Urlak Selesta (Ur-lawk Sel-es-tah)
Capital of Zodaska
Urlak Selesta is a powerful and ancient city, steeped in history and tradition. Founded by the ancestors of the current ruling family, it serves as the Capital city of the Zodaskhan Empire. Located in the South-Central region of the Western Continent of the World, also known as the Zodaskhan Highlands, the city has played a crucial role in the development and governance of the Empire through the ages. It has been the seat of power and center of administration, trade and culture of the Zodaskhan people for centuries. Despite its rich history, the city's past is shrouded in secrecy and many of the city's historical sites have been lost to time. The city's reputation as a center of power and wealth is matched by its reputation for being highly militarized and xenophobic, with the ruling family fiercely dedicated to protecting the empire and its people from outside influences.
Demographics
The city of Urlak Selesta is a highly militarized and xenophobic society. The population is primarily composed of Zodaskhans (90%), with a small minority of dwarves (7%) and a small percentage of other races (3%). The city has no diplomatic quarter and is highly intolerant of foreigners and other non-human races. The only exception being dwarves, who are the only non-human race tolerated by the ruling party. The city maintains a large military force, with 10% to 15% of the population generally being in military service, as military service is obligatory for all able-bodied citizens. This military force, known as the Sharikat, is used to maintain order and control within the city and it is also the primary means of maintaining control over the entire empire. This strong emphasis on military force has led to a society where personal freedoms are limited and there is a lack of cultural traditions. Religion is also banned and the practice of any religion is forbidden. Overall, the population of Urlak Selesta is homogeneous and highly controlled, living in a repressive regime.
Government
The empire that rules Urlak Selesta is a feudal, militaristic state that is built around a powerful royal family. The current emperor, Caliph Zaid al-Afdal, sits at the center of power in the imperial palace located in the Sheikh's Citadel district of Urlak Selesta. The empire is based on a highly centralized government, with the emperor and his court exerting a great deal of control over the empire's politics, economy, and military.
The empire's economy is primarily based on trade and industry, with Urlak Selesta being a major center for textile production, metalworking, and trade in spices and herbs. The empire also has a large and powerful military, which is used to maintain control over the empire's territories and to protect against external threats. The military is based in the District of War in Urlak Selesta, and military service is mandatory for all able-bodied citizens.
The empire is also marked by its repression of history and culture. Magic is banned and the practice of religion is forbidden, this is coupled with a powerful guild of magicians, who provide magical services for the city's inhabitants, but are controlled by the ruler. The empire is highly xenophobic, and foreigners are not welcome within the empire's borders. The only exception is dwarves, who are the only non-human race tolerated by the ruling party.
Despite its repressive nature, the empire is prosperous and powerful, with well-built infrastructure, a strong economy, and a large, well-trained military. However, this power is built on the backs of a highly controlled and repressed population, and the empire's long-term stability is uncertain.
The following individuals oversee specific functions in the City, and by extent, the Empire:
Minister of Trade: Khalid al Muhammad
Minister of Industry: Ahmad al Yusuf
Minister of Commerce: Fatimah al Ali
Minister of Economic Development: Hassan ibn Abdul-Rahman
Minister of Agricultural Trade: Ismail al Omar
Minister of Foreign Trade: Aisha el Mahmoud
Minister of Mines and Resources: Tariq al Ahmad
Minister of Infrastructure: Nura al Hassan
Minister of Labor: Leila al Ahmad
The following individuals oversee specific functions in the City, and by extent, the Empire:
Minister of Trade: Khalid al Muhammad
Minister of Industry: Ahmad al Yusuf
Minister of Commerce: Fatimah al Ali
Minister of Economic Development: Hassan ibn Abdul-Rahman
Minister of Agricultural Trade: Ismail al Omar
Minister of Foreign Trade: Aisha el Mahmoud
Minister of Mines and Resources: Tariq al Ahmad
Minister of Infrastructure: Nura al Hassan
Minister of Labor: Leila al Ahmad
Defences
The city is protected by a formidable wall that surrounds the entire city. The wall is made of solid stone, reinforced with magic and manned by skilled soldiers. The wall provides an imposing barrier to would-be invaders, and its height provides a clear line of sight for archers and mages to spot any potential threats. There are also strategically placed guard towers along the wall, providing a clear line of sight for archers and mages to spot any potential invaders.
Industry & Trade
Urlak Selesta is known for its textiles, particularly its silk and wool. The city has a thriving metalworking industry, particularly in iron, gold and silver. The city also has a large trade in spices and herbs, sourced from the surrounding region. These products are transported along trade routes that cross the desert and connect the city to other kingdoms, providing a vital source of income for the city.
Infrastructure
The city of Urlak Selesta is built around a grand palace, which serves as the seat of power for Caliph Zaid al-Hassan. The palace and city are both fortified with high walls and guards at every entrance, and is an imposing structure that is visible from throughout the city.
The city also boasts a bustling market, which is the center of trade and commerce for the city. The market is filled with vendors selling spices, herbs, textiles and metals, which are all important products of Urlak Selesta. The city also has a large temple to the main deity and several grandiose public buildings such as the university and the theater. These buildings are notable for their ornate decoration, with intricate tilework and calligraphy adorning the façades.
The city also boasts a bustling market, which is the center of trade and commerce for the city. The market is filled with vendors selling spices, herbs, textiles and metals, which are all important products of Urlak Selesta. The city also has a large temple to the main deity and several grandiose public buildings such as the university and the theater. These buildings are notable for their ornate decoration, with intricate tilework and calligraphy adorning the façades.
Districts
Old Quarter:
The Old Quarter is the oldest district of Urlak Selesta, and it serves as a tribute to the history of the city. Despite this, the current regime actively represses historical information that might challenge its legitimacy. The district's history is preserved in the intricate tilework and calligraphy that adorn many of the district's buildings, but the district is not a center for tourism. Instead, it serves as the central administrative building for both the city and the empire. It's an unintentional symbol of the government's repression of the true history of the Zodaskhan people. This district hosts many bureaucrats, officials and record keepers who work to keep the empire's centralized administration running.
Sheikh's Citadel:
The Sheikh's Citadel is the district where the imperial palace is located, and it is the seat of power for Caliph Caliph Zaid al-Afdal, ruler of the empire. It is heavily fortified with high walls and guards at every entrance. The palace is grandiose, built with many architectural styles, an ode to the empire’s diverse territories. The district is also home to many of the empire's elite and powerful, and is a symbol of the empire's wealth and prestige.
Industrial District:
The Industrial District is the center of the city's trade and industry, where goods are produced and traded. It is home to many factories, warehouses, and workshops, as well as the city's ports and docks. The district is bustling with activity and is a major source of employment for the city's inhabitants. The district is also home to the guild of merchants, who regulate trade and commerce within the city.
District of War:
The District of War is the home of Urlak Selesta's military, with barracks, armories, and training grounds for the empire's soldiers. The district is heavily guarded and off-limits to civilians, except for authorized personnel. The district is the main source of the city’s power and serves as a reminder of the empire’s militaristic nature.
Mercantile District:
The Mercantile District is the center of trade and commerce in the city. It is home to many shops, markets, and bazaars, where a wide variety of goods are sold. The district is also home to the guild of blacksmiths and metalworkers, who are responsible for the city's metalworking industry. The district is a hub of activity and is a vital part of the city's economy.
Agricultural District:
The Agricultural District is located outside the city walls and is where the majority of the city's food is grown. It is home to many farms, orchards, and vineyards, as well as the city's water supply from the nearby oasis. The district is also home to the guild of farmers, who are responsible for the city's food supply. The district is the lifeline of the city, and its people are considered vital to the city's survival.
Slumtown:
Slumtown is the poorest and most densely populated district of Urlak Selesta, home to many of the city's poorest residents. The district is characterized by its overcrowded tenements, poorly maintained streets, and high crime rates. Many of the district's residents live in poverty, and the district is a source of social unrest in the city. Despite these challenges, the district is also home to a tight-knit community of people who work together to survive and make the most of their difficult circumstances.
Guilds and Factions
The city has a powerful guild of merchants, who regulate trade and commerce within the city. There is a skilled guild of blacksmiths and metalworkers, who are responsible for the city's metalworking industry. There's a strong guild of magicians that provide magical services for the city's inhabitants, they are controlled by the ruler.
History
The empire of Zodaskha has a rich and complex history. It was originally divided into two separate administrative capitals, each with its own ruling family.
The northern territories were overseen by the Children of the Moon and the southern territories were overseen by the Children of the Sun. These two ruling families, however, were known for practicing dark magic and worshipping trickster creatures that led the empire into a dark age in its history. This caused chaos, destruction, and suffering for the empire's citizens. Fortunately the ancestors of the current ruling family, heroically fought against the ruling family and defeated them, overthrowing those who led Zodaskha into chaos and destruction. They founded Urlak Selesta as a new capital city and it has served as the seat of power for the empire ever since.
This new ruling family, focused on restoring order and stability to the empire and they outlawed the arcane practices and the crutches of religious practices. In the present day, Urlak Selesta is a powerful and prosperous city that serves as the capital of the empire of Zodaskha. It is ruled by a powerful royal family, led by Caliph Zaid al-Hassan. The modern atmosphere of the city and empire today retains this highly xenophobic nature as a necessary evil, if only to protect the people from the evils of the outside world. In the name of order and stability, Urlak Selesta remains the seat of the Empire and an opponent to the world.
The northern territories were overseen by the Children of the Moon and the southern territories were overseen by the Children of the Sun. These two ruling families, however, were known for practicing dark magic and worshipping trickster creatures that led the empire into a dark age in its history. This caused chaos, destruction, and suffering for the empire's citizens. Fortunately the ancestors of the current ruling family, heroically fought against the ruling family and defeated them, overthrowing those who led Zodaskha into chaos and destruction. They founded Urlak Selesta as a new capital city and it has served as the seat of power for the empire ever since.
This new ruling family, focused on restoring order and stability to the empire and they outlawed the arcane practices and the crutches of religious practices. In the present day, Urlak Selesta is a powerful and prosperous city that serves as the capital of the empire of Zodaskha. It is ruled by a powerful royal family, led by Caliph Zaid al-Hassan. The modern atmosphere of the city and empire today retains this highly xenophobic nature as a necessary evil, if only to protect the people from the evils of the outside world. In the name of order and stability, Urlak Selesta remains the seat of the Empire and an opponent to the world.
Points of interest
- Imperial Palace: The grand palace of the emperor, located in the Sheikh's Citadel district.
- Old Quarter: The oldest part of the city, which features the grand municipal building where most Administrative functions of the Government get executed.
- The Industrial District: The center of the city's trade and industry, where goods are produced and traded.
- District of War: The home of Selesta's military, with barracks, armories, and training grounds.
- Mercantile District: The area of the city where trade and commerce take place.
- Agricultural District: The location of the city's farmland and irrigation systems.
- Slumtown: The impoverished district of the city where the lower classes live.
- The grand oasis: Located on the outskirts of the city, it is a source of food and resources for the city.
- The underground aqueducts: The system of underground water channels that are used to transport water to different parts of the city.
Architecture
The architecture of Urlak Selesta is designed to combat the hot and dry climate of the desert region in which it is located. The city's houses and shops are made of a mixture of stone, clay and wood, which helps to keep the buildings cool. The streets are well-planned and lined with palm trees, providing shade in the hot sun.
Climate
The city is located in a desert region, and as such, it experiences hot and dry weather. The city's architecture is designed to combat the heat, with buildings featuring courtyards, fountains, and shaded walkways to provide relief from the sun. Water is scarce, and as such, the city requires reliable sources of water.
Natural Resources
The city is situated near an oasis that provides fresh water for the city's inhabitants. The surrounding desert is rich in minerals, including gold, silver, and copper. These minerals are extracted by the city's inhabitants, providing a valuable source of income.
Alternative Name(s)
Capital of Zodaskha, Seat of the Empire
Type
Large city
Population
Approximately 20,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Selestans
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
