Masqutase

Masqutase is the capital of Arumelia, at least at such times that it has a national government, which wouldn't be now.
618,000 (90% Arumelian human, most of the rest being other humans with a smattering of demi-humans. Few elves.)Services: The city is the primary crossroads of the western lands, and a great number of trading families, fraternities, companies, and other international organizations are based out of this city. Some local investors and lenders have more capital than the nation itself. Many of the finest artists, craftsmen, architects, wizards, alchemists, and other specialized tradesmen can be found here. There is also several major schools and universities found in this city, including the famous Imperial Masqutase University: vast and prestigious, if a bit common.Exports: Fine jewelry is made from the abundant gems found to the south, sold throughout the Western Sphere; there is also a considerable trade in Arumelian Empire antiquities worldwide. Iron tools are made and sold throughout the region.Imports: Gems from the mining camps to the south of the nation; apples, grapes and pears from Elcrin.This old city still wears its imperial heritage like an old cloak. Grand and elaborate palaces ring the city, and the vast public works built by the emperors of old still serve the people of today. Most buildings standing today are at least two centuries old, and several thousand years of building have created a sprawling labyrinth of streets, alleys, buildings, tunnels, and walls that even the city’s public servants cannot sort out. Unfortunately, there is no orderly and sane system for basic services that those in other cities take for granted, such as water, sewage, garbage removal, fire safety, and message and postal delivery. Somehow the residents of this city take care of these vital services on their own initiative, often by using magic, bribery, and a little elbow grease. May the gods preserve this city when it gets an electric power grid.Despite the musty layers of old heritage that blankets the city, there is a fresh spirit of change blowing over the nation since the removal of the old order with its deeply ingrained traditions that served no purpose except to fulfill the political ambitions of families that had seen their best days generations ago. All the public services are in the process of reorganization, being responsible to the people of the city instead of some possibly corrupt lord.Another advantage the city enjoys is that the old Arumelian Empire built the city at the center of the empire’s extensive roadway system. Today, many of the easiest ways to travel around the Small Lands involve a trip through Masqutase, even if there is a shorter route elsewhere. The city is at the heart of the Merfates River valley, and although access to the Southern Dragon Sea to the east is blocked by Danbak Kryle (at least for the time being), the river traffic is still strong and profitable.
Category:Arumelia
Category:Cities of Ruencia