Embedded Files
"Like many places and people who find wealth too quickly and too easily, Jemenda has grown beyond its ability to understand that which makes it great. It thrashes violently, breaking here, overcorrecting there, seeking that greatness by any means, but understanding little of how to achieve it. The result is a city that is ever-changing in service of a race it cannot win. Where lies the finish line? Beyond gold and beyond glory there lies only the acceptance that one must be happy. And the people of Jemenda simply cannot be content with such a thing. " - from the memoirs of Lewin Von Treet, Vault: the Land of Stuff and Things
City Description
City Description
The jewel of the desert, Jemenda is by far the wealthiest city in all of Vault. The palaces built within its walls are the very picture of opulence, and even the poor and destitute of the city, by their standards, live well. This great wealth was a result of the early settlers of Jawhara using their wit and courage to obtain the metal known as "tungsteel." This alloy is not naturally occurring, and cannot be found anywhere else in all of Vault. Millions of shards, plates, links, and jagged, broken pieces can be obtained if one is brave enough. These piece of metal were reformed and reshaped into whatever the people of Jemenda desired. Tungsteel is an incredible conduit for force, both arcane and mundane, and through its power the city was built. Throughout all of Jemenda, one can see the influence of tungsteel, but perhaps nowhere moreso than its incredible wealth.
From the ship lifts of Sophivitas, to the floating citadel of Dragon Watch, and even the Aquara of Trine, tungsteel is used to enable feats of magic in architecture in a way that will endure beyond the life of those who build with it. It is due to this that Jemenda had grown so wealthy in so short a time. For only the people of Jemenda hold the secrets of harvesting tungsteel effectively. Fury dancing.
The location of Jemenda is also no accident. It was built around a once meager spring of water, a small pool at the base of the mountains guarded by a jealous water elemental. The founders of the city, in a tale that is legend to the people of Jawhara, befriended this elemental by heaping praise upon it, playing to its ego, and eventually gaining its trust. The water elemental is now known as Wadūd, and it is something between a mascot for the city, and its greatest celebrity. That once meager pool has now grown to a bursting spring that brings life to all of Jemenda, and many others across Jawhara. Wadūd's gift is the second most profitable export from Jemenda, and Wadūd revels in the fact that it is responsible for such things. The people love Wadūd and it loves the people.
Those people are lead by the Seven High Viziers of Jemenda, high mages who are each as powerful as they are power-hungry. The careful balance of power within the council of the Seven Viziers both maintains the incredible growth of the city, and threatens its constant downfall through their scheming and treachery. To this day, however, their influence has only benefited Jemenda, and it would seem their politics makes for good business.
The Seven High Viziers of Jemenda
The Umbral Lamp oversees the realms of espionage, intelligence, and shadow operations within the city and abroad. Considered a necessary evil, illusion is their primary magic, and they use it to enforce a silent justice within Jemenda.
The Silver Hand oversees the city's commerce, trade, and finance. They are the driving force of Jemenda's wealth, and use transmutation magics to maintain the city's position. Sometimes unpopular due to fluctuating taxes and tariffs, their efficacy cannot be denied.
The Rune Hammer oversees the city's infrastructure, as well as the forging and construction of Jemenda's many goods. Tungsteel falls into their domain, and so much of the power of Jemenda is held with their grasp. Their domain of magic is one of fire and fabrication.
The Azure Stream oversees the agriculture and water distribution in the city and throughout Jawhara, and is also the maintainer of good relations with Wadūd and Al-Baraka. They are popular among the people, and the Vizier most often seen about in the city, using their expertise in restoration magics.
The Ivory Scroll oversees the law, archives, and all judicial matters within the city. They use the magics of divination to settle disputes between merchants, oversee criminal trials, and arbitrate with powerful houses. They are often associated with the Damiyat, and they are a known lover of all things historical.
The Woven Thread oversees the culture, arts, and recreation of Jemenda. It is rumored they use enchantment magics to hold sway over public opinion, but they are so skilled at providing the people of Jemenda what they desire, it rarely is leveled as an accusation.
The Stellar Clock oversees the magic, adademia, and research institutes within Jemenda. They are skilled in all magics, and regulates the use of powerful magics in the city. Their wisdom is often consulted in
City Landmarks
City Landmarks
The Sand Shapers - the mages known as Shapers are adept at creating beautiful imagery out of the sands of Jawhara. Whether putting on an immersive show where the audience can take part alongside the sand-built actors, or using faerie lights and sand to conduct a nighttime spectacular above the rooftops, the Shapers bring the sands to life, and many of those Shapers visit Old Anima for training in such things.
People of Note
People of Note
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse