The Flats:
This is an unwalled area on the west side of the river in the floodplain of the delta. The natural delta has been augmented for better use by a tiered system of daises made from faux stone, having replaced the first addition of sun dried brick. The cyclic flooding of the river from the rains in the Western Jungle during the Drenching Season normally covers everything below tier two. Occasionally, greater rainfall floods everything below tier three. All permanent structures are above tier three and manufactured of sun dried brick with thatch roofing.
Government:
The city is ruled by 7 Magisters, serving, sequentially ending, 6-cycle terms. The positions are elected by popular vote, though there are no term limits. All known methods of intimidation, coercion, and misrepresentation are used during the election process. Generally, the only way that an incumbent is not re-elected is if he dies. All Magisters are male and only males are allowed to hold office, though the Magistrate is comprised of all three resident tribes. Only residents who are paid up on dues are allowed to vote. Each Magister is considered to be of equal authority. The odd number prevents any decision from becoming a tie, as no member may abstain from voting.
Asciutto Zucchero, an Ansylin, holds the Flats seat and is the third youngest Magister at 44 cycles, having held his position for 3 terms. He is known to be petty and boisterous but not so ambitious, though constantly attentive to his power and income. He occasionally visits the Flats to speak to the residents from its Pavilion, in order to show face. The names of the other Magisters are not known to Flats residents.
Commerce and Agriculture:
Cattails, reed cane, and thatch still grow naturally and are harvested from such state. Bulbous bromeliad, okra, rice, and sugar cane are agriculturally managed. Coin is paid and salt is traded by the Harbor for bromeliad fruit, okra, reed cane, rice, and thatch. Fresh water and avocado are traded by the Highlands for rice. Coin is paid by the Artisan District for clays of various consistency, okra seed, and rice. Coin is paid by the Alchemy District for okra seed, rice, and sugar syrup. Coin is paid by the Moonlight District and the Guildmaster District for okra seed and rice.
Laborers are paid a day's wage for the collection of a certain amount of each of those items. Collected materials are taken to the Pavilion for recording and pay before being carried by skiff to loading docks of other districts. Individuals can make extra pay for the collection of various wildlife. Even for characters, daily collection is considered a given, unless avoided by the nature of a post. It is the opportunity for extra coin that provides impetus for advancement.
Other paid labors by residents who are unable or unwilling to venture into the marsh (not player characters) include threshing rice, lashing thatch, and boiling syrup. Elder residents cook community meals at the Pavilion, dry skins, and make straw hats. Various goods can be purchased at the Pavilion, as well.
Theology:
There is a belief in two main deitific powers, both of whom are considered to be malevolent, and two lesser powers who are semi-benevolent. The most powerful deity is called the Burning Sun, represented by the light source of the day (the sun) and is considered to be male. Blood sacrifice of animals is given to appease him. The second most powerful deity is called the Maelstrom, represented by an actual maelstrom passed the farthest point of land where the two oceans meet and the currents mix. He is also considered to be male. The actual maelstrom is large enough to sink a sizable ship. Blood sacrifice of animals is given for favorable weather and seas.
The two lesser deities are called the Veil of Night and the Cover of Darkness. They are both considered to be female. Flats residents pay no heed to either of these and few even know of them.