Description and Atmosphere:
Post is a bustling, soot-stained city carved into the hills that mark the northernmost edge of the Edge Basin , where the land begins to reach toward the Alnusiyan Valley. The city is defined by its functional architecture: ancient blocky stone structures reinforced with clay and modern materials, punctuated by the tall smokestacks of its numerous foundries and workshops. The air is thick with the mixture of gasses and the faint, acrid scent of polymer production, and in recent years, of coal burning.
The city is built on multiple levels, following the natural contours of the rising terrain. Mining operations scar the surrounding landscape, with rail lines snaking out into the hills, carrying ore back to the city's processing plants. At night, the city glows with the light of furnaces and the flickering luminescence of fey-glass lamps.
The atmosphere is one of industrious energy, tempered by a sense of frontier vigilance. The Sajani inhabitants are focused and driven, their movements efficient and purposeful. There's a constant hum of machinery and the clang of hammers, punctuated by the occasional rumble of mining explosions.
Society and Culture:
Population:
6,500 Citizens | 2.500 Hadeeb slaves
65% Sajani, 25% Dwarves, 10% Others | Mostly able-bodied laborers
A large percentage of the population are laborers and military personnel.
Governance:
Post is governed by Fabruk "IronGlove" Shearabanizek, a Nazir appointed by the previous Everlasting Flame many years ago, with a strong military presence. The local government focuses on maintaining order, ensuring efficient resource extraction, and defending the frontier. Scientists (Fehim caste) members are numerous, and have a major influence on the city's development.
Culture:
The Sajani culture of Post emphasizes practicality and efficiency. There's a strong focus on scientific advancement and industrial production. Caste distinctions are strictly observed, with the Nazir (Nobles) and Fehim (Scientists) castes holding positions of authority, and the Brick caste (Laborers) performing the bulk of the manual labor. The military culture is prominent, with regular drills and patrols. The city's inhabitants are always alert for potential threats from beyond the frontier.
History and Significance:
History:
Post was established as a mining outpost to exploit the rich mineral deposits found in the hills of the northern Edge Basin. It was built on the ruins of an old Alnusiyan city, using the old stone structures. It quickly grew into a major industrial center, supplying the Empire with essential resources and manufactured goods. The city has also served as a crucial defensive point, protecting the Empire from incursions from the north.
Significance:
Post is vital to the Edge Empire's economy and military strength. It provides the raw materials and manufactured goods needed to fuel the Empire's expansion and maintain its technological superiority. It also serves as a strategic stronghold, guarding the Empire's northern border from savage incursions.
Conflicts:
Tensions exist between the Sajani ruling class and the laborers from other cultures, who often face harsh working conditions and discrimination.
There are occasional skirmishes with savage tribes or other groups from beyond the frontier, who may attempt to raid the city or disrupt mining operations.
There is always the threat of industrial accidents or the discovery of dangerous byproducts from the Sajani's constant experimentation.
Additional Details:
Economy:
The city's economy is centered on mining, metalworking, polymer production, and the manufacture of tools and weapons. The mines yield valuable ores, which are processed in the city's foundries and workshops. Finished goods are then transported to other parts of the Empire via well-maintained roads and railways.
The city manages to grow very minimal food stuff, and in order to feed itself it must rely on trade from the more fertile areas of the basin and large storage silos.
Transportation:
The city is connected to the rest of the Empire by well-maintained roads. Within the city, goods and people are transported by carts, wagons, and rail lines.
Flora and Fauna:
The surrounding landscape is characterized by sparse vegetation and rocky terrain. The fauna includes hardy mountain goats, burrowing rodents, and predatory birds. More dangerous beasts from beyond the empire's borders are sometimes found near the city.