Khomedasht
City of Sunlit Splendour
Not much is left of the old city now, occasionally we'll find a coin or a pot shard. The Kanodites were certainly thorough. I wonder how long it'll be before finding any remnants of them in their old capital will be.Khomedasht is the capital and largest city in the Dobarid Empire and was once the capital of the Kanodite Empire. Previously an independent kingdom, the city was conquered and razed by the Kanodite Great King Amavand I in 302BSF and was left in a ruined state for 23 years before the Kanodite Great King Kambiz resettled the city in 279BSF as the new imperial capital. The new capital was designed as an administrative, trade and cultural hub. The Bamasian Palace, one of the two mints in the Kanodite Empire and the largest array of law courts could be found in the city and some of the largest theatres, temples and workshops could also be found in the city. The cities position on the Leyabad River also makes it an important destination for anyone moving goods inland to the coast. The Dobarids, in an attempt to claim legitimacy in the aftermath of the Kanodite Empire, continued to use the city as their capital and the resident of the incumbent king. Today, the city remains one of the largest in the world and is frequently a tourist spot for those wishing to study Kanodite history or conduct business in Dobarid domains. The Leyabad River remains pivotal to the Dobarid Empire as it was to the Kanodites and many wishing to make their fortunes in the region will find themselves frequently in the city in discussion with the many guilds, nobles and royals that reside in the city.
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Etymology
It is unknown where the name of the city comes from. Some believe the acropolis of the city was called Khomed by the locals during the settlement, others believe that it was believed a god called Khomed resided on the acropolis. The razing of the city was so thorough that there are not any archaeological records to support either case. Fragments of statuettes recently found on the acropolis seem to support the deity theory but it is also likely that the statuettes are named after the city itself and not the potential god. Further evidence may be found in the future.History
Khomedashi Period
Not much is known about the early history of Khomedasht and the information that is known is nearly exclusively from the perspective of the Kanodite Empire who conquered the city in 302BSF, razing the city. It is believed that city was founded in the early 600BSFs originally as a fortress on the city's acropolis and to secure access to the Leyabad River. Over time, the city grew as a commercial hub and became the seat of the Khomesdashi monarchy. A wealthy kingdom, controlling access to the Cambic Sea for any further north in Sarzamin the city came to the attention of the Kanodite Great King Amavand I during his decade of conquest, starting in xBSF. Khomedasht was the last city to fall after a prolonged and costly siege. Amavand, in a rage, decided to sack and raze the city and it is told that the Leyabad River turned red from blood. In total, it is estimated that over 80,000 citizens were slaughtered including the last Khomedashi King Kuri, the only king known by name. The city was pulled down, any timber was burnt, stonework was sold and repurposed and metalwork was smelted down to be sold or used in coinage. It is written that even the tombs and graves in city surroundings were opened, the grave goods looted and the remains thrown into the river. Where the city stood remained in a state of ruin for 22 years and it was considered a crime for any to attempt to settle in the former city or the surrounding country.Kanodite Period
Khomedasht remained ruined and abandoned until 279BSF when the Great King Bakhyar visited the site whilst looking for a new capital city. Hidayer, the original capital of the Kanodite Empire had become overcrowded and Bakhyar had decided that a new capital, Kanodite-built, would be an opportunity to showcase the newfound power and wealth of the empire. Architects, artisans and priests were brought to the location to confirm its suitability before planning and eventual construction began. The newly-rebuilt Khomedasht was inhabited by 277BSF and it was confirmed as the capital in the same year with a lavish festival and large construction projects, including the Bamasian Palace which remained the residence of the Kanodite Great Kings for nearly two hundred years.Dobarid Period
Geography
Khomedasht sprawls over the Leyabad River and is built around several hills, with a large acropolis taking a predominant position in the city. The land flattens out further from Khomedasht and has proved good farming land. Historically, the Gabtril river was fed by a subsidiary that flowed outside the city walls but the river was diverted to clear the surrounding wetlands. The city is based in the southern temperate regions of the known world and enjoys warm summers and mild winters.
There's nothing quite like summer in Khomedasht. You can see why the city is rammed every year. Fine wines, fine food, fine woman and the opportunity to see what the gods give to their chosen. Truly, a paradise!
Location
The city can be found in a north-bending arc of the Leyabad River in Sarzamin. The river empties into the Cambic Sea next to Genakhys and, if followed north, will eventually reach Hidayer, Khomedasht straddles the Leyabad with the majority of the city on the northern banks and a walled portion on the southern banks.Climate
Khomedasht enjoys hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters. Rainfall is not an uncommon sight during the winters although it is both typically light and sporadic. Torrential rain is rare although some cases are recorded, particularly after drier summers.
Rainfall in Khomedasht
The city has never seen snowfall and the temperatures never drop below freezing during the winters. Once every decade, on average, heavy rain is seen in the region and can cause the Leyabad to swell leading to slight flooding in the city. During the summer months, the Khomedashi can experience heat waves that last for a couple of days. During these extended periods of heat, many will take to the Leyabad to swim, if they know how to, or remain in shelter until the temperature drops to a more acceptable level.
Administration
Like the majority of the Kanodite Empire Successor states, the city is run by a Shahlik. The Dobarid Great King claims the title of the Shahlik of Khomedasht and oversees the matters on the city directly. The Shigara, the honour guard of the Great King, work together with the city garrison to maintain the peace in the city and work with the legal system to ensure that cases are tried fairly and regularly. Whilst the Great King technically ensures that Khomedasht runs smoothly, it is common practice for the head of the Shigara to liaise directly with the relevant religious, civil and economic heads of the city.Demographics
The current population of Khomedasht is currently predicted to be roughly 300,000 although this number can rise by another 50,000 during the summer months when the nobility and merchants flock to the city. The majority of the city is made of Sarmazinian stock, an estimated 80%. The remaining 20% is made up of a sizeable Samadic minority and a number of Kangaroudians. Due to the remaining hostility to those practicing Abicracy, it is rare to find those from the northern and western regions in the city, save those who are conducting diplomatic missions and under the protection of the Dobarid Empire.Economy and Infrastructure
Placed on a key point on the Leyabad River, the city is a trade hub for shipments and dealings throughout the Dobarid Empire. The city has become a central point for those wishing to sell their wares to the elite and royalty that reside in the city, particularly higher-end artisanal goods that cannot be procured locally or easily. Typical examples of foreign goods seen in the city could be Samadic white crabs, Malastari jewellery or Ibiran Black Wine. Several taverns, eateries and markets can be found in the city selling these rarer goods.Why visit the Samadics when the Samadics can come to you? Fresh Samadic white crabs, still living and freshly caught, can be purchased here and cooked for your eating pleasure this evening. Take a free lime or lemon, locally grown, to delight at your feasts.For locally produced goods, the city has access to several limestone deposits that are mined and a strong olive oil and textile industry. Khomedashi citrus trees are a popular export known for the vibrancy in the colour of their fruits and tartness of the flavour. Many recipes will call for Khomedashi lemons if available to the chef.
Culture
As the former capital of the Kanodite Empire and the current capital of the Dobarid Empire, Khomedasht is a hub for learning and arts. The trade networks that weave through the city have brought many different cultural practices and ideas to the citizens who have warmly welcomed them. The summer months in the city are renowned for their pleasantness and, for one month, the Dobarid Shaliks are required to visit the city and pay homage to the Great King. This month is high time for merchants who attempt to sell their wares to the visiting nobility. The city is also home to many scholars, writers and actors who are actively supported by the Great King, particularly the Great Library of Khomedasht, dedicated to recording the history of the known world, and the Asdini College, famed for its horticultural expertise and rare plant species. Theatres and historical readings are a popular pastime for the higher echelons of society whilst public comedies and underground fighting rings are a typical source of recreation for the lower classes.Khomedasht
City of Sunlit Splendour
Country
Region
Sarzamin
Religion
Solitism
Population
300,000
Demonyms
Khomedashi
Organisations
Notable Places
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