Zira (ZEE-rah)
Demographics
More than 50% of population are humans. About 200 are Yuan-Ti and Dwarfs with Elves are both about 500. Rest is mix of races.
Government
Zira is run as absolute rule of Qadi's. That means whatever Qadi says its true. Qadi is also considered a judge so any statement he makes is automatically law, except if it contradicts rule of anyone higher than Qadi himself, for example Emperor, Vezir or Amir.
Defences
The entire city is build atop of cliff accessible by two large staircases defended by two guard towers.
Industry & Trade
Zira trades their dyes alongside with goat meat, snake meat and skins of those animals. They must import a lot of wheat and other plant-based foods as they don't have enough in Zira.
Infrastructure
Zira has great infrastructure because of the presence of Guild of Architects. Part of its city is perfectly design to offer the best results for its inhabitants alongside infrastructure and water management.
Districts
Zira is divided into two mains parts. One is called Lower District and the second one is Upper District. These two are simply division between the more wealthy and less wealthy.
Lower District
Lower District is further divided by profession. On the North are so called Gatherers. These people are paid for gathering colors from plants in Ziranian Colorful Gardens. This is quite low-pay job so these people are one of the most poor in the city. Then there are Herbalists, just slightly below Gatherers. These are also not paid that well, but their job is more demanding on the skill and soft-touch of their hand, that means they are slighly better paid then Gatherers. Above Herbalists and Gatherers are Goaters. These work with goats and their meat and skins. This job is also not very well paid, but can provide enough to honest living without struggles. These people are often looked down on because of their smelly nature. Then there are Snake-skinners, these can be found in the more western part of the Lower District. These people work with snakes and are well paid, but often live shorter lifes due to the toxicity and dangerous conditions of their job.Upper District
This is where most of the higher people of the city lives alongside with Qadi and lower nobles. There are also most of the shops, such as grocery, bakery and others.Guilds and Factions
Guild of Architects and Engineers.
Guild of Dyers
History
Points of interest
The Golden Harvest Pub
Interesting Features
The Golden Harvest Pub is surrounded by blooming gardens. Its facade is adorned with wooden decorative elements and floral embroidery. The interior features natural tones of gold, brown, and green, softly illuminated by candlelight and lanterns.Menu
The pub offers herbal teas infused with floral essences, golden honey mead, and fruit juices made from local flowers. Vegetarian dishes dominate the menu, such as cauliflower fritters with honey sauce.Staff
The owner is Karim Alnaga (Snake’s Hideout), who presents himself as a friendly man but secretly serves as a spy for the Snake’s Hideout organization, keeping an eye on newcomers to the city. The three daughters of Karim serve as waitresses Amina, Khalid, and Leyia.The Aquatic Farmstead Inn
Interesting Features
The building is fed by water from the city's waterway, and the inn has turned it into a small fountain, watering its garden. Vines and other climbing plants surround the structure, while mosaic walls depict waves, corals, and fish. Inside, there is a cellar where one can view a variety of fish.Menu
The inn specializes in fish and aquatic delicacies, making it one of the pricier establishments, as it relies on imported goods and pays a significant share to the city for water usage.Staff
The owner remains unknown and does not reside in the city. The main bartender is known as "Mořský panák" (The Sea Man) and dresses like a Triton. Two Aqua Elves also work there.Smooth Beard
Interesting Features
The barbershop is designed with a warm atmosphere using brown and gold tones. The walls feature images of impeccably shaved men and women.Services
The barbershop provides complete grooming services for men.Staff
The owner, Nisrin Hissar (Snake’s Hideout), is charismatic and a professional. Other barbers include Amar Al-Mustafa and Tariq Al-Farouk.Pools of Passion
Description
Pools of Passion is located further from the city and doesn't attract many visitors due to its distance. It is associated with the castle.Legend
Legend has it that this pool awakens people's deepest memories of beautiful times.Dye Farm
Description
This large farm on the outskirts of the city specializes in producing dyes. The main dyes manufactured here are:- Bright green from snakes
- Light yellow from Al'takar palms
Ruined Statue of Sset
Description
An abandoned statue of Sseta lies in the Abyss with an inscription "Those who master the snake's tongue, master both land and people."Statue of the Guardian of the First People
Description
This grand, untouched statue of a humanoid-like dog - Anubis, stands tall. Spellcasters sense overwhelming magic emanating from it, and those who wish to learn more might find themselves ensnared in a labyrinth of a thousand paths, symbolizing its complexity and mysteries.Lookout Tower
Description
The lookout tower has two floors. The upper floor is accessible only to soldiers guarding the city against attacks, while the lower floor is open to the public and offers a view of:- Dry Valley
- The beginning of the oasis
- Breathing Mountains
Military Recruitment Site
Description
A small military outpost with three armored men armed with weapons. They hold documents in the booth for recruiting volunteers for the war.Salaries
- Regular Soldier 2sp / day
- Cavalry 5sp /day
- Mercenary 1gp / day
Abandoned Slave Market and Cages
Description
The once thriving slave market now lies in ruins, with dozens of empty cages where slaves were once kept. Explorers with a DC 20 check can find an entrance to the underground hideout of the Snake's Hideout (S1). The vision of the past haunts the area, where slaves were auctioned off for silver, and beautiful women were occasionally sold for gold. Yuan-Ti publicly spoke of their rape and subsequent ritual sacrifices.Guild of Water Keepers and Architects
Description
The city is strategically planned and divided due to the presence of the Guild of Water Keepers and Architects, one of the major guilds in Al'takar. They understand that water management is crucial for the city's prosperity, and their influence is felt throughout the southern part of the city.City Guide
Description
Provides essential information about the city for ordinary citizens, soldiers, and adventurers. Offers guided tours for 5 sp/person and provides a specialty for 1 gp. The specialty is an interesting tidbit, though irrelevant to the main story.Guild of Dyers
- Offers coloring clothing
- Basic Colors black, white, red, blue, green, etc. = 5gp per garment
- Complex Colors azure, purple = 50gp per garment
Joining the Guild
Pay a regular fee of 1 sp per day and create your own colors. For each color you register, you receive 1 cp whenever someone chooses and pays the guild for its application.Magical Colors
The Guild offers special body colors that provide unique effects upon activation. These colors do not require attunement and last for 3 long rests or 72 hours, or until the person washes it off, whichever comes first. A person can only have one color applied at a time. Guild of DyersStatue of the Unknown Water Being
The statue depicts a tall water being with an elegant, tree-like body that transitions into a translucent peak adorned with feather-like leaves. Its eyes are dark blue and radiant. A creeping root extends into the ground. It is revered as the protector of all urban water sources.
Grocery Store
Merchants
- Grukka Kragmork, 17 years old, from the city of Orkyně.
- Zaydah Jumlat (Snake's Hideout), 25 years old, from the city of Ork.
- Al-Nahrim, 40 years old, Human.
Offer
- Basic (RAW) ingredients
- Fruits and vegetables
- Goat and snake meat
- Goat cheese
- Spices and herbs
- Travel rations
Golden Rolls
Merchants
- Dhira'a al-Taneen, 48 years old, Red Dragonborn
- Elaria Lirilasen, 114 years old, Seldarian Elf
- Garn Kegwelder, 75 years old, Dwarf
Offer
Snake's Tongue
Delicate sweets shaped like snake coils, made from fine puff pastry with honey filling and sprinkled with silver dust resembling snake scales. Each piece is adorned with a small glass eye that reflects the light.
Desert Pearls
Tiny and fragile baked balls with pistachios, almonds, and dried fruits, tied with raisin strips to resemble snakes. These desert pearls are coated with light sugar beads resembling bright stars in the night sky.
Oasis Sandwiches
Small sandwiches shaped like oases, decorated with colorful seeds and herbs. The filling can be either cottage cheese with decorative cucumbers or curry chicken, both served with a light yogurt sauce.
Sand Stars
Crunchy cookies with coconut, resembling stars in the desert sky. Each piece is adorned with pearl powder that glistens in the sun, resembling fine sand grains.
Castle Al-Qalb Alghabib
Mirage Apotheka
Merchant
Trunavir Bearamble, Loxodon, 45 years oldOffer
Dust of Sacred Leaves This powder is made from dried and ground leaves and flowers of sacred plants known for their healing properties. It can be used as an ingredient in healing potions or sprinkled on wounds and injuries to accelerate healing. Zaliss Zaharan A silver ointment that forms a protective layer. A person can briefly touch fire, acid, and similar substances without harm.Sandy Oasis
Interesting Fact
This place resembles a small oasis surrounded by palm trees and a garden with flowers, creating a refreshing atmosphere in the hot desert environment.Menu
Drinks Exotic fruit cocktails Foods Spiced meat skewers Spicy hummus with pita breadEmployees
The owner, known as the "Exotic Mage," specializes in mixing drinks and taking care of guests. Waitress Alariel Zefyra, an Elf. Waitress Xyriss Zul'shaar, a Yuan-Ti.The Shadow's Haven Pub
Interesting Facts
This establishment is located in the poor part of the town and has a gothic appearance with black walls. Mysterious symbols are carved on these walls, and the interior is illuminated only by candles, creating a mysterious atmosphere.Offer
- Strong black beer
- Spiced honey wine
- Offering - goat meat with a spicy sauce, arranged as a goat offering
Employees
- The owner, known as the "Shadow's Master," has long hair and a full beard. He works behind the bar, and his work resembles real alchemy. Occasionally, he uses magic to prepare drinks.
- There are four barmaids working in the pub. They wear goat skulls and black cloaks and never speak. One of them is named Donia Zahima (Snake's Hideout).
Desert Rose Inn
Interesting Features
- The Desert Rose Inn is a radiant white building with a facade adorned with pink roses, creating a calming and soothing atmosphere within. The interior space is cooler, providing a refreshing ambiance.
Offerings
- This inn specializes in authentic Arabian beverages and cuisine, including grilled meats and vegetables. Guests can enjoy mint tea, date smoothies, and coffee with cardamom.
Staff
- The inn's proprietor, Hakim, is an older man with a bald head. He possesses extensive knowledge of Arabian cuisine and traditional beverages, having once cooked in the capital city.
- Waitresses - Leila Aziz, Yasmin Farid
The Coiled Cobra Tavern
Interesting Features
The Coiled Cobra Tavern is constructed from wooden beams and adorned with snake patterns winding along its walls. It is complemented by various cobra statues, and the roof is decorated with serpent heads. Inside, a dark atmosphere prevails with soft lighting, creating a mysterious and exotic ambiance. The main clientele consists of Yuan-Ti.Offerings
Herbal teas with mesmerizing effects A variety of coffees Food Indian curry, Thai curry, or spicy Mexican tacos.Staff
The tavern's owner, known as Lady Anaconda, is a Yuan-Ti woman. The waiters are two Yuan-Ti Pureblood women.Dragon's Piss
Interesting Features
The entrance to Dragon's Piss is designed as a dragon's head and neck, while the walls and ceiling are adorned with statues and paintings of dragons, creating the impression that guests are inside a dragon's cave. The floor is painted to resemble piles of gold. Behind the bar, instead of regular taps, there is an enormous dragon feather from which the bartender pours the beer.Offerings
Dragon's Piss offers exotic and strong drinks. All glasses have a dragon design around the stem. They also serve a special drink known as the "Last Dragon's Shot." The customer receives a small dragon figurine, which they turn so that its eyes meet theirs. Then, they tuck their pinky finger under the figurine's tail, and the dragon shoots out the drink.Staff
The owner is a red dragonborn who goes by the name "Daddy." The waitresses are two kobold women.Dragon's Inn
The inn is closed and out of business, as Dragon's Piss took it over. During a Perception check with a DC of 15, adventurers can see
- Aziza Najam (Snake's Hideout)
- Zafirah Al'qamar (Snake's Hideout)
The Serpent's Sip
Interesting Features
The entrance resembles that of a mysterious and ancient temple, with walls adorned with intricately carved serpent motifs. The interior is lit by candles and fire, creating a mysterious atmosphere akin to an underground temple.Offerings
Most drinks here have a sour taste and a toxic green color. They even offer special drinks that are poisonous and can only be consumed by Yuan-Ti and dwarves. The menu includes a variety of snake delicacies, such as grilled snake meat and spicy sauces.Staff
The owner of the tavern is Farisah Asaad, a well-known opponent of rebellion and a supporter of Ssassoth. He is also a Yuan-Ti and holds a medal from gladiatorial fights, making few dare to challenge him. The tavern employs three waitresses, all Yuan-Ti with tails.The Cliffside Goat Inn
Interesting Features
The inn features light sandstone walls, and its interior lacks a floor, with guests seated on goat hides, creating the impression of Mongolian tents.Offerings
They offer water infused with special herbal essences and a drink called the "Desert Sun" - a mixture of citrus fruits with exotic spices. For food, they serve spiced couscous with grilled meat and refreshing salads made from local fruits and vegetables.Staff
The inn is run by three Tabaxi brothers who go by the names Rock, Paper, and Scissors.Officers hiring soldiers
Nadeem al-Khalid
A 20-year-old human who wants to participate in battles and is enlisting.Safiya al-Hakim
An assistant in recruitment who has been in the army for 2 years.Malik ibn Zahir
A veteran with one arm, but skilled in using a one-handed sword. He is the main recruiter and served in the army during the time of Al'takar's unity.Endless Pool
An inexplicable source of water flowing from an unknown depth and location. Legend has it that it first appeared with an unknown creature that now has a statue in the city.
- Perception DC 25 In the water, you can find a piece of scale from an unknown fish.
Truth
The Endless Pool is the result of an ancient ritual performed long ago to ensure an adequate water supply for Zira. Beneath Zira, there exists a tiny portal to the Plane of Water.Qadi’s House
The current mayor is Alistair Thorne - Leonin. A brave man who served in the war but suffered injuries. He is currently recovering while attending to his duties. He is aware of the Snake’s Hideout but considers it a minor rebellion and doesn't want to address it to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
Barracks
The barracks have a courtyard with a training ground where soldiers practice their skills. There are a total of 15 soldiers in the city, led by one captain who handles recruitment - Malik ibn Zahir.
Snake’s Hide
A vast area filled with small tents where snakes and their farms are located. There is also a large wheel where snake fights take place. The main purpose of Snake’s Hide is to farm snake meat, skins, and colors derived from snake venom and their blood.
Goat’s Hide
A merchant dealing mainly with goat hides but also has other hides obtained from the desert.
Golden Bloom
The merchant and one of the three managers of the Ziranian Colorful Gardens.
Broken Statue of Sset
A large statue of a white serpent. The statue is enchanted to hiss, and when someone approaches, they may feel fear or hear the cries of women. If the enchantment is removed, the person will have a vision of the ancient history when the statue was being built. Women and children were building it, and anyone who ran out of strength would be sealed within the statue. The vision also shows two women and three children being sealed inside.
River of Endless Gifts
A long river that flows through the city. People claim that occasionally they find gold coins, gemstones, or various needed items in it. The river originates from the Endless Pool, which comes from the Plane of Water.
Two Goatherds
Together, they own a total of 3,000 goats. They are two large families.
Architecture
Some parts of this city has walls in serpent style, which are design against wind. They are not in straight line, but only one layer - this actualy saves bricks.
Climate
There are seasonal storms up to 8 on wind-scale. Out-of-seasons is about 3 to 5 on wind-scale.
Founding Date
-2159
Alternative Name(s)
City of Flowers
Type
Large town
Population
3500
Inhabitant Demonym
Zirians
Location under
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Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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