Ivasha

Situated on the western edge of the Anjeta Desert, approximately 200 miles west of Navi, lies the infamous city of Ivasha—a city built not on wealth or trade, but on the art of war. Known across Ysanaf as the City of Mercenaries, Ivasha is a harsh, rugged settlement where combat is currency, and strength is the only law that truly matters. Here, soldiers of fortune gather, hired by kingdoms and empires alike to fight their battles, protect their assets, or secure their power.
Role as an Independent City Ivasha stands as a beacon of independence and military power, thriving in the harsh desert by selling its warriors and expertise to the highest bidder. Unlike other cities, Ivasha has no need for trade or agriculture—its wealth is built on war. This makes Ivasha both feared and respected, as no ruler in Ysanaf can afford to ignore the might of the City of Mercenaries. Its neutrality and reputation for brutal efficiency ensure that it remains a key player in the power struggles across the continent, hired by those who seek victory and feared by those who face its mercenaries on the battlefield.

Government

Warlord Politics: In Ivasha, politics are an extension of war. Guilds constantly vie for dominance, and alliances between Warlords are often as fragile as they are necessary. Betrayal is not uncommon, and Warlords who grow too powerful often find themselves targeted by their rivals. Despite the constant tension, the Council manages to maintain a fragile peace, knowing that internal conflict would weaken the city’s standing in the world.
Mercenary Diplomacy: Ivasha maintains a neutral stance in most conflicts, offering its services to the highest bidder. However, its Warlords are careful not to sell their services too freely, ensuring that no single foreign power can dominate the city through contracts alone. The Council of Warlords negotiates contracts collectively, setting prices and ensuring that Ivasha’s interests are always protected.
Ivasha stands as a beacon of independence and military power, thriving in the harsh desert by selling its warriors and expertise to the highest bidder. Unlike other cities, Ivasha has no need for trade or agriculture—its wealth is built on war. This makes Ivasha both feared and respected, as no ruler in Ysanaf can afford to ignore the might of the City of Mercenaries. Its neutrality and reputation for brutal efficiency ensure that it remains a key player in the power struggles across the continent, hired by those who seek victory and feared by those who face its mercenaries on the battlefield.

Industry & Trade

War Profits: Ivasha’s mercenaries are known for their high price, but their skill is unmatched. Whether defending a kingdom or leading an assault, Ivasha’s soldiers bring back wealth from every campaign. This wealth is reinvested in the city’s fortifications, weapons, and training facilities, ensuring that Ivasha remains at the forefront of military power in the region.
Military Goods: The city also exports military equipment, from finely crafted weapons to battle armor and siege engines. Ivasha’s blacksmiths are renowned for their quality, producing gear that is sold to both mercenaries and foreign armies. This, combined with the city’s expertise in military strategy, makes Ivasha a sought-after partner in any conflict.

Guilds and Factions

The Mercenary Guilds: Ivasha is home to numerous mercenary guilds, each specializing in a different form of combat or warfare. These guilds operate out of fortified guildhouses scattered across the city, where contracts are negotiated, and new recruits are trained. Some guilds are known for their elite swordsmen, others for their deadly archers or tactical masterminds. The guildhouses are fiercely competitive, and rivalries between them often lead to tension—or outright violence.

Points of interest

The Hall of Contracts: The Hall of Contracts is where all mercenary deals are made. A grand building located at the heart of Ivasha, the Hall serves as both a courthouse and a marketplace for mercenaries and employers. Here, nobles and merchants come to hire entire armies, and mercenary guilds compete for the most profitable deals.
The Iron Gate: The Iron Gate is the entrance to Ivasha, a massive fortress-like structure that looms over the desert. Heavily fortified, it is both the city’s first line of defense and a symbol of its indomitable spirit. Anyone seeking entry to Ivasha must pass through the Iron Gate, and it is said that no army has ever breached it.
The Bloodwell: A mysterious and ancient structure located in the center of the Arena of Blades, the Bloodwell is a deep, circular pit filled with red, shimmering liquid. Some say it is a remnant of an ancient curse, while others believe it possesses magical properties that grant strength to those who spill blood in its presence. The truth is unknown, but it has become a sacred site for mercenaries, who see it as a place to honor their fallen comrades.
The Arena of Blades: At the heart of the city is the Arena of Blades, a massive, circular structure where mercenaries test their skills in combat. Gladiatorial contests, duels, and training exercises are common spectacles here, drawing crowds of mercenaries eager to prove themselves or settle disputes through combat. The arena also serves as a proving ground for those who wish to join Ivasha’s mercenary guilds.

Architecture

Fortress City: Ivasha is less of a city and more of a fortress. Its high, thick walls, constructed from dark desert stone, are built to withstand both the elements and enemy assaults. The city is designed to be defensible, with lookout towers placed at regular intervals, each manned by skilled archers and marksmen. Beyond its gates lies a network of barracks, training grounds, armories, and guildhouses dedicated to the art of warfare.

Geography

Location: Ivasha stands on the very edge of the Anjeta Desert, where the arid sands give way to rocky, windswept plains. The city is surrounded by a vast, almost barren landscape, with little vegetation and no significant natural resources other than what the mercenaries bring in through their conquests and contracts. Its location places it far from the comforts of civilization, but close enough to major trade routes and cities like Navi to remain a key player in the region.
The Anjeta Desert: While the desert’s scorching heat deters most settlers, Ivasha’s mercenaries thrive here, using the desert's brutal conditions to hone their survival and combat skills. The desert winds and sandstorms serve as both natural barriers and training grounds for Ivasha’s warriors, who often conduct exercises in the harshest environments to test their mettle.

Type

City

Location under

Jakkurin