Zamarad

"Azh-mahk, travellers - Zamarad welcomes you."

Zamarad, also known as the Emerald Port, is the capital of Emmosh. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited city upon Ish'tar. Zamarad is a city of extreme wealth and luxury, home to a vast number of trading companies, guilds, and caravansaries. The city has an estimated population of around one million.

Zamarad is divided into seventeen distinct wards, some fortified by walls and others unprotected. Each ward is further subdivided into a Qism, or "neighborhood", which consists of several Karachs, or "quarters/blocks". Despite this sprawl, very few of its streets are officially named, with directions typically given by referring to landmarks.

The architecture is characterized by tall arches, squat domes, and slender minarets, primarily constructed from mudbrick laid in vibrant, decorative patterns, often complemented by bright paint, lapis lazuli, or glinting metal. The city's boundaries are fluid, ebbing and flowing with the trade season due to nomads and caravans frequently camped on its outskirts. Its port is one of the largest globally, capable of safely harboring six hundred ships behind its substantial sea walls, and dozens of starsailors.

Ward, Qism, and Karach

The 17 wards of Zamarad are each ruled by a vizar. Each Qism is overseen by a pasha who resides therein or a pashapti, a grouping of such pasha. In cases where there are no pasha living in the Qism, as may be the case in the poorer wards, Qism are overseen by groups of family leaders. Each Karach is typically owned by private landowners.

Arena Ward

Located in the northern corner of Zamarad, this broken-walled region is characterized by numerous fighting schools, marketplaces, bazaars, and a high concentration of taverns. The Trade Way culminates in this ward, ensuring a continuous flow of caravans. It is also home to some of Zamarad’s poorer residents. The famous Arena Hariq, which can seat around 20,000 people, hosts loud, violent, and hugely popular gladiatorial combats and chariot races every second afternoon, with deaths being common. Beside it is the Palace of Glory, temple to Tannamyr. Many adventuring and exploring guilds, including the Intrepid Brotherhood of Sandstriders, the Nibiru Wayfinders, and the Pious Circle of Planetary Ecologists have their headquarters here. Popular taverns include the Myrmidon and the Trident’s Rest. The esteemed fighter school Sayid Al-Nasul and several mercenary companies, like the Company of the Rose and Valkan's Legion, are also found here.

Armada Ward

This ward, enclosed by high walls and secure gates, serves as the primary location for the Emmoshi Spicefleet's docks and barracks. It also houses various civilian buildings and the barracks for the Glinting Spears, Zamarad’s small standing army. It likewise serves as the location of the headquarters for the Ishtarran Starfleet's operations in Zamarad.

Caravan Ward

Located on the eastern edge of Zamarad, this ward is a dusty, dirty staging area for merchant caravans, and is typically avoided by the privileged and wealthy. It hosts the headquarters of several guilds, including the Trusted Order of Wheelwrights, the Cart, Coach, and Caravan Society, and the Excellent Guildry of Drovers, Shepherds, and Animal Handlers. Notable businesses here include the popular inn, the Veiled Lamia, which serves caravan drovers and traders, as well as Kadar’s Stables and the Silver Hoof Stables.

Crypt Ward

Adjacent to the Caravans Ward on the eastern side of the city, this ward is known for its numerous cemeteries, tombs, monuments, shrines, and is dominated by the Palace of Dust, a temple to Erreshkigal. Guilds with headquarters here include the Esteemed Fellowship of Undertakers, the Skilled Circle of Butchers and Dressers, and the Worshipful Order of Hunters and Furriers. The Fellowship of Burglars and Thieves is rumored to have its secret headquarters in this ward, leading some to refer to it as “Thieves’ Quarter”.

Dock Ward

Situated on the southern side of Zamarad facing the harbor, this ward is densely packed with ship moorings and warehouses. It boasts more taverns and festhalls than any other ward, including famous establishments like Munaa’s Smiles, The Copper Ante, and The Ninth Bell. A striking landmark is the seven-story Palace of the Cresting Wave, a temple dedicated to Ahn. Guilds present include the Master Mariner’s Guild, the League of Harbormasters, Dockworkers, and Ferrymen, and the Loyal Order of Fishmongers.

Emerald Ward

The beating heart of Zamarad, it is the Emerald Ward that most exemplifies the soul of the city. Found on the northern edge of Zamarad, this ward is the preferred residential area for wealthy merchants and other well-off citizens. It features the Great Bazaar, an enormous marketplace operating day and night with vendors renting temporary stalls for twelve-hour shifts, offering spices, clothing, and trinkets. Other businesses and guild headquarters, such as the Kindly Order of Silversmiths, the Ardent League of Innkeepers, and the Circle of Architects, Engineers, and Planners, are also located here. The Palace of Wills, a temple to Ermyd, and the Sultry Siren, a large and well-regarded festhall, are also present.

Faith Ward

Located on the western side of Zamarad, this ward contains many of the city’s most ancient temples. Examples include the city's House of the Dengir and Fivefold Monastery, but also shrines to Ermyd, Uennomymyr, Ynzu, and more.Countless shrines, statues, and memorials line the roads, ensuring nearly every known deity is represented. A featureless stone pillar serves as the Shrine to the Unknown God, with penintents from a thousand fringe faiths leaving myriad offerings. The Gleaming Goblet is its most notable tavern, and the Incorruptible Coalition of Moneylenders, Coinsmiths, and Pawnbrokers has its headquarters here.

Grand Ward

This central ward is second only to the Palace Ward in terms of wealth, characterized by spacious, beautiful houses and walled estates. It hosts the Cajaan Market, which specializes in finer goods and even features a small number of magic item vendors. The Golden Maiden and the Café Gaalyosi are notable inns. Guilds like the Qualified Union of Glassblowers, Glaziers, and Bottlemakers, and the Dutiful Affiliation of Binders and Printers are headquartered here.