The City of Liyru (LEE-ru)
Liyru once sheltered refugees fleeing Keira the Conqueror. A century later, it is the largest remaining ikayal settlement, a beacon of hope in the war against humans. Whether one is in lower Liyru, watched over by the massive carved Wolf, or high above in the colourful city on the clifftop, Liyru is a place of light. Its huge supply of wyr has gifted it with more numerous and powerful mages than usual. But bright places always attract darkness - and after the Storm of Ages, the darkness may be closer than they think.
Government
Liyru is a magocracy - the strongest mages have the most power. As such, the seven families with the most powerful mages choose one every twenty years to join the Council of Liyru. Each mage theoretically represents an entire Wyrpath, although there is no Councillor for those with no magic. The Council has a host of officials who conduct day-to-day business while they deal with intercity relations and law-making.
Taxes are based on the size and wealth of the family, and for those with no traceable heritage, there is a flat tax. The larger and wealthier a clan is, the heavier it is taxed. Interestingly, clans are taxed as a whole instead of individually, so each clan is free to choose how much each member contributes.
Taxes are based on the size and wealth of the family, and for those with no traceable heritage, there is a flat tax. The larger and wealthier a clan is, the heavier it is taxed. Interestingly, clans are taxed as a whole instead of individually, so each clan is free to choose how much each member contributes.
Defences
The natural cliffs that surround Liyru's bay protect it from naval attacks. Watchtowers stand on each headland, and a high wall protects the upper city from invaders. The wyr-absorbing network in Liyru can also briefly activate stone-and-copper golems. These statues stand at intersections and entrances to the Bastion and are enchanted to come alive in times of trouble.
Industry & Trade
Liyru's biggest source of income is its mages, who are more numerous and powerful here. It is known for its healers, warriors and enchanters. It is also a port city, providing trade between ikayal from different continents.
Infrastructure
The architects of Liyru made space for future sewage and transport systems. Now the city has an internal nexus system, in addition to the cross-continental one. This system, known as the Rail, can move between upper and lower Liyru thanks to an ingenious hovering system.
The Lumes solve the issues of mages and night lighting. Small statues with okai in their hands absorb wyr from their surroundings. Enough magic is left for the ikayal's natural processes, but not enough to cast. These wyrdrinkers are connected to copper wires which channel wyr into Lumes - glass orbs enchanted to radiate light. Lumes require massive amounts of wyr, so Liyru has much more of them than usual.
The Lumes solve the issues of mages and night lighting. Small statues with okai in their hands absorb wyr from their surroundings. Enough magic is left for the ikayal's natural processes, but not enough to cast. These wyrdrinkers are connected to copper wires which channel wyr into Lumes - glass orbs enchanted to radiate light. Lumes require massive amounts of wyr, so Liyru has much more of them than usual.
Districts
Lower Liyru stretches from the base of the cliffs to the open waters. Most of the ulfar and emikun live here, and poorer families usually end up nearer the docks. The morning sunlight does not reach the lower city, so it is often lit by massive orbs of light known as Lumes. As Liyru expanded, lower Liyru became split. Landside is built upon the original shores, while Kuntown (named for the emikun, its main inhabitants) is constructed on the water, on wooden docks near the cliff walls. While lower Liyru is easily accessible to travellers, Kuntown is not friendly to non-emikun, and several areas are under the influence of the Larins' Guild.
Upper Liyru, meanwhile, is perched on the clifftop above, accessible by an altered nexus carriage system or a series of platforms and pulleys. It is divided into three main sections surrounding the central Bastion. The Markets are located nearest the cliffs and are where smaller sellers ply their trade. The Artisans' Guild and Library are both located in the eastern section, home to more specialised shops. Finally, the Gardens are the source of Liyru's famed honey.
Upper Liyru, meanwhile, is perched on the clifftop above, accessible by an altered nexus carriage system or a series of platforms and pulleys. It is divided into three main sections surrounding the central Bastion. The Markets are located nearest the cliffs and are where smaller sellers ply their trade. The Artisans' Guild and Library are both located in the eastern section, home to more specialised shops. Finally, the Gardens are the source of Liyru's famed honey.
Natural Resources
Liyru's most valuable resource is the abundant wyr flowing through it, allowing for wyr-powered constructs and machinery which would be otherwise impossible. The loamy soil surrounding it also provides good growing space for root vegetables and the like.
Keira the Conqueror
A human albino who rose from obscurity to become a great Axu general.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
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