Kano

The capital of Elys, and the oldest large city in all of Maeovis.

History

Kano's history stretches back to 2150 A.G. (Age of Gods), when it was founded as a fishing village on the banks of the Great Teke Lakes. It was originally called Thutan, from the root words Thut (meaning large) and An (meaning sea). The city continued to grow until 1505 A.G., when the flood caused by Tempest destroyed most of the city, leaving the survivors on the three large hills in the center of the city. After the floodwaters receeded, the people returned to the lowlands, building houses that radiated out from the hills, forming the curving streets and angled intersections that Kano is known for today.

Kano first became the capitol of Elys when the floodwaters first receeded and the three hills reunited. At the site of the largest and central hill, Akros, later known as King Akros Amset, declared that the three hills were stronger together than apart, and that this site would be the home of a great nation. Then called Elyan, Elys soon became a beacon of prosperity and knowledge in the southern seas.

As ships and trade became more common between lands, Kano became a center of trade and wealth, trading fine goods and detailed crafts. The prominence of linen and rare dyes meant that Kano quickly became known for luxurious clothes. In many other parts of the world, Elysian cloths are on display in palaces and the homes of the wealthy.

The Three Hills

Kano is known for the three hills that define the landscape, centers of power and wisdom.

The central hill is the one that people see the moment they first arrive at the port. It holds the palace, the council house and the grand Ri, the council chamber. It is the site of many myths that have to do with power, including the birth of Keket, the sun goddess and queen of gods; and the creation of the council by Ta-apet, the god of order.

The eastern hill is the temple hill, as it corresponds with the rising of the sun. There are five major temples on the hill, and more surrounding it. The eastern hill is one of the busiest points in the city, as it is filled with people and priests going inbetween temples to pay respects to different deities according to their custom.

The western hill is often called the library hill, and it is the site of the largest library in Tekeburi. The library is two stories high, and has copies of books from around the world. The other impressive structure on this hill is the university, where students from all over Elys and Siniva come to learn and study the works of important authors. For this reason, there is a small Sinivan neighborhood outside of the western hill.

Points of Interest

Besides the three hills, Kano is home to many havens for artists and skilled craftspeople, encouraging creativity in every corner of the city.

The Gardens of Ser-Enet - A closed garden with many beautiful flowers and a lotus pool in the center, dedicated to the agriculture goddess Ser-Enet
The multicolored market - A huge marketplace selling almost anything one could ever need. Musicians roam the streets, performing for anyone who crosses their path.
The Eastern and Western Lighthouses - Two twin lighthouses with glittering golden roofs on either side of the port. The lights shine through the night as a beacon to guide ships to the port.
Artisan's way - A row of shops of many kinds, selling handcrafted wares of high quality. Many Kanese citizens reccomend this as the best place to shop in Kano.
The Breach - The part of the city across the river is informally called the breach, home to the Floodwater Kobolds and citizens who want to keep away from the splendor and brightness. Unfortunately, this place can also be a haven for those who want to keep away from the eyes of the government, and is also home to an artifact market and hidden guild of smugglers and scavengers.

Ethnicities and Cultures

There are two main groups from other cultures besides Elys that call Kano home, although they are not the only ones. Kano is known for being an incredibly diverse and accepting city to live in.

The Auvyxian diaspora, often called the Floodwater Kobolds, are a group of kobolds disrupted from their homeland by a massive flood that hit the northern coast of Auvyx. Some survivors fled south, but others headed north until they reached the Teke Lakes and landed in Kano. The diaspora is mainly located on the other side of the river from the main city, but others live in concentrated neighborhoods throughout the city. The architecture of these neighborhoods reflects the curved and domed architecture prominent in Auvyx.

The Sianic neighborhood on the north side of library hill is filled with apartments for the students attending the university. These neighborhoods change a lot depending on who lives there, as most students return to their homes when they are done with studies.