Sarka

Dalran:

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Sarka is the ceremonial capital of the empire of Dalra in eastern Emlas, located in the Zamra Mountains in the northern part of the country. During the Kingdom of Dalra and early days of the empire, Sarka was the capital of Dalra until the conquest of Kilí, capital of the Þekkals, at which point the royal court moved to the latter city.
Sarka is still an important place for the Dalrans, due to its proximity to Mt. Sóm and other sacred mountains, and the emperors of Dalra are crowned and laid to rest there rather than in Kilí.

Demographics

Most of the inhabitants are dalrans or related mountain tribes, along with smaller communities of vanrans and nalóxans, the former which are mostly involved in the city's religious ceremonies while many of the latter serves as guards.

Defences

Sarka is well defended by thick stone walls and towers, but to even reach the city an enemy army would have to travel up a steep, winding road, cross a rope bridge over a ravine and then climb a long stairway up to the gate, all while being exposed to fire from numerous towers along the way.

Architecture

Stone is the main material for all buildings in the city, whether for the palace, mansions, temples or the humble homes of most of the population. Doors and windows are trapezoidal in shape, and most buildings aside from temples and mansions are one-story and have gabled straw roofs.
Most buildings, particularly the palace, temples and tombs, are brightly painted and even gilded, and each neighbourhood has its own distinct colour scheme.

Sarka at dawn by Lappalingur

Geography

Sarka is located upon a mountaintop with a good view over the surrounding landscape, including the Halax River, known as Halka by the locals. The city itself receives most of its water from an underground spring near the palace, which is reached by a long stairwell.

Type

City

Inhabitant Demonym

Sarkan

Location under

Zamra Mountains

Owning Organization

Meþama