Zarna

"1st of the Free Cities"

Zarna, 1st of the Free Cities. The largest, if no longer the most influential, of the free cities that comprise the Southron Lands in Hariel Minuta. Zarna is located south of the Wastes of Veric, and touches the World Sea on its southern border. The river Zarna crosses at its western edge.
Zarna is a bustling trade city, importing and exporting both its own goods, as well as those from across the sea. It maintains particularly strong ties with Chult, as the island nation trades first with Zarna, due to its proximity (if nothing else). Zarna is also the first major bastion of civilization a traveler may come across after crossing the great desert of Veric (assuming they survive the trip). The city is rich in both water and food crops, and supplies much of both to the remainder of the Free Cities.

Though one might assume the largest crime syndicate in the Southron Lands would be located in Qudra (a city known for its crime and open attitude towards criminal organizations), in actuality the dread forces of the "Red Scimitar" operate out of Zarna. Possibly because Zarna existed well before Qudra, or possibly because it's less conspicuous. Only the current Pasha (Pasha Pakima) of the Scimitar knows for certain. Pasha Pakima appears as an elderly human male, dressed in finery and loaded down with riches. He lives in one of the few palaces located within the city walls, and his quality of life is visibly greater than that of even the city's ruling Hassir. Many rumors persist that the Pasha isn't human at all. Some think him to be a shape-shifting Rakshasa (a fearsome race of inter-planar beings with the bipedal bodies of tigers), others believe he's an efreeti in disguise (the efreeti being an elemental race of "evil" genies). Still others believe that Pakima is actually female (and maybe still an efreeti). There are even some that have come to the conclusion that Pasha Pakima isn't the true power behind the Red Scimitar, and in fact the true lord is one of far darker origins.
The Red Scimitar, as an organization, trades in various vices, from the Grey Pith (see article) to extortion rackets and the pushing of various contraband items from the east. They're also said to have ties to the Lentokki.

Demographics

Predominantly human.

Government

Governed by a minor Hassir, called "The Rafas," and his court (staff).

Defences

The city is defended by the "Golden Light," a private militia of some 2,000 soldiers that also serves as the city watch in times of peace.

Industry & Trade

From food stocks to clothing, and everything from across the bay to Chult, Zarna has it all.

Infrastructure

Zarna maintains an active seaport, as well as the infrastructure to properly exploit the Zarna river that cuts along its edge.

Guilds and Factions

The Red Scimitar, the Thieves' Guild of Zanzakkar, the Thornblack Assassins' Guild

History

Zarna was established by the first major caravan to successfully cross the desert of Veric, some 4,000 years ago (before the Sundering). It's peoples are of an older stock than those of Varuum, as far as being native to the lands. In fact, when Varuum changed hands shortly after the Sundering, many of the original residents of the great nation fled south to the open arms of Zarna and the other Free Cities. Once it was proven that a city could thrive south of Veric, other towns and cities quickly popped up. But Zarna was the first.

Geography

A natural oasis past the desolation of the Wastes of Veric, Zarna is fed by both the river from which it takes its name and the World Sea herself. The city sits on a fertile plain, in stark contrast to the blasted lands partially surrounding it.

Alternative Name(s)

Desert's End, The Light in the Darkness, The First Oasis

Type

City

Population

55,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Zarnans

Location under

Hariel Minuta