Szhen-Dgou is the capital of
Mitzu, located on own small island between Karta, Odon & Mul. It is situated in on an island in the middle of a large caldera. The crater was caused by the massive catastrophe that drowned most of what was the continent.
The City is policed by the Imperial Guard, the Kalobi or Beetles. They are provided, as Tithe, by each of the provinces, with a few native boys also taking a role. Their armor is uniform in design, but the colours on various elements show their province. Usually work in pairs, with provincial paired with Local.
Szhen-Dgou is built in a series of concentric circles. These circles house various ‘Tiers’, of increasing importance as one heads into the centre. They also rise in height, meaning the Cerulean Palace dominates and towers over the city. There are tunnels connecting opposite sides of the town, though these are rarely used nowadays as they are rumoured to be inhabited by many dangers. Maybe there was once a way to transition between the circles in these tunnels, too, but this information is long forgotten to the general populace. If the traveller wishes to penetrate further, their party must prove their ability to gain passage by passing a 'test', or, if particularly good, the honour of freedom within that sector, through a series of trials.
The Batamo (Grand Stair) leads directly up to the Azure/Cerulean Palace. There are gates along the way which can fall in the case of siege. In peacetime, the story is that any person can approach the Palace. There are gates along the way which can fall in the case of siege. In peacetime, the story is that any person can approach the Palace. In reality, but there's no real security on the stair until the Tzuvatu Tier. From there, you need a damn good reason or Imperial warrant to get past.
Right of passage to the Tier, one earned, are recognised with the award of a large carved token or bead. This is then worn on a string or strap from the belt to allow the wearer to pass between Tier Gates unmolested.
Foreigners and non-residents are not allowed passage between Tiers unless they earn passage. However, if they wish to obtain items or send messages into the inner circles of the city, they may hire an 'Akisata' who has earned passage. They may then act of the hirer's behalf. The cost of the Akisata generally scales with the number of Tiers they can access.
Those rare few in possession of
Szhengo steel items are granted access across the city.
The Tiers of Szhen-Dgou
| Tier |
Takode Name |
Name |
Translation |
Inhabitants |
| 7 |
|
Opoli |
The Others |
A bit of everyone, and even has some high-rent areas for rich foreigners, but this level is associated with outsiders, thieves, workers with the dead, whores, sailors, ‘fetchers’ (Akisata), eateries and Inns |
| 6 |
|
Nozo |
The Undesirable |
Low class locals, traders, butchers, money lenders, undertakers, higher class prostitutes |
| 5 |
|
Shexu |
The Skilled |
Artisans & Artists, courtesans, entertainers, wealthy merchants, the magic users |
| 4 |
|
Tsuvatu |
The Strong |
Military & athletes |
| 3 |
|
Sofikoi |
The Wise |
The highest in their fields: Master Craftsmen, the Learned & top military leaders |
| 2 |
|
Isikaya |
The Powerful |
Homes of the Isika |
| 1 |
|
Aratibo |
The Imperial |
Site of the Cerulean Palace, the Imperial Family, Arakon. Palace guards & servants are visitors here |
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