Z'Veena

A capital city. A melting pot leaning towards humans and lizard-ish folk. A technological supercenter and invention hotspot.  

Description

Sheltered in the morning shade of the mountains, Z'Veena is built on the bones of an ancient city from the Second Age. Those first exploring pioneers knew of its former glory, and sought to use the remnants of that history to their advantage. Established late in the Fifth Age, Z'veena has grown considerably in the last milennium.   Z'veena is a colorful city, the streets paved with a many-colored stones and filled with limestone and stucco buildings of various hues. Tiled courtyards filled with greenery, and sculptures of all sizes decorate the eaves and walls of larger buildings, such as in niches and decorating lintels, eaves and columns. Public spaces are often highly decorated with frescoes, murals or large mosaics, and rainbows of canopies shade open spaces from the desert sun across the city.   Heavily fortified, Z'Veena is surrounded by a heavy wall of stone with several watchtowers built along its length. The gate is double thickness and reinforced wiht metal bands. There are additional watchtowers built at varoius points throughout the surrounding countryside.   The market-square is spacious, with plenty of room for vendor stalls, however a stall may only be acquired if the vendor is sponsored by a citizen of the capital. The sponsor assumes responsibility for the vendor. The space is granted once proof of sponsorship is submitted and approved. Excess vendors are allowed to set up stalls outside the city, and the city watch patrols through regularly, but these areas themselves are less-maintained and traffic is lighter.   Water is supplied to this desert city and its surroundings by way of a series of deep wells reaching down past the sewers and even deeper than the ruins of the previous city, to a vast, underground aquifer, sealed in primal limestone and carbonate rock, which gives the city's water its distinctive mineral taste and a very slight effervescence.   Outside the capital, the surrounding lands are occupied by livestock farming, quarries, and a caravan communtiy. The capital's fundamental elements are all taken care of relatively competently, but some room for improvement still exists. Lack of resources or involvement in more pressing matters, such as external conflicts or disaster management, are possible explanations. Generally, the capital is in decent condition. While not offensive to the senses of one that is well traveled, it could sill be off-putting to those with lofty expectations. Structures may not be aesthetically pleasing, but are generally functional.

Government and High Society

Led by a meritocratic oligarchy of merchants and craftsmen comprised of leaders from each of the industries, it is well known that there is barely disguised hostility among the oligarchy. Muttering, sarcasm, and spiteful comments are commonplace among the government, but blatant actions, such as yelling or violence, does not often occur.   Z'Veena's governmental priority is economic prosperity, with the further acquisition of wealth and resources the deciding factor in matters of state. Shows of force are typically relied upon but peaceful, or, at least, agreabble resolutions are usually considered. The government of Z'veena has been successful at pursuing the city's economic prosperity, achieving several of its overall goals.   The oligarchy aspire to quality and high-functionality in their own distinguished lifestyles, but typically with little concern for needless luxury or vanity. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. Status is granted in relation to deeds accomplished, typically in relation to industry, scholarly, or technological advancements. See Z'Veena Nobility for further information on the oligarchy and other high-ranking families.   Z'Veena has an extensive city watch, run by a captain and several sergeants. All key points are thoroughly guarded. The city perimiter is patrolls constantly, and city patrols happen regularly. Most people are used to hearing about some sort of trouble every day or two. Everyone knows someone who's been a victim of a crime, either a theft or, sometimes, even a mugging, or worse. Though key members may be unknown, the presence of organized crime is common knowledge and, though it may not have been fully proved, it's clear they have a direct hand in running the capital. These criminals operate with impunity, with little fear of reprisal or repercussion, likely taking no steps to mask their presence to ensure compliance, such as with a sigil on a sealed envelope.

Community

The citizens of Z'veena believe life finds its meaning through the endless pursuit of bettering oneself, inside and out, though the seven pillars of self car: mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational, and social. This had led to both a boom in innovation and scholarly pursuits, as well as an artistic renaissance. Cultural interest is pervasive, and talk of the culture seeps into regular conversation frequently. The pursuit of self-improvement tends to dominate many aspects of daily life.   Z'Veena is filled with jostling throngs. Practically all structures are occupied. Some citizens may even camp outside the walls. Moving about can be difficult, and bumping into other people is typical is higher traffic areas. Locals actively enjoy visitors, and their culture incoporates this. Just about anyone is welcome.   When the day ends, and the heat of the desert begins to cool, Z'Veena truly comes to life. Inns and taverns have customers coming and going at all hours. Parties, and other commotion, can often be heard. One might expect things to close down after dark but, in the capital, there are locations that only open in the evenings. There is a "night market" throughout the capital, with goods, services, or curiosities of all kinds available for those who keep alternative hours (or scoff at the need for sleep).   See Guilds of Z'Veena