Iza

Iza is the third-largest city in Rizia and the capital of the Brenas region. It is famous for its university as well as its multicultural population and historically liberal attitude compared to other Rizian cities. It was founded as a merchant republic on the ancient trade route between the Mark, the Rezenid Empire and the Mousser Empire. With the wealth it amassed from traders, the city built Iza University, the first center of higher learning in Rizia. Students were sent here from all over the Markian Empire. When the Kingdom of Rizia was founded, Iza established itself as a city-state whose leaders were democratically elected from a small number of noble families. Later, in order to marshall support during the War of Rizian Succession, then-Duke Fedo Sazon agreed to unite Iza with greater Brenas; after the war, his house assumed long-term control over the province. Since the 1926 uprising, the city has been governed by House Toras. Architecturally, the city is notable for its mix of Rizian, Lespian and Mousser influences-- as best seen on the Museum Mile, a cluster of museums and academic buildings on the southeastern bank of the Zpana River. Stretching south of it, an old Markian road, Vala Unger, has become a shopping/dining destination as well as the site of parades, concerts and other citywide events. Palas Sazon, the seat of the municipal government, lies just across the river.