Eryai: Mountainside City of Steel

Industry & Trade

Eryai, like most of Keyrit, has a very poor lumber economy, and generally has to import for wood of serviceable quality. The iron and nickel in the mountains, however, is more bountiful than any other deposit in Wouraiya. It is speculated that crucible steel was invented and used in Irewa. Whether or not that's the case, it was rediscovered in Eryai. Eryai stands as the only place in Wouraiya that can reliably make crucible steel orders, and it's a well-guarded secret. The best industries of all other towns can at best only make blister steel, considerably worse quality material for making weapons and armor. As a result, its trade is disproportionately massive for a city of its population. The steel they produce has a high nickel content, and it sells for its weight in wood.

History

Eryai was once its own city-state, a colony of exiles from the fertile and more bountiful western portion. It would go on to defeat its western neighbors in the Welokyi Wars to become the capital of the nation and the continent. The royal government and the municipal government were intertwined from the start, but later economic reforms split the two into distinct purviews. After successfully administrating the land for three-quarters of a century, Eryai would lose its title of national capital to its own colony, the once-outpost of Vort Yiki.

Points of interest

For the king and his people (and later just for his people), there is a stage complex with all manner of entertainment, ranging from combat to poetry. The area is public and so seating is free. There are both outdoor and indoor venues, though the outdoor stage is cheaper and thus more flexible to change. The outdoors bleachers have thrones for the king and his friends, but he still sits amongst his people.

There are two almost identical privately-owned hotels that host travelers from far away. They serve complementary breakfast, and their beds are made from the finest imported furs. The owners are fat robed gentlemen who will do almost anything to keep their guests happy. The hotels only have five rooms apiece, so they're almost always packed!

Population

1000 (Metropolitan Area: 10000)

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