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|demonym = Yarmani | |demonym = Yarmani | ||
|adjective = Yarman | |adjective = Yarman | ||
|population = ~ | |population = ~30,000 | ||
|demographics = Various ancestries | |demographics = Various ancestries | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Yarma''' {{Pronunciation|YAR-mah}} is a bustling city just past the western edge of the [[Khurazar Mountains]], on the coast of the [[Gulf of Aserdus]]. Yarma is | '''Yarma''' {{Pronunciation|YAR-mah}} is a bustling city just past the western edge of the [[Khurazar Mountains]], on the coast of the [[Gulf of Aserdus]]. Yarma is an important destination or departure point for caravans along the trans-[[Sangora Desolation|Sangora]] trade routes, and the city's markets are full of goods from far away. The city is a major center of learning as well, with the [[House of Treasure]] possibly the largest library in the world. | ||
== Geography, flora, and fauna == | == Geography, flora, and fauna == | ||
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The climate of the region is warm year-round but not excessively hot. Thunderstorms are the most severe weather the city has to contend with, though these sometimes bring only lightning without rain. | The climate of the region is warm year-round but not excessively hot. Thunderstorms are the most severe weather the city has to contend with, though these sometimes bring only lightning without rain. | ||
Most of the native flora to the region are grasses, shrubs, and trees that are well-accustomed to long dry periods. Animals like elephants, ostriches, jackals, and antelopes are common, as are smaller | Most of the native flora to the region are grasses, shrubs, and trees that are well-accustomed to long dry periods. Animals like elephants, ostriches, jackals, and antelopes are common, as are smaller creatures like armadillos, foxes, and a large array of birds. Invasive ankhegs and ankhravs are a nuisance in the region, and giant basilisks can be a threat away from the city. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
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== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
Over its history, peoples of varying backgrounds and ancestries have congregated in Yarma. Today the city is highly cosmopolitan, a thriving | Over its history, peoples of varying backgrounds and ancestries have congregated in Yarma. Today the city is highly cosmopolitan, a thriving melting pot whose ancestors arrived from around the Gulf of Aserdus and across Brightmarch. Humans, dwarves, elves, gnolls, catfolk, and half-elves account for most of the city-state's population, alongside smaller minorities of grippli, gnomes, halflings, and others. Yarma is one of the few cities to have a sizable anadi population, who often find themselves far more welcome in their natural form than they might be elsewhere. | ||
While most inhabitants of the region live in the city of Yarma, small outlying towns and villages can be found on both sides of the river as well as slightly up the coast. | While most inhabitants of the region live in the city of Yarma, small outlying towns and villages can be found on both sides of the river as well as slightly up the coast. | ||
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== Government== | == Government== | ||
Yarma is a direct democracy in which every adult resident of the city can vote. Both | Yarma is a direct democracy in which every adult resident of the city can vote. Both neighborhood counselors and the overall leader of the city, known as the Grand Mayor, are elected in this manner. The current Grand Mayor is [[Lakena]], an extremely well-liked elderly gnome. Seen almost as a grandmother to many in the city, Lakena has been continually reelected almost unopposed for the last sixty years. | ||
Neighborhood counselors are responsible for managing the affairs of their respective parts of the city, everything from mediating neighborhood disputes to ensuring the distribution of food and supplies to the needy. Most counselors are respected elders who rely far more on their personal connections than on formal state institutions to achieve their goals. Similarly, rather than being an aloof administrator, the Grand Mayor is widely seen as an advisor to any residents of the city who requires assistance. Despite the size of the metropolis, Lakena has for decades maintained a policy of talking to all who seek her guidance, frequently spending twelve hours a day or more in the walking through city's markets simply conversing with anyone and everyone. | |||
Elections take place every ten years. These are not only civic affairs but celebratory as well, as they coincide with the city's Decennial Festivals. | |||
== Economy== | == Economy== | ||
Revision as of 03:23, 19 July 2022
Yarma (pronounced YAR-mah) is a bustling city just past the western edge of the Khurazar Mountains, on the coast of the Gulf of Aserdus. Yarma is an important destination or departure point for caravans along the trans-Sangora trade routes, and the city's markets are full of goods from far away. The city is a major center of learning as well, with the House of Treasure possibly the largest library in the world.
Geography, flora, and fauna
The city of Yarma is located at the mouth of the Yarma River at the point where the river flows into the Gulf of Aserdus. The river runs through a region of mostly arid grasslands, a transitional zone between the desert of the Sangora Desolation and the expansive tropical grasslands and forests of Brightmarch. The city-state controls some territory on both sides of the river, much of which has been converted into farmland and pastureland.
From the city, the peaks of the Khurazar Mountains are visible in the distance. The Yarma River flows between the farthest west of the foothills of the mountain range, but Yarma itself is located on mostly flat terrain.
The climate of the region is warm year-round but not excessively hot. Thunderstorms are the most severe weather the city has to contend with, though these sometimes bring only lightning without rain.
Most of the native flora to the region are grasses, shrubs, and trees that are well-accustomed to long dry periods. Animals like elephants, ostriches, jackals, and antelopes are common, as are smaller creatures like armadillos, foxes, and a large array of birds. Invasive ankhegs and ankhravs are a nuisance in the region, and giant basilisks can be a threat away from the city.
History
Yarma has grown slowly over the millennia, from a small village in an opportune location to a bustling metropolis.
Demographics
Over its history, peoples of varying backgrounds and ancestries have congregated in Yarma. Today the city is highly cosmopolitan, a thriving melting pot whose ancestors arrived from around the Gulf of Aserdus and across Brightmarch. Humans, dwarves, elves, gnolls, catfolk, and half-elves account for most of the city-state's population, alongside smaller minorities of grippli, gnomes, halflings, and others. Yarma is one of the few cities to have a sizable anadi population, who often find themselves far more welcome in their natural form than they might be elsewhere.
While most inhabitants of the region live in the city of Yarma, small outlying towns and villages can be found on both sides of the river as well as slightly up the coast.
Culture
Religion
Society
Traditions
Languages
Education
Architecture and urbanization
Markets
Magic
Occupations
Food and cuisine
Fashion
Travel
Government
Yarma is a direct democracy in which every adult resident of the city can vote. Both neighborhood counselors and the overall leader of the city, known as the Grand Mayor, are elected in this manner. The current Grand Mayor is Lakena, an extremely well-liked elderly gnome. Seen almost as a grandmother to many in the city, Lakena has been continually reelected almost unopposed for the last sixty years.
Neighborhood counselors are responsible for managing the affairs of their respective parts of the city, everything from mediating neighborhood disputes to ensuring the distribution of food and supplies to the needy. Most counselors are respected elders who rely far more on their personal connections than on formal state institutions to achieve their goals. Similarly, rather than being an aloof administrator, the Grand Mayor is widely seen as an advisor to any residents of the city who requires assistance. Despite the size of the metropolis, Lakena has for decades maintained a policy of talking to all who seek her guidance, frequently spending twelve hours a day or more in the walking through city's markets simply conversing with anyone and everyone.
Elections take place every ten years. These are not only civic affairs but celebratory as well, as they coincide with the city's Decennial Festivals.
Economy
The markets of Yarma are full of goods from both near and far away. The vast majority of caravans heading from Khapesh along the trans-Sangora trade routes do so with the goal of selling their goods in Yarma, and Brightmarcher merchants likewise trade their wares in the city. Yarma is the largest trade hub in the region, any many make a good living by buying and selling trade goods or offering their services to the visiting caravaneers.Template:CitiesYarma