Rakuul Cities of Repute

**Kirami Sands**

Aht’Kiram - The Capitol of the Rakuul Judicature, Aht’Kiram is the diamond in the rough of desert cities. The great lake Pani Hagava that Aht’Kiram rests on supplies the city with irrigation, drinking water, fish, and transport.  The waters are fed by the mountain-born rivers of Volkyr’s Run and the Dus’hina.   Aht’Kiram’s design was created around the idea of thwarting siege weapons.  Four walls make up the borders of the city, the most exterior wall being the main defensive wall, the remaining three are built as fail safes for the main wall. An attacking army would need to have four times the necessary ammunition for siege weapons, and since Aht’Kiram is in the middle of a desert, viable resources for such weapons would have to be hauled and obtained from hundreds of miles away.  The walls also divide the city into convenient districts, the outermost tailored for commerce and production, the innermost for the needs of the Royal Throne.

Mila'Cakki - For centuries this city has relied on the Pani Hagava lake for fish and fresh water, making it a boon of crops and fish fare in an otherwise dry and hostile environment, and is devoted to keeping Aht'Kiram a thriving capital.  Being quite lower in population in Aht'Kiram, the farmers of Mila'Cakki regularly have a surplus of goods that they keep on call for any city that may be suffering a shortage of food.  Mila'Cakki also has a school of combat and barracks of able-bodied soldiers who are tasked with protecting the city as well as being reinforcements for Aht'Kiram if a siege caused by hostiles took place.  Since this city has historically put Aht'Kiram first before itself it has earned the honorable nickname of 'the Judicature’s Shoulders'.

Jharifula - Jharifula is considered the reception city of foreigners as it lays on the main road to Aht'Kiram.  Daranen and Stihlish diplomats journeying to Aht'Kiram will often make a stop in Jharifula to stock up on water and other supplies, and a night of fun and rest before traveling through the Kirami Sands.  The Judicature may have stern laws, but they do know how to entertain guests; brothels, taverns, inns, game houses, even a horse racing track with betting can be found in Jharifula.  There is also a stunning exhibit containing examples of the types of flora and fauna that can be found in Rakuul (this doubles as entertainment and education in hopes that foreigners pay attention to the plethora of things that can kill them in this country.).

Gaha Jalakana - Surviving off of the Tulana river, Gaha Jalakana is a simple and devout city in the Kirami Sands.  Pottery is the major export of the city thanks to the abundance of mud and clay around and in the Tulana river.  Various animal skins, primarily reptilian, are also high demand commodities produced by Gaha Jalakana.

Ata'Dhara - The city of Ata'Dhara is settled close to the banks of the Tulana river, which is a wonderful source of fresh water, however it is not the only source, as the city is settled on an oasis with an aquifer that supplies cool, refreshing, mineral enriched water.  Because of this rare natural occurrence Ata'Dhara brings many tourists from around the Judicature where a spa inn is available to all seeking some refreshing relaxation from the hot sands of the desert.

Khasta'Hava - At the base of the Tulana Highlands, just some miles from the Kirami Sands lies Khasta'Hava.  The surrounding area is of hilly terrain with a cross between grass patches and dirt. Khasta'Hava isn't much cooler or more humid than the cities in and around the Kirami sands, but its fertile soil allows for simple grasses and plants for livestock to feed on, making it an effective community of herders and leather tanners.  Khasta'Hava also has the oldest tradition of fletching, bow crafting, and archery created in Rakuuli history.  Some of the first masters were trained by the elves of Ma Zilezta in this city.  Bowmasters carry and pass the traditions down from generation to generation.

Sadvaru - On the north eastern banks of the large lake, the Great Adhara, is the city of Sadvaru.  A lot of goods imported from Daran destined for Aht'Kiram are shipped via sea to Har'Apahari, then transported via ground to Jhila'Bara.  From Jhila'Bara the imported goods are ferried across the Great Adhara to Sadvaru and are then processed to be distributed throughout the country.  Sadvaru is equally integral for shipping of exports to Daran as well resulting in a high population due to the availability of honest work.

Jhila'Bara - Sister city to Sadvaru, Jhila'Bara is just as large, prosperous, and necessary to Rakuuli commerce.  The biggest difference this city has to Sadvaru is the surrounding terrain that consists of wetter lands and forests allowing for lumber production for domestic and international trade.  There is a Temple of Utri located in the city limits where annual sacrifices of food and livestock are made in respects to the God of the Hunt for allowing them to cultivate the lands for their needs.  The rituals also have mass plantings of trees to replenish the forests Jhila'Bara cuts down.

Bhija'Jarha - The Creeping Vinelands is a curious region of land within the Judicature.  It stands out as the only jungle south of the Aht'Debata mountains and the foliage grows at a rapid rate.  Within the jungle is the temple city of Bhija'Jarha.  Comprised of a large ziggurat made of carved stone this massive structure contains many chambers and halls, making it an effective place to house a decent population.  The deepest chamber of the ziggurat contains a massive shrine depicting Aurelia the Goddess of Rebirth with outstretched arms.  Small natural waterfalls flow from above and off of the hands of the statue. A devoted clergy maintains both shrine and ziggurat and has its own garrison of elite Rakuuli guard to preserve the shrine.  Rakuuli scribes believe the structure to have been constructed by the prime elves.

**Aht'Debatan Territories**

Vapari Sa'Nakta - High in the mountains is the mining city Vapari Sa'Nakta.  Rugged and hardy, the people of Vapara Sa'Nakta work quarries and mines to collect much needed resources for the Judicature.  Near the city is an abandoned dwarven fortress that buries deep into the mountains.  Inside this fortress the Trials of the Abhi'Raksaka take place.  Those aspiring to be a member of the sacred guard that protects present and future kings and queens of Rakuul train here.  Men and women are tested mentally and physically and are trained in varying types of weaponry and the regional (and brutal) martial art of Rakuul: Sirtan Bhanka (Body Break).  It is common for an initiate to die during training.  The deaths are acceptable to Rakuuli standards and bear no shame, for it is believed that the individual returns to Vaath for further training and, when ready, are born again to try for Abhi’Raksaka once more.

Hakhim's Pass - The Rakuuli hero known as Hakhim was one of the richest men of his time and a grand explorer sanctioned by the Sata Rani Rakuul herself.  After traveling through the Aht'Debata passes several times, he grew weary of the treacherous route and called audience with a settlement nearest the other side of the mountains.  This settlement (once located where Crook's Rest now stands) was offered exclusive Rakuuli trade rights and compensation for aid and permission to work on a tunnel through the Aht'Debata mountains.  At first he was laughed at. Through his travels Hakhim acquired a unique retinue and when he presented two dwarves in front of the leaders of the settlement, who explained how the project will be accomplished, they agreed to the deal.  After three years of hard labor on both sides of the mountains and dwarven ingenuity, Hakhim's pass was created.  The tunnel is a straight shot from one end to the other, and is wide enough for fifteen men to walk through comfortably side-by-side.  In the present, the pass is still used and well cared for by the Judicature, and The Daran Republic has also taken on some of the financial responsibility to keep the Pass in great repair.

Rogi'Akha - A sacred tower far in the mountain ranges, Rogi'Akha is where ancient monks of pre-Rakuul isolated themselves for generations and created the martial art of Sirtan Bhanka.  It is considered a holy place and many seeking spiritual enlightment will make the harsh journey to Rogi'Akha.  The ancient tower of unfamiliar design is now purposed as a monastery for deep meditation and seclusion from society so that one can find themself and harness the power within.  The monks of Rogi'Akha tend to be very humble, very generous individuals, but these virtues are commonly misinterpreted as weakness, especially by foreigners who lack the cultural understanding of Rogi'Akha.  There have been many reported instances from Daran and Stihl of a Rogi'Akhan monk defending oneself from a handful of opportunistic men of ill morals and leaving the assaulters broken and bloodied on the ground.  Grand Master Hajim Croa leads the monastery.

Dek'Hana Pijara - High on the foothills of the Aht'Debata mountains Dek'Hana Pijara allows for beautiful views of the drylands to the south.  Though the city is an adequate provider of livestock and minerals and stones, the most important function of Dek'Hana Pijara is the Royal Aviary, where local Su'Sikaran falcons are trained and magicked to suit the needs of Rakuul's law enforcement; the Justicars.  The falcons were selected because of their speed and endurance, being able to fly and glide for extreme periods of time without having to stop.  With magic the birds are imbued with enhanced intelligence so they can comprehend advanced commands as they are tasked with aiding Justicars in upholding the law, but also keeping the Justicar bound to the laws they preserve.  Each falcon is equipped with a tiny bag of holding, allowing them to carry messages and small trinkets without being encumbered.  Any attack or mistreatment of the falcons is a high offense and usually results in dismemberment and/or death.  It is also considered shameful for a Justicar to use their personal falcon as a means of attack.

Sapla'Ruti - In the Steppes of the Tikari lies the quiet and beautiful city of Sapla'Ruti.  The views are astounding and the climate temperate, this is a popular city for Rakuuli soldiers to go to and relax. The natural spring located just outside the city walls offers a cool and refreshing dip for those that have journeyed long in the drylands.  Another notable feature of Sapla'Ruti is the centuries old shrine to Vaath that was constructed during the reign of Rani Rakuul called The Hall of the Great Balancer.  Statues of Vaath and his four viziers Taast, Taash, Caas, and Aaln stand in alcoves within the building where offerings and gifts can often be found lying at the feet of the statues.  The clerics of the Hall tend to the statues and offerings.  Vandalism and defamation of the hall results in immediate and severe judgment by Rakuuli Justicars.

Vigare Aht'Mauta - This location in the mountains of Aht'Debata is an ancient and ruined dwarven fortress.  It is an old Rakuuli belief that this fortress was once a direct path down to the underworld, the bold and foolish few who have explored Vigare Aht'Mauta and survived tell of horrific sounds and shadows in an unending tunnel that leads down into the depths of the mountain.  Due to it's remote location within the Judicature Vigare Aht'Mauta is ignored or unknown to most civilians.

The Tikari Strongholds - In the third century of Rakuul's existence a renegade army of solators that defected from Stihl journeyed through the foothills of Aht'Debata southward.  Following the ranges they moved eastward and came across what appeared to be a promising pass through the mountains south and into Rakuul territory.  What they found instead was a colossal wall blocking any entry fully garrisoned with rakuuli soldiers who were ready for the ex-Stihl army. Rakuuli history scrolls describe the clash between Rakuul and the solators as a 'merciless massacre'; the northern invaders were near eradicated save twelve men who survived the slaughter and were forcefully marched into Vaath's Crater.  The secret to that decisive win gives thanks to three ancient dwarven fortresses, repurposed for Rakuul's troops: The Ears of Mela'Sa Tulana, The Eyes of Mahat Sat'ya, and the Hands of Thika Sam'Bhava.  These fortresses were named after the first three original Tikari (Scourge Wardens), handpicked individuals of Rakuul charged with protecting the northern borders of Rakuul from the potential horrors of Vaath's Crater.  The Eyes and Ears are observation strongholds positioned in difficult to reach peaks, allowing for optimal defensive positioning and reconnaissance.  The Hands are believed to be an ancient dam and Rakuul does an exceptional job of upkeep as the structure is a wonderful fortification against invaders.  The Tikari tradition continues to this day and being selected to join the ranks is considered a great honor.

**Highlands**

Bin'Du Manazari - Bin'Du Manazari is the lifeblood for the Tikari strongholds.  With its close proximity and fertile lands the city is able to send much needed supplies via caravan to the fortresses to keep the Tikari ready and able.  Rakuuli citizens that do not want a life in the harsh deserts find Bin'Du Manazari a welcoming location thanks to its cooler temperatures and abundance of jobs.  The city boasts a large bazaar, making it a hub of trade and commerce.  Like the majority of cities in Rakuul, Bin'Du Manazari has a full complement of soldiers garrisoned outside of the city.

Nirabata - Livestock and plantations are the mainstay for Nirabata and is one of the largest producers of goat cheese in Rakuul.  The Judicature is known for having many traditions and cheesemaking is one of them.  Nirabatan goat cheese is a prized commodity and even creates some tourism for the city as people want to see the historical dairy where the cheeses are made.  Leatherworks are also very popular here and Nirabata supplies a large amount of leather armors for the Judicature's army.  A shrine to Utri is found here and the populace gives regular tribute and sacrifices for continued prosperity.

Cirataka - The serene forests of Drutana'Di Chase contains the culturally enriched city of Cirataka.  The prestigious Samha Sunbati School of Bards is found here and attracts all races of Primae seeking to learn the ways of the bard, or to simply learn how to play an instrument. For foreign students, the first class they undergo is Rakuuli Law 101: The Do's and Dont's of a Nation Inspired by the God of Consequence (there have been issues in the past where some foreigners were not clear on punishable offenses and have unfortunately lost fingers they needed for their instruments, thus ruining potential bard careers.) Thanks to the gathering of aspiring musicians the nearby forests echo with beautiful music.  A shrine to Clefeb has it's own private chapel within the school.

Anasanna - Set before the natural phenomenon of Vilaq's Garden lies the educational hub of Rakuul. Anasanna contains one of the largest libraries of Rakuul with tomes that pre-date the Judicature. The Akubacer University boasts to be one of, if not the best educational facility in all of Primae. From alchemy to mathematics, to astronomy and magical studies, higher learning is available for all who have the mental fortitude to obtain it. To ensure all can receive education, despite social status, tuition is paid by coin or volunteer work within the University.  Some of the poorest citizens of Rakuul have become the greatest minds for the Judicature thanks to the work-for-tuition program.  The University is so highly respected that even Stihlish nobles will send their heirs to Anasanna for a year to ramp up their education.  The enormous tree called the Roots of Wisdom has a shrine made of stone devoted to Vilaq, and is found at the trunk of the tree.

Anguta - When the snows of winter settle upon the Frontierlands to the south travel on land becomes quite difficult and potentially isolates the southernmost cities.  Thanks to the many dockyards of Anguta, ships are able to keep the flow of commerce and trade alive.  The main trade route from Anguta to Kutibaka keeps ore and precious stones flowing to the north and food and supplies keep the south functioning. Anguta's other trade route sails the coast to Jagala Kinara and Sika Videsi.  Whaling is a popular profession, as the southern deep sea waters are colder and host to many great sea creatures.

Nadilona - A major city thanks to its temperate climate and wealth of resources, Nadilona is also host to a large population of elves and half-elves.  Thanks to the proximity of the Abhi'Raksaka Groves Nadilona allows for easier immersion into Rakuul society, as some coruthalen immigrants go into shock or have panic attacks if away from the comforting canopies of a forest for too long. The famed Nadilona Opera house sits within the city walls perpendicular to Croa Keep (once the childhood home of Grand Master Hajim Croa). One other notable quality of the populace is the quality lumber and masterwork woodworks.

Gha'Sampakata - The city of Gha'Sampakata is quite small in comparison to the other notable settlements of Rakuul, but it has earned its mark on the map due to its tradition of weapon and armor smithing known as Ajagar Jali (dragon forged).  Centuries ago Rakuul and the Coruthalen shared techniques and processes when working with metal, resulting in unique and masterful smithing techniques.  The finest rakuuli weapons and metal armors are made here and are only made if Rakuul royalty commissions an item.  Anything made by the master smiths of Gha'Sampakata is either directly for the royal family or made to be given as a high honor from the royal family.  Only the most decorated and respected individuals of Rakuul are awarded such fine equipment.

Jagala Kinara - In the Samudra'Hara Timberlands a variety of dangerous creatures roam the huge expanse of forest, and the rangers of the Jagala Kinara Keep regulate the balance of prey, predator, and monster.  The order of rangers called the Di'agavi Yadha (guided huntsman) vigilantly patrol the timberlands observing the lands to ensure there isn't an over abundance of predators, and that monsters are kept in check by relocation or death.  The Yadha typically stick to the Samudra'Hara but at times the Royal Throne will call for the aid of the monster hunting veterans when monster attacks become a threat to the general population. The keep is right next to the coast and has a dockyard allowing for regulation of the seas as well.

Yoginu'Smita - On the road to Ma Zilezta stands Yoginu'Smita, a grand city with beautiful walls and a keep at the center. The architecture is noticeably influenced by elven design, but maintains the earthen feel of Rakuuli style.  Within the walls is a grand bazaar for trade between the two nations. The city has a large population with a healthy mix of elves and half-elves as the city is a symbol of cultural acceptance and diversity.  It is here that the Royal Family will hold political talks with the Elder Circle of Coruthal as the city, though in Rakuuli borders, is considered a neutral zone thanks to it being a melting pot of man and elf.  A shrine of Volkyr can be found here with an amazing marble carving depicting him at a the head of a table in the company of his demigods and each sentient specie of Primae.

Sika Videsi - This port city is the sole exporter of Rakuuli goods to Ma Zilezta.  Trade ships travel the coastlines of Thorfalas and Gwael Cof past the Barren Esgar to the cities of Nalemir and Mallosar. After offloading their exports the trade ships take coruthal imports and sail back to Rakuul.  Sika Videsi proper is a roughter city than most thanks to the hardened sailors that reside here when not taking part of an active crew.  Those who aspire a sailor's life will flock to Sika Videsi where experienced teachers and hands on learning is always available. Intricate patterns and carvings of the Aspect of Water Mes adorn the dockyards and beachside buildings.  Sika Videsi also has a tourism district on its beige sands and crystal blue waters.

**Frontier Lands**

Har'Apahari - For the many busy Daranen docks of Teroric and Rendigra, Har'Apahari is the best and most practical port city for the Republic to transport to.  The dangerous and accursed N'asta Fallows makes land caravans impossible and Hakihm's Pass makes mass export lengthy, difficult, and inefficient.  Narrowing majority of trade to sea travel, Har'Apahari is the largest city of the Frontier Lands and has a huge desire for laborers, sailors, dock workers, etc in turn attracting a lot of rakuuli citizens.  A naval fort maintains protection and order in the bustling city, as Har'Apahari has endured attempted pirate raids in the past.  The most irregular aspect of the city is a shared shrine for Vaath and the luck god Phineas.  The statue within the shrine depicts Vaath and Phineas shaking hands.  It is said this shrine was erected not only to pay homage to the gods, but for Rakuul to show solidarity with Daran.  Most rakuul citizens cock a confused eyebrow at Phineas' statue since it is believed in Rakuuli society that Vaath is the great balancer where everything happens for a reason and there isn't room for a notion such as luck or chance.

Kutibaka - The eastern frontier relies heavily on Anguta for trade goods and supplies and the port city of Kutibaka is the the trade and provisioning hub.  The housing style, though with usual Rakuul flair and old rakuuli glyphs etched in, is slightly different than those in warmer regions.  The famous explorer Hakhim hired half a dozen coruthal to teach him and his band of adventurers how to shape wood into effective housing to stand against winter storms and freezing temperatures.  Mud and clay walls are replaced with heavy wooden boards and tall roofs with steep grades and stone fireplaces in the center living quarters.  Other than trade and transport lumberjacking and fishing/whaling are common occupations. Kutibaka is the lifeline for the eastern frontier.

Thandabakal - The Sapphire Bluffs provide great farming lands (when the season is right) but also great hunting and livestock.  Caribou and moose meat/pelts are on popular demand in the Kirami sands, when nights in the deserts can be as cold as the frontier lands.  Thandabakal is almost famous for their Frostberry Wine.  The frostberries are extremely resilient to frost and cold temperatures and make for fantastic and potent wine when fermented properly (it can even be heated up for extra warmth from the elements).  Thandabakal is the beacon of civilization in an otherwise rural and distanced population.

Jadukari Lukana - From spring to fall Jadukari Lukana is the main stop for merchant caravans and trade goods. Though it is a port city, the dockyards are primarily occupied by fishing and whaling vessels who make their living off of the seafare in Explorer's Bay. During winter ice fishing becomes a supplementary means of productivity for the Judicature, and no one does it better than the people of Jadukari Lukana, who hold a strong tradition of spear and ice fishing.

Aht'Baifa - At the foot of the Nu'Pata Summit the mining village of Aht'Baifa mines the ores and stones of the mountains.  Due to its distance from the rest of the nation and it's harsh conditions, Aht'Baifa is not a popular place to live, and is sometimes used as a location of temporary banishment for those who have disgraced Rakuul (specific criminals will be sentenced a term of hard labor in the mines.  Once the term is served they are allowed back to main civilization.)  Aht'Baifa also reports a higher level of casualties than most of the mining villages of the Judicature, but it is assumed this is due to the cold and dangerous lands.

Rakuul Judicature

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