Suneb (সুনেব or सूनेब) is a small city in the northern Ashfall Sea. It marks the easternmost extent of the Kasaaqi Hukumat’s sphere of influence, and is an incredibly strategically important island port for both its defensive position as well as the trade routes that pass through it. While the volcanic island has been settled for thousands of years, it was colonized by the Kasaaqi Navy in the early third era. Over the past century, the Lunar Collective has long tried to take control of the island but has failed to conquer it. In fact, when Lunaria occupied Suneb’s parent city of Therah in 3E435, Suneb remained under kasaaqi control and served as the launching point for Therah’s reconquest. Often called a fortress-city due to its military origins, the people of Suneb are known for their naval prowess and sheer willpower and sense of freedom. Not many other individual cities have emerged victorious against the lunar navy. The tropical island is surrounded by cliffs on all sides other than its southern coast, which gives the city its defensive edge.
Suneb’s docks are full of warships as well as merchant navies from across the world, the shipyards and trading outposts contributing the most towards the island’s economy. The city is also known for its overwhelming beauty, as over the years House Narayu has beautified much of the city walls. Both their Qila and the city’s walls are made of basalt and blackstone that are carved with shell patterns and sea-life. The culture of Suneb is rather different from the mainland and even the nearby Therah, as Suneb more so than any of the other islands celebrates both its modern rethvi population as well as the minority tribal kazareth populations of humans and saurians alike. This diversity is a result of the chaotic history of the city, and makes it a popular destination for nobles during the monsoon season. Despite the free-loving attitude of the citizens, there is more military presence in Suneb than most other kasaaqi cities, and the residents live in a near-constant state of military influence. Because Suneb is so sought-after by the Lunar Collective, House Narayu’s authority over their own city is always undermined by House Aylarov and House Zaaba. Due to the size of the city, many have argued that House Narayu should be considered the eighth major mahaan house of the Hukumat, but due to the contentious hold the nation has over the island they have not yet been given this honor. House Aylarov also does not want to lose Suneb as their vassal, enjoying the wealth the city brings them.
Areas of the city include:
Old Suneb. The largest district of the city and the oldest, Old Suneb (পুরাতন সুনেব) contains markets and middle-class housing. It used to be the location of ancient villages and settlements on the coastline, and has now become nearly completely urbanized. Some areas of interest include:
The Hanga-mandi, the largest market in Suneb. It is always busy with traders from all over the world, and full with smells of incense and fish alike.
Sigmandir, a large temple dedicated to Sigdev, the god of the seas. The people of Suneb worship his more war-like characteristics compared to other coastal cities.
The Department of Dungeons branch of Suneb.
Castleport. The immense docks of Suneb, Qelabondo (কেল্লাবন্দ) is divided into a military sector and a merchant sector. This walled port also houses a large castle that is the home of House Narayu, built from blackstone and basalt and covered with intricate carvings. The port also contains the naval Senaghar for the Kasaaqi Sena.
Gharialgarh. A rather impoverished district of the city in the southern low-lying swampy areas away from the docks, Gharialgarh (ঘড়িয়ালগাদ) has a large gharid-saurian population that used to be the natives of the island. The city grew from this initial tribal settlement. Nowadays, it is known for its illicit gambling rings and smuggling routes, as almost all crime seems to flow down into these mangrove swamps. Some locations of interest include:
Dramandir, an ancient temple dedicated to Dradeva, the saurian god of luck and fate.
Chota-Ashpits, an underground fighting ring built to resemble the larger and infamous Ashpits of the nearby city of Casthys.
Derahpur. Built on higher ground and surrounded by well-maintained gardens, Derahpur (ডেরাহপুর) is a rich district is home to many nobles and merchants of Suneb. However, over time more and more of the mansions and villas were given to military admirals and other high ranking officers, much to the displeasure of old-money lords.