[Zah-krah-duh]
Overview:
Zakrada is the second-largest city within New Birania, located to the north of Vitaurum at the confluence of the Fluvitae River and the Adda River. Strategically positioned at the base of Cor Falls, a majestic waterfall along the Fluvitae River, and at the junction of two major waterways, Zakrada has historically served as a vital link between New Birania and the inner regions of Eastern Siar’Morrin. This advantageous position once made Zakrada a thriving hub of trade and wealth.
Description:
Zakrada is a patchwork city, its appearance reflecting centuries of growth and change. Its diverse population has added a mosaic of architectural styles, with each race leaving its mark on the cityscape. The Fluvitae River runs through the heart of Zakrada, with the city sprawling along both its banks. The wealthiest and oldest districts are clustered around the riverfront, their grandeur a testament to Zakrada’s former prosperity. As one moves outward, the wealth diminishes, culminating in sprawling slums that now encircle the city and have begun to encroach on its inner districts. These slums, built by the city’s growing refugee population, have become a defining feature of Zakrada’s modern identity.
History:
Like many Biranian cities, Zakrada’s origins are obscured by the passage of time. In an age long past, the city was established around the Fluvitae River, with early settlers building much of the proto city into the natural formations of Cor Falls. During the Schism Wars of the Shattered Kingdoms, Zakrada became a critical stronghold and a base of operations for the Biranian Guard, cementing its role as a key military and logistical center. However, in recent years, the decline of trade from the Shattered Kingdoms has marked the end of Zakrada’s golden era. While its population continues to grow, largely due to an influx of refugees, its wealth has steadily waned. The encroaching slums symbolize this decline, creeping ever closer to the city’s once-pristine core.
Significance:
Zakrada’s significance lies in two critical areas. Firstly, its strategic location at the intersection of major rivers makes it indispensable to New Birania’s plans for re-establishing control, or at the very least diplomacy, with the fractured Shattered Kingdoms. Secondly, Zakrada plays a crucial role in rediscovering and re-integrating ancient technologies. Remarkably, the city has a history of producing long-lost relics or arcane devices just as they are most needed, proving invaluable to New Birania’s efforts during critical crises. This uncanny timing has raised both admiration and suspicion about the true depth of Zakrada’s ancient knowledge.
Notable Features:
- Cor Temple: A vast and ancient temple built directly into the cliffs of Cor Falls. In addition to its religious significance, the temple is home to Zakrada’s twin waterwheels, which harness the power of the falls to supply energy for much of the city’s arcane technology.
- The Slum Quarters: A sprawling and ever-expanding area on the outskirts of the city, where refugees and the impoverished have built makeshift homes. While rife with hardship, it is also a vibrant and dynamic part of Zakrada, with its own underground markets and cultures.
- The Grand Lockworks: The Grand Lockworks is a marvel of engineering that allows ships to navigate between the upper and lower sections of the Fluvitae River without disturbing the sacred Cor Falls. Powered in part by the twin waterwheels at Cor Temple, although the technology of its construction has been lost, its functioning has continued for untold centuries.
- The Citadel: Once a prestigious military training center during the height of Zakrada’s strategic importance, the Citadel is now home to the city’s ruling elite. Perched near the summit of Cor Falls, it offers commanding views of Zakrada, symbolizing the ruling class’s authority over the city below.The Citadel retains its formidable architecture, with thick stone walls and imposing towers, but its martial function has been replaced with administrative and ceremonial roles.
Local Legends or Stories:
One of the most pervasive legends in Zakrada revolves around the Cor Temple, with whispers that its visible structure is only the surface of a far greater, hidden complex that extends deep underground. The tunnels below are said to be shrouded in secrecy, guarded by powerful wards and ancient mechanisms. According to local lore, these depths contain the prison of a captured Primordial—an ancient being of immense power. It is widely believed that this Primordial is the true source of Zakrada’s uncanny ability to unearth and utilise ancient technology.
Another rumour tells of a shadowy conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the city, allegedly orchestrated by rivals from the Shattered Kingdoms or even agents of the Dahri Empire. According to the tale, whispers of this plot have surfaced in the slums and marketplaces, hinting at covert meetings, bribed officials, and plans to destabilise Zakrada’s leadership. Some claim that spies from Mesokini seek to disrupt Zakrada’s role as a gateway to New Birania, while others believe the Dahri Empire aims to weaken New Birania by targeting one of its key cities.
Visitors’ Experience:
Visiting Zakrada is a journey into a city of contrasts—where history and mystery converge with the bustle of daily life. Travellers are greeted by the sight of Cor Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder framing the awe-inspiring Cor Temple. The city itself is a patchwork of cultures and architectures, offering a unique experience at every turn. The wealthier riverfront districts boast grand buildings adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant markets selling exotic wares, and quiet, tree-lined streets. As visitors venture further from the city center, they encounter the sprawling slums, dynamic but chaotic, where diverse communities have created a mosaic of survival and resourcefulness. Despite its current struggles, Zakrada’s vibrant energy, rich history, and mysterious allure captivate visitors. It is a city where every street corner and rushing waterway carries the weight of its storied past and the potential for thrilling discoveries.