Mashriq
| Mashriq | |
|---|---|
 City's crest or map | |
| City Information | |
| Realm | Najjir |
| Province | Eretz |
| Population | Unknown |
| Established | Unknown |
| Currency | None |
| Government | Emirate |
| Head of State | Malik Dynasty |
| Religion | Primarily Menxism |
Origins & History
Sitting on a superb harbor on the Eretz Peninsula, Mashriq is Najjir’s largest port, receiving ships from Taraja, Mwayambi and the Orient. Control of international trade and its merchant navy make Mashriq a domain to be reckoned with. Despite this, neighbors have invaded frequently over the centuries, like in the Twilight War with Qarsythe and the Uratjubin-Mamysh conflict.
Mashriq and its inhabitants are known for their cosmopolitan nature, and the city is home not only to native Najjiri and Shushan, but also to foreign nationals, be they merchants, foreign dignitaries, or outright immigrants. The reigning Malik dynasty has seen to the beautification of Mashriq through a series of public-works projects. These have resulted in a new arena of competition for the resident mercantile clans, as wealthy families attempt to outdo others through glorifying their native cantons of the city. Shipping guilds of the merchant houses of Jubayiir, Nizari and, until recently, Bal-Hassan dominate the Mashriqi economy through their control of the ocean trade lanes. Over the past ten years, however, their power began to slip as Berjeron foreigners began to assert themselves in the harbor.
Government
Mashriq is an Emirate, currently ruled by the Malik dynasty.
Layout & Architecture
The harbor city is shaped like an amphitheater, sloping gently towards the sea. The bazaar, which happens in the middle of the city, is one of the largest marketplaces in the land.
Laws & Customs
Groups of Interest
The Malachite Healers: A mysterious sect of healers, herbalists and physicians who are often seen wearing malachite-green robes. They often provide “social services” – healing the sickly and injured free of charge. Who funds them and what their motives are remains unknown. The Menxist church distrusts them but they are very popular among the poor.
The Ak’Halat Bil Pirates: The islands just north of the Eretz hide several pirate strongholds from which the Ak’Halat attack the lucrative Mashriqi shipping. To date, the navy has been unsuccessful at dealing with them as the pirates tend to melt away from direct confrontation and strike from a different angle.