Dartha
Dartha | |
|---|---|
City | |
| Capital City of the Rihan Republic | |
 | |
| Metropolitan Area | Dartha |
| Founded | 1343 |
| Districts | List
|
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| • Mayor (Maiori) | Uren Bakus |
| Area | |
| • Metro | 1,575 km2 (608 sq mi) |
| Population (2019) | |
| • City | 2,968,564 |
| Demonym | Darthan |
| Time zone | UTC -6 |
| Postal code | 00001 to 00099 |
| Telephone code | +402 |
Dartha is the capital and largest city of the Rihan Republic, with a population of nearly 3 million. It is the first and oldest settlement: the center of politics, trade, and culture. The city lies at the mouth of the Sherdek River and the Apnex Sea. When the Rihannsu arrived, they decided to make landfall here due to the excellent natural harbor known as Be'Qai. In the centuries since its establishment, it has far outgrown the original fortifications of the Old City (Ira'sihaer) and now extends outwards into the fertile Aihai.
At the center of the Old City lies the Forum of Cailax where the Hall of State, the Central Septum, and the Praetorian Palace is located. The Senate meets every day, except for the third day of the week, under the Great Dome. An original copy of the D'Vatta, the Republic's constitution, is on display; while a public rostum is located in front of the building to enable senators to speak directly to the people on the issues of the day. The Markets of Relevek, constantly abuzz with individuals buying and selling their goods and services, is located just off the forum. The Rachan Marketplace is where the wealthy and powerful can purchase luxury goods including silks, fine jewelry, Kipanese ceramics, perfumes, and exotic foods.
The Republic's vast bureaucracy operates out of the Irnilt, a complex of buildings located beside the Hall of State, as is the High Tribunal. Connecting the Forum with Victory Square is the Boulevard of Heroes, a broad road with a grassy median down the middle. It is lined with statues honoring the greatest of the Rihannsu from senators and generals and praetors including Valkis, Salangen, Laneshara, and Reldek the Great. Victory Square where there are regular military parades occur. Since the days of early settlement, the Ira'sihaer has been dominated by two fortresses: the Praetorian Palace (also known as Angol'rey), and Var'Theldun (currently the headquarters of the Phi'Tlaru).
The capital is home to numerous cultural and educational landmarks. The National Museum and the Library of Alvahet are located on Via Karzan. The Phi'lasasam, Rihan's largest public higher education institution, can be found along the Via Colius. This is a wide avenue that runs west from the city center. Dartha's major green space, Cor'Lavet Park, is home to the Republic's botanical garden which is home to thousands of plants from across Aurelia and the rest of Eurth and lies on the northwest Via Pontilius. Leading northeastward from the Old City is the Via Chula that leads to the Valley that bears its name. There is regular public transport for individuals to access and enjoy its beauty. The Rihannsu love sports and the Orventis Arena, a massive stadium that can seat one-hundred thousand spectators, dominants the skyline in the southwest. Rihannsu music and theatre is performed at the Umrika. Telvan'rey Citadel is located outside the city limits.
The majority of the housing stock is made up of cramped apartment towers (takas). The upper echelons of society tend to live in large villas on the outskirts of the city or well-appointed townhouses in the Old City offering better proximity to both the Senate and the restaurants where they can dine in luxury. There are also exclusive tailors, teahouses, theatres, and baths that are exploited by the senators and higher class citizens. The social life of the higher classes is as important as the power that they wield within the Senate. An unofficial policy of social-cleansing maintains the upper social atmosphere of the center. Dartha has a strict policy on burials -- all must occur outside the city limits. Many of the most prestigious families have crypts inside the Rikolet, alternatively known was known as “The City of the Dead.” Commoners are generally cremated.
The city is the nexus of the Republic's transportation network. It has the nation's most important international airport, a metro system; as well as a bus, and riverboat network operated by Yhfillain. Talasagam Rheilhhu Rihana, the national railway network, originates from Dartha Central Station and spreads out to the various urban centers of the Republic.
Under Republic law, all armed military personnel except for Dartha's City Guard (Morairi ih'Sivas) and the Praetorian Guard (Morairi ih'Fvillha) must remain outside the capital. This was instituted to reduce the risk of a military coup during the early days of the Republic. It remains on the books to this day. The City Guard [a more formalized title for the police in the capital] has an easier time keeping order in the Old City than the poorer districts, especially Pirek, where numerous gangs operate rackets and deal in illegal goods. Phi'Tlaru agents mingle within the population in plain clothes.