Ajayib

Ajayib, also called the "City of Wonders", was the youngest of Zakhara's Pearl Cities, and its most westerly. Beyond it lay the wilderness of al-Suqut Mountains.

Geography
Located along the western coast of the Crowded Sea along the banks of Al-Malja River, Ajayib was both the southernmost and westernmost of the major Pearl Cities.

Trade
The source of Ajayib's wealth was cultivated on the steep hills which rose above the city. Though famous for their splendid coffee, Ajayib also exported fruits, frankincense, aromatic gums. The productions of bright dyes was also a major portion of their trade dealings.

History
Ajayib was the youngest of the great Pearl Cities, having only established an enlightened mosque in 1357 DR.

Inhabitants
Natives of Ajayib were proud to live on the frontier. They were generally independent, strong-willed, and opinionated.

Halima al-Wahsi was the Calipha of Ajayib in 1367 DR.

Defenses
The city guard of Ajayib numbered 8,000 soldiers and 2,000 cavalry. The Calipha personally commanded an elite unit of farisan that numbered 300 soldiers. Ajayib's navy numbered six ships used to combat pirates and western raiders.

Rumors & Legends
It was rumored that Ajayib was built upon the foundation of a much older city. The ancient settlement was supposedly carved into the cliffs shadowing Ajayib. A series of caves could be found in these cliffs, and though they were looted generations ago, many believed that Ajayib's savage ancestors still prowled the dark caverns.