Zingherra

Zingherra is the capital city of Awbor. It is the largest and most populous city in the
kingdom. It is the main administrative centre and the entry point into Awbor from the South.

## History

### Prior Settlements

Archaeological findings have revealed the existence of several settlements prior to the founding of Zingherra. a Gindarian city located on the southern side of the Glitterstream River
was already in ruins twelve thousand years ago when the first human settlers discovered the area. An underground section of this city would later be discovered by the Zingherrans. There is also evidence of multiple
small Bronze Age settlements located in the area

### Founding

While the founding date is still unknown, the earliest recorded evidence of the name Zingherra dates back to the lifetime of Sir Alfus Bryadd, the grandfather of
King Bryad I. The village was roughly located where the Royal Palace now stands. By the time of the Awbor Civil War, Zingherra had become a small town and was declared the capital of Awbor during the coronation of Bryad I.

### Early History

King Bryad the First and his advisors foresaw the benefits of Zingherra’s location and made plans to turn the city into a worthy capital for the new kingdom. The centre of the town was demolished to make place for the royal palace (which would have several wings and buildings added to it over the centuries). The old town walls were extended and improved upon.

By 144AP
the town was sprawling beyond its walls, and the town lord, with the permission of Bryad the 6th, started out to create some of the largest fortifications in the country. He commissioned the dwarves of House Kunderrak to build the walls, and the 4th High Archmage, Durran, organised the magical defences of the city. In 168AP the walls were complete, and the layout of
the new districts was carefully laid out. Many dwarves decided to stay after
finishing the defences and were given land within the walls to build their new
homes.

In the 6th century AP, the first houses were built south of the river, as the districts
within the walls were slowly reaching full capacity. Since no buildings were to be built within 1000ft of the outside of the walls, the city developed
southwards across the Glitterstream. In the ensuing 200 years, the southern population swelled, and there is an ongoing debate about whether a new wall
should be built to protect this area.

### Modern Era

In 692 AP, Sulmos Hinlon, Lord of ZIngherra and Councillor of the King, introduced the *Magic Restriction Laws* within the walls of Zingherra. These laws made it illegal to cast 2nd level spells or higher within any of the public places of Zingherra. In 702 AP, Elero Kway enclosed Zingherra in a 5 mile radius Epic Dimension Lock, to protect the city from any planar intrusions.

In 706 AP, the Twelve Assassins discovered ancient remnants of the Gindarian settlement beneath Zingherra, and began to excavate the technology within it. Five years later, Zandykuil the Forlorn joined them under the orders from the cult of Kyuss. Together they created a plot to kill the royal family, cripple the magical defences, and cause chaos across the city. In 714 AP, they began their attack, but were foiled by the Hindenburg Ground Crew. Later on that year, an undead army controlled by the Carnival of Shadows besieged Zingherra, but they were unable to penetrate the defences before Kyuss was defeated.

After the creation of the Arcane Order, the *Magic Restriction Laws* were repealed, marking a new era in the magical development of Zingherra.

In 744 AP, Zingherra was subjected to a series of bombings. The desolation of the Pantry Plains created a famine in the city, that further exacerbated the state of chaos in the city.

## Geography

Zingherra
is situated along the Glitterstream River, on particularly flat and dry
terrain. The banks of the Glitterstream River are known to be marshy and
unsuitable for construction purposes, making the drier banks around Zingherra
much more attractive location to build upon. The city is bisected by the river,
joined by two bridges and the Gates of Awbor, an island fortress erected in the
middle of the river.

The
location of Zingherra has been an important factor for its success, both as a
place of commerce and a defensive position. Situated more or less halfway between
the sea and the mountains, Zingherra was able to flourish from easy trading
with the Dwarven Empire and other countries trading by sea. The Glitterstream
River is a wide, sluggish watercourse allowing for easy navigation. Moreover,
the wide girth and marshy banks of the river restrict the number of suitable
crossing places for travellers trading between the North and the South. As a
result, Zingherra is perfectly placed to funnel trade from all four cardinal
directions.

## Defences

### The Walls of Zingherra

Commissioned
in 144AP by the Town Lord Gord Hinlon, The walls enclose the whole city north
of the river. They were created by the dwarves of House Kunderrak and were magically reinforced under the direction of Archmage Durran. Fused to the
bedrock underneath the city, the walls stand 100ft high and are 100ft thick, with
towers every 500ft.

### The Gates of Awbor

The gates of Awbor are on an island in the middle of the Glitterstream River. These impressive fortifications guard the two bridges that cross the river. The island is guarded by a garrison of troops.

### The Epic Dimension Lock

This 5 mile radius spell permanently stops all planar travel within its area. As a result, Zingherra is protected from teleportation magic, summoning, calling, and other forms of planar travel.

## Politics

Zingherra is under the authority of the Lord of Zingherra, currently held by House Hinlon. The Lord of Zingherra functions separately from the Royal family, though there has been periods in Awbor's history where the Lord of Zingherra had greater influence in the decision-making across the kingdom.

## Demographics

The
population is mainly human, though the other major races are also present. Halflings and Dwarves are the second and third most common race in the city, followed by elves and gnomes.

## Landmarks

There are many famous buildings, structures, institutions and statues within the walls of Zingherra:

* The Royal Palace - Home of the king of Awbor. Currently home to King Robrand I and his family.
* Elero's Tower - A wizard's tower that once belonged to the archmage Elero Kway.
* Colours of the Rainbow - One of the premiere emporiums of magical items; it is run by Khalil Jones.
* The Bismarck Frontier Force Statue - A 10 foot statue that overlooks the temple district of Zingherra. It depicts some 10 or so members of the heroic adventuring group. It was commissioned by Torvin.
* Asteroth Cervantes Mansion

## Famous Residents

There have been many famous residents of Zingherra throughout its long and rich history. Some of them include: