Raitharis
Crown of the Imperial Dragon
This once-mighty city, capital of the Raithar, is now an abandoned ruin. If anything, it is occupied only by ghosts and memories, and even they are fading.
Demographics
At one time, this was the most populous city in the world. The upper classes were primarily human, but all races were present here--if only as servants.
Dogfolk and Naga could achieve a measure of freedom and wealth through military service, but the few free Fauns and Goblin eked out a meager living in the slums. Sphinx were highly valued as servants, considered to run households well and ascribed great loyalty (be it only for survival's sake), but were not trusted with their freedom. A sphinx without a master was, by default, a dangerous creature, likely to partake in any given criminal activity, and not to be tolerated in a civilized community. Raitharis was extremely civilized.
Government
Like the rest of the Empire, Ratharis was ostensibly under the rule of the Emperor. As a practical matter, however, it was under the rule of the Emperor's Court, which was itself under the thumb of the Court Magus and his council of spies.
Defences
Being the heart of the Raithar Empire, in power and in geography, no one saw much call for fortification of the city itself. This did not, however, mean that it was easy for the rebels to take the city--merely possible. Their quick entrance to the city itself hampered the Raitharan forces, particularly the Air Fleet, until the order was passed to diregard collatoral damage.
Infrastructure
Raitharis was the pinnacle of civil engineering, and perhaps has yet to be surpassed. From the dragon-headed waterspouts on the rooftops to the vaulted sewers, Raitharis was a marvel of architectural excellence. The streets were carefully planned, laid out in a wheel pattern, and assembled of smooth, dark cobblestone.
History
Raitharis was a planned city, comissioned and built by decree of an Emperor who felt that the Empire should have a more central capitol, not to mention a more impressive, orderly, and properly imperial one. So it was built, the government relocated, and along with it, those with power or a hunger for it. Many others came along for the jobs to be found working for the powerful, and city came alive, and continued growing until near the end of the empire.
At Raithsfall, much of the city was destroyed, and probably more of it by the Empire's forces that those they were attempting to target. The survivors scattered: the once-powerful fleeing punishment and looting, the rest either grateful to escape, or simply taking their best chance at survival. Once the rebel leadership finished their negotiations, establishing the world's new borders and standards of engagement, their last order of business was to remove everyone who remained. Those who did not go willingly went in bondage--Raitharis would never again be occupied by sentient life.
Architecture
The slums of Raitharis, as well as some of the lower-class businesses, were built of wood--their ashes have long since blown away. What remains is dark stone, volcanic cement, and broken glass. The buildings gain height the closer they are to the center of the city, culminating in tall, imposing spires.
The crown of the city was the Citadel--the Emperor's home in the city and meeting place of his court. The structure has a ring-shaped footprint, and on top of its already impressive height are ten additional "stories" that are pure ornamentation, with no access or use at all.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
Year 0
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