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Chuo Kikuu District is the intellectual, political, and administrative center of Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira. The district is home to the city's prestigious university, where students study subjects such as thaumaturgy, history, and the arts. The Maktaba, a central building located on university grounds, is where the council meets and the demigod leaders, Wapenzi, reside. The district is characterized by its beautiful gardens, libraries, and lecture halls.
The Almawtaa District is a lively area that comes to life after the sun sets. Politically dominated by vampires, this district is famous for its vibrant nightlife, including bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The district is also home to several vampire-led organizations and societies, which contribute to the district's unique and somewhat mysterious atmosphere.
Hariri District is the center of Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira's thriving textile industry. The district is renowned for its production of high-quality spider silk textiles, which are sought after for their strength, lightness, and beauty. Skilled weavers and dyers work tirelessly to create intricate patterns and designs, and their creations are exported throughout the region. Buibui wa Kuota, the half-man, half-spider god of merchants, is believed to watch over the district and its inhabitants.
Ghamarat District is a unique area that floods with the tides due to the impact of Sayarii's two moons. Historically, Ghamarat has been a poor neighborhood, with families building on top of the ruins of older flooded buildings or living in the second and third floors of buildings that still stand. Wooden walkways line the sides of the streets, and small boats are used to move about. When the tide is low, it is possible to walk on the streets and collect shellfish and urchins, which are celebrated dishes in the neighborhood restaurants.
In recent years, Ghamarat has experienced a demographic shift as artists, craftsmen, and musicians seeking lower-cost housing and facilities have been gentrifying the neighborhood. This influx of the creative class has attracted money and attention to the area, resulting in rising popularity and new, successful residents and businesses. Two well-known Mwandishi Houses have set up Manyoya distillation workshops in the district, and several renowned restaurants have opened, making Ghamarat a destination for many seeking entertainment in Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira.
Ghamarat is also home to the famous Temple of the Sea, which provides the only entrances to the unique catacombs that flood with tidal water mixed with hot hydrothermal spring water when the tide is in. The Northern Temple is opened by devotees during the very low tidal phase that occurs once every three days for about two and a half hours, while the Southern Temple and entrance are only opened for special religious events, and visitors are not generally allowed to visit this entrance.
The Ma'jan District is a densely populated area known for its vibrant street markets. The largest street market in Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira is located here, drawing visitors from across the city and beyond. The district is also home to a diverse range of artisans, merchants, and performers who contribute to the energetic atmosphere.
Alzaba District is a bustling business and entertainment district. It is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, catering to the diverse tastes of its residents and visitors. The district is a hub of activity both day and night, with a constant stream of people and events.
These districts are primarily residential areas, housing the city's growing population. Both districts have a mix of housing options, ranging from small, modest dwellings to larger, more luxurious homes. The districts are divided by a central park and public square, which serves as a gathering place for residents.
Sehemu ya Chini, colloquially known as “the Flats,” is a bustling working-class neighborhood near the city’s busy harbor. This district is home to many Corsairs and dock workers, characterized by its modest, weather-beaten homes, small workshops, and utilitarian warehouses.
This bustling district is the city's commercial heart. Located adjacent to the Wilaya Docks - the largest shipping and transport hub in Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira, the streets are lined with shops, stalls, and markets selling everything from fresh produce to fine silks. The district's central bazaar is particularly famous, drawing traders and merchants from far and wide to hawk their wares.
Located in the central north section of the city, Wilaya ya Msitu District is a mixed residential, entertainment, and business area known for its upper-end restaurants and wineries. The district attracts residents and visitors alike who come to enjoy the fine dining options and the wide selection of locally produced wines. The district is also home to a variety of businesses and residential areas that cater to the needs of its diverse population
The city's religious and cultural center, Wasat District is home to numerous temples, shrines, and places of worship dedicated to the various gods and demigods that are revered in Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira. The district also hosts a number of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, drawing visitors from across the city to participate in the festivities.
As its name suggests, Maji Vunjika District is a watery, marshy area prone to flooding. Despite this, the district's residents have adapted to their environment, constructing stilted homes and buildings above the water. The district is known for its unique cuisine, which incorporates many aquatic plants and animals found in the surrounding marshes.
Amelaaniwa: This district is feared for its reputation as cursed and inhabited by Djinn, with strange phenomena deterring most from venturing in after dark. Despite this, Amelaaniwa hosts a thriving surface-level market known as "Sokonyaka" or the night market. Though primarily legitimate, it has deep ties to the Chini Kabisa (the Underneath), where more illicit trade thrives. Amelaaniwa is likely the home of Tattoo and his gang of enforcers, Ngumi (the Fist), who exert significant influence both above and below ground.
Kisiwa Kahawa Island is connected to Alzaba District by a narrow land bridge and serves as the import and distribution center for the coffee and spice trade. Though no coffee or spices are grown on the island, it plays a crucial role in the transportation and distribution of coffee beans and bulk spices from various regions to the markets of Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira and beyond. The island is also home to a thriving community of traders and merchants who specialize in the coffee and spice business.
Chini Kabisa is an extensive subterranean network of tunnels and chambers beneath Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira. This unofficial district is home to more than half of the city's population, who live and work in the dimly lit underground spaces. Many inhabitants of Chini Kabisa are involved in the city's black market, controlled by the god Tattoo and his followers, the Ngumi. The Underneath is also home to various underground societies, hidden temples, and secret chambers.
Geographical Majesty Reimagined
Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira, the City of New Gods, is a masterpiece of both human tenacity and natural wonder. Set upon the Mchanga Hasira coast and cradled by the steaming waters of the Guba ka Maji Moto bay, the city basks under a fierce sun, yet it flourishes in a balance with its environment found nowhere else.
The hydrothermal bay, fed by the ceaseless energy and waters of the Bonde ka Roho za Mvuke, is not merely a feature of the landscape but the lifeblood of the city, pulsating through its core and bestowing upon it the gifts of warmth and mineral-rich waters. These waters, turned from adversity to prosperity, have shaped the city's culture and economy, fueling industries and nourishing agriculture that sustains the city’s heartbeat.
The city’s geography is a testament to its resilience, strategically positioned near the 45th parallel, where the climate defies expectation, teeming with lush wetlands that serve as both natural bounty and agricultural haven the city isn’t just hot, it’s humid, almost damp, year round. The map of Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira reveals a mosaic of districts, each with its own distinct charm, from the verdant University District to the resourceful Ghamarat, where the tides of innovation turn the flooded streets into channels of culinary delight.
Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira is a city that defies the desolation of the Bara Kusini, emerging from the desert sands like an intricate mirage wrought from the earth itself. The sun's fierce light bathes the city in a golden hue, while the scent of brine mingles with the mineral tang of the hydrothermal springs that sustain it from deep below.
While the surface of the city is vibrant under the scorching light of the sun, with brilliant textiles and well-lit streets displaying a bustling metropolis, Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira is primarily a subterranean city. The city sprawls horizontally across the land and descends vertically into the great sandstone and limestone formations. The architecture blends ancient stonework with organic growth. Buildings are carved directly from the rock, interconnected by a labyrinth of tunnels and winding stairways. Streets above form a vibrant tapestry of shadows and light, where bustling markets spill into sun-dappled courtyards and narrow alleys echo with the ceaseless murmur of trade and conversation.
Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira's lifeblood flows from deep hydrothermal wells, providing fresh, mineral-rich water that courses through a network of channels and aqueducts. These waters fill the bay, defying the encroaching sea with their purity. Life here is a study in contrasts: the surface buzzes with activity, while beneath lies a hidden world of Zisima neighborhoods, great atrium-like shafts carved into the rock that house entire communities. These chimney-like structures descend into the earth, accessible by winding staircases, some deep enough that their bottoms are filled with water that rises and falls with the tides from the bay, a complex dance of land and sea.
The city teems with life, its population density intense. Dark, narrow neighborhoods bristle with energy, fostering a rich underworld where black markets and organized crime thrive, lurking in the shadows of the city's official structures. Despite its population of 1.25 million, Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira remains a city of secrets, with mysteries hidden in its depths.
Technological advancement is eyed with suspicion, limiting the development of many machines despite the knowledge to create them. This wariness is rooted in a historical mistrust, as the Great Fall stripped the people of Sayarii of civilization and magic, and technology, and magic, both, are considered the reason the gods punished the peoples of Sayarii - Sins both, though magic, in the form of Manyoya Thaumaturgy, a "gift given to the world by the Wapenzi" is considered generally acceptable, with it's divine origin.
Hydrothermal features permeate the city, with hot springs and waterfalls cascading through the walls of the carved Zisima. The tunnels and Zisima are humid, often wet places, where creeks run along passages, contributing to a vast natural and carved sewer system. These effluvial channels manage both water and waste, sometimes doubling as hidden pathways. The lower tunnels are tidal, filling with water from the bay as tides rise and emptying as tides fall, a rhythmic ebb and flow that shapes life in the subterranean parts of the city.
The city's cultural fabric is woven with threads of superstition and faith. Djinn are believed to haunt the narrow alleys and crowded market filled tunnels, and fledgling gods, less powerful than the ancient deities but influential nonetheless, subtly influence the lives of the inhabitants. Rituals and festivals punctuate the calendar, vibrant explosions of color and sound that bind the community in celebration and reverence.
The Wapenzi are supported by an order of spiritual and political followers known as the Il'iyo Shambuliwa. These individuals act as envoys for the pair, wielding significant power and influence both within and beyond the city. The Il'iyo Shambuliwa, envoys of the Wapenzi, are grotesque figures of reverence and dread. Their bodies, once human, have been transformed into vessels for the Wapenzi's influence. Eyes and organs replaced by waxen hives, their skin marred with honeycomb patterns, they embody the living presence of their hive-mind deities. These envoys, with their buzzing entourage of bees, wander the city as extensions of the Wapenzi's will. Their appearance inspires fear, their presence a constant reminder of the omnipresent demi-gods they serve. Revered in some quarters, reviled in others, particularly in Almawtaa and Hariri, they are seen as both divine messengers and loathsome spies. In the University District, their influence is strongest, where they enforce the Wapenzi's decrees and speak with the authority of the divine leaders themselves. Each Il'iyo Shambuliwa is a living testament to the Wapenzi's dominion however benevolent, their bodies a grotesque blend of man and hive, their minds shared with the all-encompassing consciousness of their insect-god masters. To encounter one is to glimpse the true power that underpins Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira, a city where the divine and the mundane are inextricably entwined.
Governance is as diverse as the populace. The Kathira University of Thaumaturgical Arts stands as a beacon of knowledge and power, home to the City Council and the Hives of the Wapenzi. This council, a mix of elected leaders and hereditary rulers, reflects the city's complex social hierarchy. Each district, from the affluent heights of Wilaya ya Msitu to the shadowy depths of Chini Kabisa, has its own character and governance, with leaders ranging from humans to powerful non-humans like the spider-god Buibui wa Kuota, who oversees Hariri.
In Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira, every shadowed alley, tunnel, and sunlit square tells a story. The air is thick with the promise of secrets waiting to be uncovered, the weight of history pressing down on the present. It's a city where the past and future collide, where every step can lead to discovery or danger, and where the line between the mundane and the magical is as thin as the whispers that fill its streets.
Chuo Kikuu is the intellectual heart of Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira, where science, mysticism, and ancient traditions converge. The district’s architecture harmoniously blends rock-cut structures with grand surface buildings, all constructed from stone excavated during the creation of the city’s extensive Zisima—underground cisterns and tunnels that sustain the city. These Zisima form not only the backbone of the city’s infrastructure but also the foundation upon which Chuo Kikuu itself is built.
The university campus is a marvel of design, featuring expansive gardens, serene courtyards, and intricately detailed buildings. Grand domes and finely carved facades dominate the landscape, each a testament to the district’s commitment to learning and exploration. Lush greenery, fountains, and shaded walkways create an atmosphere of tranquility amidst the rigorous pursuit of knowledge. The air is filled with the mingling scents of blooming flowers and aged parchment, defining the district's unique ambiance. Within the grand halls and libraries, scholars and students immerse themselves in deep study, illuminated by light filtering through stained glass windows that cast vibrant patterns across the stone floors.
The district thrives on its academic culture, with coffeehouses, student housing, bookstores, and libraries lining its cobbled streets. Thaumaturgical supply shops offer specialized materials for the district’s scientific pursuits, where scholars delve into Thaumaturgy, studying magical creatures and methods of extracting and harnessing their aetherical properties.
At the heart of Chuo Kikuu are the great domes housing the Wapenzi, sentient honeybee hives revered as living repositories of knowledge. Their presence underscores the district’s role as the guardian of Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira's cultural and intellectual heritage. The district is a bustling hub of activity, where the pursuit of knowledge is both a privilege and a sacred duty.
In addition to being an academic powerhouse, Chuo Kikuu also serves as the political center of the city, housing the city council and the various branches of city leadership. This dual role makes Chuo Kikuu not only a cradle of ideas but also a place where the future of Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira is shaped and decided.
See: The Wapenzi
Related: Kathira University of Thaumaturgical Arts
Almawtaa is a district that truly comes alive after the sun sets, known for its vibrant nightlife and the political influence of its vampire population. The streets of Almawtaa are often shaded by canvas awnings, casting the district in perpetual twilight, a feature that caters to its nocturnal inhabitants. This unique ambiance fosters a lively scene of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, drawing visitors who seek the excitement of the night.
The district is less lush than other parts of Il-Wāāt ul'Ihāt Kathira, with fewer flowers and greenery—a subtle affront to the Wapenzi and their ever-watchful honeybees. Despite its vibrant surface, Almawtaa holds a reputation for its darker side, especially in the lower levels of the district known as Chini Kabisa. Here, alongside popular nightspots, one finds the infamous Feeder Bars, establishments that cater to the district's large vampire population. These bars offer free or inexpensive drinks to entice non-vampire patrons, who may willingly offer their blood in exchange for payment or a night of revelry. The legality of these establishments varies, from those operating openly to those that cater to more taboo appetites, teetering on the edge of the law.
Architecturally, Almawtaa is a district of contrasts. The narrow, shaded streets and Zisima reflect the accumulated wealth of its vampire residents, who have lived long lives and amassed considerable fortunes. The district is both feared and revered, its influence palpable in the city's political landscape. Though some conservative members of the community disdain Almawtaa, its wealth and the power of its elder vampires ensure that protests remain minimal, often suppressed by an undercurrent of fear.
See: the Wachengali
Hariri is the vibrant heart of Il-Wāāt ul’Ihāt Kathira’s textile industry, where the air hums with the sound of looms and the scent of dyed fabrics. The district is renowned for its production of Kathira’an silk, harvested from millions of spiders that live in vast colonies within the district’s towering Mbingu. These four-sided structures, made of stone and wood, rise high above the cityscape, their open faces allowing wind to pass through, supporting the delicate webs spun by the spiders.
The spiders are remarkable not only for their silk but also for their communal nature, allowing them to capture and consume larger prey. The Mbingu are designed to maximize this capability, with insects, birds, and bats caught in their vast webs. To ensure the spiders’ health and productivity, their diet is supplemented by their caregivers—known as Wangalizi—who provide goats and chickens, placed into the base of the towers to feed the colonies. This careful management ensures the continuous production of silk that drapes the towers and fills the intricate frames inside.
The streets of Hariri are lined with workshops, open-air markets, and artisan studios, contributing to the district’s reputation as a hub of fine craftsmanship. The district’s architecture, while practical for weaving and dyeing, is adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of Hariri.
At the center of Hariri’s success is Buibui wa Kuota, a mysterious and influential figure, rumored to be a spider deity in humanoid form. Under his guidance, the district’s weavers and artisans produce some of the finest textiles in Sayarii, with offerings of silk and rare dyes made in his honor. Buibui wa Kuota’s influence extends beyond Hariri; he is a close ally of the Wapenzi and holds the prestigious title of “Mlinzi wa Mzinga” (Guardian of the Hive). This rare designation underscores the tight-knit relationship between the two district leaders and further strengthens Hariri’s political power within Il-Wāāt ul’Ihāt Kathira.
The silks and fabrics produced in Hariri are renowned throughout Sayarii, unmatched in quality due to the district’s unique cultivation of spiders within the Mbingu towers. Attempts to replicate this silk production in other cities have failed, solidifying Hariri’s position as the exclusive source of Kathira’an silk. This exclusivity makes the district’s textiles highly sought after, with their export representing a significant contribution to Il-Wāāt ul’Ihāt Kathira’s economy. The wealth generated by Hariri’s silk trade grants the district substantial political leverage within the city, making it a key player in the city’s governance and a crucial asset in its continued prosperity.
See: Buibui Ku'ota
Ghamarat is a district defined by its ever-changing relationship with the tides of Sayarii’s two moons. Once a bustling neighborhood of narrow streets and two- to four-story buildings, it has transformed over the past century into a labyrinth of canals and submerged structures. The slow rise of the tides gradually filled the lower streets, turning Ghamarat into a semi-submerged district where water and land coexist in a delicate balance.
The buildings, once grounded in stone, now stand with their lower floors submerged, their upper stories connected by wooden walkways and bridges. These elevated paths wind through the district, connecting homes, shops, and businesses that have adapted to the unique environment. The district’s waterways are filled with shellfish and urchins, which thrive in the brackish waters and have become a celebrated delicacy in the local restaurants. Ghamarat is now known for its vibrant seafood markets and eateries, where the catch of the day is brought in directly from the canals.
Ghamarat has recently seen a wave of gentrification as artists, craftsmen, and musicians, drawn by the district’s low-cost housing and unique atmosphere, have moved in. This influx of creative individuals has breathed new life into the district, with art studios, galleries, and workshops springing up alongside the traditional markets and shops. The narrow canals, once purely functional, are now lined with vibrant flowers and greenery, turning Ghamarat into a haven of creativity and inspiration. The district’s blend of historic charm and modern innovation has attracted both locals and visitors who are enchanted by its picturesque scenery. The colorful displays of art and the lively atmosphere have made Ghamarat a destination for cultural exploration, where the old and new coexist in harmony, creating a unique and thriving community. This transformation has also spurred the growth of small businesses, from quaint cafes to boutique shops, adding to the district’s allure and further solidifying its reputation as a cultural hotspot in Il-Wāāt ul’Ihāt Kathira.
At the heart of Ghamarat lies the Temple of Waters (Mihrab ul-Miyah / Hekalu la Maji), an ancient and revered site with two identical entrances located in the northern and southern parts of the district. The true temple lies below the surface, intertwined with the flooded remnants of the district’s Chini Kabisa. The temple’s submerged interior is a labyrinth of partially flooded corridors, where the mineral-rich waters have preserved the remains of those who sought solace in the sea. These preserved skeletal figures, encrusted with coral and adorned by offerings from visitors, stand as haunting statues throughout the temple.
The Temple of Waters is not only a place of worship but also a sanctuary where sailors, corsairs, and the deeply devout come to seek favor from the seas. The Northern Temple entrance is accessible during low tide, revealing the catacombs below for a brief period every three days, while the Southern Temple is reserved for special ceremonies, shrouded in mystery and religious significance.
Ghamarat is a district of contrasts—where the past is submerged beneath the waters, yet where new life and culture thrive above. It is a place where the tides have shaped not only the landscape but the lives and stories of those who call it home.
Ma’jan is the vibrant and bustling marketplace of Il-Wāāt ul’Ihāt Kathira, where the city’s residents come to find a diverse array of goods at reasonable prices. Nestled to the west of a large beach, Ma’jan is a lively hub of trade, with smaller boats frequently bringing goods ashore to be sold in the market’s winding streets. The district is known for its colorful stalls, offering everything from clothing and household items to fresh produce and street food. The air is thick with the scent of spices and incense, and the sounds of haggling fill the streets as locals and visitors alike seek the best deals.
Colloquially known as “the Flats,” Sehemu ya Chini is a bustling working-class neighborhood at the north end of city’s busy harbor. This district is home to many corsairs and dock workers, characterized by its modest, weather-beaten homes, small workshops, and utilitarian warehouses.
The streets are lined with vibrant markets catering to the practical needs of its residents, offering fresh seafood, basic provisions, and essential tools. The atmosphere is lively yet gritty, with the constant sounds of ships being loaded and unloaded, the clatter of tools, and the animated conversations of workers.
Local taverns and inns provide a casual refuge for Corsairs and dock workers, serving hearty meals and strong drinks in a welcoming, down-to-earth setting. Despite its lower-income status, “the Flats” is marked by a strong sense of community and resilience, with its residents united by their shared experiences and their deep connection to the sea.
Nia Chui
Background: Nia Chui is the ambitious and conniving assistant to Mlinzi wa Kahawa. Known for her sycophantic behavior, she constantly flatters Mlinzi while secretly scheming to advance her own position. Nia is highly intelligent and manipulative, always looking for ways to undermine rivals and secure more power for both herself and Mlinzi. Her strategies often involve subtle backstabbing, making her a dangerous ally and a formidable foe. Despite her duplicity, she is indispensable to Mlinzi for her keen insights and political maneuvering.
Mchoro ya Uovu ("Tattoo") - 27% Control:
Mchunga Panya ("The Rat") - 23% Control:
Mwizi wa Dhahabu ("Gold Thief") - 18% Control:
Timsah Mchoyo ("The Crocodile") - 17% Control:
Mama Jicho ("Mother Eye") - 15% Control:
Chuo Kikuu (University District) & Hariri (Textile District):
Maji Vunjika & Sehemu ya Chini:
Ma'jan (Market District) & Wasat:
Almawtaa (Night District) vs. Chuo Kikuu (University District):
Wilaya (Business Districts) vs. Kilele Mlima:
Alzaba vs. Amelaaniwa (Cursed District):
Wilaya ya Msitu & Hariri (Textile District):
Mchunga Panya & Wachengali
Mchoro ya Uovu & Hariri (Textile District)
Mama Jicho & Alzaba
Mchoro ya Uovu vs. Wachengali
Mchunga Panya vs. Mchoro ya Uovu
Mwizi wa Dhahabu vs. Mlinzi wa Kahawa