The World of Peranda, Post 2: Noré

Noré (pron: Noray) is the de facto capital of Andallia, and as such, it is also a hub of trade and commerce. Built into a deep crater, it is both a stronghold and something of a marvel of architecture. Houses are built into the crater walls, as well as into the sides of the hundred-foot thick wall of brick that surrounds the city. The city is comprised of several layers, each home to a caste of Andallians. For example, the Sand District is home to craftsmen and builders, while the Iron District houses the city's soldiers.

Army: Noré has the largest military of all the cities, and it is entirely garrisoned within the city. Large enough for thousands of troops, the Iron District is home to many of the other cities' soldiers as well. The famed Norénian Guard, formed largely from the corps of ex-soldiers and mercenaries that frequent the city, keeps watch over this district and prevents foreign soldiers from roaming the city freely.

The soldiers of Noré are well-ordered and most are equipped with bronze armor provided by the city. Foot soldiers are equipped with bronze plate and large rectangular shields, and depending on the unit they're assigned to, they're either given scimitars, bronze-tipped doru spears, or shortbows.

The elite Va'Shar, soldiers fielded by the Khan and his generals, are given armor of bronze and iron scale, and usually carry short halberds and iconic iron shields with the Khan's crescent moon engraved into them.

Also in the Iron District, the Pit of Noré stands as a testament to the violence that is fundamental to its' people's way of life. A massive arena made of black stone, the Pit is the most notable of the Iron District's landmarks, with its mechanical battleground that can be changed in a matter of minutes being a marvel of Andallian architecture. Slaves, soldiers, and knights alike take part in the bloody spectacles there, the former fighting for their freedom and the latter fighting for honor and fame.

Culture: Noré's culture is as diverse as its people. Adopting lifestyles from all of the major cities, it is a melting pot of ideas and rituals. In the Courtyard of Trees located in the scholarly Edict District, philosophers from across the world gather to discuss the latest theories, and one can try cuisine from across the realm on the Sand District's main street.

Patron Deity: The people of Noré worship many of the other cities' deities, but the supreme deity Veshtar originated here and has a temple in the Sun District, where the city's royalty and priesthood dwell. Veshtar has two faces, one the male conquerer and one the female ruler. According to Andallian religious texts, Veshtar died liberating the Andallians from under the servitude of Bakaru, the evil creator of the world. Darune, Veshtar's successor, is said to live still, in a volcanic region called Black Tor in the far south of Andallia.

If you'd like to learn more about Nore, head over to the forum and ask! I'd love to answer your questions! 

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