Intrigue, storms, and commerce in the greatest city in all of Nisohdr.
Iago, the Tiered City
"It is said, my lady, that if one wishes to find anything in the world, they must go to Iago. And that if they do not find it--it must not exist."
The only true great city left in the world of Nisohdr, the Tiered City of Iago is a center of trade, culture, and learning. The city has nearly outgrown the island that holds it, and may soon spread to other isles in the eastern Archipelago. As a bid to save space, it has been built up as series of tiers, each associated with one of the eight powerful families who govern there. Each family has their own realm of influence within the city and of the industries that flourish there. Though the families are nearly constantly at odds with one another, outright war is out of the question due to the limited geography, and so cadres of professional duelists are commonly hired to resolve such matters.
The various criminal elements of Iago are less...limited in their methods. Smugglers, cut-purses, pirates, and murderers operate with relative freedom in the city, so long as they don't interfere openly in the business of the great families. In fact, major criminal organizations such as the Onyx Consortium and the rival forces of the Rat and of the Serpent are major components of Iagan trade. Despite its unsavory reputation, however, the denizens of Iago's underbelly are hardly more vicious than the great families who grace the higher tiers.
Like flotsam washed upon the shore, folk from around Nisohdr are drawn to Iago by the game of luck, intrigue, and gold. Many folk live there as craftspeople, artisans, laborers, and scholars in the middle tiers, enjoying the luxuries afforded by Iago's wide trade connections. Many come seeking knowledge from the many schools or temples, or to find rare artifacts or resources. Some make it big, others lose it all, and still others are swallowed up by the city.
No matter which tier they're on, all Iagans would agree: the only thing one can expect in Iago is the unexpected.
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- Ocean Noise - Surf by amholma from http://freesound.org +)
- Harbour/Ship Bell by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn5_DuvwTeY +)
- Wind 1 by InspectorJ +)
- Accordian Ship Music by Michael J. Hines *)
- Small crowd outside hot weathe by s9ames +)
- seagull on beach by squashy555 from https://www.freesound.org/people/squashy555/sounds/353416/ +)
- Sword training by Thimblerig from https://freesound.org/ +)
- Outdoor festival by ultradust from http://www.youtube.com +)
*) Soundsnap.com license
Image from: Benjamin Sjöberg (@bensjberg on Twitter)