Qam-Fara

One of the larger towns set around the Cunab Gulf, Qam-Fara has largely been the destination for travelers of other cultures, specifically those from the territories of surrounding Luam Cathwa to Mej Di'Mej. Sitting on a popular trade route from Dabal to Isfa, Qam-Fara is one of the necessary stops during travels. Travelers moving with the caravan, seeking a place to settle, find the welcoming faces of a mixture of races that include dwarves from Emtatuk, Luamani from Luam Cathwa, and even tribesmen from the Blood Plains. The diverse collection is inviting as cultural habits emerge.

Demographics

The distribution of the population remains a unique character within the protectorates of Isfa. Qam-Fara continues to grow as travelers to Isfa, burdened by the size of the capital city, seek refuge in the town. This has caused Qam-Fara to be one of the fastest growing settlements on the basin, surpassed only by Isfa itself. As such, the population represents one of the most equally distributed race demographics.
Astonishingly enough, the age of Qam-Fara, with the constant influx of new settlers, trends lower, with most of the population within the ages of 20-30, often including young families seeking refuge from the beasts of the country. The town of Qam-Fara numbers eleven thousand thirteen souls. This quick expansion and influx of settlers also means that the wealth of the population trends lower as well. Most of the population hover around poverty. As industry within Qam-Fara struggles to accelerate with the expansion of the town, cultural artisans represent the wealthiest of Qam-Fara. These are able to sell their wares to traders that are passing through without needing to travel by caravan themselves. This has created a collective of artisans that cooperate to minimize competition. This ensures that high values are fetched for the "exotic goods", much to the displeasure of the traders.

Government

Qam-Fara is a protectorate of Isfa that is self-governed. The governor of Qam-Fara was initially selected when the town was settled. Thereafter, during periods of distress, the governor would step down and identified their successor. While the series of governors has produced many different ideologies, Qam-Fara continues to grow. This process is largely accepted by the population as a cultural norm where the chief would pass the power of governance to a protege or apprentice. However, there are those that believe that this process neglects the strength and fortitude of leadership. Differences in personalities and cultures are beginning to surface as Qam-Fara faces a governmental crisis.

Defences

Many of the projects pushed by Qam-Fara have resulted in defensive buildings that include walls, watch towers, and bell towers. Throughout Qam-Fara, old walls are clearly seen between buildings. As the city expands, these walls are slowly torn down and rebuilt. Watch towers and bell towers are, however, added onto. These structures remain in place throughout the city to become residents, guild halls, or governmental buildings.

Industry & Trade

Qam-Fara supports a large trade deficit with neighbors. With residents of Qam-Fara creating luxury goods, such as artisanal works, sculptures, jewelry, etc., the supplies for their creation is required. However, the funding of the supplies for these supplies is difficult to expand. Trade into the city includes the supplies that are made to continue expansive and expensive projects. While lumber is supplied by local foresters, stone and mortar is not.
To feed its people Qam-Fara has cleared the territory inland from the city to be farmlands. With most of the population at one time or another working the farms, the crops within Qam-Fara are the lifeblood of the city. However, the farms are barely able to support the population of Qam-Fara, disallowing the export of crops to neighboring towns.

Infrastructure

As Qam-Fara has grown, efforts have been made by leadership to identify jobs for the newest residents. These projects have further increased the deficits of Qam-Fara to merchants and bankers within Isfa. The majority of these projects have been to further the infrastructure. These projects have resulted in the sewer system, roads, and ports. These recent improvements have seen an increase in trade. The demand for stone has improved relations with neighboring mining towns that include Dabal and Agat.

Districts

The construction of the Qam-Fara harbor has push many original residents from their homes nearer to the shoreline to make way for the commercial ventures. The resettlement has led to the construction of newer homes in the residential districts inland from the shore line. Notably, there are natural distinction between residential areas where clusters of peoples reside. While access to any district is available to the population, there is an identifiable trend where people of similar race and species will group together. There are exceptions to this, but the informal districts that these communities create are present. Many believe that the resettlement of the homes led to an increase in this behavior. Each of these districts are informally run by community leaders.

Assets

Qam-Fara is a novelty among the towns in the region as that the assets of the city are not as significant as might be found in neighboring towns or the region in general. As many of the assets have been sold to improve infrastructure and pay lenders, empty stores within Qam-Fara have left the city itself vulnerable. Periods of drought of trade are depressing times for the people who struggle to make a living, provide food for their families, or keep themselves occupied.

Guilds and Factions

Dominant guilds within Qam-Fara are the stonemasons guild. Started to ensure that new workers would quickly learn the trade to support the growth of Qam-Fara, the guild has become a self-standing service. Skilled laborers, members of the stonemasons guild are often employed to act as foreman for large projects. While the guild boasts large numbers of members and is recognized throughout all of Qam-Fara, it is increasingly looking inward. With increasing costs for their services, the guild members are seeking to turn a profit at Qam-Fara's expense. Thus, the guild leader Map Tarin, has pocketed significant amounts of money. Map Tarin holds sway with the city, indicating where specific projects should begin and end, which projects should be started or delayed, and where buildings should be constructed. With few alternatives to the Qam-Faran Stonemasons Guild, Map Tarin is able to succeed in his bargaining.

Type

Town