Sibas

Demographics

The majority of Sibas were trained warriors and artists, many being skilled in both spaces. Strength and artistic expression are the beams of Sibasi society, not being capable in either aspects is seen as shameful, and can even lead to banishment from the tribe if a tribes elder demands it.
Sibas is also known to host a lot of Bugbears, even though they are banned from entering Zakhara, Sibas has always had a soft spot to its goblinoid cousins, attempting to integrate them into society without putting a target on their backs. The council of Zakhara knows of this, and many members have used it as blackmail, however no steps to abolish this integration has ever occured. Sibas also has many Goblins that migrated into Sibas, especially before the addition of Yedir into Zakhara. Many Goblins see Sibas as their home and even though their ancestry dates back to Yedir, many see no point in moving back to their ancestral home as Sibas is all they know.
Sibas has the highest abundance of iron in the region, causing a large portion of its population to be miners, however, even these miners were either capable fighters or artists, able to carve almost any shape from the rocks and sandstone they mine.

Government

Unlike Yedir, its distance from Khanatba doesn't affect Sibas negatively at all, quite the contrary. Sibas has made sure that its position on the council of Khanatba is respect and held highly, and since its addition on the council, Sibas has led a majority of the meetings, as Sibasi leaders always made sure to communicate and listen to the general public when making decisions.
Sibas started as an anarchic society , with no government or ruling class, but with people doing what they love without any restraints, and that worked for a surprisingly long period of time, with most of those aspects of society carrying over once Sibas officially formed and joined the Zakharan council.
Sibas still doesn't have any major form of government, there are people that own land, and the general population agrees with that. There are people that own markets and the general population agrees with that. The only elected official in Sibas is the Sibasi council member of Zakhara, the Sibasi elect any member of their society, whether that be an artist or a warrior. For the most part, most of the Sibasi that were elected into the council were beloved by a large portion of Sibas, and that seat is reelected every year. A warrior who has defeated a great beast recently, or an artist that has brought life into a building are the ones that have the highest chance of election every year. The current holder of the seat on the council is Moger Kuun.

Infrastructure

Unlike all the other Zakharan cities, Sibas has elected to not build up, but rather around. A three storey building is a rare sight in Sibas, and it would stand out amongst the curved roofs of Sibas.
Sibas is located in the Spill Sands, the area of major conflict when the people of the Isle of the lost were pushed back, legends say that the amount of blood shed created a lake of blood for years, and only later did the blood seep into the ground turning the sands red. The general surrounding area of Sibas is very flat, with small sand dunes covering the red rocky land. Sibas also has many tunnels and underground cavers that have many purposes, specifically during daylight, where the outside becomes very hot due to constant heat storms.
The Sibasi mainly work at night, where the city streets start bustling and the smell of freshly baked meats surrounds the lands, even people in Yedir have reported the aroma of the meats to reach them when the right conditions are met, such as strong southern winds, and when festivals are ran.
The underground systems feel more like a city than the overground parts, specifically because they were the real city before the above ground parts were built decades ago. With corridors and halways connecting almost every building, with some facilities only having an underground section, such as the arena and Artists Adit.

Districts

Sibas has many rich districts that have a long history in Sibasi society:

Ironheart District: This district is the heart of Sibas' mining industry, where skilled miners extract iron from the rich deposits in the surrounding area. The district is characterized by sturdy stone buildings, forges, and workshops. The air is often filled with the rhythmic sounds of drums and anvils. The Sibasi use magnetic drums to extract the iron dust from the red spill sands. The Ironheart District is also home to the city's armories and training grounds, where warriors hone their skills.
Artists Adit: This district celebrates the artistic side of Sibasi society. Caverns are lined with galleries, theaters, and rooms where artists, sculptors, and performers showcase their talents. The interiors of caves are adorned with vibrant murals, and the atmosphere is alive with creativity. The district also hosts an annual grand festival where artists from all over Zakhara gather to display their works.
Goblin Enclave: Home to the city's goblin and bugbear population, who have integrated into Sibasi society. Colorful market stalls, makeshift homes, and communal spaces characterize this lively area. The goblins contribute to the city's artistic and martial pursuits, creating a unique blend of styles. The district is known for its tolerance and cooperation between different races.
Blood Sands Bazaar: The central market of Sibas, where merchants from various regions gather to trade goods. The stalls are adorned with colorful fabrics and unique wares. The smell of exotic spices mingles with the aroma of freshly baked meats and the iron minerals in the sand. The market is a hub of activity during the night, attracting both locals and visitors. The bazaar isn't the only market but it is the largest in the city.

Natural Resources

Bloodsteel: Iron and other metals are abundant in Sibas, but one of the strongest metals found here is bloodsteel. A rare and unique metal that gained its name from the red coloration it takes on when exposed to the air. It is known for its exceptional strength and durability. Legends say that its creation was tied to the mythical lake of blood in the Spill Sands. Bloodsteel thrives in dry climates and hot regions, but when exposed to water, it can crumble in a moments notice. Bloodsteel is also known to have magical healing capabilities, both in and out of combat. Exceptional fighters pull the energy and strength of their oponents with the blade and siphon it into their blood stream, while medics learn how to use bloodsteel as an ointment that can cleanse any metallic based infection. There was also a rebel-art movement in Sibas that saw the use of Bloodsteel in sculptures, only for the artist to pour buckets of water onto their creation to destroy it as soon as it is done.

Sandfire Flakes: A culinary treasure harvested from the heart of the Spill Sands. These delicate flakes, resembling tiny shards of sunlight (reminiscent of snowflakes), encapsulate the essence of the arid landscape and are a testament to the Sibasi people's mastery in extracting flavor from their unique environment. These flakes are used as a finishing touch on a variety of dishes. Chefs and cooks in Sibas sprinkle Sandfire Flakes on grilled meats, salads, and even desserts, imparting a touch of the desert's magic to every bite. The flakes dissolve on the palate, leaving behind a trail of warmth and a whisper of the desert's secrets. These flakes are mainly tasteless on their own, but with anything they touch, they amplify the flavor by multiple layers.

Founding Date

63 AF

Alternative Name(s)

The Blood Sands

Population

31,000 - 33,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Sibasi

Location under

Zakhara