Shirekeep
Sxirosikx | |
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| Population: | City within the Walls: 408,462 Greater Metropolitan Area: 8,270,000-14,025,646* *Seasonal fluctuations caused by migrant workers. |
| Predominant language: | English, Præta Sxiröþes |
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| Main roads: | Kaiser's Boulevard, Infernal Avenue, Nobles' Avenue, Heretic's Walk |
| Major districts: | Raynor's Keep, The Old City, Docklands, Underkeep |
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| Current mayor: | Audun Joel Ayreon-Kalirion (Prefect) |
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| Map versions: | every map |
History
Shirekeep is the capital and chief city of Shireroth, with a history going back over 6,500 years. Shirekeep is a part of the Imperial County, directly under the Kaiser. A Prefect (before 4290 ASC: Lord Mayor) can be appointed to handle city affairs. The last Prefect was a minor member of the House of Win'Eth who was executed for backing the wrong side in the River War.
Although the origins of Shirekeep are shrouded in legend, most people believe that the city was founded by Kaiser Raynor I after his conquest of Brookshire. Raynor built the part of the city now known as "Raynor's Keep" as a fortress guarding the River Elwynn and as a palace for himself and his successors; commoners and artisans settled to the east of the keep, on the Elwynn's west bank. During the reign of his successor, Raynor II, the city expanded northward as Shirerithian forces fought off the Elw barbarians in the region surrounding the city. During Shirerithian expansion, many of the conquered peoples of the Shirerithian Empire immigrated to the city, creating the sprawling foreign quarters of the south, which were later destroyed by a fire.
Shirekeep has been burnt down several times, usually as a result of experiments or military drills gone awry, but occasionally during wars. The city suffered severe damage during the Mog Rebellion, and much of it was also burned down during the War of the Wylthean Succession. Most recently, parts of it have fallen into decay as the Kaiser's government lacks the funds needed to properly fully maintain the city.
The Great Fire of Shirekeep in 4030 ASC, during the reign of Kaiser B'Caw I and the secession of parts of Elwynn, proved to be a disaster for the capital: fire had destroyed the whole Foreign Quarter and a lack of funds avoided that houses were rebuild. Bureaucratic affairs and simply the discontent towards the foreigners who had lived in the southern quarters, led to the decision to use the land for other goals. Several Kaisers after B'Caw approved the plans to use the gained free lands for farmland, but ignored the need of defending it. It took until Kaiser Fish XII ordered the construction of the so-called Fishian Wall, in 4136 ASC, before the farmland was decently protected against possible treats. During Kaiser Gaelen IV's reign, Fort Tempus was built.
Following the dead of Gaelen IV, the Prefectoral era began for Shirekeep: Jonas Win'Eth became the ruler of Shirekeep and its surrounding lands. It saw also, for a moment, the threat of being attacked by the armed forces of its own Duke/king, the Rex of Raynoria, because of the city's support to Kaiser Cedris I. With His abdication of the throne, the danger was averted.
