Xaluna

The river city of Xaluna is divided into three main parts: north, south, and the floating island between them, right above the river. These districts are entirely separate and could almost be considered as three smaller cities. On the floating island, the centerpiece is a pyramid-shaped palace, surrounded by various structures that appear to orbit the main structure. The island is connected to the mainland by suspended bridges, seemingly the only things preventing it from drifting away. At the base of the island, part of it dips into the water, sending ripples through the openings in the rock. Windows jut out from the sides of the island, and many riverside shops/workshops can be seen in the rockside. Smaller boats dot the banks of the island, unaffected by the slow-moving waters.

The northern and southern districts are in perpetual dispute. Both sides call themself true Xaluna, but it seems that this is just a small grain in the granary of the discord. A true source of conflict has been unfortunately long forgotten. Yet this rivalry doesn’t hinder their economies as trade flows through both districts, each offering its own unique products. The northern side of the city is known for hosting one of the largest fabric and dye manufacturers. It’s said that in every household, at least two looms can be found: one for crafting fabrics for sale, and the other for the family to create tapestries. These tapestries are highly valued, taking months to complete the smaller ones and years for the larger ones. Merchants often purchase them as gifts for the elite to earn favor.

On the other hand, the southern district is renowned for its goldsmiths and jewelers who use gold collected from the river. Upstream, abandoned gold mines have left traces of gold residue in the river, providing a valuable resource for the city.

The city is gated around its suburbs but a small portion of the buildings stands outside of the walls. Those shacks house the very poorest of the folks living in the Xaluna. The walls were created a long time ago and very little is done to maintain them. Those fortunate enough to live closer to the river, can enjoy the sewers as most of the city suburbs stink of excrements and rot because of the humid environment.