Tarna

Tarna is the name of both the capital city and nation of the Liontaurs. It is located in East Fricana, and lies southwest of Shapeir. It is a prominent site of cultural and commercial diffusion in Fricana. The kingdom extends from the mountains to the north and west, to the cliffs of the world's end to the south, and the sands of the Azure Sea to the east.

History
Tarna was built by humans centuries ago on the banks of the Mto Kubwa river at the western edge of the great savanna. When the liontaurs moved into the region, most of the humans living in Tarna had been killed in wars. Liontaurs protected the humans and they lived together in peace. The great city retains the basic architectural style of the ancient humans (some of the descendents of the original builders still remain), and the city itself seems to be arranged as a series of step-pyramids, with most buildings integrated into the core infrastructure of the city. Tarna had a sister city somewhere on the far eastern end of the jungle, although it was eventually deserted. Some of the descendants of the original builders still remain in Tarna and the major languages spoken are Common, Draconic, and Elvish.

Society
Tarna has a very rigid social system, with the Liontaur filling the supreme ruling classes, nobility, and warrior castes. They live on the eastern end of the city, whilst humans and other beings are allocated the western side. These two groups generally have very strained relations, with the Liontaur having far greater quality of life and opportunity than the humans, who are subject to absolute Liontaur rule and conduct.

The government of Tarna is headed by the King of Tarna, who is selected through a series of tests of skill, strength, and wit known as the Rites of Rulership. This monarch is not absolute, however, for he is also assisted and restrained by his Council of Judgment - consisting of six female Liontaur cabinet members. They oversee court trials in Tarna, and are also charged with declaring when the King of Tarna is no longer fit hold his position.