Sic transit gloria mundi
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: Expand on the Qadiri.
Image Credit: Here. Map made by Valiens Nantaris
Canon: N/A.
Permission: N/A.
Links: Qadiri, Firemane Industries, First Contact, Twilight of the Goddess, The Sin of Pride, Yazgid.
SETTING INFORMATION
City Name: Zeheb.
Classification: Urban Centre.
Location: Tygara.
Affiliation: Firemane Industries, Semiramis, House Kerrigan-Alcori.
Population: High.
Demographics: Zeheb is a Qadiri city and the vast majority of its people are Qadiri. Even now the planet it resides on is still quite isolated. There is a contingent of Firemane employees, who tend to be soldiers, engineers, advisors or Firedawn aid workers. Many of them are humans or members of alien species such as Twi'leks, Zabrak, Eldorai etc. However, an increasing number of them are Qadiri. A few aliens not affiliated with Firemane have settled here. These tend to be mercenaries and technical experts who work for Semiramis. The city is not closed to off-worlders, but Qadiri are unused to aliens, so visitors may have to deal with xenophobia. However, it tends to be the consequence of ignorance and cultural misunderstanding rather than malice. On the whole, Qadiri are quite curious about the outside world and eager to learn more about it.
Wealth: Medium. Many members of the Qadiri elite lived here, but there was still a lot of poverty. The economic situation has improved due to foreign trade and investment, but nonetheless there are still significant class disparities, as Qadiri society is very stratified. Moreover the old guild system holds sway and leads to monopolistic practices.
Stability: High It is dangerous to be out at night, but otherwise daily life in the city is quite ordered, and any troubles are dealt with by the guard. Semiramis is popular and seen as a just ruler. Whether she is as incorruptible as public opinion regards her as is another question. She projects the image well and makes herself accessible for petitioners. The government is autocratic, but not a totalitarian dictatorship that seeks to mould its subjects in its image and exert total control over their thoughts and daily lives. In short, there is no surveillance state, there are no door-to-door searches and people are not ordered to wear lapels wearing the image of the sovereign. There is a city guard to keep order and an army garrison. Corruption and power struggles within the elite are issues though. The same applies to tension between those who follow the old ways and those who are inspired by the ideas from off-worlders.
Freedom & Oppression: Semiramis has cultivated an image of justice and incorruptibility. Whether she is actually incorruptible is a matter of semantics, as she has a gift for public relations. Zeheb has its own city council, but it is composed of notables such as rich merchants instead of representing the people as a whole. The Shahbânu is an autocrat who rules by the grace of the Goddess, after all. People do not live in fear of door-to-door secret searches and random secret police arrests and the city is governed by a professional bureaucracy.
Power resides in the hands of the 'right people' and the system is designed to keep it that way. This does not make it impossible for commoners to rise to high positions. Indeed, the monarchy has an interest in promoting talented commoners in the army and bureaucracy in order to check the power of the nobility. However, it is obviously a lot more difficult and reliant on patronage. Broadly speaking, citizens who just want to get on with their lives are safe to do so. However, the court is a place of Byzantine intrigue. Government officials and nobles often jockey for positions and engage in power plays. Sometimes this can get violent and spill over into the daily life of the common citizens. Merchants, craftsmen and so on are organised into guilds. These can be quite restrictive, as they establish monopolies, but also they also promote the interests of their members, give them a voice and a social safety net.
Until recently, slavery was a fact of life on Tygara and Zeheb was no exception in that regard. Firemane used a carrot and stick policy to compel local rulers to abolish slavery, with compensation for those owners who set an example and got with the programme early on. Semiramis has often defended slavery and does not quite understand why it is wrong, but was quick to embrace its abolition when the time came. The pragmatic realisation that droid labour is more efficient and that the sky people would help her move into space played a significant role in this.
Thus the slave markets have vanished and Firemane has instituted social programmes to help emancipated slaves get an education and build a new life. Firedawn provides aid to freed slaves. After all, their freedom means nothing if they are left destitue and forced to resort to banditry, a life as sharecroppers or indentured labourers. However, a number of slave-owners try to flout these new laws and hold on to their slaves in secret. The cannier ones free their servitors in name, but try to trap them in ambiguously worded, exploitative contracts. Semiramis is too smart to do that, but not all aristocrats possess her insight. Fully eradicating the institution takes time.
Description:
Firemane has established diplomatic relations with the Amikarese Empire and its ruler Shahbânu Semiramis. The relationship between both can be described as a patron-client one. Semiramis is a highly ambitious woman who was quick to jump on the bandwagon and establish an alliance with Firemane. She seeks to use the sky people to advance her people and unite the Qadiri under her rule. Modern industries have been introduced to the city to facilitate expansion and economic development. However, there are plenty of green areas to combat pollution and make efficient use of the land, such as agricultural plots within the city. The Qadiri dislike the idea of mega-cities and thus want to preserve their environment. Moving into space has relieved pressure on the city's population, making it less crowded. Zeheb is the site of many important monuments and has one of Tygara's few spaceports.
The city is well known for its markets and traders, but can also be rather dangerous after dark, though it has become a lot safer since the introduction of modern electricity. Originally Zeheb was built on the west bank, but the city has expanded to the eastern bank, moving up river slightly to aollow a two stage bridge be built on the island where the gardens are now. Both are separated by the River Oxana. The western city is considered the more prestigious because there is some higher land which is less likely to be flooded. Industry are mainly on the eastern bank.
The city has no regular walls, but the western side has walls around the citadel and there are forts along the river and on the central island. Since attack is unlikely over the trackless desert, the natives only needed to defend the river with forts and ships, and then demolish the bridge if necessary. Any ship sailing up the river can be bombarded as it goes. However, the desert areas are still patrolled by cavalry. With the help of Firemane, the Qadiri have been able to upgrade the defences of the city and give their soldiers access to more modern weapons.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The Citadel: The seat of government. The Citadel is like an acropolis, built upon an area of elevated ground, namely a rocky outcrop above the city, for the purpose of defence - and perhaps also to symbolise the elevated position of those who reside in it. Here the Imperial Palace, government buildings and temples lie. Likewise, the Anusiya, an elite bodyguard unit of Force Using warriors, have their barracks here. Unsurprisingly, this area is heavily defended.
Firemane Embassy: Firemane's diplomatic mission. Appointed by the megacorp's Diplomatic Bureau, the Firemane resident performs the duties of an ambassador and provides advice to the Qadiri government. It is located close to the Imperial Palace. Firedawn, Firemane's freedmen bureau, and the Order of Fire, its Force-using division, also have branch offices here. Firedawn is responsible for providing aid and education to emancipated slaves and helping them find employment. Several of its employees are former slaves themselves, which is helpful for their work.
Per the treaty with the Qadiri rulers, the Order of Fire has the right to recruit Force-Sensitive natives, though this is governed by guidelines. This can also take the form of an exchange programme, as young Qadiri join the group to see the stars, learn new things and enhance their skills before returning back to their people after having spent a certain amount of time with the megacorp. The embassy is guarded by a contingent of regular Firemane soldiers and Order of Fire Force warriors, who are assigned on a rotational basis. Proficiency in Zandri, the most common Qadiri language, is essential for a posting. Firemane's intelligence service is also present.
High Ziggurat of Kashara: Built in the style of a ziggurat, this building is the main temple of Kashara. The Qadiri have a henotheistic religion, so while Kashara is the supreme goddess, they acknowledge the existence of other deities. She is the goddess of the sky and the stars. The Qadiri never developed a centralised state like the Eldorai of Kaeshana, so the Shahbânu is not a theocratic ruler. Instead the Saoshyant is the high priestess of Kashara, and resides in far away Zeheb.
However, her true power varies. During the Great Schism and the Zehebian Exile of the Saoshyant, the High Ziggurat served as the residence of the Saoshyant recognised by Amikaron, as she was unable to take control of Krolis. These days are past, but the building has immense religious significance. The clergy is also very wealthy. Young Force-Sensitives who have been chosen for a life in service to the Temple are also trained here. The temple also performs a social function because several priestesses are healers and various charities are owned by it.
The original High Ziggurat was blown up by Shahbânu Mahshid, whose rule had come under attack by the faith. Several clerics and nobles perished in the explosion, including Mahshid's son-in-law, whose influence on the crown princess and links to the faith had made the Shahbânu paranoid. However, the Anusiya were outraged by this crime and removed her from power. Mahshid's daughter, hitherto a weak-willed, easily manipulated girl, took command of the situation and sentenced her mother to death.
The Gardens of Zakir: A big floating garden in the river, using some fancy Firemane tech. Semiramis is quite proud of it. Some people consider it an eyesore. It has been built using aquatic weeds as a base on which vegetables can be grown.
Takhara's Magnificent Menagerie: A zoo with a fancy name. However, it is a fun place to visit with the family. Many of the animals housed in the enclosures are native to Tygara, such as Yazgid and Ghoush. However, contact with the outside world has allowed the owners of the zoo to import off-world animals such as Cylix and Reeks. Firemane is one of the sponsors of the zoo; a portion of the proceeds is donated to environmental conservation and anti-poaching initiatives. The zoo also has a pet shop. Like on Kaeshana prior to the cataclysm, Jesters have become a popular gift.
Skydock: A sign of how far the Qadiri have come in a few years, after having spent most of their existence not knowing about spaceflight and faster-than light travel. Built with the help of Firemane, the Skydock is Zeheb's spaceport. Traffic is below that of a spaceport in the Core Worlds, but growing. It is an important place for Qadiri space exploration and colonisation efforts. Though new to the concept, the Qadiri are adapting quite well. They call space the sky-ocean, likening each planet to an island in it. This harkens back to their history as daring navigators and sailors. Security at the Skydock is up to modern standards and it is guarded by a mixed contingent of Firemane and Amikarese soldiers. The first Qadiri exploration ship was launched from here. This was a moment of pride for many Qadiri, even those who do not like Semiramis. Of course, it also gave various Qadiri rulers ample incentive to catch up.
Monument of Bashuna: A victory relief. Carved on a cliff just a few miles from the city, so travellers down the river can see it. The triumph relief depicts Amira the Conqueror's great victory over the Xioquo. Recently, a new relief has been added, depicting Semiramis' triumph over foreign raiders. Their leaders are shown prostrating themselves before the Shahbânu, who is mounted on the back of a Yazgid.
Temple of the Blessed Flames: Kashara is the goddess of the skies, but Azali is the goddess of fire, the desert and forging, and this temple is dedicated to her. According to their religion, fire and water are agents of purity. A sacred fire is installed in the temple behind an amber-tinted enclosure. Only believers are allowed to go into the sanctum area of the Eternal Flame, for it is considered holy. Non-believers can only view it from outside the glass chamber. It enshrines one of the Victorious Fires, the highest grade of fire that can be placed in an Azali temple.
The Azali practice cremation, and those believers who can afford it often turn the ashes of a loved one into a memorial diamond. Though the building is less grandiose than the High Ziggurat of Kashara, it is very prestigious and the word of the clergy carries a good deal of weight. In the case of attack, the fire magi participate in the defence of the city. The Temple also has a forge. The Force imbued items and weapons manufactured by it are highly prized by the Qadiri.
College of Enlightenment: An institution of higher learning dedicated to the pursuit and spreading of knowledge. It is a university funded and run by the government. Most of the students are scions of the upper class, though some particularly deserving commoners may receive admission. Firemane has been encouraging this through scholarships. Teaching young Qadiri about the outside Galaxy and modern technology has assumed great importance since first contact. The rector is elected by a professorial assembly and approved by the Shahbânu.
Statue of Amira the Conqueror: An equestrian statue of the founder of the Amikarese Empire. Rather than a horse, she rides a giant lizard called a Yazgid, the traditional mount of Qadiri knights. A brilliant general and warlord, she was the first to take the title of Shahbânu and found an Empire. Her deeds are the stuff of legend. Her panegyricists claim that she bested a kraken during the sack of Mansura. There is also a popular tale about her charging a dragon on the back of her Yazgid mount and stabbing it through the eye with her lance. After her death she received divine honours and was declared a daughter of Kashara. Many a Qadiri ruler has aspired to follow in her footsteps. An honour guard watches over the statue.
Baths of Jakora: A traditional Qadiri bathhouse. It is based on the same principle as the steam bath, but with a focus on the water rather than the steam. Visitors lie on the stone slab and are scrubbed for exfoliation, then massaged with oils and finally washed clean with hot water. Prayer is one of the pillars of Kashari religion, and is it is customary before prayer to perform ablution. The bath is public, but its facilities are segregated by gender. The bath provides plenty of opportunities for relaxation, wellness and the like. It is a place of recreation and social activities, including ancillary facilities such as a garden, library and reading room, food and perfume selling booths as well as a stage that accommodates theatrical and musical performances and a places for athletic competitions.
Grand Bazaar of Zeheb: The main marketplace where goods and services can be exchanged. It is permanently enclosed. A variety of exotic wares can be purchased here. A potential client can sit in front of the merchant, talk with them and have a cup of Qadiri coffee. Traders of the same type of goods, such as jewellers, seamstresses or armourers, tend to be concentrated along one road. This is supposed to provide security against theft, fire, and uprising. The goods are guaranteed against everything except turmoil. The gates are closed at night, and the bazaar is patrolled by guards paid by the merchants' guilds.
In spite of the wealth present in the bazaar, theft is extremely rare. The particularly rich can purchase Force imbued items, as this is a craft Qadiri are quite skilled in. Qadiri navigators also offer their services in a section of the marketplace. Haggling is an essential skill in this place. Customers are encouraged to spend some time in the shops, have a cup of Qadiri coffee and chat with the the merchants. The guild system provides a strong social security net for traders. In order to establish a guild, one need only have enough traders of the same good. This leads to the introduction of monopolies. However, this system has been challenged by contact with the sky people and the introduction of mercantile ethics.
Paradisos Island: The central island with a walled garden in the style of a paradise garden. It is connected to the mainland via the eastern and western bridge. The gardens are a beautiful sight to behold and attract many visitors. The Zehebians are very proud of them. It is an integral part of representational architecture, as it is seen as a metaphor for divine order. Its name expresses the notion of an earthly paradise. The Shah or Shahbânu, who claims to rule in Kashara's name, underlines this by acting as a good gardener.
Eastern City: The eastern half of the city. Originally Zeheb was built on the western bank, but it has expanded to the east over the centuries. This area is considered less prestigious than the western half, but is still pivotal. Factories and docks are major points of interest here. Since most of the industry is located in the Eastern City, it has benefited from Firemane investment and economic development. As a result, plenty of Qadiri from outside the city migrated here in search of jobs and opportunities, causing the population to swell. This has also been the cause of social tensions.
Legion of Azali Encampment: Named after the goddess of fire, the camp in the north is the main military encampment. A substantial army garrison is based here. While primarily meant to protect the city against external aggression, it can also be deployed to deal with internal turmoil. In addition to the Qadiri troops, there is a contingent of Firemane advisors.
SECURITY
High
- A strong Qadiri garrison is located in the Legion of Azali Encampment. Firemane has equipped the soldiers with modern equipment such as blasters, slugthrowers and body armour and trained them in their use. The Qadiri soldiers are equal to Sepoys in terms of training and equipment. A contingent of Firemane advisors and soldiers is also stationed here, though this force is not large. A force of Anusiya, an elite corps of Force Using warriors, guard the Citadel and the Palace. They are extremely dedicated to their duties and specialise in elemental Force abilities. There is also a City Watch, which is essentially an armed police force and mainly responsible for policing and dealing with internal disturbances, but can be mobilised against external aggressors. A large force of Sipahi is also at the disposal of the defenders. The defenders of the Citadel have access to walkers. There are also a number of fighter squadrons, which take off from the Azali Encampment. They tend to pilot X-Wings and A-Wings. Qadiri have inherent navigational skills and are very good pilots.
- It has a city grade Aspis Defence Shield to provide protection against orbital and aerial bombardment.
- The river is patrolled by Triton Surface Corvettes and Wayfarer Patrol Boats. Forts have been set up along the coast. The bridges are especially well-guarded and can be blown up if needed. A foe approaching the city on land would have to traverse the desert. The western city has walls as well as concealed Balista, Keraunos and Javelin turrets around the citadel.
- The vast majority of the city's population are Qadiri. This complicates infiltration as non-Qadiri will stick out like a sore thumb. Moreover, most of the natives do not speak Basic, which makes it more difficult for spies and infiltrators to pass. Few outsiders will know Zandri or any of the other Qadiri dialects, after all.
Unlike their Eldorai cousins, the Qadiri have never formed a centralised state united under one leader. Instead they are split into a variety of monarchies, theocracies and even republican city-states. Amikaron has always been the greatest of them. This loose federated Empire founded about 1000 years before the present by the brilliant general and warlord Amira I. She was the first to take the title of Shahbânu and found an Empire, though after its death many of the frontier regions slipped away. After many wars and struggles the current empire began to emerge, though attempts to centralise imperial authority would remain a bone of contention between the crown and its vassals.
Zeheb was founded during the reign of Amira, but not the first capital of her realm. Originally, Mansura was the capital city. However, it was sacked and destroyed by the Xioquo, the arch-enemy and rival of the Qadiri. Though far less numerous than the Qadiri, they possessed more advanced technology and were gifted in the dark arts. Realising that she needed a location that was more easily defended, Amira moved the capital up river to this more defensive position. Thus Zeheb came into being as a planned city fit to house the seat of government.
Originally built on the west bank, the city expanded to the eastern bank, moving up river slightly to allow a two stage bridge be built to the island where the gardens are now. The western city was considered the more prestigious because there is some higher land which is less likely to be flooded. The city had no regular walls, but the western side had walls around the citadel and successive rulers set up forts along the river and on the central island. As a result, Zeheb never fall to assault, despite the best efforts of Xioquo raiders and rival Qadiri rulers. However, mutinous mercenaries once sacked the eastern side when they had not been paid.
While Shahs and Shahbânus ruled by the grace of the Goddess, in practice their reign was always a delicate balancing act, as their realm was a loose confederation. Over time a class of merchants evolved in the city, competing with the traditional institutions of nobility and temple. Guilds were formed to represent their interests, acquiring a controlling stake in the city's economy.
To guard herself against rivals and assassination, the first Shahbânu created an elite bodyguard unit called the Anusiya, a corps of Force Using warriors loyal to her person and the throne. This institution was retained by her successors and soon copied by other Qadiri rulers. Of course, there were times when the Anusiya played kingmaker. This has led to accusations of disloyalty, though the Anusiya would claim that they are true loyalists, serving their master or mistress faithfully as long as they prove themselves worthy of the throne that has been entrusted to them.
For a while, Zeheb hosted the high priestess of Kashara. A Saoshyant who was unable to find acceptance in Krolis, the holy city of the Kashari, moved her court to the High Ziggurat of Kashara in Zeheb. The absence from Krolis is sometimes referred to as the Zehebian Exile or, more negatively, Captivity. Meanwhile, a group of Krolian clerics elected their own Saoshyant, who promptly excommunicated. The schism worsened when another Counter-Saoshyant was chosen in Khawjari.
Adira III tried to end the schism her favour by invading Krolis to put a puppet in power. It was her goal to centralise royal power in Amikaron and expand it. Her professional army, supplemented by feudal levies and mercenaries, was able to prevail in battle and take Krolis. However, the subsequent sack of the city was a cause of great embarrassment for her and only harmed her cause. She was met with rebellion, war and eventual assassination for her efforts.
More recently a minor civil war was fought outside the city. Semiramis, Shazadi (crown princess) of the empire had to claim the throne with fire and blood after the death of her mother Adira IV. The queen had sent her daughter to Mansura to oversee tax collection and learn about governance. However, while she was gone, the Shahbânu died. A cabal of nobles staged a coup to put Semiramis' cousin Jaamini on the throne. Assassins were dispatched to kill Semiramis.
The assassins almost managed to kill the Shazadi aboard the ship she was on. However, Semiramis and her personal slave and confidante Bashriya managed to escape. Shipwrecked, they had to seek shelter with a peasant family. When the pair finally reached Mansura, Semiramis found an ally in Satrap Ardashir. With his support, as well of that of mercenaries attracted by the promise of plunder and titles, she marched on Zeheb. Her forces met Jaamini's army halfway. The battle was fought just to the south of Zeheb and on the western shore. Semiramis' bravery and a well-timed cavalry attack by Ardashir led to victory.
Jaamini fled but was betrayed and murdered by her allies. Semiramis had the traitors beheaded and gave her cousin a proper burial. Only a few months were required for her to cement her rule. As discussed elsewhere, Semiramis also had to fend off an attack by foreign corsairs. These raiders used blasters and starships, both unknown to the Qadiri. However, after an initial defeat the desert elves were able to ambush and slaughter the slavers. Semiramis' bravery in defeating the alien invaders won her high praise. However, the space people soon returned. This time, not all of them came with malicious intent. A corsair space fleet was routed by Firemane and Levantine Sanctum forces, who proceeded to free the captives.
Semiramis initiated negotiations with these sky people, realising that they were not gods or demons, but mortal beings like her. A delegation composed of Director Tegaea Alcori, Jedi Master Coci Heavenshield and Exarch Coryth Elaris along with their retinue was invited to the city. There, Semiramis tried to charm the sky people, realising that they could be an asset to her cause. Having noticed that they found slavery to be abhorrent, she proved open-minded about the issue.
However, her Vizier considered them to be foreign invaders and tried to poison the delegates. The discovery of her scheme led to a heated confrontation. Tarissa Cadalthor, a peer of the Eldorai Matriarchy and the recently arrived Eldorai representative, faced the Vizier in a trial by combat and managed to prevail. A brief battle ensued as the Vizier's supporters attacked, but they were killed by the outsiders and Semiramis' loyalists.
Subsequently Semiramis signed a treaty with Firemane. Firemane troops helped her forces repel a Xioquo attack on Mansura and then seized one of the dark elves' island bases. The megacorp built an embassy. As the Eldorai settled on the northern continent and Firemane established outposts on the planet, Zeheb's population swelled, though it would eventually return to its original size. Eventually the city also reaped the benefits of economic development and new technologies. However, the autocratic regime remained in place. Firemane has sought to promote good governance, but it would go against their interests to foment revolutionary upheavals. When alliance forces conquered the Underealm and defeated the Xioquo, it was a cause of great celebration in the city.
Years later the major rulers of Tygara convened aboard the Arx Aeternae. There it was decided that the elves would move into space to go off and colonise. This was motivated bya sequence of galactic crises and the downfall or dissolution of several galactic powers. Firemane, the host of the conference, agreed to provide technical support, know-how and ships, and got concessions in return. One of the major consequences was the abolition of slavery, which had significant repercussions for daily life in Zeheb.
Firedawn set up an enclave to provide aid to emancipated slaves. Moreover, the city got its first spaceport. Recruiting began among the more adventurous Qadiri of the city, as the desert elves took their first steps into space. This migration led to a reduction of the city's population, which made it less crowded. It has also had the beneficial effect of removing some of Semiramis' enemies, as they have been given a chance to move into the stars. Zeheb entered a period of transition, with pre-modern aspects co-existing with modern innovations. The Shahbânu was supportive of the space exploration efforts, desiring to set up colonies for herself. To this end, she acquired her own worldship, the Jewel of the Void.
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