City of Zhan-Ur

Claimed by the Kiln of the Birthing Flame to be the birthplace of all zhani, the core of the city sits nestled within a ring of volcanoes bearing the same name kept dormant by the Great Zhani Houses. Farms and tributary neighborhoods stretch out in all directions. As a position of power settled upon land made fertile by volcanic soil and close to new trade routes opened by the gravity barges, Zhan-Ur has become a melting pot of cultures and people from across Vasahldey seeking new opportunities.

Demographics

In order from most to least numerous Races: Zhani, Gaivundu, Auga, Vaizima, Begoshma, Faej Professions: Farmers, Miners, Craftsmen, Mages, Administrators, Guild Specialists, Unemployed, Nobility Wealth: Middle class, Poor, Homeless, High class, Nobility

Government

Each registered religious or occupational guild sends a representative to sit on a city council which decides local legislative decisions. The head of the council acts as the city's representative to the ruler of the Greater Teviin Alliance.

Defences

Militia, Guild Forces, natural mountain defenses

Industry & Trade

Farming, mining, and managing trade routes are the primary industries of Zhan-Ur.

Infrastructure

Palaces of the Great Zhani Houses
The Source Kiln: The first, oldest, and grandest place of worship for the Kiln of the Birthing Flame
Guild Houses
City Sewers
Mines

Guilds and Factions

Knights Errant: An ancient guild of monster hunters that formed to combat the Gridel in the days of the progenitor races. It went extinct for many centuries but has been revived by a few who see it as the only way to face the return of the Gridel. This guild accepts all applicants from every race or background. Weak in political power, but possessing some of the strongest warriors and mages from across Vasahldey, the Kights Errant have at least a small guild house in every major city.
Kiln of the Birthing Flame: The dominant religion on Teviin and of the zhani race. The Kiln believes that, much like a farmer's field, life is born and reborn from flame. They see the zhani as an embodiment of that concept and believe in their superiority over the other races. Early founders of the Kiln are credited as the original settlers of Zhan-Ur and they believe that the mountains are the birthplace of their race. The highest members of the Kiln see the influx of other races to Zhan-Ur as heretical and the return of the Gridel as punishment from the Birthing Flame for their transgressions.
Junction Fleet: A multi-branch guild led by the inventor of the gravity barges, Aina Aerlong, the Zhan-Ur branch of the Junction Fleet manages transportation to and from the city by way of the gravity barges. Sailors and windreaders make up the bulk of the Junction Fleet's members.
Mining Guild
Great Zhani Houses: Old family lineages that once ruled the city and Greater Teviin Alliances until a peasant uprising established the city council.

Architecture

Most buildings in Zhan-Ur are built from stones quarried from the mountains and built in a style that is a mix of German and Arabic architecture.

Alternative Name(s)

Heart of the Kiln, Home of the Zhani, Hearth of Civilization, The Melting Pot City

Type

Large city

Population

800,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Zhan-Uri

Location under

Zhan-Ur

Owning Organization

City Council of Guilds