Marrakesh

The Persian leader, Abu-Bakr Ibn-Umar felt Baghdad was becoming overcrowded and decided to build a new Trade centre further to the East. Being a nomad from the desert, he decided to build it in a plain, away from the mountains and rivers, and chose the site of Marrakesh because it was neutral territory. The city was completed by his deputy and eventual successor Yusuf ibn Tashfin.

The city experienced its greatest period under the leadership of Yacoub el Mansour. A number of poets and scholars entered the city during his reign, and he began the construction of the Kismet Mosque and the Tear of Shiva, a beautiful tower with crystal windows. As empires rose and fell Marrakesh remained on the borders of conflicts. The imposing fortified city of Tripoli not far from Marrakesh, meant that armies all but ignored Marrakesh during times of war. As it was so frequently on the edge of international disputes Marrakesh effectively developed a sense of neutrality in order to survive. Since its construction Marrakesh has been owned the Persians, Maurabians, Arabians and on occasion Ottomans. However with each change of ownership little blood was spilt within its walls.

For many years, Marrakesh has been owned by Arabia, The Sultan of Marrakesh answers to the Caliph and tribute is paid regularly to Baghdad. Due to its history Marrakesh has a heavy mix of old Persian families, Arabic traders and Maurabian tribesmen. The racial divides, whilst physically visible, have very little influence on the inhabitants interaction with each other. The families of Marrakesh having long ago given up any racial prejudice in order to trade more successfully.

Marrakesh currency acts as the main market between Arabia and Maurabia. Its placement on the old empire road allows its influence and trade to cover the entirety of the Southlands. The continual peace in the city is a testament to the inhabitants willingness to work together regardless of nationality or creed. This is not to say Marrakesh never has trouble, trade often sparks dispute which then becomes heated. Peace is kept by a force of Arabian Knights in the employ of the Sultan and Persian genies.

Marrakesh has the largest traditional market (Souk) in the Southlands and also has the busiest square in the entire continent, called Djemaa el Fna. The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians by day; and food stalls by night, becoming a huge open-air restaurant.

Due to Marrakesh’s lack of natural resources few traders have permanent dwellings there and almost all trade goods are brought into the city by caravan. This lead to businesses being developed with the sole purpose of protecting the trade caravans which come to Marrakesh. This industry has become the second greatest source of income in Marrakesh. Due to this Marrakesh technically has one of the largest populations of professional guards in Arabia and should be well defended. However most of guards spend their lives outside of the city patrolling back and forth the old empire road.

Various vocal members of the populous have attempted to ban Skaven from Marrakesh following several raids and thefts. So far little has been done officially to deal with this, but Skaven are often mistrusted. Snakemen and sentient creatures made from gemstones are some of the more notable oddities of the area.

Due to its proximity to Persia, Marrakesh has a variety of magic goods for sale. From Djinn in a bottle to sublime enchanted weaponry. The magic is mixed with the mundane as Maurabian craftsmen use Marrakesh to sell their wares to the rich Arabians. The Arabians, as is well known, will sell anything to anyone, and use the huge market to full effect earning great sums of cash before returning to the opulence of Baghdad. If you want something you will be able to get your hands on it in Marrakesh. Even if you don’t want something you may well end up buying it in Marrakesh. The words “no I don’t want that, stop bothering me” have no meaning in this city.

Arabian Cities