Khadarasta

**Khadarasta** - one of the major cities of Khayad, serving as it's capital and one of Eastern Thir's cultural, economic and political hubs. Known for it's unusual architecture and booming life, Khadarasta attracts visitors and tourists from all over the world.

## History

Records of first settlement in the region come from 142 3E when a castle was created by the riverside. Proving to be an important strategic location, the fort was given to Keran I, Duke of Khayad in 166 3E for his military accomplishments. Keran's Rock, as the castle came to be known, became the capital of the newly created duchy of Khayad.

Keran immediately took to expanding his new hold. He hired one of the more renowned architects and engineers in Shejarda, Assurba of Tes Ikham, to create plans for the new city and help make them reality. Assurba, being the unconventional creator that he was, decided to usher in one of his latest plans - a city made out of a few gigantic buildings, each being it's own district with stories full of homes, shops and other locales.

Keran, despite being initially sceptic to the rather weird plan, agreed to begin construction, swayed by arguments that making each district an artificial town of sorts would be benefitial to defense and administration. In just a few years, the city was finished, consisting of five completely walled off and domed districts. Keran's Rock, meanwhile, became the basis for the "Old City", the only district that wasn't completely walled off.

Khadarasta proved to be a crucial location in Giafar's Rebellion of 238 3E; Duke Giafar I operated from here, successfully pushing back a Sarid siege in 241 3E. When Giafar won and crowned himself King of Khayad, the city became the new realm's capital; even when Khayad went through crisis' and hardships, Khadarasta remained the kingdom's (and the whole subcontinent's) jewel.

## Districts

Khadarasta's districts are very distinct thanks to their architecture, as each of them (excluding the Old City) is a semi-independently functioning building that's filled with shops, homes and attractions. Built on the west bank of Ashtar, the buildings are separated by artificial canals that provide direct water access and serve as roads for a mass transit system that uses gondolas as means of transportation. Each district consists of three stories filled with narrow streets that are lined up with homes, shops and other miscellaneous locales. Besides the gondolas, citizens can also travel between districts through bridges that connect the five domes at every story.

### Gialait District

Also known as the Wanderer's District, Gialait is the southernmost district of the city and serves as one of it's three main entrances; with a part of it located in the open air, Gialait offers access to the city's stables and a gondola port that is used to travel through the city's canals.

### St. Iadet's District

St. Iadet's serves as the city's religious hub, with the Aruma Temple located on the district's top floor.

## Interesting locations

* Palace of Milk and Honey - located in the Old City, the palace serves as Khayad's Royal Family's residence and the monarch's court. Built in 622 3E by Zainab I, the palace is a magnificent work of architecture that serves as a testiment to Khayad's wealth and might.
* Keran's Rock - a remnant of the first settlement in the area and the capital stronghold of the Keranid dukes, Keran's Rock now serves as the headquarters of Khadarasta's Lord Mayor and his people.
* Aruma Temple - located on the 3rd level of St. Iadet's, the Aruma Temple is home to Estaian worship. It's also the place of residence of the religion's leader, thus serving as the religious hub of the city and the whole country.
* University of Khadarasta - found in the Aimamat District, the University of Khadarasta has a long and rich history that dates back all the way to 281 3E, when it was founded by Gathaspar I. Known for it's prowess in the study and research of especially philosophy, sahemia and fine arts, the university has been an alma mater for countless successful Khayadians.
* The Arena - located in the Thumertit District, the Arena is a grand stadium that celebrates sport, competition and healthy rivalry. People from all over the world come here to watch and participate in the Rabadiyads, month-long sporting festivals that award the hardiest of sportsmen the title of "*Rabadiya*" - "*highest champion*".
* The Jungle - a zoological garden that takes up all of Keran's District's 3rd level, The Jungle is an artificial forest that houses lush flora and diverse fauna, creating an ecosystem unique to only The Jungle.
* House of Heavens - located on the 1st level of St. Iadet's, the House of Heavens is a branch of the Aruma Temple that "deals entertainment and pleasure". All of the House's workers, ranging from jovial bards to seductive prostitutes, consider their work a religious act of bringing people pleasure which their goddess Estaia is a patron of.