Karduniash

Karduniash is the capital city of Babilim and one of the largest cities in the entire Dead Sands region. Located on the coastline of the prosperous Fertile Crescent province, it benefits from plentiful resources and prosperous trade. As well as being a major trade city, it is also a scientific and cultural centre, with many scholars from all over Magnula visiting for both work and leisure. Despite a period of Ashuri occupation, Karduniash has continued grow effectively from the moment of its foundation, and seemingly continues to do so today.
Being such a large and thriving city, Karduniash is also the home for a large variety of landmarks. The Hanging Gardens, for example, are said to be one of the greatest feats of architecture in known history, and is a popular site for people poor, rich and everything in-between. It is also home to a variety of libraries and academies, further cementing the cities reputation as a scientific centre.
== Characteristics ==
=== Geography ===
Karduniash, like so many Carrion cities, is built on and around the southern coastline. As well as the sea, the city is constructed around the mouth of the Nyami River, which provides travellers with easy access to Babilim's inland areas. Road access into and out of the city is controlled via several layers of defensive walls, with the wondrous Walls of Karduniash being the most famous. The outermost layer of walls has a total of eight main gates.
The many routes of transport out of the city means that people can get to many different places from Karduniash. Through the sea, many other cities from many other kingdoms can be reached, all across the world. However, more locally, one can travel up the river or take the roads north to eventually reach the town of Agade. To the west, one will venture across savannah plains until they cross the border into the Scaled States. And to the east one will see the land dry out before reaching the lands of Ashur.
=== Demographics ===
As a cultural and scientific centre, Karduniash is home to a large variety of different peoples. As well as the usual populations of Carrionites and Gnolls, there are large populations of Imperials, High Elves, Centaurs, and Demi-Humans. This is also a popular beginning point for Lizardmen embarking on pilgrimages or rites of passage, as it is a major population centre that is within a reasonable distance to their borders. There are also decent populations of Minotaurs and Orcs, who are often hired as protection either for or against poachers.
=== Economy ===
Karduniash's economy is built on two primary privileges. First, it's status as a scientific and cultural centre. This brings in tourists and academics which, in turn, brings spending, foreign goods, and tax revenue. Second is it's massive trade influence and control over the Fertile Crescent province. This fact also brings in foreign goods which can be bought and traded but, in addition, makes the city attractive to foreign investors and merchants. Babilim is able to trade many of the plentiful goods it can obtain from its abundant lands with these visitors. Popular goods for trade include grains, from Babilim's farms, various oils, and precious stones - with lapis lazuli being a particularly popular commodity.
=== Culture ===
Karduniash is considered a major cultural centre, and not without reason. It is a vibrant city, full of architectural feats and artistic wonders. The Hanging Gardens, for example, are believed by many to be one of the most beautiful constructions in the known world. Babilim's wider dedication to its history and laws are also reflected in its culture, with the Law Stele standing stone being a notable example of this.
Karduniash, in particular, has also had a large impact on the wider cultural world, especially art. Many artists from across the world have created masterpieces depicting this city, ensuring that even if Karduniash itself were to disappear, its legacy and legend would live on indefinitely.
== Layout ==
=== Notable Locations ===
* Hanging Gardens - built on the city’s coast, the Hanging Gardens are a series of tiered platforms containing all manner of shrub, tree, and vine. It is said that, from a distance, the gardens resemble a large green mountain and are widely considered one of the greatest architectural feats in history.
* Law Stele - erected in a public square, this 7 foot standing stone is built to resemble an index finger. It celebrates the establishment of the ‘fundamental laws,’ with the tip depicting the monarch handing justice to their subjects. Text below the image describes these laws, so that all can know them.
* Walls of Karduniash - though Karduniash has several rings of walls, it is the first layer that bears this name. It is said that this protective structure is 25 feet thick and towers 320 feet over the city. With some 250 towers of extra defence, the walls are believed by many to be near-impenetrable.
* Ziggurat of Su-Abu - though the pyramid-like ziggurat is more commonly associated with the Ashuri State today, the Ziggurat of Su-Abu is believed to be the first one ever constructed. It was built in honour of the titular Su-Abu, the first king of Babilim, and now acts as a tomb for their remains.
== Trivia ==
* Karduniash is inspired by the city of Babylon, capital of the Babylonian civilisation. 
* Many of the city's landmarks also reflect real-life counterparts. The Hanging Gardens are, as you might guess, based on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon whilst the Walls of Karduniash are inspired by Babylon's allegedly impenetrable walls - with the Ishtar Gate being a visual inspiration.
* The Law Stele is inspired by the Code of Hammurabi, a Babylonian legal text that is considered one of the earliest and most important legal codes ever created.