Muwatalis

*What of water? We have plenty.* - **Phrase of Muwatalis**

## City Nation of Muwatalis

The last of the major city nations to come into being, Muwatalis, exists on the coast of the eastern ocean, where the Hmadi, when full enough with water, empties. In stark contrast to the other nations of the desert, Muwatalis is a nation of the sea. Although it does not maintain a large navy, Muwatalis's primary function is to serve as guardian of the Hmadi, and all vessels which attempt to sail up the river or exit into the ocean must pass muster from the Ramaltas of Muwatalis. The city is built on either side of the wide banks of the Hmadi with an enormous fortified bridge connecting the two. This bridge also serves as a gateway for the mouth of the river. It is seen as impossible to penetrate the fortification by sea and any attempt to move up the river would first require taking Muwatalis by force. A series of arches underneath the bridge allow vessels to pass, but above each archway is an array of defenses including catapults, burning pots, and other hazards which would await anyone trying to cross beneath the bridge without permission.

As a nation connected to the sea, Muwatalis by far has the most outside contact with foreigners outside of Suppalialis on the Southern Highway. The city is well known by Arklanders who visit Muwatalis on long voyages, especially back to Montilliare or around Indagar. A massive set of stone docks exists where ships may seek shelter and enjoy the pleasant nightlife of the foreign district.

The Ramaltas of Muwatalis have always been known for their otherwise welcoming and jovial attitudes. This, however, is not meant to be mistaken for weakness. What is further well known about Muwatalis is that the Ramaltas always act in subtle ways, utilizing their networks to bring order to the city. Visited often by foreigners, the public facing of Muwatalis is considered also the public face of the Ramal Nations. Many foreign dignitaries are hosted in Muwatalis and representatives from all over the Ramal Nations also travel there to meet with them. Aside from the role Tadukhepa serves, Muwatalis is considered the foreign facing seat of the power of the Ramal Nations.

Living near the mouth of the Hmadi means that the people there also enjoy the fertile delta that the Hmadi provides. Rich farmland there easily sustains the populace, and they also have access to the sea for fishing. This level of abundance is generally unheard of in the Ramal Nations at large, and often, the people of Muwatalis are chided for their ease of life by those from other cities.

The society of Muwatalis is especially free and grateful to the government of the ruling Ramaltas. This is because Muwatalis was established as a purposeful settlement in which anyone from any of the nation cities could resettle. This created a mass migration to Muwatalis which, for most of the ancient immigrants, also created a sense of great loyalty and gratefulness. This has lasted for centuries as the Ramaltas of the city enjoys a heroic visage in the minds of the people.

Wealthy and progressive, the city of Muwatalis is a mash of architectural styles from all over the Ramal Nations and even from foreign powers. It is a sprawling city, stretching for miles into the desert around the river.

## History of Muwatalis

Muwatalis was founded in 342 AF, over two hundred years after the other city nations. Over time, as the power of the Ramal Nations grew, the loose alliance of cities came to a mutual understanding that protecting their only route to the sea could be of vital, strategic importance. This was further demanded by Shuttuhepa, whose fame and riches had grown to international levels and who did not believe that Kiyaratta could withstand a full blow invasion by any power in the world. Forcing an invading force to travel by foot over the desert was one thing, but inviting them in via river was an entirely different thing. After just having survived the War of Kings, it was decided by all the Ramaltas that the funds would be put into constructing a fortified, coastal city nation to be known as Muwatalis.

Citizens from any of the cities who could afford the trip and wanted a new start were welcome to travel to Muwatalis. When they arrived, they would discover that a lifetime of hard work awaited them in the construction of the city but also of the massive river fortification. It was over two generations that the construction was finally completed. Once established, the ruling Ramaltas held a vote whereupon a new Ramaltas was placed into power over the city with the express concern of care of the city but also of fortifying the river against naval assault.

For centuries, Muwatalis has stood as a bastion for the Ramal Nations and also as a symbol of power. Built almost entirely without the help of the Republic, the Ramal Nations all take great pride in the city that was built from nothing.

 Return to Ramal Nations Back Story

--Neil (talk) 20:34, 21 October 2016 (AST)