Zherika

**Zherika** is a large metropolitan city in southwestern Apelchemia and has the second largest population in the country after the capital of Amben (which has 10,890,000 people), Zherika, as of 2023, has about 8,672,000 people. The city is known for its Gothic/medieval architecture with half timbered styling, arched windows, and steeping roofs. With its location on the Lake of Jerika, it also has an extensive network of canals for transportation and beauty, Bridges across canals can be found in northern districts. With abundant trees, there are many parks, gardens, and green spaces integrated into the urban layout, and large central squares and plazas provide space for community gatherings, events, and markets. Statues and fountains decorate majority of the parks. Beer is an integral part of Apelchemian culture, and there are numerous local breweries producing lager and ale. With the Lake of Jerika present, fishing, ferries, shipbuilding, and other water-based industries feature prominently in the northern parts of the city. To accommodate a population over 8 million people, an extensive railway/subway system and electric trams minimize traffic prominently in the city too. There is also the Castle of Queen Jerika that remains on a bluff overlooking the city and lake.

## Etymology

Legend had it that their formidable queen, Zherika the Wise, led them to the site over a thousand years ago after a long migration, having received visions that the lake and fertile lands surrounding it would sustain her people for generations to come. Upon first laying eyes on the immense sparkling lake and recognizing its bountiful potential, Queen Zherika knelt and gave prayers of thanks to the gods. She decreed that the great lake would be named after her, both to honor her guidance and to serve as a remainder of the waters' crucial role in their survival and prosperity.

The original settlement flourished as predicted, due to the abundance of fish, waterfowl, and fresh water for irrigation. Over the centuries, as "Zherika" became both the name of the legendary queen and the vast inland sea, her memory and the name became intrinsically linked to the life-sustaining waters and the civilization that grew around them.

To this day, both the powerful lake nourishing the sprawling modern city and its dominating high castle still bear the queen's name, a lasting testament to her foresight in choosing this auspicious site as her people's new home.

## Climate

Zherika has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, with average January lows around freezing and highs slightly above. Snow and sub-freezing temperatures do occur but rarely last long. Summers are warm and humid, with average July highs around 27° C and lows a mild 18° C. Heatwaves over 32° C can happen but are less common than further south through The Borogoves and Lobevia. Precipitation is well-distributed throughout the year, though summer tends to be wettest. Average annual rainfall is around 105 cm. Being located near a large lake, temperatures are moderated and frost-free seasons longer than inland areas more into the country. Lake-effect snows sometimes occur in winter.

Warm, humid air masses predominating from the southwest (primarily sweeping from Hargenland) bring more rain than snow in winter and hot, humid conditions in summer. Autumns are mild and extended, with legendary colorful foliage displays in surrounding hardwood forests. Springs see an early melting of snow. Proximity to the lake keeps extreme temperatures rare while providing abundant moisture year-round, creating an environment ideal for agriculture, recreation and a moderate climate.

## Demographics

The original and still largest ethnic group are the Apelchemians, who make up around 45% (3,902,400) of the population. While Apelchemian culture remains dominant, waves of immigration have dramatically increased ethnic diversity over time. Immigrants from the nearby nations of Silegre, Hargenland, and Podochoviya make up a substantial portion as well - around *6.66*% each (Approx. 577,555 individuals each) and other people from other parts of the Ageless Territories like the Lobevians and Andruschgretans, while smaller, have significant populations comprising about *4*% each. Around *6*% of the population is Jabalwis, who came for a better life and to work in the maritime industries. *4*% of the population is Spicanocan who infuse their southernly tropical culture like samba rhythms, vibrant colors, and spicy flavors to the city and also came to work in fisheries. Beyond the largest groups, over 200 distinct ethnic communities collectively represent the remaining 15-20% of residents (1,300,800-1,734,400). These include Okunites, Owandites, Mecirhannians, Kutwheans, Far Easterners, Avishamantis, and other ethnic groups.

## Wildlife

Large populations of gray and red fox inhabit the urban green spaces and surrounding forests, known for their adaptability to city life. Roe deer herds migrate seasonally from surrounding woods to graze in parks and gardens near water, a uniquely tame breed has since developed as well. Beaver, river otter and muskrat dwell along canals and wetlands, feeding on crayfish and small fish. Their large industrious dams located about 20 km north of the city in the lakes can be seen from airplanes. Approx. 2,500 gray foxes live in the city which is very large compared to other cities in the continent, red foxes are slightly higher at 3,000. The urban herd of roe deer reaches a near 800, about 125 active beaver dams support about 500-600 beavers in the city, about 125 otters live in the Lake of Jerika, about 450 muskrats occupy cattail marshes and canal banks, close to 1,200 porcupines inhabit wooded ribbons throughout the city, 15,000 pigeons congregate around plazas and bridges, around 250 skunks make their homes under structures, and a dozen packs of 10-15 culpeos (total 150>) help control rodentia.