Mizar

Mizar is the rough, untamed half of the Twin-Capital, sitting across a tidal channel from its elegant counterpart, Alkor. Known for its vibrant markets, workshops, and unrestrained energy, Mizar embodies the raw, feral spirit of the Twin-Capital. Though physically connected to Alkor, it maintains a distinct identity shaped by centuries of cultural and economic divergence.

History & Development

Unlike conventional cities, Mizar was grown rather than built. Over centuries, skilled Juru artisans guided the expansion of marvel roots, a rare arboreal material that can be molded without losing strength. Through careful cultivation, these roots were shaped into buildings, bridges, plazas, and ceremonial halls. The city’s organic development has resulted in a continuously evolving, living urban environment, where structures thicken, intertwine, and shift as the roots mature.

Architecture

Mizar’s architecture reflects its feral character. Buildings feature curved façades, braided support arches, and walls of living roots that continue to grow and shift over time. Public spaces, such as bustling plazas and root-formed bridges, feel wild and spontaneous, often with multiple layers of roots interlocking into intricate but untamed patterns. Unlike Alkor, which favors symmetry and refinement, Mizar’s skyline is chaotic yet structurally sound, echoing the city’s mercantile vigor and energetic streets.

Culture & Society

Mizar is the commercial heart of the Twin-Capital. Its streets are alive with merchants, artisans, and traders selling meat, furs, and crafted goods. Taverns, workshops, and marketplaces dominate the cityscape, giving Mizar a gritty, bustling atmosphere.

The citizens of Mizar prize practical skill, resilience, and ingenuity, celebrating audacity and survival over ceremony. Festivals are boisterous, trade disputes are frequent, and life moves at a faster, more chaotic pace than in Alkor. The tidal channel separating the two cities serves as both a physical and symbolic boundary: crossing it is as much a cultural shift as a geographic one.

Relationship to Alkor
While Mizar and Alkor are part of the same metropolitan sprawl, they are regarded as distinct cities. Alkor’s refined, ceremonial lifestyle stands in stark contrast to Mizar’s raw, mercantile culture. This duality reinforces each city’s identity, creating a dynamic balance between feral vitality and disciplined elegance.