Deakus

Deakus is the largest metropolis of Parsulae. The city serves as the capital city of The Empire of Hounia.

Geography
Deakus is located on the southern shore of Parsulae, at the inlet of Sagforth Bay, not far to the west from the mouth of River Bromtham.

The city itself is in the shape of a semicirle on the waterfront.

The outer parts of the metropolis lay on relatively flat terrain, while the Inner City is located on Kamter Hill, in the centre of Deakus.

Weather
The city rests in a region of mediterranean climate. The summers are warm and dry, while the winters are mild and heavy with precipitation.

Founding
Deakus was founded in 1 AF by The Mighty Augur, beginning The Era of The Founding. The city became the first foothold for humanity against the forces of Nazarus and marked the success of The Augur's great crusade. At this time Deakus was nothing more than a fortress on a hill and it was only inhabited by soldiers.

Growth
As the enemies of humanity were forced to draw back to the east, more and more civilians moved to Parsulae, building their homes next to the fortress of Deakus. These people eventually established a farming community which supplied the nearby forts of The Augur's army. The products of this association were far from high quality, however food was greatly needed due to the sudden growth in population. The plantations were often raided by remaining nomad tribes in the area, so the governor of the realm, Lord Gaige ordered the construcion of walls around the farmers' land. Decades later, as better estates were discovered north from the area and the economy stabilised, the farming community of Deakus slowly went bankrupt. Homes were built on the territories of the former farmers guild.

Prosperity
The lack of local cultivation proved to be an opportunity for aspiring merchants of the area, who made fortunes from selling high quality produce from the northern parts of the empire. As the city's council caught onto this, they raised tariffs on these goods as much as they realistically could, which lead to great profits for the administration. As a result, those who could not afford food had to leave the metropolis. Many poor people built their homes just outside the city walls. The city was thriving during these times. Dove Harbour was constructed and the infrastructure was largely improved.

Diminishment
The death of Emperor Ailmon I meant much conflict for The Holy City. Albaster Blackmere, the leader of the Silverbrand, violently purged his political enemies from Deakus. During the next few years, the oldest city of Parsulae was besieged multiple times. These two factors led to the population of the city to nearly be halved. Trade worsened as the enemies of the dynasty refused to do business with them. Consequently, the tariffs on import goods were lowered. Due to the lowering of prices, some families were able to move inside the city. Winters were harsh for Deakians, especially for those living on the outer side of the city's walls.

Reflourish
Boleslaw Piast, a good friend of the dynasty rose to power in the inlands, which revitalised trade running through Deakus. It took a few decades to completely recover, and soon The Holy City was blooming once again. Deakus became the centre of commerce in Parsulae, importing raw materials from the north and spreading assembled products all across the continent. Sebastian Blackmere I formed The Empire of Hounia in 1103 AF, which he ruled from Deakus.

Draconic Invasion
The number of raids by chromatic dragons suddenly increased in the year of 1314 AF all across the continent. Deakus was a primary target of these attacks, as it was the richest city of the planet at the time. These assaults meant great damage to The Augur's City and became the foundation of the hate against the dragonborn race. With the help of The Empire of Kazakhia, Monster Blackmere I was able to drive the dragons back to their home in The Grim Peaks.

Aftermath of the Draconic Invasion
While some men made great fortunes in the war against the chromatic dragons, many people died or lost their homes and workplaces. This caused a large gap in Deakus ' society. Nobles and veterans lived in the Inner City, on Kamter Hill. The Outer City was home to craftsmen and laborers. Criminals, less successful traders, a few farmers and a secluded community of dragonborn lived outside the city's walls.

Locations
Deakus can be divided into three main sections.

Inner City
Located on Kamter Hill, the Inner City of Deakus is the home of the wealthy and the nobility. One can find expensive shops and inns in the area. Probably the safest part of the city, thanks to the presence of the Silverbrand.

Gelot District
The centre of religious activity in The Empire of Hounia. The Cathedral of Qolrasil is situated on the top of Kamter hill, where the old fort used to be.

Ractire District
Location of Saelmere Castle, residence of The Emperor of Hounia, his court and the Silverbrand, which is the largest building of the city. The arena can also be found here.

Cador District
Gives home to the many jewellers, metalworkers and renowned traders of the metropolis. Bell Square can be found here, which serves as the public forum and marketplace of the city.

Outer City
The area around Kamter Hill is the Outer City. Home of the citizens who can afford to pay the high prices, but do not belong to any aged family, also known as the middle class. Evidently less safe than the Inner City.

Stonegilt District
The site of Deakian factories and the residences of their workers. The Stonegilt District can be easily spotted, even from far away, because of the clouds of dark smoke that rise from the enormous chimneys. Most of the city's dwarvish population lives here.

Mirfield District
The wide roads and squares of the Mirfield District are covered by the booths of vendors all year round. This district is the one that is visited the most by travelers and it is said to convey the 'real Deakus experience'. The less expensive inns and taverns of the city are found in this district. The Mirfield District is considered to be the least safe district inside the walls of Deakus, as many criminals favour it.

Dove Harbour
The famous harbour of Deakus, Dove Harbour is the most active part of the whole metropolis during the day. Ships come and go, carrying goods and travelers with them. The cheapest inns are located near the harbour. By night, the harbour quietens, and some dwellers arrive to stay for the night.

Beyondwall
Beyondwall is what Deakians call the parts of the city that is outside the walls.

Pathstow District
The home of any remaining farmers of Deakus. Houses are far away from each other, leaving space for crops and cattle.

Toadsweep District
This district is a small, enclosed community of dragonborn. They produce their own food and items, and trade with each other, as dragonborn are not let inside the city walls.

Wimborne District
The place where criminals and other lowlives live. It is advised to stay away from Wimborne District, if possible.

Martstock District
The spot to buy cheap and less-than-legal merchandise. Dragonborn are a bit more accepted here, and are able to do commerce in this district, as opposed to the Mirfield District.