Amanzi

There is a mix of wealthy elites, middle-class artisans, laborers, and a massive underclass of the poor, homeless, and criminal elements.

Trade: Despite the city’s decline, Amanzi remains a key trade hub thanks to its strategic location on the Pelior Sound and the Churr River. Trade routes flow through the city, and while the wealthy make fortunes on imports and exports, the common folk see little benefit, leading to severe inequality.   Black Markets and Smuggling: A thriving black market operates under the nose of the government. Smugglers use the city’s decaying infrastructure and corrupt officials to move illegal goods, ranging from stolen relics to dangerous magical artifacts. The empire’s elites occasionally dip into these markets, acquiring what they cannot through legitimate means.   Industry: To fuel the Imperial Army there are sprawling steel mills and industrial sectors on the edges of the city.

There are extensive shipyards and port infrastructure. There is also a very large industrial district to support the large Imperial Army

The Gilded Quarters (Wealthy District):

  An opulent area perched on a natural rise overlooking the sound. Here, the wealth of the empire is flaunted: sprawling estates, manicured gardens, and elite guildhalls. Towering ziggurats and domed palaces dominate the skyline, reserved for the ruling class, high-ranking military officials, and the empire's favored merchants. Magical street lamps line the pristine streets, and the air is scented with exotic perfumes from distant lands.  

The Docks (Port District):

The lifeblood of Amanzi’s economy, the Docks teem with sailors, traders, and shipwrights. Massive vessels from all corners of the continent offload exotic goods, but also desperation, disease, and illicit trade. Crumbling warehouses, sagging piers, and taverns catering to the lowest of the low are juxtaposed with a few remaining naval barracks and shipyards still funded by the empire.  

The Broken Ward (Slums):

Just beyond the docks and spilling into the heart of the city are the overcrowded and dilapidated slums. Shanties, narrow alleys, and ramshackle dwellings huddle together. The air smells of rot, sweat, and smoke. Feral children dart through the streets, while criminals and gangs control the few resources left. The city guard rarely patrols here unless they are raiding or enforcing draconian measures. Food is scarce, and disease is rampant, as the decline of the city is most evident here.   The Spirals (Middle-Class District): Nestled between the extremes of wealth and poverty, this district houses artisans, tradespeople, and minor guild members. The district is named after its coiled layout of twisting streets and concentric walls, built to protect the mid-level citizens from the chaos of the slums. The homes and shops are more modest but clean and functional. However, poverty is creeping into the area, and crime has been on the rise.   The Churn (Riverfront Markets): Along the banks of the Churr River lies a sprawling market district. Here, anything can be bought—for the right price. Goods from every part of the empire flood the stalls, but so do beggars and pickpockets. The market is infamous for its black market dealings, and the Empire’s officials turn a blind eye as long as they receive their cut. The river itself is tainted with industrial runoff, and its once clean waters are now brown and sluggish.   The Imperial Fortress (Administrative District): On a fortified island at the mouth of the Churr River stands the heart of the empire’s bureaucracy. The Imperial Fortress is a hulking, ancient structure of black stone, reinforced with modern fortifications. It houses the Emperor's palace, administrative offices, and the feared Imperial Guard. Only the elite and government workers walk these cold halls, while the impoverished masses gaze up at its walls in envy and resentment.

The Grand Lighthouse: A towering lighthouse stands at the edge of the port, guiding ships into Amanzi’s harbor. It is one of the last remaining wonders of the city’s former glory, but now, it is kept operational only by a skeleton crew and suffers from frequent outages.   The Ruined Colossus: At the city’s heart is the Ruined Colossus, a massive statue that once symbolized the empire’s dominance. Now, its upper half has collapsed, leaving only a broken husk that casts a long shadow over the city, a reminder of the empire's crumbling might.   The Undermarket: A sprawling underground network beneath the Churn, where the most illicit deals and criminal activities occur. Secret passageways connect different parts of the city, allowing gangs, smugglers, and rebels to move unseen.   The Imperial Palace:  While unaccessable for most of the population the monolith of black stone is distinct across the city.