Zaratan

"The greatest benefit of the Zaratan, my friend, is to see new lands without ever leaving your home. That, and you are particularly difficult to find." -- Jarniasea Taznix, House Taznix accountant
Tales outside Galiesia claim the city can only be found if you've been there before, or that the denizens are doomed to roam Caelvoran but never touch it. The truth is far more mundane. The city of Zaratan sits atop the enormous elemental creature from which it take its name. 
The Oracle of the Zaratan is believed to be the only entity able to communicate with the giant creature. As a result, the Oracle holds a space of deep spiritual importance to the people of Zaratan. The Lucent Grotto, where the Oracle resides, is a sacred space. Only the attendants of the Zaratan may traverse freely within its walls and even fewer are permitted within its inner sanctum.

Demographics

Goblinoid, halfling, gnome, earth genasi, mid-sized dwarven enclave, light mix of "monstrous races"

Government

The management of Zaratan falls within the purview of the Taznix House, a goblin family that has been directing city affairs for generations

Industry & Trade

There is a common phrase in Zaratan, "It will come to the market in time."  The robust trade markets of Zaratan, including both black-market and legitimate goods, open and close frequently.  It is not uncommon for a favorite shop to remain in business only a few seasons before making way for another.

Guilds and Factions

Vidarok is a rival family of dwarves who have never quite managed to overtake the Taznix clan, but continue to be a thorn in their side.

Architecture

With only a few notable exceptions, the scant number of permanent buildings and structures of Zaratan tend towards the single-story.  These are constructed out of what appears to be stone, wood, and other organic matter pulled from the Zaratan itself.
More notably, a majority of the booths, shops, and stands in the city are of a more transitory nature and appear relatively easy to deconstruct.  Colorful banners, canvas tents, and tarps in a mishmash of natural materials bring an element of flair and create easily identifiable market spaces.

Geography

Challenges of a mobile city without a consistent orientation have resulted in local rendering relative to the creature rather than cardinal directions.  Thus, a place is Helm or End-wise, and towards Heart or Trim.  Left or Right Trim, for example, would be denoted as it relates to the Zaratan's snout.  If not specifically referred to as “undershell” locations are assumed to be on the surface.

Type

City

Inhabitant Demonym

Zaratanians

Owner/Ruler

Grez Taznix

Related Reports (Primary)

• Session 166: Oracles & Openings Report
• Session 167: Sinkholes & Starvation
• Session 168: Slips & Stonemites Report
• Session 169: Glass & Geysers