Alhambara

== History ==
Alhambara was founded in 2E 1043.
== Geography ==
Alhambara is located along the Siecian coast, south of many other ports. The city encapsulates the Ora Fortunae-- Coast of Fortune, as it is called in the common tongue. The Coast is a small bay with water in poor condition from sewage. The city's location between the Cerullis and Rus rivers (and grasp of trade along the Rus, particularly) forges its geospatial advantages in trade.
The population and buildings become noticeably poorer as one ventures further into the bay. The intensity and variety of colors used on roofs and fabrics, the stunning frescoes and beautiful architecture- all contrast highly with the shanties and collapsing temporary buildings in the innermost regions of the bay. 
== Government ==
The Imperial Forum and the Siecian Greater Council dictate some of Alhambara's macroeconomic activity. Increased presence of Taurum Legionaries to keep the peace have been among the most controversial and vocalized of these policies.
For the most part, however, Alhambara has little regulation, and most decisions regarding the city are made of a coalition of merchant families and wealthy individuals.
=== Law ===
Laws are often created which perpetuate the elite status of merchants. These laws convey special advantages and privileges to those with wealth while severely inhibiting the poor. The 14-class distinction-- which stratifies Siecians by nationality, wealth, and profession among other things-- are strictly enforced and impact wide aspects of life, such as business arrangements and even intimate details such as romance. 
While these laws have been compared to Granthelia in terms of class discrimination, class does not inhibit travel throughout the city nearly as much, and the presence of federal force serves as a minor if ubiquitous check on these laws.
== Economy ==
The city competes heavily in trade with its rival Maelri. Alhambara was once said to contain as many merchant vessels and fishing boats as buildings within the city. The port sees less activity than in older times, but the volume of trade in the ports and market stalls is considerable. The city engages highly in global trade, and hosts such guilds and businesses as the Auros Trade Guild (ATG), the Ante-Copiae, and Tradewinds.
Nonetheless, the traffic from ships is so great that the mercantile oligarchy which runs the city hires a small staff to coordinate the entry and exit of boats from the bay. These cues are given by horns by daylight; by night, the lighthouses coordinate efforts. 
Category:Settlements
Category:Around the World
Category:Sies
Category:The Empire of Ulyssa