Basir 20th, 242 AC

  The bustling jungle metropolis of Zahl'ir, known as the City of Thorns, has been a melting pot of cultures and trade for centuries. However, recent events have stirred up tensions among its diverse inhabitants, threatening to tear the city apart at its roots.
  The Haris al'Ard, a nomadic tribe that has lived in the surrounding jungle for generations, has long been at odds with the wealthy and powerful Cartel. The Cartel has taken over vast swathes of the jungle, converting them into lucrative plantations for sugarfruit and crimson resin. The Haris al'Ard accuse the Cartel of destroying their ancestral lands and disrupting their way of life.
  Recently, the Fursan Alfajr, commonly called the Dawn Riders, a group of religious zealots who claim to maintain balance between good and evil in the world, have become embroiled in the conflict. They have established a temple-fort on a high branch overlooking the city, claiming it as their spiritual home and vowing to protect the citizens from harm.
  However, their intervention has only served to further escalate tensions between the Haris al'Ard and the Cartel. The Cartel sees them as meddlers who threaten their control over the city, while the Haris al'Ard view them with suspicion, believing they could be manipulated by either side.
  The situation is further complicated by rumors of hidden agendas and ancient prophecies involving Zahl'ir. Some believe that beneath the banyan tree that forms the core of the city lie vast treasures or magical artifacts that could tip the balance of power. Others speculate that Zahl'ir itself is somehow tied to a prophesied battle between good and evil forces that will determine the fate of all worlds.
  As tensions rise and tempers flare, fears grow that Zahl'ir could descend into chaos or even war. The Dawn Riders remain steadfast in their resolve to maintain balance within the city, while both sides continue to amass forces and weapons in preparation for what many fear could be an inevitable confrontation.
  In an attempt to diffuse the situation, representatives from nearby kingdoms and even the Third City itself have been called upon to mediate negotiations between the warring factions. However, with each side entrenched in their own beliefs and interests, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will prove successful in bringing peace back to this once-vibrant jungle metropolis.
 
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