Garidan
Ijah
The seven fires of Garidan all have capitol cities. For the Elves, the forest city of Ijah (e-jaw) is that city. Constructed over centuries from living trees, the city is both beautiful and dangerous. Fortified against an unlikely attack, can be completely sealed for years without depleting its resources. When the city is closed this way, a red flag waves over the city, warning all who are near that many unseen traps await friend and foe alike. Ijah has only been closed a few times in its history and for the most part is an open and friendly city with a robust trading community. The only elves can be permanent residents, but many wealthy merchants of various races have made their homes in the forest city for many years without any repercussions.
Like most cities, Ijah has a criminal element. A thief that prays on other elves is almost unheard of in Ijah, but praying on other visiting merchants is another matter. Spying, coups and other court intrigue is also fair game. Even the occasional assination is not unheard of, but all elves will come to the aide of Ijah, if her enemies threaten the forest city.
Garidan
The capitol city of humans and some say, of all the seven fires. Open to any races, it is still predominately run by humans. Other races can run for office after a 10 year residence. The city is agressive is expanding trade routes and other businesses. It is known for it's gems (from Fireheart) and for its great variety of food (both from the sea and from Quail). It also hosts the Nine Circles -- a mage university specialized in training magicians. While very few have the mind to shape magical energy, the university has branched out into training of all sorts, including fighting, banking, theology, trade mastery, and architecture.
One of the downsides to Garidan, is the power of the thieves guild. Run predominately by halflings, it's a huge network of spies, assasines and theives that extort money from many people in Garidan. The guild will find new thieves in the city and "ask" them to join their guild. Membership cost 25 percent of anything you "collect." Refusal or "late payments" are dealt with severly, often with the thief's death. Many thieves who just arrive in Garidan hide their profession. But the guild is watching and everytime a theif uses a thief skill in Garidan, whether he is solely a theif or not, there is a 20 percent chance that a member of the guild saw. Thieves who are members in good standing can ask a favor of the guild. Success depends on the size of the favor, but amount of money paid in dues will have a big effect on the guild looking favorably on the request. I give about 1 percent bonus for each 5,000 gold pieces given to the guild.
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