FOUNDED 1521
Nestled within the breathtaking expanse of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Kimaris is a city of tranquil beauty and profound purpose. Surrounded by vast stretches of fertile plains and framed by the shimmering expanse of Lake Kima, the city thrives in harmony with its natural surroundings. Unlike the towering metropolises of other NetherKind cities, Kimaris embraces a subtler, more grounded identity. Its architecture flows seamlessly with the landscape—homes and halls carved into the valley walls and built along the lake’s shores, blending with the environment rather than reshaping it.
The city’s design reflects its ethos: balance, community, and respect for nature. Lake Kima is its lifeblood, providing sustenance and connection. The waters of the lake are revered as sacred, and their currents guide much of Kimaris’s identity. It is a place where nature and civilisation coexist, where progress is measured not in expansion but in harmony. This balance, however, has not come without sacrifice.
Kimaris’s origins are intertwined with the greater story of the NetherKind. Established in 1521, the city arose during a period of growth and exploration for the NetherKind species. While its founders drew inspiration from other NetherKind cities, Kimaris’s creation was driven by a unique vision—a sanctuary where the connection to the natural world was paramount. Unlike the bustling centres of trade and politics elsewhere, Kimaris was designed as a haven for those seeking peace and clarity, offering refuge to NetherKind and humans alike.
The city’s guardians, known as the Tidewardens, are an eclectic collective drawn not from a singular order but from the diverse population of Kimaris itself. Each Warden is chosen for their unshakable dedication to the city and their deep understanding of its natural and cultural heritage. Their ranks are made up of those who have proven their loyalty and skill in service to Kimaris, whether they were born there or arrived as seekers of sanctuary. The Tidewardens act as protectors, mediators, and guides, ensuring the city’s values and safety are upheld. They are also its historians, preserving oral traditions and the wisdom passed down through generations. Unlike the rigid militaristic structures of other cities, the Tidewardens operate with fluidity, mirroring the currents that define Kimaris.
While Kimaris remains a beacon of peace, its survival has required vigilance. Over centuries, its leaders have worked to maintain harmony not just within the city but with the human communities in the surrounding regions. Trade agreements have been carefully cultivated, built on mutual respect and understanding, allowing the exchange of goods such as rare herbs and handcrafted artefacts. These partnerships have strengthened bonds, yet they have also made the city a target for those seeking to exploit its natural abundance. Kimaris has stood firm against these threats, relying on its resourceful people and the strategic use of its environment to defend its independence without compromising its principles.
The relationship between Kimaris and the wider NetherKind world is one of quiet influence. While the city avoids the grand political manoeuvrings of other NetherKind capitals, its spiritual and cultural significance draws attention and admiration. Many view Kimaris as a place of renewal, and its waters are believed to have properties that heighten clarity and inner strength. Pilgrims arrive not to gain power but to seek balance, drawn by stories of lives changed by the stillness of the lake and the wisdom of its people.
Kimaris is also deeply connected to its own past, though it has no interest in hidden treasures or secrets of conquest. Local folklore speaks of the lake as a living entity, a sentient force that chose the Rift Valley as a refuge for the NetherKind. The currents are said to "listen" and "respond" to the emotions of those who dwell nearby, guiding them in times of strife. While these are often dismissed as mere legends, many Tidewardens swear by the lake's "subtle will," crediting it with helping them avert disaster on more than one occasion.
In this city, power is not hoarded or used to intimidate—it is shared in a way that fosters unity. Kimaris stands as a testament to the strength found in harmony with nature, its people thriving not through domination but through a steadfast connection to the currents of life that flow through the land, the water, and their own hearts. Its story is one of resilience, built not on mysticism or secrecy, but on the profound belief that survival is achieved through collaboration and respect for the natural world.