Zhayeria

## Overview

The city of Zhayeria belongs to the kingdom Truthia in Usratia.

Zhayeria is a large, somewhat diverse port city of merchants and trade. Being near the ocean and between the continents Usratia and Aezith (while also technically still a part of Usratia), it is well-traveled and has quite a mix of nearby races.

Zhayeria is home to the Metalhearts, an adventurer's guild doubling as a secret rebellion against the cults and evils of Tiamat and her agents.

## Zhayeria

### Races

Rashemi and Mulan humans, halflings, elves, half-elves, tieflings

### Exports

Sea salt, glass, kale, spinach, asparagus

### Economy

Wealthy (with differing socioeconomic classes)

## Location

Zhayeria is located in western Usratia, on a bit of land separated by the Chiral Sea. The shore is known as the Alligator Coast because of the jagged rocky formations that have formed nearby that resemble alligator teeth (most of which that were hammered away by human hands for save traveling of ships). Zhayeria is the starting and ending point of many trade routes, making it a popular port.

## Racial Makeup

Zhayeria is mostly made up of Rashemi and Mulan humans (two subraces of humans on Terrix). These were the original settlers of this land and still make up a very large part of the populace.

Next are wood elves, hailing from nearby secluded cities in the forests who come to make a living in a new land, and with this are many half-elves of wood elf blood.

Halflings, mostly coming from Aezith nearby, make up a lot of the merchant populace and work cheerfully alongside the rest. They make up about ten percent of the population.

Tieflings are the fourth most common here, attracted by career opportunities and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a larger, more culturally accepting city. Tieflings make up some of the merchant population, but are also quite popular in the entertainment industries as well.

Half-orcs do not necessarily live in the city as much, but they are often seen as sailors coming in and out of port. They are known by most as "sea worgs", much to their delight.

## Government and Law

The city is technically under a monarchy, but is allowed its own separate government so long as the royal laws are followed and taxes are paid. Zhayeria is run mostly by the merchant's guild and the people high up in its ranks. Notably, the heads of the guild are all humans, and it is easier for humans to climb the ranks than other races. This is a topic of some unrest and has resulted in a few protests, all of which have quickly been quashed.

The law is a simple local judiciary system. There are no lawyers, but there is a defendant who represents themselves to a jury of their peers. The judge is an elected official who oversees the proceedings.

## Economy

The city, overall, is wealthy, with an abundance of food, lodgings, and job opportunities. However, there is a distinct drop in wealth in non-human populations, and there seems to be an accepted socioeconomical status among the people that one is born into.

Being near the ocean, Zhayeria has access to seafood, sea salt, and sand, and has lands good for salt-loving plant crops such as spinach, kale, and asparagus. Sea salt and glass are main exports. Zhayeria also boasts a well-developed entertainment quarter that attracts many in tourism revenue.

## Districts and Places of Note

Housing districts are generally only made up of lodging and homes for the residents of the city. There are many neighborhoods, mainly on the outskirts of the bustling inner city.

The merchants' district contains the Merchant's Guild of Zhayeria and is home to most of the higher class shops and merchants. Here, you can find high-quality goods and services, whose trade is carefully overseen by members of the guild.

The fisherman's district is near the water where wildlife and seafood trade is regulated and watched carefully, ensuring that overfishing does not occur and that all the product coming in is fresh.

The crafters' district is near the merchants' district, though these are specific guilds and shops for special crafts and trade. Most notable in Zhayeria is the Glassblower's Crafter Guild, which guards its trade secrets jealously.

The adventering guild district is home to the Metalhearts, who offer their services mainly to merchants and people of the city who can afford them (and some who can't). They gain their revenue in part from the Merchant's Guild of Zhayeria, and profit from a small percentage of each paid quest reward their members earn.

The government and public services districts are home to the holding cells and city prison, the courts and town hall, the bank, guard barracks, watchtowers, information and services, the post office, the main city hospital, the shrines and temples of various deities (the largest being dedicated to Pelor), a soup kitchen with public housing, the cemetery, inns, taverns, and brothels.

The entertainment district includes art galleries, gambling facilities, the city library, a museum, and a music hall.