Palace Precinct

The Palace Precinct is perhaps the most iconic neighborhood in all Omrazir, as its soaring stone spires tower above all the rest of the city and are among the first things that any traveler notices when docking in Rassi Bay. Built entirely upon the heights and slopes of an elevated ridge that adjoins the bulk of the western massif, the Palace Precinct actually occupies less ground -- and very much less level ground -- than most neighborhoods in the city.

History

The Palace Precinct came into being only after the Ruvan conquest of Omrazir, as before this time there was little reason to build upon the steep slopes of the western massif, remote from the heart of the city. But when the third Ruvan governor of Omrazir moved the center of government to the west side of the Tamrasset and had a new palace constructed for himself atop the massif there, it was not long before a small host of government functionaries, aspiring elites, and others seeking employment and influence with the new ruler began to cluster nearby. Settling their new residences as close to the seat of power as they could, this necessarily entailed building upon the steep ground just below the palace, which together with the new fortress and forum occupied nearly all the level ground in the area. Despite the obvious difficulties of construction and the equally glaring constraints of space, the neighborhood flourished, in large part thanks to the skill of both al-Sakhnan and Razmani architects and stonemasons (and, some say, mages).