At the core of the United Peoples of Eslaiqeza resides its honorary capital. While the status is not exactly official, Illhum serves as the center of government, trade, regulation, and order for the region. Those visiting in search of a small slice of what Eslaiqeza offers as a whole would want to visit Illhum for a showcase of the region's flavors, people, cultures, and crafts. The city is broken up into a number of districts that come together to form the largest urban area on the continent.
The first of these districts is the trading district, known as the Lapis Quarter as it also serves as the main base of operations for the Blue Path. Located right on the water of the Tijariin Gulf, this district receives, processes, and sells the various products that come in via rail and sail. A natural deep water harbor welcomes ships from all over Myzelis, with large warehouses and shipbuilding facilities leading inward to a number of constantly busy bazaars and markets - the Lapis Quarter never quite sleeps. All roads in this district lead to the Blue Path headquarters, with four large buildings serving as the nerve center for the operation and trade moving in and out of the city.
From the Lapis Quarter, raw materials make their way to the artisan district, Dukhan Square. Lying near the city’s western edge, the workshops, factories, and storefronts of Illhum’s craftspeople produce some of the finest manufactured goods in Myzelis. Would-be master crafters come from near and far to hone their skills, as rare materials, expert teachers, and cutting-edge technology make Dukhan a byword for excellence.
The core of Illhum is the seat of government, Esfwir Plaza. Here representatives from the city and from across Eslaiqeza come to meet and discuss local political issues and the future of the region as a whole. Housed near the great Acropolis of Unity are embassies belonging to other kingdoms and lands across Myzelis, as well as the headquarters of the various guilds. It is here that decisions are made regarding how best to spend the fortunes of the city, where military force may need to be applied, and how to react should natural disasters strike the region. Also located in this district is Fort Shifra, the centre of military tradition and training which also serves as the main headquarters of the local guard. The fort is smaller than what a visitor might expect for a city of such size, as citizens of Illhum prefer solutions beyond the use of force.
Providing welcome respite from the responsibilities of governance is the small but vibrant theatre district of Escena’shra Vale, on the city’s southern edge. Creatives flock here to display their work, whether it be painted landscapes, interpretive dance, or abstract sculpture. The Vale is a hub of enthusiastic collaboration where Eslaiqeza’s profusion of artistic talent finds passionate audiences in public workshops and more private venues alike.The arts have always been strong in the city of Illhum, promoted through the various programs to support the people who wish to pursue their passions.
Alongside the Lapis Quarter in the north of the city lies the university district, colloquially known as the Inkwell. Home to over 20 different institutions of learning, the crown jewel is its renowned magical college, the Illhum Academy of Arcane Arts. Alongside schools offering education from the basic to the wildly theoretical are formal learning centers dedicated to Eslaiqeza’s various philosophical traditions, teaching those who wish to apply a new way of thinking to their lives. Places of worship honoring foreign Inaethri are mostly found in the Inkwell, and have as much freedom to practice their teachings as homegrown philosophies. Education in Illhum is funded by the city, ensuring that anyone with a passion to pursue may do so.
The remaininglast three districts are the city’s various residential neighborhoods. The first is the Façade Gallery, next to the Escena’shra Vale. This neighborhood is home to the large changeling population found in Illhum. Many who live here work in the arts, education, or with the various universities. Also located in the Gallery is here Illhum’s largest art museum, dedicated to both painted and sculpted works submitted from across the region.
The second is Hadian Terrace. Known more for the trades people, guild leaders, and government officials who call this place home, it is the closest the city comes to hosting an upper class district. As the hoarding of wealth is commonly seen as taboo in Eslaiqeza, these individuals do a great deal of donating or investing their money into local projects - however some of this takes the form of commissioning of local artists, masons, and carpenters to construct some of the largest homes in the city. Residents have also made sure to allocate funding to public parks, largely in this neighborhood but also throughout the city.
The last is Ishkah Park, located further to the north of the city by the harbor. Here one can find folks from all walks of life, typically those working in the Lapis Quarter or Dukhan Square or tending the fields outside of town.This is also Illhum’s largest neighborhood, covering a greater area even than some of the industrial districts. It is here that the largest melting pot of people can be found, the city’s biggest farmer’s market, and the only arena where a variety of different sporting events, festivals and competitions are held.
