Darrakeltir

Metropolis: Population 43,420 (77% letheni, 9% vesperkin, 7% lynoxi, 2% humans, 5% other)

History

Darrakeltir is a very old city that lies within a canyon along Arak's northeastern shores. One of Arak's first port cities, being in an ideal location along the coast, it was established early in the Upheaval period when the Kingdom of Derunadel began to expand into northern Arak now that the Drakantal Empire was gone. It still serves as a primary port of trade to this day, being where much of Valensir's trade is routed through. However, over time, a disturbing culture has arisen in the city as a religious cult slowly took power, making it difficult for those that don't subscribe to their radical beliefs to import and export trade goods through their port.

This religious cult began to appear during the Reckoning period, as the majority Letheni population began to believe that the destructive anomalies resulting from the numerous Wellspring eruptions were punishment for a perceived lack of piety among the races of the world. As a result, this cult, called the Darranakar, or 'Rosewardens', took control of the city. The Kingdom of Derunadel was under the belief that the cult's leader was elected fairly to represent the city to the Kingdom. When the Synodical Republic was established, they named the Darranakar's leader as their magistrate, but did not comply with many of the Republic's laws. The Darranakar have some very strict and conservative laws, and while many do not agree with these beliefs, the majority Letheni population that support the Darranakar make it nearly impossible to change anything about them.

Darrakeltir is so named for the pinkish waters along the sea in port that extend for about 20 miles outward from the city, as well as the lush flowery fields surrounding the city. The rosewater in the ocean nearby is the result of a Wellspring eruption. The rosewater has some minor magical effects, most notably that it is desalinated and acts as a powerful fertilizer for plant-life. It also has a unique slightly sweet flavor and due to its fertilizing effects, acts as a natural leavening agent, used by several high class bakeries in the city. The city harvests this water to use to maintain their many gardens, and any ocean water that enters the "blooming" region seems to convert into rosewater.

Despite the distasteful actions of the Darranakar, their requirement for citizens to maintain a personal garden has given the city a unique, lush appearance. There are very few parts of the city not covered in plant-life. The architecture is unique as well, as the Darranakar consider it heresy to use living materials such as wood, so most buildings are constructed from stone, and have an appearance similar to those found in Myr, with open construction. Some older, dilapidated, abandoned buildings that predate the Darranakar can be found on the outskirts of the city. The city's buildings are covered in plants and flowers, with citizens using vertical space to maximize the surface area they can grow on. There are also many vines strung between homes that are used to hang clothing and potted plants.

Government

Darrakeltir's system of government has a bit of a chaotic history. The city was initially a member of the Kingdom of Derunadel after its founding, but during the Reckoning period, the Darranakar gained a large following in the city and, taking advantage of the disarray caused by the many Wellspring eruptions of that age, ousted the government officials overseeing the city. At the time, the city's residents believed this to be preferable because the Kingdom of Derunadel was controversial among certain groups of Letheni, and the Darranakar declared them to be heretics not aligned with Lys' teachings.

This sentiment was certainly not without merit, as the Kingdom of Derunadel had employed many vile tactics in their expansion and attempts to overthrow other Kingdoms of the world, but the Darranakar used propaganda and fear mongering to turn the people against them. Due to the chaos of the Reckoning period, the Kingdom of Derunadel largely ignored this, as though Darrakeltir was an important trade city, others had been established, and the Darranakar didn't seem to be stopping trade traffic. They turned a blind eye to the Darranakar's actions to avoid having to send an army to deal with them.

As a result, the Darranakar have held the city for millennia, with each leader of the cult holding the seat of the city's stately duties. When the Kingdom of Derunadel was dismantled in favor of the Synodical Republic, several attempts were made to recover Darrakeltir from the control of the Darranakar, but unlike the rebellion in the Yzerid, Darrakeltir had a strong defensive force and pushed back each time the Republic attempted to wrest control of the city away from them. Additionally, the fact that the ones they were fighting against were simply brainwashed kin caused many to not want to take the city by force, hoping they could convince the citizens of the city to take control back on their own to avoid needless bloodshed.

Many have called for the Republic to reclaim Darrakeltir. Rather than march an army into the city, the Republic has opted to attempt to dismantle the Darranakar from within, sending spies into the city hoping to assassinate its leadership and seize control of the city so its citizens, those who believe in the Darranakar's doctrine, as opposed to just masking, can be re-educated. However, thus far, these attempts have been unsuccessful, as the Darranakar employ a number of powerful magic users who have built up many defenses around the statehouse. Also, though many within the city wish for release from the grasp of the cult, far more firmly believe in its doctrine and support its actions.

The current leader, or "Minister", of the Darranakar is a young Letheni woman named Sariandi Adarion.

Economy

Being a port city, Darrakeltir sees a vast amount of trade from merchants entering the city. However, due to the Darranakar's control of the city, the merchants are subject to the same corrupt laws governing the rest of the city. This can be a significant problem, especially for non-Letheni, due to the mandatory worship of Lys. Though most don't have an issue with worshiping Lys, many are unprepared due to the degree which the Darranakar require of their citizens. But more problematic are the mandatory vegetarian diet and anti-technology laws. Many merchants have had their possessions, food, and even pieces of their ship seized upon entering port.

Due to the complications this can cause to a busy merchant looking to drop off his goods in Valensir or other neighboring towns, the Darranakar are willing to overlook certain transgressions -- for a price. The Darranakar make a hefty income extorting traveling merchants in this way. Travelers don't really have any other option if they want to avoid the much longer journey to reach Cothunor, Nolaviath, or Caphanos, and then making a lengthy journey to Valensir. City officials in Valensir make sure to warn traveling merchants making their way towards Darrakeltir to have money prepared for a bribe.

Besides the corrupt dealings, Darrakeltir has several export goods that are highly sought in other locations. For one, their Rosewater, due to its potent fertilizing properties, is highly desired by almost every corner of the world. There are rumors that some breweries have even managed to use the Rosewater in the production of specialty drinks. Due to the naturalization mandate in the city, there is a large amount of produce available in the city, including some rare vegetables that can't be found anywhere else except Catarvoss. There are also some plants with special properties available here -- such as Black Fumewort, Canyon Laurel, Night Sorrel, and Spiny Osage.

Notable Locations

1. Rosewarden Estate - This large stone villa has a beautiful courtyard with a long fountain decorated with numerous plants and filled with Rosewater. The villa itself is decorated by hundreds of varieties of plants, including exotic ones not found anywhere else in the city. It is perhaps the most colorful place in all of Arak. The estate acts as the home and operational center of the leader of the Darranakar, Minister Sariandi Adarion. The estate is heavily guarded by Custodians and tended by many of the residents. There is a complicated irrigation system that uses enchantments to feed Rosewater to the villa's plants year-round. It sits atop the west canyon.
2. The Nursery - This large botanical garden, located not far from the Rosewarden Estate, has the most complete collection of plants in the city, and is used by the Sacred Meadows Institute to instruct students on how to care for exotic plants, as well as simple ones. The plants are not for the general public to make use of, but they may come to view the collection. Theft of any plants from within the Nursery is punishable by fertilization. There is an area hidden to the general public, and even most students of the Sacred Meadows Institute, which houses some of the most dangerous plants found all across Aellorah.
3. Sacred Meadows Institute - This school is responsible for educating the public about how to cultivate and care for their own personal gardens. Every resident of the city must complete an introductory course to be allowed to own property in the city. This introductory course is free, but other courses require tuition fees. There is no place of learning in Aellorah that knows more about botany than the Sacred Meadows. They have an interior courtyard within the walls of the school that houses a variety of common plants and even some rare ones, but exotic plant care is taught at the nearby Nursery. The Sacred Meadows Institute sits atop the west canyon cliffs, near the Rosewarden Estate, on the opposite side of the Nursery.
4. House of Lys - This temple dedicated to Lys is the largest structure in Darrakeltir, and the city's citizens are required to attend at least once per week. Those who dodge this responsibility can be fined or even imprisoned. The temple seems to only cater to the Lysian faith, with no representation of the other six of the Seven Sisters. There is no strict policy against worshiping the other Sisters here, so long as you pay homage to Lys first. The temple collects tithes to fund its maintenance, and holds large ceremonies on important holidays dedicated to Lys.
5. Rose Baths - In the harbor, there is an inlet with an enclosed area of the Rosewater that is used by the residents of the city for bathing. The Rose Baths have rose petals floating on the surface, and a small fee is collected from those wishing to partake in the soothing waters. Citizens are "encouraged" to bathe here at least once a week.
6. Blossomwell Bakery - A lavish bakery owned by the Blossomwell family of Vesperkin who make use of the Rosewater in their extravagant baked goods and confections. The price is steep for the average person, but the unique taste imparted by the Rosewater and the skill of the bakers is well worth the price tag.
7. Serenity - This high-end inn, owned by an Letheni woman named Merissa Liadon, is frequented by travelers, and lies along the edge of the Rosewater not far from the Rose Baths. The Rosewater flows directly into the inn, and there is a private bath area where enchanted stones heat the Rosewater, providing a luxurious spa for paying customers to rest. The Rosewater is also used in the inn's food, which is very popular. The price tag is much too steep for the average person.
8. Greenleaf - The largest apothecary in Darrakeltir, owned by an Letheni man named Ethrion Sarsantyr, Greenleaf is a veritable warehouse of nearly every seed you could possibly need, with some notable exceptions due to laws in the city. Ethrion sells most tools you need to cultivate, harvest, and care for plants, as well as equipment to brew potions from them. He is a skilled botanist who can provide recommendations for all of your needs.
9. The Watering Hole - One of the most popular speakeasies in Darrakeltir, it is difficult to locate due to the laws against alcohol consumption. The owner is a mysterious Vesperkin who goes by "Neff" who wears an enchanted ballroom mask that slightly distorts his features, making it hard to recall details about his appearance. Additionally, Neff has paid good money for a memory charm to be placed on the establishment itself so that those who leave are unable to remember where it is located afterwards. There is a hefty bounty on Neff's head, dead or alive.

Culture

Despite its flowery and lush appearance, Darrakeltir houses a vicious and dictatorial cult. The Darranakar control nearly everything in the city, and have a set of beliefs that all residents are expected to follow. The Darranakar's beliefs are rooted in religion, with the city's faith being placed in Lys, due to the majority Letheni population. Their beliefs are rooted in growth, renewal, and life -- ironic when you consider the punishment for not following them. There are a number of laws in the city that one must be aware of if they are to enter the city:

• Worship of Lys is mandatory. Not adhering to the city's worship practices is punishable by imprisonment.
• All residents must maintain a personal garden in and outside of their home. Failure to maintain their garden properly can earn them jail time.
• Intentionally killing plants is equivalent to murder and punishable by "fertilization", a horrifying death sentence in which the offender is buried in a garden containing the carnivorous Blood Nettle plant, after which, the plant's roots paralyze the victim as they are slowly digested, and eaten alive.
• Certain modern technologies, especially those coming from the Stratos Academy of Artus in Myr. The Darranakar demand a simple way of life. Possession of contraband technology is punishable by imprisonment.
• No plants or wood may be used in construction, and felling of trees is punishable in the same way as intentionally killing a plant.
• Consumption of meat is strictly prohibited, and punishable by imprisonment. Residents must adhere to a vegetarian diet. Repeat offenders are drowned in the Rosewater to cleanse them.
• Use of drugs or alcohol of any kind is strictly prohibited. The Darranakar believe the body must remain pure. Repeat offenders are drowned in the Rosewater to cleanse them.
• There is a strict pro-life policy, and those seeking to terminate a pregnancy are punished with imprisonment. Repeat offenders may be executed by fertilization.
• Collection of Rosewater from the harbor by anyone other than the Darranakar is illegal and punishable by imprisonment.

There are a number of traditions observed by the city's residents, including a week-long period during Esten known as "The Mourning" during which the city mourns the loss of the plants that die due to the Winter weather. During this period, residents are expected to remain in their homes and harvest what remains of their garden, leaving only to bring these dead plants to a large compost on the outskirts of town where they are burned. They then hold another festival towards the end of Lysten called "The Blooming", in which residents frantically replant their gardens and hold a city-wide celebration welcoming Spring and the renewal of life. The Rosewater can be used to accelerate your garden's growth, but despite being plentiful and easily obtainable, many cannot make use of it because private collection of the Rosewater is illegal, and it can fetch a steep price.

Your social status in the city is highly dependent on your garden -- its aesthetics, how many plants you have, how well you maintain them. Those who can't afford a large, lush garden or who aren't skilled enough to maintain it properly are seen as lowlives and don't tend to make many friends among true believers.

Defenses

Being that Darrakeltir is not technically a member of the Synodical Republic, it does not employ "Enforcers" like every other city and town in Arak. Instead, they employ their own guard force called the Custodians. They do more than simply keep the peace -- they also enforce the Darranakar's laws and act as "morality police". It is not uncommon to find a Custodian criticizing a citizen's home garden and issuing a citation for poor maintenance, or arresting someone and hauling them down to the beach to be cleansed by the Rosewater for having committed some infraction against the doctrine of the cult. Traditional crime is somewhat scarce in Darrakeltir, and you are far more likely to see someone being arrested for crimes against the Darranakar's doctrine than for murdering someone or stealing food. They are known to be abusive and corrupt, and readily accept bribes for certain things, especially from merchants.

The city itself is located in a canyon that runs down to the ocean, and the city's buildings run along the cliff walls, as well as along both sides of the tops of the canyon. This makes it difficult to establish traditional city walls, though there are walls that cordon off the buildings on top of the canyon, which is why the Darranakar's Estate is situated atop the canyon. What the city lacks in border defense, it makes up for in natural defenses and magical ones. The city is populated by many skilled magic users who offer their services to the Darranakar to protect their home. It is rumored that there is an extensive network of glyphs hidden outside the city's borders that can be detonated should an enemy force approach.

Crime

With the unique laws governing Darrakeltir, crime in the city is different. Darrakeltir does not see as much traditional crime (murder, theft, etc) as other cities, and instead, has crimes tailored to the unique living conditions. One of the most common crimes, which receives a relatively light sentencing, is theft of Rosewater. Due to the city's requirement to grow and tend to a lush garden, which determines your social status, the Rosewater is highly desired due to its fertilizing properties, which can elevate a garden from pitiful to abundant. The Darranakar have made it illegal to collect the Rosewater privately, and it must be purchased from an approved vendor. However, as many cannot afford it, and given the large radius of the anomaly, many traverse the cliffs looking for an unpatrolled region they can go to collect it. Getting it home without getting caught, however, is another matter.

Darrakeltir is obviously a dry city, and there are no taverns to be found throughout it. However, like any city, contraband is always a problem. There are a number of speakeasies that can be found in hidden locations serving alcohol smuggled in by merchants who bribe the Custodians to look the other way -- though this doesn't always work, as some take the doctrine more seriously than others, and this can result in serious consequences. These speakeasies often also serve meat, which is a far more serious crime. There are also a handful of locations in the city frequented by those selling experimental narcotics, owing to the city's large variety of plant species that gives them many options to create new illicit substances from.

One rather strange crime is those who have a problem with another resident, rather than attacking them, will attack their gardens. It is very common for two feuding residents to attempt to set their rival's garden on fire. Though the Darranakar do not penalize someone for having their garden damaged by clear means of sabotage, it has a definite impact on their social standing. Those caught doing this are punished severely, being executed by fertilization.