Qabarat

The Shining Jewel of the Western Sea, Qabarat is the mightiest of all the Lashunta city-states. It's mighty white walls are as beautiful as they are solid, its domed buildings decorated with great mosaics of aquamarine, opal, and crushed seashells. It occupies a natural harbor, which offers shelter to hundreds of ships during the ocean's frequent storms. Qabarat is home to no less than four Elf Gates, more than any other city besides El itself.

Although the Lashunta do not have a unified government, and therefore no capital, the Elves of Sovyrian see Qabarat as the leader of their allies and deal with them almost exclusively. The backing of the elves, as well as Qabarat's considerable military and economic power, give it the legitimacy to lead, and where it goes generally the rest of the city-states follow.

Following the Lashunta's cultural priorities, Qabarat is home to three universities- the School of Trade, the School of Law, and the School of Magic. Here every Qabarat citizen (and many outsiders) receive training in their chosen fields, taught by the greatest masters the Lashunta can boast. Qabarat also has vast libraries, a world-class observatory, and several theaters.

Qabarat's trade quarter is centered on Shipman's End, which comprises most of the city's non-military ship berths. Instead of selling to merchants in the city itself, most captains sell their goods directly to the citizens, setting up shop right next to their vessels. Although disorganized, this market bustles with activity every day of the year, and offers up exotic wares from every corner of the planet.

Qabarat boasts the most sophisticated financial system on the planet, even eclipsing that of the Elves. The Lashunta long ago discovered that expansion is best achieved through investment, and Qabarat's nobles generally own stake in dozens of ventures. Even the uncertainties caused by war have not much affected the banks of Qabarat, who can still guarantee reasonable rates of return for interested investors.

Qabarat's leader is Lady Emiren of Qabarat (formerly of House Lydeg). She rules from the mighty Threefold House, a capitol building where politics, worship, and war are practiced with equal reverence and skill. Her Chief Consort and Qabarat's Battle Leader is Krak of House Mocolt, a mighty and cunning commander who boasts hundreds of victories on land and sea.