Irikkad

"Irikkad; Alshah's paradise made real! Truly, no city on Coryphiel is it's equal in wealth and luxury" - Grand Vizier Azhilad An-Saan
Irikkad is one of the main cities of the Izir Confederacy. It is known as the wealthiest city in Izir, and likely on all of Coryphiel.
Irikkad is one of the few cities in Izir still ruled by a royal family. The current King of Irikkad, Taimur I, is possibly the richest man alive.
Irikkad is the main port city of Izir, and one of the major hubs of trade on Coryphiel, matched only by Vanh-Gu-Shei, and Erradan.
Irikkad is also the birthplace of the current major Izirian religion, the Order of Alshah.
Irikkad has a long-standing rivalry with Azakkad which goes back centuries.
The primary ethnicity of the inhabitants of Irikkad is Maranni.
=== Geography ===
Irikkad sits upon the Maranni Coast. This region is known for being a mostly dry and sandy stretch of coastline with the occasional fertile inlets and river mouths. The most prominent of these is the Bay of Kallah, beside which Irikkad sits; a haven of life and greenery among a vast arid expanse. To the East of Irikkad is the vast Zulfi-Kad Desert, a mostly dry and inhospitable region, but a valuable trade route.
=== Military ===
The Irikkaddi Gold Helms are one of the many mercenary organisations of Izir. They primarily act as a militia for the city of Irikkad, but their services are rendered across Izir. They are distinguished by their distinctive gold helmets and respendent uniform, a mark of the wealth of their home city.
=== History ===
After the first Desolation of Izir, while the Izero Empire was beginning to collapse, the Maranni sailors of the Western coast were struggling to survive. Much of Izir had become arid, food and freshwater were difficult to find. Adding to this, they were constantly under attack from the dark creatures of the Desolation, and getting no support from Izero.
==== 1. Irik the Prophet ====
It is from this point that the legends diverge. The most common story tells that Alshah himself appeared to meet a Maranni chief called Irik, and gave him a vision of paradise down the coast. Irik guided his followers to the Bay of Kallah, a large fertile river mouth, where they began to settle. After this, Irik became a conduit for the words of Alshah, and laid out rules for how their society would survive and prosper. Once the city had grown to a decent size, it was named "Irikkad", and Irik was crowned as its first king.
==== 2. Irik the Deity ====
A second version of the story tells events differently. In this version, Irik recieved his vision from Atin, god of the Sun. Like in the first version, Irik guides his followers to the Bay of Kallah, where they settle. However, in this version of the story, Irik's journey is not yet complete, and Atin guides him to leave his people and walk into the desert alone, in search of the Sunspire. Years later, Irik returns, but as a being of pure light. He is given the new name, "Alshah", and instructs his people how to run their society.