Mem’mala (मेममाला), also known as Malagarh (मालागड) is a small city within the Kav’orra Desert. The maratha-inspired city is built around a large oasis-lake called Varkaji Sagar (वर्काजि सागर) that brings life to the otherwise deadly desert. The area around the city hosts a small grassland as well as many farms that are irrigated from the oasis using a large network of canals. The city is very careful to not entirely drain the oasis that supports it, and there are legends of an ancient pact between the kav’orri people and the lake-yaksha of the Varkaji Sagar. The city is very circular, spreading out gradually from the oasis outwards. The centerpoint of the city and the largest structure within it is the large Malagarh fort that is the seat of House Mathii. It is built on the coast of the oasis, and houses lavish gardens that have become the envy of many other cities. The gardens of Malagarh also double as a royal animal sanctuary, hosting hundreds of different species of birds and animals within its walls.
The location of the city and the lack of rail or waterway connections isolates it from the other cities of the Kav’orra, despite its central position. It is a gateway city to the northwestern Koorjei Valley as well as al-Shhubus, but not too much trade travels to those regions as compared to other routes. While travel and caravanserais are a source of income, the city relies far more on agriculture and southern trade for its economy.
As one of the only sources of water in the entire desert, the city is on friendly terms with most of the desert tribes and nomads who visit Mem’mala for water and supplies, though relationships have been tense at times. While the city does have many walls and forts along its borders to keep out intruders, it has historically never repelled any sieges or invasions from the south. As such, Mem’mala has been a part of many different factions over the centuries, including the Surya Sultanate as well as the Kasaaqi Hukumat. The Hukumat did not acquire the city using force though, as House Zaaba allied with House Mathii using marriage instead. While the area around the lake has been settled since before the first era, Mem’mala is said to have been “founded” in 2E430 by Sri Varkaji Mathii I, a legendary merchant-king who defended the settlement from an undead invasion via a fabled pact with the lake-yaksha. House Mathii has continued to rule the city for the seven centuries since this event, as the relative isolation of Mem’mala has presented few external problems to their power. While House Mathii has rebelled many times against House Zaaba, they were never uprooted entirely and spared from complete destruction due to the economic and military importance of the city. Mem’mala is an important military outpost for the Kasaaqi Sena, as it projects power onto nearly the entire northern Kav’orra. However, the loyalties of the Sena in this city are always in-between House Mathii and House Zaaba, as most of the members are locals.
Religion is also a big source of income for the city as it is one of the few cities that is known for the worship of Qaniidev. While there are dozens of temples dedicated to every other ashtadharmic god, the Malagarh Fort houses a large temple dedicated to Qaniidev. The god of creation and architecture is revered here, and the designs of the palace and its gardens are indicative of this worship. Dedicated pilgrims from all over Eqos often visit Mem’mala, including many bug-folk. Between all the travelers, pilgrims, and tribesmen constantly visiting the city, crime has become a big problem over the years. The Sena keeps things in line, but they are more concerned with maintaining the city’s loyalty to the nation over catching every thief who steals shoes from outside temple gates. Many merchants hire personal guards for protection instead, and thus mercenary companies and thieves guilds alike flourish here in a symbiotic relationship.
Areas of the city include:
Malagarh Fort. The center of the city and the largest structure within it, Malagarh Qila (मालागड क़िला) is visible from miles away. The gleaming marble fort was built on the western coast of the oasis, and only grew with time. It is the seat of House Mathii, and is a luxurious showcase of their treasury. Some locations of interest other than the fort include:
The Gardens of Malagarh, also known as the Snakegardens, are situated within the fort’s walls and host a menagerie containing hundreds of animals and birds, native and foreign alike. An intricate system of pipes and canals nourish the extensive gardens, built by expert desert-dwarves from Ammba under the guidance of the architect-priests.
The Qaniimandir, a large temple dedicated to the god of architecture and creation Qaniidev. It is the only area within the Malagarh complex that is accessible by the common folk and pilgrims.
Cyjara. An upper-class merchant district surrounding the southwestern coast of the oasis near the fort, Cyjara (सिजारा) contains great markets as well as large villas owned by the nobles and merchants who live here. It is the only district contained within the walls of the city. Some locations of interest include:
The Great Caravanserai, the largest and most expensive inn within the city that caters to rich travelers who journey along the trade routes.
Qaniighar, a ‘holy’ magic shop run by a devout faiiali worshiper named Gidan. He is a well known enchanter in the city but his goods are often too pricey for regular adventurers.
Keossapura. A middle-class district on the eastern shore of the lake, Keossapura (केओसापुरा) is lined with small houses and communal bungalows belonging to most of the population that resides in the city. Riddled with crime and pollution, it is patrolled by soldiers and mercenaries alike. Some locations of interest include:
The Senaghar of Mem’mala, a large military complex that houses much of the military presence within the city. The Senaghar was said to have been placed directly opposing the Fort across the lake to make sure that the soldiers knew where their loyalties lied.
The mem’malan branch of the Department of Dungeons, the smallest guildhouse in the desert.
Saemandir, a temple dedicated to Saedevi built on top of a small hill. It was built relatively recently.
Qoranipura. A wide expanse of low-class settlements and farms stretching south of the city, Qoranipura (कोरानिपुरा) is where most travelers from the rest of the desert first arrive. A series of interconnected canals irrigate the fields here, and there is a large military presence watching over travelers from the nearby Fort Qorani.