Mandas
"It is the beacon for hope in a hopeless world. A place where all people from all walks of life can come together and be a part of something greater. Mandas, the City of Man. A shining city on a hill."
Demographics
The city of Mandas is known for its diverse population of Humans, Tokage, Fervorians, and in some cases even Xervanosians. Human population seems to be the majority of denizens living here, making up approximately about more than half of the city's residents. Between these human groups, the majority tend to be of Aristolian or Lithosian heritage, with a decent amount of Oceos'lo'kaiian travelers walking Mandas's city streets.
Tokage can be found singing their wares in the marketplaces, with some influential and wealthy lizardmen taking up permanent residence as a citizen of the city. Fervorians living here are mostly found employed in the shipping and moving industry but also find good employ as personal security or even manage to rise above and establish their own businesses operating out of the city.
Government
Mandas is the capital city of Aristolia, and the center of power for several major organizations including the Merchant's Guild and the Church of Helios. The Merchant's Guild Headquarters is located in the city square and is the prime venue of decision making throughout the empire. Wealthy representatives from the far off lands of Fervor an Lithos are situated in luxury residencies in the center of the city and oversee the decisions made by high ranking representatives of the guild.
Trade Prince Arushala Ivorcoat runs and operates the city of Mandas from his private estate, his decisions affect the course of the empire and he rules as its de facto leader with four other trade princes, who reside in and maintain the other regions of the empire.
Defences
Mandas is guarded under a complex series of walls that sandwhiches the city between the shoreline and protection against any forces that would approach from the Time Worn Plains. These walls further divide the city up into its many districts while also providing the city guard with a system of connected corridors to quickly traverse across the city through. Inside these walls the military might and authority of Aristolia stores an expansive collection of weapons, armor, and powerful artifacts.
Industry & Trade
Aristolia wouldn't be the empire it was today if not for the strategic location of the city of Mandas; as a hub of both sea and land trade, the assortment of goods that make their way through her markets come from all corners of the world, attracting collectors, treasure hunters, entrepenuering merchants, mysterious hooded figures, and all manner of unique individuals. Mandas thrives not only as the world's largest port of trade, but as its most egalitarian social hub.
In Mandas, communication and information are just as valuable as the products flowing through the marketplaces. Political masterminds are attracted to the power structures attainable within the Merchant's Guild, and various parties seek to gain control over the helm of the city as it's next Trade Prince. Many guilds and organizations find their roots here, and operate from a central base of operations somewhere within the city.
With the wide and diverse groups populating the city, some illicit trade does fall through the cracks; a problem often opposed by the vigilant forces of the City Watch. Mandas relies on the help of Fervorian customs guards to aid in the removal of smuggling and forbidden goods. No one is quite sure where the goods go after that.
Infrastructure
Mandas is a city that sees the inporting and exporting of goods on a constant and daily basis. A traveler could find nearly anything that they are looking for here, granted that they know the right places to look. The Mandas docks caters to ships from all different parts of the world, and is the largest port in the world of Ardras. From the docks, most imports find their way to the Mandas businesses and retailers that sell them to interested patrons; marketplaces flood the busy streets and intersections of the city, only being allowed to set up shop under special licenses granted by the Merchant's Guild.
The city is surrounded by miles and miles of developed farmland, which provides the food needed to feed such a massive city. Any surplus crops find their way to the marketplaces to be sold at a profit, or find their way on a boat to feed people in far off and distant lands. Mandas works with the Church of Helios to ensure that all citizens, great and small, have enough to eat and live comofortably within the city. The church also hosts a housing authority which provides opportunities for those newly arriving in the city to reside there for an affordable amount, these homes are available for short term leases and are designed to help citizens move on up in the world.
Districts
Mandas Docks District - Well known as the largest port in the world of Ardras, this length of stone docks stretchs several miles across the coastline of Mandas. Most homes here belong to low income residents who have only recently moved to the city.
Old City District - A residential area filled with homes that been established since the beginnings of the city's foundings. A paved roadway leads through it as a primary thoroughfare for merchants and travelers, it is known primarily for the decrepit archways that guard different parts of the district.
Aristrian District - Otherwise known as the "city center," this heavily populated area is filled with foot traffic of all sorts of people from all waks of life. Commonly found here too are some of Aristolias wealthiest and well-to-do going about their business. The embassy's for major world powers can be found here along with several other majorly influential organizations under the protection of the city walls of Mandas.
Allflower District - A beautiful residential area with well-lit city streets and well manicured homes belonging to the majority of the city's population. Shady trees provide relief as one reclines on a bench amongst beautiful flowers. Homes here range from impressive mansions to spacious apartments available to anybody who can afford them.
Merchant Quarter District - Situated just beyond the north gate of the city, this district is full of shops, inns, and several important government buildings dedicated to the running and administration of the empire of Mandas. Merchants with membership in the Merchant's Guild can find free luxury lodging here, provided by the guild.
Islander District - Primarily populated by Oceos'lo'kaiians, this developing docks district aims to expand on the existing docks. One can find several international interest groups here, each vying for political power and a hand in the lucrative opportunities available to them.
Three Princes Bridge - A famous bridge that connects the western bank of the Ravgaros River to its eastern bank and the rest of the city. This district includes the west gate, the naval yards, and the Three Princes Memorial, a monument dedicated to the heroes responsible for the fall of the Empire of Blackhearth. Outside this district, a security checkpoint regulates entry into the city.
Merchant's Causeway District - A long corridor that connects the south side of the city to the rest of the settlement. Not typically populated by residents, this districts primary purpose is for the transportation of goods. On any given day, this long street is filled with merchants and vendors checking into the city and having their goods checked for quality purposes.
Arushala Ivorcoat's Estate - Guarded behind sturdily constructed walls, this portion of the city is closed off except to those with the proper qualifications. This beautifully curated landscape leads out onto a precipice from which the Mandas Lighthouse shines its beacon to guide ships into the harbor.
Helios Quarter - This portion of the city is situated close to the souther shoreline of the city, columns and rows of houses are reserved for members of the church and those in need of housing. Housing is provided via the Mandas Housing Authority, which provides shelter for those willing to adhere to the church's tenets.
The Helosguard - Aristolia's elite military authority that oversees its operations throughout the empire and the city of Mandas. The Order Genesii is said to operate exclusively within the confines of the city.
East Village District - Outside the east gate of the city, centuries of development has led to the quick rise in the city's population. This dense portion of the city is home to all kinds of residents rich and poor. It was officially incoporated into the city with the signing of the Aristolia Restoration Act.
Consullus District - A small district in the southeast part of the city. It was established by a line of Lithosians descended from House Consullus, it is made up of primarily Lithosian residents with vested interests in Aristolian politics.
West Village District - Beyond the west bank of the Ravgaros River a sparse collection of homes and residencies that were incorporated into the city with the signing of the Aristolia Restoration Act. There is a strong Tokage presence here mingling amongst caravaneers and other travelers.
Guilds and Factions
Church of Helios - The Church of Helios stands in the center of the city, dominating the skyline. This cathedral is the largest of its kind and can easily fit a congregation of over one thousand individuals in its grand halls.
Merchant's Guild Headquarters - The Merchant's Guild operates from this central hub of communication situated in the city center. It is here that established merchants, wealthy elites, and influential nobility from around the world gather to discuss international trade.
Mage's Guild Hall of Mandas - The Mage's Guild operates a guild hall here in the city of Mandas. The displays and exhibits in this guild hall are primarily of eastern origin, coming from the lands of Oceos'lo'kai and the Meino'ng Jungle.
Mercenaries Guild Hall of the Iron Hand - A long-standing order of mercenaries that originated as an arm of the Empire of Blackhearth's military, since the fall of the empire this empire has relocated and rebranded as an independent agency for hiring out mercenaries, adventurers, and other fighter types.
Lithosian Embassy - This collection of nobles and aristocrats from Lithos acts in the interest of Lithosian politics, trade, and international issues. They maintain a residence in the city center.
Fervorian Embassy - This stronghold is the base of operations for Fervor and her interests in the Aristolian political sphere. It is situated in the city center.
Aristolian Academy - A prestigious academy attended by the children of the social elite of Aristolia. Topics covered here include history, economics, social studies, and many other specialized courses.
Meinong Theater Society - A ecclectic group of nomads and travelers who lend a helping hand to their fellow caravaneers. This group preserves the Meinongian culture and performative arts.
Fervorian Trade Authority - A powerful group operating behind the scenes that ensures smuggling, illicit trade activity, and the looting of goods from Fervor are promptly squashed. They have several command posts throughout the city.
Mandas City Watch - This large organization of citizen-soldiers patrols the city and metes out justice against crime in the city. The unique penal system of the city of Mandas ensures that all criminals are fairly judged; criminals often work off their debt by contributing to the Mandas social structure in a meritocracy system.
Mandas Port Authority - This shipping and customs house checks in merchants who dock into the city, and check ships for smuggled goods and other illicit activity. They work hand in hand with the Merchant's Guild to improve the infrastructure of the city.
Thieves Guild - An unofficial guild is well known by thieves, pickpockets, and burglars. It is a collective force of ne'er'do'wells who operate together to form Mandas's criminal underworld. They are hunted down ferociously by the city watch.
History
There are several stories concerning the origins of this city, though the most well known is that it was established by the first Trade Prince, Helios. This historical figure is said to have founded the Church of Helios and architected the formation of the church itself. Following the fall of the Empire of Blackhearth, it has been said that Helios discovered an abandoned village that had long been raided by pirates and built his church from its foundations.
Others say it was not founded by the individual Helios but rather by the illustrious Merchant King, a figure cloaked in mystery who sits at the foundations of the Merchant's Guild. This notion is often denied in the upper echelons of Aristolian society. It is said that the line of Merchant Kings died out long ago, and that none had seen any for thousands of years.
Despite being only about 300-500 years old, the city very quickly became one of the largest metropolises in Ardras under the leadership of the Merchant's Guild and their charitable work through the Church of Helios. The city very quickly became a bastion of free thought and egalitarian partnerships between many different groups of intellectuals, scholars, adventurers, and many other great minds. Unlike the other cities of Aristolia, Mandas is overseen by The Benefactor, an unknown source of wealth, typically in the form of a mysterious sponsor, who the church regulates every four to eight years. The Trade Prince works directly under the Benefactor, and would otherwise be considered the mandating power in the city.
Under the leadership of Trade Prince Arushala Ivorcoat, the city of Mandas has flourished and the empire of Aristolia is beginning to undergo a renaissance age. With the signing of the Aristolia Restoration Act, Arushala has rapidly changed the landscape of the world of Ardras, and set many new stories in motion.
Points of interest
Mandas, being one of the largest cities in all of Ardras, houses many various points of interest and important structures. Some of these buildings have been recently and provide much of Mandas and Aristolia's political power structures, while some others are unique land formations. Mostably are as follows.
One of Mandas's most well known memorials, the Three Princes Bridge, commemorates the story of three unknown princes who fought a war to determine the future of Aristolia. Though much of their story has been lost to time, they are said to have been the three heroes who defeated the immortal Emperor Nefaros and caused the fall of the Empire of Blackhearth.
Tourism
Mandas is one of the world's largest cities, and is known far and wide by many different people groups. Individuals often dream of making their way to the city some day in search of fame, glory, dreams, success, and so much more. Aristolia's open meritocracy means that anybody in the empire that work towards a position of power and authority, so long as they hold themselves to the values of the empire.
Individuals come to Mandas in search of opportunity and work, and everything that comes with it. Mandas serves all kinds, and the cuisines found all across the city come from many different parts of the world, appealing to just about anybody's palette.
Architecture
While most of the architecture of Mandas would be considered modern Aristolian in design, there are several pockets of buildings and strutures that are of some kind of exotic design. Most notably is the Lithosian towers in the center of the city which house the Lithosian Embassy and the prolific diplomats and nobles who reside within. Other notable structures include the strongholds of Fervorian nobility and professional securtiy, Oceos'lo'kaiian beachhouses strewn through the Islander District, and several other small minorities.
Geography
Mandas is built off the southern end of the Time Worn Plains, where cliffs loom over the expansive Mandas Sea. An impressive arch supports the Mandas Lighthouse which acts a bright beacon for ships coming into port. The soil here is also quite rich and fertile, supporting expansive agricultural industries.
Natural Resources
The farmlands in and around Mandas is perfect for farming various crops, which not only go to feed to people living within the city, but the surplus is exported around the world. The surrounding plains are also home to wild horses, allowing for a thriving equestrian industry to develop. Horses are a popular mount all throughout Aristolia, and one can find many varieties and breeds available for sale outside the city.
Mandas North Gate
Known for its impressive architecture and the Three Prince's Memorial Bridge.
Mandas Central City
A hustling hub of inter-species political and social exchange focused on building an egalitarian society.
Mandas South Shores
A quiet suburb with an impressive lighthouse dominating the view.
Mandas East Gate
A diverse community of humans, fervorians, and tokage living together.
Mandas West Gate
Gentle countryside with hard-working farmers and ranchers.
Founding Date
9500
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
The City of Man
Type
Metropolis
Population
Approx. 23,500
Inhabitant Demonym
Aristolian
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Characters in Location