
Within the bustling markets and bazzars of the capital, merchants hawk their wares: silks from Shou'wan, luminescent pearls from Nympharum, and enchanted spices that dance on the tongue from Ashad.
Taverns and inns
Like many other Duryadi inns, the many establishments in Djerad Sikta welcomed foreigners, merchants and those who lived by the sword and those gifted by the arcane. So long you lived by the blade or spell you will soon be accepted by the locals if Djerad Sikta. These inns, taverns and festhalls are known to be very lively, filled with loud conversation, singing, and music. One can find, a suprisingly affordable place that cater to even the most exotic of tastes, a place filled with the sound of laughter, the scent good food, and quality alcohol around nearly every street corner and alley in The City of multitudes.- Kabudyan's quarters
- Boot and Buckler
- Caraveneer's comfort
- Dragon's Flagon
- Haldubar's Hidden Haven
- The Rusty Anchor
- The Genie's Bottle
Temples & Mosques
Though Duryadi tolerate other religions, the presence of the House of the Windswept Matron Saviour and The Platinum Palace Mosque within Djerad Sikta inspired them to try to convert the willing non-believers to The Ptarian Code through their actions. The word of the The Justice Bringer require them to be hospitable to others–a difficult task considering the sheer multitude of pilgrims flowing through Djerad Sikta on a yearly basis. Still, most natives of Djerad Sikta are very charitable to those who look like they could use a helping hand.- Sea Queen's House
- Platinum Palace Mosque
Shops
Markets buzz with the trade of salt and spices, precious metals, and textiles, a testament to Djerad Sikta’s place as a hub of commerce and culture. The earthy scent of spices, salt, and produce masks the tang of fresh fish and butchered meats, and the sweat of animated merchants hawking their wares.- Scorch and Cinder's Sublime Creations
- Pridebarells's Precious Wines & Tonics
- Felfaarin Finer Fabrics & Fragrances:
- Royal Provisioners of Djerad Sikta
- Wyvernpost stables and royal rooster
Tourism
The Festival of The Windswept Matron Saviour also known as The Festival of Shizqayrah , which is celebrated annually on the 1st of Flamerule, is not just a celebration of their citys namesake and her sacrifice but a symbol of the city’s enduring legacy, where the streets come alive with a sea of vibrant colours, music that carries through the wind, and dances that tell the stories of their ancestors.
Throne Accession Day also known as The Festival of The Magnificent , which is celebrated annually on the 7th of Flamerule, is national holiday of Duryad is marked by parades, song, and celebration, commemorating both the founding of the Imperial Qyzharate of Duryad and the Accession of Dahrmuyahd I "the Magnificent" el Zinad to the throne on 7th of Flamerule 389 AC. Martial exhibitions by the Royal Household Guard. Military parades of Imperial Royal Army and Imperial Royal Navy. Mock battles, contests against veterans of the Qyzhssaries, and Imperial Wyvern Rider performances.
Architecture
Because Djerad Sikta had such a long history, most of the older buildings of the city had been rebuilt or merged into newer ones. One could find ancient byways, rooms, or other structures integrated into others.
Djerad Sikta was considered by some as a renowned place throughout Naghron for its incredible size, unique urban management, and virtually impenetrable architecture. 
Geography
Djerad Sikta is a coastal city on the northern end of the Adhur'khal Sea, at the head of Shizkar Bay, which is on the northern side of the larger Arachond Bay at the foot of the Duradhur Peninsula. The city lay a short distance north of the valley of El-Erazel River on the coast south of Naful's central plain, the Raihun Wastes, overlookig inner end of Shizkar Bay at the very southern end of the Crownstrider's Bannerway. To the west of Djerad Sikta, the coast extends southward With a slope, forming a natural harbour for the city. The city's harbor is protected from storms by the mountainous peninsula and the Erazel Mountainrange, indeed this mountainrange is also called Khabalin Khareef-Daraq (Translated as mountain rain-shield) for this exact reason. The coastal plains around Djerad Sikta are markedly more green than the lands further east and inland.
Practically in the center of the continent of Naghron, The city is at the nexus of several different trade routes, making it the most important place to exchange all kinds goods in the whole Land of Spells, Spice and Strife (often shortened to just Land of Spice and Strife). Djerad Sikta is therefore appropriately named the "City of multitudes", among many other things. Djerad Sikta is considered by some as a renowned place throughout Naghron and beyond for its incredible size, unique shape, and virtually impenetrable architecture. Unique in its design, the entire city is built atop, sround and inside the ruins of and ancient, giant and hollow Blood-Moonstone ziggurat. Djerad Sikta is a model of duty and organization, it is a city that does not simply exist but lives, breathes, and celebrates the very spirit of Duryad and the principles it was founded upon. As the seat of Imperial Duryadi power, it is a city where the air is thick with the scent of the sea and the promise of prosperity. In its early days Djerad Sikta served as her peoples bastion against the unenlightened lands and hostile neighbouring powers outside its borders. Since then the qyzharate has conqoured and incoroporated all its immediate rivals and neighbouring remnant states from the days of the Naghronid Djerate. The city has remained the seat of the Qyzhar/Qyzharah and the Royal clan Yhl Duhryadh, the centermost hub of the enlightened lands, it quickly grew to become the greatest city and the golden religious and commercial epicenter of an entire continent. As of 32 PC, the city had the strongest bulwarks in all of Naghron, presenting a stern sandstone white and gilded face to the north.
Natural Resources
fish,marine mammals,
Founding Date
-389 AC
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
Djerad Shizqor, Fortress of the Sun, City of Multitudes, City of Saffron, The Heart of the Heart, Ciry of Grandure, Crown Jewel of Duryad, City of Ancients, Djerad Duhryadh, Forteress of The Windswept Matron Saviour
Type
Capital
Population
1,347,000
Related Ethnicities
Inhabitant Demonym
Siktaran/Shizkar
Location under
Included Locations
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Related Traditions
Characters in Location
Related Professions
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