Lefkosia

Ships sail towards Lefkosia's harbour

Lefkosia is the capital of the Kingdom of Citium and a major port city for the western kingdoms of the Dead Sands. The city is located on the southern end of the island of Citium, just off the coast of the Fertile Crescent province. Lefkosia is mainly known for its important role in regional and overseas trade. As a natural extension of its oceanic fixation, Lefkosia is also known for its naval defences and powerful fleet, manned by marines specially-trained in the art of boarding and amphibious assault.

As well as its naval might and importance in trade markets, Lefkosia is also an important city of port for overseas travellers. Travelling merchants, academics, adventurers, and others will all likely stop here as they travel between the continents. As a result of this, the city contains a large variety of inns, taverns, and other buildings suited for travellers. The Great Inn is especially famous, in large part due to its size and beauty.

## **Characteristics**

### **Geography**

Lefkosia is constructed on the southern part of the island of Citium, also called Teardrop Island due to its shape. This island itself is located just off of the coast of the Fertile Crescent province, in the western parts of the Dead Sands. There is no bridge or causeway connecting Citium to the mainland, and so the only way to travel between the two is by ferry.

With Citium not being a particularly sizable island, there are few locations of note on Citium itself. If one was to take the various roadways leading out of Lefkosia, they would find little more than the various fishing villages that dot the coast, as well as maybe a ruin or two. It is the sea lanes that are of particular note. From Lefkosia, travellers can take a ship to practically any major port in the known world. Handelburg, Ptra, Troyes, and more can all be reached through Lefkosia's sea lanes.

### **Demographics**

As an important naval city, Lefkosia is home to a large variety of different peoples. However, these peoples are often temporary residents, travellers and merchants and the like. In terms of permanent residents, Lefkosia has what many might expect. Sizable populations of Carrionites, Gnolls, and Humans all live in the city. However, there is also a large populations of High Elves as well, no doubt a result of Citium's close cultural relationship with their race.

### **Economy**

Lefkosia's economy mainly revolves around its importance in maritime trade. It's role as a prosperous trade port means that both the state and its citizens are able to acquire vast wealth - the state through import taxes and the citizenry through direct trade. Unfortunately for the kingdom, geography limits Citium's ability to create its own exports. The rocky terrain is not suitable for widespread agriculture and there are few major resources for them to exploit. Nevertheless, the citizens of Lefkosia are still able to create their own goods to trade - with fishing and the spice trade being the main two local industries.

### **Culture**

Like the rest of Citium, Lefkosia's culture is particularly unique when compared to other Carrion Kingdoms. Instead of being slight variations of traditional Carrionite culture, Citium's culture is a blend of these old traditions and the influence of High Elven culture. This creates a particularly unique fusion that is not seen anywhere else in the world.

Lefkosia, in particular, is known for its art. More specifically, this art is often a fusion of traditional Carrionite stone-carving and High-Elven painting and pottery. Lefkosia's musical scene is also renowned, with public performances incorporating traditional Carrionite instruments alongside High Elven ones and, sometimes, instruments from other countries to.

## **Layout**

### **Notable Locations**

* **Great Inn -** the largest caravansary on the island, it is the most popular resting point for merchants and travellers from overseas. Leaning into this status, the Great Inn’s complex also hosts cafes, artisan shops, and even shrines dedicated to the Imperial and High Elf sea gods.

## **Trivia**

* Lefkosia is inspired by the city of Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus.
* The Great Inn is inspired by the Büyük Han, a large caravansary that was built by the Ottomans after the conquest of Cyprus. Today, the building is an arts centre.