Acik-Sehir

The free trade city of Acik-Sehir (pronounced "ay-chick say-heer") is an ancient Raganan city built on the banks of the Garza river. Acik-Sehir is the outermost city of the Kingdom of Ragana, located on their northwestern frontier. It was established as a trading post for Raganan trappers, hunters, and fishermen. The city soon became an important locus for trade between the xenophobic Raganans and the outside world: the only Raganan city where outlanders were welcome.

Acik-Sehir became the most prosperous city in the region. The city facilitated trade with the neighboring kingdoms of Dazi, Otar, and Baho, the subterranean tribes of the Tintazi, and the mountain aeries of the bird-men known as the Roatin. Occasionally, overland caravans would arrive from eastern lands beyond the Loka-Loka mountains with representatives from other kingdoms. Zephyr-ships from Cydoria began to arrive fifty years ago, opening trade with the technologically advanced eastern city-states. The city gained even more prominence in the last two decades with the annexation and settlement of nearby Eris by the Vrildarian Empire.

The city is divided in two by the Garza river. The western city is reserved for Dakazi. Outlanders may only visit the western city with a pass and must be escorted by a Dakazi guardian at all times. The eastern city is given over to the Outlanders, a neutral zone where all are welcome. Although there is nominal law enforcement, visitors to the eastern city are essentially left to their own devices. As a result, the eastern city has become as much a home to pirates and smugglers as it is to merchants and traders. It is filled with intrigue, a place where spies and terrorists may freely meet, a place of bounty hunters and bandits, gamblers and explorers. The city is notorious for its brothels and casinos and many Cydorian nobles visit for the epicurean experience alone.

The architecture of the western city is typically dakazi, consisting of walled compounds and villas with squat domed buildings. Each compound is home to a clan. The eastern city is a mixture of dakazi and human architecture, with walled compounds and square multi-story buildings. Most neighborhoods cluster around a large water well.

The city itself is roughly four kilometers across. The east and west cities are connected by two bridges. The north bridge is a drawbridge allowing riverboat traffic from the north. The south bridge is a low bridge, the last navigable point before the Falls of Kanos.

Palace of a Thousand Steps

The home of the Krall of the City, an ancient palace, modest with a few amenities. The title of Krall is roughly analogous to Baron, though it is assigned, not inherited. The current Krall is Kastar'r, a pragmatic realist. Kastar'r is unenthused by his posting here. He is a somewhat corrupt and mercenary leader, willing to accept a bribe from an outlander but uncompromising regarding the welfare and safety of his own people.

Temple of Anaka

A large stepped-pyramid surrounded by a placid moat. The temple is overseen by the Hierarch of Anaka, a masked figure with no name. The Hierarch is sympathetic to the plight of refugees from the Great War. Rumor has it that he is secretly an ally to the Demetrian Resistance.

Arena of Champions

A large arena with gladitorial combats, wild animal fights, public executions, and other entertainments.

Temple of the Dragon

A smaller temple devoted to the dragon-god of the Dazi.

Zephyr-Ship Landing Field

Originally built as a walled enclosure for livestock, the wide flat area has since been converted to a landing field for flying zephyr-ships. Warehouses were constructed inside the city walls to accomodate goods transported from across Markania.

The East Market District

Once a neighborhood devoted to Outlander shops and services, the area has become famous for its brothels, bordellos, casinos, saloons, and black markets.

The Warrens

The ancient city sits atop a labyrinth of sewers, subterranean aquaducts, and tunnels. Many are home to tribes of primitive tintazi.