Mirzapor

Oldest continuously inhabited human city in the Great Rift, it marks the (legendary) first landing point of humans in Soefra. Called "the City of Nobles" and "the city where history walks the streets." Despite its age, the only district that hasn't been rebuilt since the fall of the Dragon Tyrant (ca 150 YBP) is First Landing, and only the Old Palace itself dates back more than 200 years.

Architecture

Mirzapor is a city of contrasts. It's full of grand estates and slums, often coexisting in a single district. The architecture is designed to look old, with upswept roof timbers and grey-tiled roofs. Walls are half-timbered at best; many are made of paper and latticework. Stone is rare and reserved for the Families (as well as the foundations for buildings built on the remains of what came before).

History

Founded by the first settlers in about 1100 BC, it was the last bastion of "civilization" after the northern retreat from Soefra. The Kingdom of Mirzapor was founded there in about 600 BC. Under the reign of Kozhun it was notable for being the most harshly repressed city, ruled by the most cruel of the Dragon knights, with despotic laws enforced supposedly at the direct command of the Dragon Tyrant himself.

After the fall of Kozhun, Arjuna Mirza's wife Apsalar threw her weight behind Rama Ikel, brother to Ramajar Ikel, the leader of the heroes, leading to Rama's ascension as King Ikel I. For that concession, Mirzapor has long considered itself the cultural and religious center of Ikela.

Demographics

Mirzapor is dominantly human, the least diverse city in Ikela. The only significant non-human population is in the Seafoam district, a combined land-and-water area for the kalasaa. A dragon knight named Roald of Moonshell occupies an estate with his companion in the Academy district and serves as the ambassador for the Moonshell Dragon Flight in the area.

The population of Mirzapor at the last census was 25430.

Districts

• 

  First Landing: Still surrounded by the remains of the original wall built by the first queen of of the Kingdom of Mirzapor. Small, cramped, but fabulously expensive houses as well as the main CCU temple. This is where the Mirza family and its close allies live; the Old Palace is also located here.
• Cliffside: The noveau riche live here, perched precariously above the river mouth.
• Garden: One of the newer districts, this is mostly occupied by the second-tier nobles (Third Houses) and upstart merchants playing petty noble.
• Sandor: Just down the hill from the Gardens, this was a nice area. It's now occupied by formerly-successful, but now struggling houses.
• Gorai: Mostly commercial, with many of the master crafters.
• North Docks: The nicer docks for goods coming from the bay. Carefully patrolled.
• Vihar: Home of the third-tier "nobles" and wannabes. Known for being ultra-straitlaced and aggressively socially conscious
• Naigon: Not as bad as Mulagon.
• Mulagon: The slums. Cramped warrens of rickety shacks. Located right in the main flood plains, it tends to wash away frequently (every few years). Locals say it keeps the stink down. The outer streets bordering it are actually built up 10' or so.
• Academy: Home of the Royal University of Mirzapor, preeminent (in their own eyes at least) institution of higher education and learning. Surrounded by larger estates and pocket "farms" (mostly of flowers or other inoffensive, socially acceptable plants.
• Rice Docks: One of two main landing sites for traffic coming down (or up) the river. More respectable than South Docks.
• South Docks: The other major riverine landing site. Known for having a heavy criminal element.
• Panju [Pan-zhu] Island: Home to one of the major "monasteries" and priestly training grounds for the CCU. Also, not coincidentally, home to the red light district. Connected to the North Docks by the White Span, an ancient, magically-enhanced bridge spanning more than 3000 ft of river, high enough for even tall-ships to pass under safely (although most do not). A few smaller islands to the north also are bridged--they contain gardens and green space owned by the Mirza family.
• Second Estate: Slums. More spread out than Mulagon, full of dockworkers, warehouses, and teamsters for the South and Rice docks.
• Third Estate: Home to large "semi-country" estates for the Second Families. Places away from the prying eyes and wagging tongues of the city proper.
• Arjuna Naval Base: One of two major fitting yards for the Ikelan fleet, as well as Central Fleet Command and home of the Naval Archives.

Government

Ruled by Surya Mirza who took the throne in 247 AC after the death of her mother, Leyli Mirza. Niece to the mother of the current King of Ikela.