.......................................................................At its northwestern corner lay Tor. West of Tor, on the Lower Fayeen, a sluggish, meandering tributary, like the Upper
.......................................................................I had arrived in Tor four days ago, after first taking tarn to Kasra. There I had sold the bird, for I did not wish to be
Located on the Lower Fayeen River and northwest of the Tahari desert is where one would find the city of Kasra. Sprawling grassland dominates this region, providing plenty of lush plant life in the river valley where the city is located. Being a sub-Saharan type of climate, most times during the year it is warm, though it verges on uncomfortable with the arid air which fills the city as the summer months approach. The temperatures during this time of year vary from as low as the mid 50's during the night and can spike into the upper 80's and lower 90's during the day. The summer months are the hottest of the year, where the heat of the day can cause thick bands of humidity to radiate off the nearby river. It is not unusual for the temperatures to lift into the 100's and stay there throughout the day and well into the evening Ahns.
Roughly there are about 110,000 people within the city walls as of the last census taken only a couple of years ago. There are nearly 80, 000 Free people, which includes men, women, and children, then the rest of the population consists of almost 30,000 slaves of both sexes. One-eighth, or 6,500, of the Free males of the city are of the Warriors Caste. Which breaks down into 100 Tharlarion riders, 300 Tarnsmen, 900 Kailla cavalry, and nearly 5,200 Guardsmen and foot soldiers. Twenty Initiates tend to the Temple. A fair chunk of the population consists of those of the High Caste, which includes Builders, Scribes and Physicians. The rest of the city's denizens are of the Low Caste, ranging from the lowliest of peasants to every one else in between.
Six stone piers are witnessed jutting from the docks on the Northeast side of the city. It is here that various river crafts, no deep draft vessels can come into these waters, for they are too shallow, are permitted to dock. Beyond the docks, one will see the 50 foot wall which skirts the city along the banks of the river. It is here that the River Gate, the main entrance to the city from this side, is located. This gate is only open from dawn until dusk, where it promptly closes to all traffic. Through the River Gate wagons, transports, beasts of burden, and foot traffic may freely move. Just inside the River Gate is where the Harbor Master's office is located, this office is manned at all times, day and night. Perched high atop of the impressive wall, on opposite sides of the gate, guard towers can be seen. Typically, on any given day, 6 large dhow can dock at the piers to a side, which is a total of 12 per pier, and up to as many as 72 ships. But the same could be true of 12 small dhow which can dock at the piers to a side, which happens to be 24 total to a pier, and up to as many as 144 ships at the piers at one time.
Most of the streets in the city of Kasra do not have any official names, often they acquire "unofficial" names from the various residents who inhabit them and frequent them often. Though, by chance, those streets that do have official names, a street sign can often be found painted on a corner of a nearby building, only a few feet above the ground. The main thoroughfares, they can be found leading from the Sun and River Gates, within the city walls are made of cobble stone, they have a width of 30 feet, which is plenty large for wagons to easily pass. A semblance of a sidewalk can be found on these streets, as well as a curb, and like all the streets in the city, they slope gently from each side to a central gutter where waste and debris go. The main thoroughfares are illuminated by tharlarion oil lamps which are maintained by those of the city, providing enough light for safe travel during the evening Ahns. These streets, as well as the Plaza and assorted squares, are maintained and kept clean by state owned slaves. On both sides of the main streets one will see trees which line the road, as well as an assortment of plants and colorful blooms which add to the vibrancy and vitality of the city. Located at various points on the main thoroughfares two tiered fountains can be found, it is here that water can be gathered and drunk. The upper basin of the fountain is strictly for the use of the Free, while the lower basin is for the use of animals, as well as slaves. Thick poles, with medium sized metal rings, can be found at different points along the main roads, it is to these rings that one can tether animals such as kaiila, tharlarions, etc. as well as slaves while their owners roam the city.
Unlike the main thoroughfares, the side streets and alley ways are made primarily out of dirt, and their width varies from a mere 4 feet to up to 10 feet total, they are only large enough to permit foot traffic and push carts to pass freely. Unlike their counterparts, the side streets have no sidewalks, nor any curbs, but they do, like the main roads, gently slope from each side toward the central gutter where all waste and debris go. Along the side streets, as well as the alley ways, the residents that live and do business there are not required, yet are encouraged, to maintain the lighting of such roadways. The use of oil lamps, lanterns, and even torches are often employed to navigate these streets at night. These streets, plus the alley ways, are to be maintained and cleaned by those who have buildings which face them.
Let it be known that a majority of the city slopes down toward the river and that there are very few tall buildings in the city, the tallest ones happen to be only 3 stories high at the most. The walls which encircle the city, the exterior and both interior ones, are the highest structures in the whole city. The Temple of the city is located at the highest point of the city, overlooking the rest of the city from this vantage point. Water mills, which are located in various spots throughout the city, pull water up from the wells that feed the city to fill the cisterns to provide running water and sewage control for the entire city. It is known that the Eastern side of the city is considered the less prestigious side of the city, it is very similar to the Anbar of Ar in many aspects, where those of the Lower Caste live and work. The market place is located between the East and the West sides of the city, while the Plaza buffers not only the market place, but the arena as well. It is here, in the Plaza, that the public boards, the city criers, and the sign carriers can be found. The Street of Brands can be found on the East side of the city, close to the market place and Plaza, while the Street of Coins is located on the West side of the city, the opposite side of the market place.
Assorted things can be found to purchase at the market place, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, rugs, furniture, clothing, as well as baked goods to name a few. Various craftsmen, such as metal workers, weavers, basket makers, and pot makers set up stalls and booths here. Businesses such as Inns, cafes, bakeries, and flower shops are located near the main thoroughfare off on the West side of the city. On the Northeast side of the city, at the docks, buffered against the exterior wall, you can find the Fish Market. Meanwhile, the Meat Market, can be found located just inside the River Gate on the exterior northeast wall. The market for Saddle Makers and Leather Workers is nestled near the cavalry barracks between the exterior wall and the first interior wall on the East side of the city.
The largest building in all of the city, width wise and possibly height wise, is the arena. It is located on the West side of the market place, one of the exterior walls buffers against the corner of the Plaza which is located at the front, or main, entrance of the arena. It is through the Plaza, where various vendors hawk their wares, such as drinks, foods, etc., that one has to cross to enter upon the concourse of the arena. Inside the large bowl of the arena there is enough seating for up to 5,000 people. Three main tiers of seating can be seen, starting with the lowest tier which is for those of the Low Caste, which has no benches, and is standing room only. The next tier, the middle one, is for those of the High Caste and those who can afford seats here, it is here that stone benches, without backs can be found. Last, but not least, the top tier, is for those of the Administrator of the city, as well of those of High Caste and any who can afford seats here, there are enclosed boxes in this section, which have couches, pillows, low tables, and other special adornments. From the upper most rim of the arena, poles can be seen extending outward over the center of the pit. Upon these poles there are vibrant cloth sheets which can be stretched out to the ends of the poles, via pulleys and rope, to offer shade to even the lowliest of citizens as they watch the matches.
The city of Kasra is surrounded by a trio of walls, each of the walls is a combination of three different colors, such as tan, brown, and red, all due because of the natural hue of the materials used in their construction. The exterior wall which encompasses the city has only two large gates, the one which faces the South is called the Sun Gate, while the one on the banks of the River, on the Northeast, is named the River Gate. Both of these gates open at dawn, then promptly close at dusk. Through the smaller gates, which are located at various spots on both interior walls foot traffic is permitted from dusk until dawn, yet at times it is highly restricted to those of the city garrison as they make their patrols.
The defenses of the city begins with the trio of walls which encircle the city on all sides. The first two walls, the exterior and the first interior, both have a Sun and River Gate, while the second interior wall, or the third wall, only has a Sun Gate. Each of the main gates, as are the smaller gates, are staggered from one another, this is done to prevent a direct line into the city, hindering an attack of an invading army that desired to march straight to the main thoroughfare and into the heart of the city. Any who dare to invade the city, as well as the citizens who trek through the assorted gates every day, will have to head toward the West to find their way to the next gate. This is done to allow the guards atop of the interior walls to rain death down on the attackers during the duration of their march to the next set of gates. Through the larger gates, the Sun and the River, traffic via wagon as well as foot is permitted, but through the smaller gates, only foot travel and the use of push carts is allowed. The gates on the interior two walls, including the Sun and River Gates as well as the smaller ones, remain open throughout the day and night, never closing unlike their counterparts on the main, exterior wall.
The exterior wall which surrounds the city is 50 feet tall in height, at its base it is 30 feet thick, and a mere 10 feet thick at the very top. Along this wall, the Sun Gate is located on the South, at the 6 o'clock position, while the River Gate is on the Northeast facing wall at the 1 o'clock position. As previously stated, through both of these gates, wagons, transports, beasts of burden, and foot traffic may move freely. Located on this exterior wall there are also 5 smaller gates which are open for only foot traffic, it should be noted that these gates face east. All the gates, including the two main Gates -Sun and River, as well as the smaller ones, are staggered from those on the interior wall to prevent a direct line of traffic to the city proper. Upon this wall there are guard towers which are located about every 300 feet apart, each one is manned by at least 2 men at all times. Yet, at the Sun and River Gates, there are two guard towers, one on each side of the main gate into the city. These towers, unlike the others, are much larger than the rest, and contain barracks for up to 8 men for each of these gate towers. Alarm bars, which are hollow metal tubes that are struck by hammers to warn the citizens of impending danger, are located at both the Sun and River Gates. The use of long bows, with arrows, as well as crossbows with bolts, plus the use of rocks to be thrown, and even hot oil to be poured from vats is employed as a defense to protect the city at the guard towers located on the exterior wall.
The first interior wall which is which is located 200 feet away from the exterior wall, it is 75 feet tall in height, at its base it is 40 feet thick, and a mere 10 feet wide at the very top. Along this wall the Sun Gate is located at the 8 o'clock position, while the River Gate is located at the 11 o'clock. As previously stated, through both of these gates, wagons, transports, beasts of burden, and foot traffic may move freely. Located on this interior wall there are also 4 smaller gates which are open for only foot and push cart traffic, it should be noted that these gates face east. All the gates, including the two main Gates -Sun and River, as well as the smaller ones, are staggered from those on the interior wall to prevent a direct line of traffic to the city proper. Upon this wall there are guard towers which are located about 200 feet apart on the wall, each one is manned by at least 2 men at all times. Yet, at the Sun and River Gates, there are two guard towers, one on each side of the main gate into the city. These towers, unlike the others, are much larger than the rest, and contain barracks for up to 8 men for each of these gate towers. Alarm bars, which are hollow metal tubes that are struck by hammers to warn the citizens of impending danger, are located at the Western most guard tower at the 9 o'clock position. The use of long bows, as well as crossbows, plus the use of rocks to be thrown, and even hot oil to be poured from vats is employed as a defense to protect the city at the guard towers located on the interior wall. Ballistae, which lob projectiles over the exterior wall on to an attacking army below, are mounted at every third guard tower, these are maintained by 8 man teams. By not putting these on the exterior wall, the guards on that wall's towers can utilize their other defenses. The barracks, as well as the stables, for the Kaiila cavalry are located between the exterior wall and this interior wall near the Sun Gate; they line the exterior wall, facing this interior wall on both sides of the gate.
The second interior wall which is which is located 100 feet away from the first interior wall, it is 120 feet tall in height, at its base it is 60 feet thick, and a mere 10 feet wide at the very top. Along this wall the Sun Gate is located at the 9 o'clock position. As previously stated, through the Sun Gate, wagons, transports, beasts of burden, and foot traffic may move freely. Located on this second interior wall there are also 2 smaller gates which are open for only foot and push cart traffic, it should be noted that this gates face east. All the gates, including the Sun Gate, as well as the smaller ones, are staggered from those on the interior wall to prevent a direct line of traffic to the city proper. Upon this wall there are guard towers which are located about 100 feet apart on the wall, each one is manned by at least 2 men at all times. Yet, at the Sun Gate, there are two guard towers, one on each side of the main gate into the city. These towers, unlike the others, are much larger than the rest, and contain barracks for up to 8 men for each of these gate towers. Alarm bars, which are hollow metal tubes that are struck by hammers to warn the citizens of impending danger, are located at the East at the 4 o'clock position and at the North in the 11 o'clock position. The use of long bows, as well as crossbows, plus the use of rocks to be thrown, and even hot oil to be poured from vats is employed as a defense to protect the city at their guard towers located on the interior wall. Ballistae, which lob projectiles over the exterior wall on to an attacking army below, are mounted at every other guard tower, these are maintained by 8 man teams. By not putting these on the exterior wall, the guards on that wall's towers can utilize their other defenses.The city garrison is located along the interior of this second interior wall, near the Sun Gate. The tarn cots can be found on the Northeast side of the city at the 2 o'clock position on the interior of this second interior wall, between the alarm bars at the 11 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions.
...............................................................................................Important Links:
........................................................................Fayeen, to the Cartius, lay the river port of Kasra, known for its export of salt. It was in this port that the warehouses of Ibn
.......................................................................Saran, salt merchant, currently the guest of Samos of Port Kar, were to be found. This city, too, was indicated in the
.......................................................................cording of his agal, and in the stripes of his dejellaba. Tribesmen of Gor pages 32 - 33
.......................................................................conspicuous in Tor, as would surely as a tarnsman. From Kasra I had taken a dhow upriver on the Lower Fayeen, until I
.......................................................................reached the village of Kurtzal, which lies north, overland, from Tor. Goods which are to be transported from Tor to Kasra
......................................................................sometimes are first taken overland to Kurtzal, and thence west on the river. Kurtzal is little more than a loading and
......................................................................shipping point. Tribesmen of Gor page 41
Laws of Kasra ~зез~ Map of Kasra ~зез~ The Kasra Crier ~зез~ Places Around Kasra ~зез~ House Salacious Steel ~зез~ Docks of Kasra ~зез~ Market Place of Kasra ~зез~ Arena of Kasra ~зез~ River View Inn ~зез~ The Keg & Cask Paga Den ~зез~ Public Park of Kasra ~зез~ Public Baths of Kasra ~зез~ City Views ~зез~