Encentrem

Encentrem is the capital city of Shini-O, the Shining Fair of Humanity. With a population nearing 80,000 people, it is the largest city in the Southlands, with a documented history dating back more than 1,000 years. It is home to the Royal Family of Shini-O, as well as some of the oldest standing buildings in the world.   Early History     The earliest known habitation of Encentrem is that of a war camp used during the Century Conflict between the ancient tribes of the Southlands. Following the defeat of the Mocollom army by the Shini-in and O-Kareo tribes, that war camp was expanded into a jointly-ruled settlement as a sign of peace between the two victors. This became known as Shini-O, a portmanteau of the most impactful parts of the tribes' names ("Shini" meaning "Of the Sun" and "O" meaning "One, Singular"). With time, Shini-O became an independent city state, declaring independence from the two tribes that had created it.   City State Period and Michel Rolanda     Shini-O existed as an independent city state, powerful enough to repel multiple invasion attempts, for 176 years. During this time, it was ruled by the Encentrem, a council made up of influential citizens of the city. The head of a local family of magicians, Michel Rolanda, joined the Encentrem near the end of this period and used the political process of the council to assume power as a local king. Rolanda began a campaign of influence, using magical and mercantile efforts to develop political control over the tribes around his land. As this campaign continued, Rolanda symbolically began referring to all of the land under his power as Shini-O, as if the city itself had expanded. The original city became known as Encentrem, being the seat of political power that it was. It was this original grab for power by Michel Rolanda that marked the turning point towards the Kingdom of Shini-O as known today.   Today     Encentrem remains the capital city of Shini-O, and has gained a reputation as a traditionalist, cosmopolitan city.  It's nickname as The Shining Fair of Humanity comes from its "open gates" policy and its welcoming attitude towards Nomads, a feeling not always shared so easily by other major cities.  As such, its major thoroughfare of the Keb Esef is legendary, due to the wide range of people, languages, and cultures that can be witnessed and seen on its cobbles.     The royal family, currently of the Feraol dynasty, maintains a residence within the city limits.  Major governmental decisions continue to be made within the walls of the city, and there are a number of state-operated facilities dedicated to training employees of the government's military and domestic positions.