Varanasi

A port town and center of commerce, Varanasi considers itself the most "modern" and cosmopolitan city of Ikela.

Population

About 45,000 as of 251 AC. Mostly human, but with a significant kalasaa sub-population and a healthy mix of all other Ikelan lineages.

Government

Ruled by Stepan Varana.

Noble Families

• Varana [var-AN-uh]: First Family. Family manor is at location 8.
• Varan'a [var-an-AH]: Branch family and significant power. Family manor is at location 8.
• Ghadee [GHA-dee]: minor family, but (covertly) the hosts for the Watcher's Order Headquarters

Other Notables

• Jo family: a rare notable family of sher-ka. Jo'Ranna is one of the foremost wizards of the city, while her husband Jo'Darsha is a widely-traveled merchant in antiquities and curiosities. Jo'Vasha's family.
• Head Magistrate Gosha [GO-shah]. Head of the Judges for Varanasi and the region. Despite the judicial oaths, he maintains close relationships with many of the luminaries.
• South-Shore Trading. Local member of the Iron Rice Bowl, the dominant trade cartel that controls over 80% of the grain flow into and through the three big cities (Ikela, Varanasi, and Mirzapor). Headed by the bright newcomer Esla, a kalasaa woman in her thirties who rose to prominence suddenly when she became the favored heir to the previous head and then took over when he passed away (of natural causes).

Other

• Home of the Sea-Song Academy and the Sea-Sky School.
• Home of the headquarters of the Watcher's Order
• Home of the Broadway-equivalent set of theaters. Known for musicals and magic-assisted plays.

Economy

As the southern port city and gateway to Merais, Varanasi is dominated by shipping and other trade interests.