Ailaupapa, The city over the sea

Ailaupapa is the capital of Taugata and is considered one of the most foolish settlements to have ever been constructed. There are three islands who are so close to each other, one could reach the other two accurately with a cannon. One hundred years ago, the people of Taugata decided to build a city in celebration of their unification. They could not decide an island to do so, every island large enough to house such as city was already inhabited. A solution was made. Three islands were found that were close together and uninhabited. Over the course of 10 years, large bridges were crafted between them, buildings were made, and balloons were attached. The balloons are somewhat unnecessary. The islands can hold the city steady, but hundreds of large balloons were constructed to lessen the load of the city.

First Impression

When sailing towards Ailaupapa, the first sight is a solid cloud of thousands of multicolored balloons. Both attached to the city and to the thousands of airships, hot air balloons, and personal airships. These balloons are so thick, you cannot see the city beneath them from straight above. Coming from beneath the city, you will see a uniform grid of metal and wood. Thousands of people travel through the streets of this city and cross over the many bridges. Bands of teenagers challenge themselves by leaping over the smaller gaps, an illegal action.
Walking through the city is like traveling through a festival. Above are thousands of balloons which do not allow any light to pass through. Large, multicolored lamps hang from buildings and poles. People from all parts of the world are drawn to this city. It is the trade capital of the world as well as being the capital of Taugata, so you will find peddlers of all sorts of wares yelling out for attention. You will pass by inns full of Farlanders and a drunken Mokson throwing up over the side of a bridge. You will see paper dragons from Taugata craftsmen and hear the songs of Krithian nobility. Merchants will be selling beautiful songbirds alongside dazzling pocket watches and other devices. Ailaupapa is a true melting pot of cultures, people, and merchandise. The roads are a good three feet under the entrances to buildings, meaning stairs line the roads.
However, once you live in the city for more than a week, you begin to see its true nature. You will notice the pairs of boots caught on bridges where people have been "Accidentally" pushed off. The inns that should be avoided will become apparent to you, and you will be able to spot a pirate ship from the others. The hushed whispers of murder and thievery being planned will start to be more apparent. When a city brings all sorts of people, the worst comes in with the best.

The Bridged City

Ailaupapa is built between three small islands. Because it was planned, the city has a geometric shape to it. There are three main bridges that connect the islands together. The northmost bridge is the Northern Dragon, and the other two are the Brother and Sister Dragons. The names of these come from an old Taugata story.
There was a Dragon which lived far to the north. It was as tall as a tree when it stands and as clever as a man. One day, a young woman ran away from her home. She fled from her island and went to find another. In her journey, she ran into a great storm. This woman was skilled with her balloon and managed to crash upon the Northern Dragons island. She wandered the island and ate of the Dragons fruit. This displeased the Dragon, who then demanded that the woman must leave. "But I have no home? Wherever should I go?" The Dragon pondered this for a while and replied with this. "You may stay. However, I want children. There are no women here for me, so you must be their mother." A year later, the woman gave birth to twin Dragons. A son and daughter.
This story is the oldest story of the Taugata. It is meant to represent the union of man and dragon. A metaphor for the merger of different cultures, though the cities most popular brothel goes by the name of the Dragon's Wife. The original builders of this city thought the story would be perfect for this city.
Between the three Bridges is a series of smaller bridges which the majority of the city is built upon. These bridges act as major roads. From these, large planks are set across them for buildings to be built on. Every building is required to have at least one support balloon to decrease the strain on the bridges. This practice is not entirely necessary, but it is allowing the city to last longer.

Districts of Ailaupapa

The first three districts of Ailaupapa are centered around the islands. Portions of the city are built on top of the islands. These portions of the city are called Anchors. There are three Anchor districts, one for each island.

Governmental Anchor

The North Eastern Anchor and its surrounding city are called the Governmental Anchor. This district is where the majority of the politicians of Taugata live in the city. There is a large Government building where the representatives of Taugata's various islands meet to discuss different topics and make decisions. This part of the city is clean and the various balloons are painted with different Taugata imagery.

Locations of Note

Town Hall: The town hall is a large, multi-purpose building that is situated at the center of the Governmental District. It is built with a large central dome that contains several branching paths. The center serves as a public area and occasionally hosts art shows, wine tasting, school trips, lectures, speeches, and many other events that anyone may join. This is also here the Taugata politicians meet to discuss a variety of topics as well as where courts of law are held.
Ailaupapa's Church of Truth: This church is often referred to as "the church" by most of Ailaupapa's inhabitants. It is the largest and most "official" of the churches. Political or celebrity marriages are held here and it is the church most of the elite go to worship. The priest which resides over this church, Mondli, has the highest respect and authority of any other priest in Ailaupapa. He is egotistical but truly does wish to make the world a better place. A large fireplace is dedicated to this church, but it is rarely lit. The purpose is to burn away evil. However, when a fae, gnarled, or similar wyrd creature comes into public view, it is often executed here.
Ceasarts Prints: This large print shop is responsible for printing the money and official documents for Taugata. It is a very heavily guarded place with strict employees only policy. It is famously difficult to even step into the building. There are rumors that a powerful spirit even guards the printers at night, though these are only rumors. The truth is the printer is haunted, but it does not protect the building.

Wing District

The North Western Anchor District is called the Wing District. The prominent building in this part of town is a large aviary called the Islands Roost. Many rare, endangered, and wounded birds are kept in this massive, multi-sectioned aviary. Most of The Islands Roost is open to the public, but there are many specialists, researchers, and veterinarians who are employed by the city to keep it running. This part of the city is treated more like a park to the majority of the people in Ailaupapa.

Locations of Note

The Aviary: The Aviary is the largest and best-funded Aviary in all of Himinil. It is a massive structure built out of domes of metal and glass. There are many domes in the Aviary, which serve different purposes. The largest of the domes is a public park that is perused by many of Ailupapas population. Other uses of the Aviary including caring for sick birds, studying new species in a controlled environment, and storing dangerous birds.
The Roost: The Roost is a popular establishment which sells tea and sweets. Live music and performance are held when available as well. What makes the roost popular is it has many doors in the walls which allow birds to freely rest. These birds are fed and are often quite sociable. The mugs served come with a wire mesh to keep out spare feathers and other debris from the birds. Sales are held when eggs from the few nests in The Roost hatch, making it a popular place to come in and keep an eye on your favorite bird.
Wooden Wanders: Wooden Wanders is a toy shop that sells wood carvings. It is simple and fairly popular with tourists. However, the shop is actually a front for criminal dealings. Wooden Wanders is an entrance into the Underbridge, and it smuggles and sells exotic birds. The birds are kept in a warehouse not far from the shop which has a secret under-bridge connected to it.

Ball District

The Southern Anchor District is called the Ball District. The reason is that this is where the Krithian embassy is located and where the majority of Krithians stay during their visit. This place is adorned with Krithian decorations and the balloons are painted with various family crests. They say there is a ball held in this district every night.

Locations of Note

Krithian Embassy: This building is very out of place compared to the others. It is a large castle in a city that has almost no stone in it. The ambassador of the Krithians is treated as a noble title by the Krithian king, using it as a reward for those he wants away from Krithia for a short while. Thus the Embassy is often overseen by someone who would very much not like to be there. However, the Embassy is a popular place to be, and many social events are held.
Chipped Tooth Butchery: The Chipped Tooth is the largest Butchery in Ailaupapa. It solely butchers pigs and bovine imported from Krithia, and most of its goods are spread throughout the Ball District. Prices are secretly increased for non-krithians, but they do export around the city. The Butchery has a near constant flow of meat brought in, and several ships which work to deliver and pick up the goods.
First Church Of Krithia: The First Church of Krithia is not as large or as important as the Church of Truth, but it is far more extravagant. It is heavily decorated with full stained glass windows and statues of various important figures. During the day, this church is like any other. However, it holds a dark secret. The church is secretly a base for a group of cultists after dark. These cultists worship Kargran and form an elite group of nobility, businessmen, and leaders which have an obsession with gold. These cultists make dealings with the vast black market of Ailupapa through various minions and paid mercenaries. The church also serves as an entrance to the Underbridge, for a small price.

North Island District

The district between the Wing and Government Anchor is called the North Island District. This is where the majority of high-class people live. The inns and restaurants of this part of town are the most expensive and appear to be the nicest. Though the best food is likely found in the Trade District.

Locations of Note

The Dragons Wife: The Dragons Wife is the most popular and profitable tavern in Ailupapa. Its fame comes from the myriad of singers which bless its stage as well as a wide assortment of food and drink.
Davin Street Clockmaker: The Davin Street Clockmaker is the name of the establishment, and it is indeed on Davin Street. It is a shop which creates and sells clockwork tools and accessories. Most notably of its wares, is the various custom clocks it creates. The black markets, illegal organizations, and other secretive peoples often create custom clocks which act as passwords for their doors. The advantage to such a system is that no passwords can be overheard, but they can be stolen. The store does have an entrance into the Underbridge.
Twisted Strings: The Twisted Strings is a small store tucked away in an obscure alleyway. While the shop is not illegal in any way, nor is it wyrd, it does garner much attention. The store sells small clockwork puppets and puppet accessories such as tools and strings. However, the owner is known as an expert on Ailupapa and is often used as a reference for newcomers who wish to know the city in and out. Some say the owner is gnarled, given a special tie to Ailupapa, others say he is just an observant old man. Whichever the truth, he is vital for any long-term visitors.

Daughter District

Between the Wing and Ball District is the Daughter District. This is where the majority of ports are set, but ports are found all around the city. This is where the greatest density of multiple cultures can be found. There are inns themed for different peoples, restaurants for many different cuisines, and homes of various dock workers.

Locations of Note

The Squawking Cock: This tavern is one of the many taverns in the Daughter District. It is a rough and tough place where sailors go to get a drink and get in a fight. Bar brawls are almost a nightly occurrence. A clockwork rooster is activated when a bar brawl begins, activated by the barkeeper. Partly as tradition, and partly to warn customers coming in. The rooster crows loudly and can excite some of the regular customers. So much so, that simply pulling the roosters tail can cause a long and bloody bar brawl.
Dechaun's Warehouse: This warehouse is large and well stocked, though it seems no different from others. However, it has a dark secret. Beneath the warehouse is a secret entrance to the underbridge and a large basement of a sort which acts as a place to smuggle illegal goods in and out of Ailupapa. Firearms, magical artifacts, alchemical supplies, and even corpses for puppeteers are just a few examples of the goods that sneak there way through.
Ailaupapa Trade House: The trade house is where the vast majority of the records of Ailaupapas dock workings is kept. It is a vast building of shuffling papers, running errand boys, and surprising accuracy. It is a public building, and anyone may peruse the records as long as a deposit is paid.

Trade District

The Trade District is between the Ball and Government District is the most popular place in the city. It is where the many merchants sell their merchandise. This part of the city is always bustling with activity, even at night. One must be careful accepting deals in this part of town, as there are black market stalls hidden among the standard. Many stores act as fronts for poison sellers, arms dealers, and other immoral goods. The most infamous black market is the alchemists guild, Essence of Pearl. Members of this organization search for rare ingredients that would make for good alchemical brews.

Locations of Note:

Barthgolls Bargain Bin's: The bargain bin is a place where one can purchase and sell all sorts of strange knickknacks, used tools, old furniture, and even some birds. It is run by three people, Bathgoll and his two children. They will buy almost anything with no questions asked, but they do not do dealings with illegal or unsavory goods. However, they will direct those with such items to the Deep Well.
Circle of Rugs: The Circle of Rugs is a street corner which has a large collection of Ohanzee merchants. They sell incense, spices, and other goods from their homeland as well as many other parts of the world. The merchants here are set upon large rugs and each burns incense. This causes a thick, spicy scent that suffocates the air here. Though, it is easy to get used to.
Ailaupapa Auction House: When a house gets raided by guards, ship goods are left in the dock houses for too long, or when government buildings shut down, the items within are sold here for cheap. When not in use by the town itself, it often hosts private auctions of art, goods, and land.
Stoneskull meadery: This alehouse is run, operated, and used by Vadathans. Rowdy, but good-natured, fights are frequent, classic vadathan mead and food are sold, and Vadathan stories are told. Many Vadathans like this establishment because it is essentially a parody of their home, and it is a place they can relax and be themselves.
Two-tusk Saloon: Elephant meat and whiskey are popular at this tavern, as it is a Mokso themed tavern. Rarely actually visited by Moksons, but it is popular among visitors to get a southern themed meal.
Shatterproof teas: This small teahouse is an affordable replacement for the extravagant tea houses in the ball district. Some say the tea is better, but most Krithian nobles look down on this tea house.
Deep well: Often overlooked by newcomers to the city, this small unlit building is actually a tavern. As far as taverns go, it is a quiet place. However, most of the customers are false. They are thugs hired to keep the building safe. The Deep well secretly is an entrance into the underbridge and a place to sell and purchase black market goods.

Drop District

In the center of the city is a large part of the city Known as the Center. The Center contains three districts of its own. The Drop District is the largest in the city and is made up of the lower class.

Locations of Note:

Sweet Mother Orphanage: This orphanage is a front for an entrance to the Underbridge as well as a place that criminals and fae may pay to be hidden. The orphanage is built with several interconnected houses and a maze-like layout within. The children who stay here are mostly forgotten but are not mistreated too poorly. They are fed and clothed, taught basic knowledge, and are adopted. Many people try to purchase the orphans for slavery, but the owners of the orphanage are strictly against this practice.
Lonely savior Surgery: This hospital is run by a benevolent doctor who wishes to heal and he can. Thus, his surgery is cheap. This also means it is often filled to capacity, often have a long line of sick waiting for a chance to go to the surgery. Only a handful of professional doctors are willing to work in these conditions, but those who do work hard.

Bridge District

The Bridge District is a place where many balloon manufacturers sew, move, and fill balloons as well as other crafts such as clockwork. It is the middle-class district, filled with the semi-wealthy, businessmen, producers, and landowners.

Locations of Note:

Silver Surgery: This is a common surgeons office which boasts skilled chemists, surgeons, and well-trained nurses. Those who can afford its services find that they are quite skilled at replacing the shattered bone with prosthetics, and will even install clockwork prosthetics. The Surgery will offer their services on credit, but those who do not pay tend to disappear. It is unknown what happens to them, but there are rumors ranging from puppets to using them for medicine.
Public Library: The Public Library of Ailaupapa is shaped like a giant balloon and contains a vast number of books. Many librarians work at this library, funded by the Church, and they require customers to be guided through the library without a trusted customer card. These are given to regular customers who build a trusting relationship with the librarians. Trusted customers are also the only who are allowed to check out books.

Balloon District

The Last district is called the Balloon District. At the center of the City is a large fountain with an even larger balloon surrounding it. Most of the cities middle and upper-middle class live here.

Locations of Note:

City Center: The center of the city is a large open disc of wood which is almost never empty. Events are often held here, especially during holidays and important events. Speeches, parties, and concerts are sometimes held here as well. At the center is a fountain with water pumped from the three islands, with a large central balloon hovering above it.

Underbridge

Beneath the city is a secret district called the Underbridge. It is not really a district, as no one is foolish enough to live and work there. Instead, it is a series of hidden bridges which connect the underlying supports of the city together. Often, these bridges are simply boards laid across metal girders. The Drop is used by criminals and black market traders to get around the city in secret. Entrances to back ally shops can be found in the Drop, and it is often a place where illegal goods are hidden. Sometimes by hanging the good by a rope under the city itself.

Life

Life in Ailupapa is busy and loud. The least populated District, the Wing District, is full of the chirping of birds and others have performers on almost every corner begging for food and money. Everyone has their favorite restaurant or merchant that they purchase food and supplies from. Most of the day is spent trying to find a decent price for everyday items. A commoner of Ailupapa is an expert in determining the proper price of standard fruits, and which are not actually as exotic as they are being sold. Because almost everything is imported into Ailupapa, the items are increased in price by stingy merchants.
Most of the people in Ailupapa either work in the aviary, work as a merchant, or are here for political reasons. Others work as craftsmen, doctors, researchers, or criminals. A home is expensive in Ailupapa, so there are many who live together. A standard home generally has two or three generations living together. Some buildings house gangs of orphans and criminals.

Law

Ailaupapa is governed by no individual, but the collection of representatives from other islands. This way, no one island holds power over Ailaupapa. Each representative is allowed to bring a small contingent of guards, usually 2 to 5 guards, to act as a police force. Among the Ailaupapa, it is considered an honor to be a part of the Ailaupapa guard. Each of these small groups acts as a team, working and living together. These guards are elite, trained to survive a fall from Ailaupapa, and are loyal to the people of Ailaupapa before their own island. Sometimes these guards have strange tactics, clockwork devices, or secret wyrd abilities. Though it is rare for a Gnarled or Fae to join the Ailaupapa guard, but it has happened.

Dangers

In Ailupapa, the most dangerous thing is the drop below the city. It is not unheard of for a drunk to get angry at another person and throw them over a bridge. Other dangers include gangs of criminals which like to intimidate passersby, pickpockets, and alchemists. While not inherently dangerous by themselves, alchemical potions can be dangerous concoctions in the wrong hands.

Demographics

The majority of Ailupapa are Taugata, but it does have the largest amount of foreigners of any other Taugata settlement.

Defences

Two military vessels are always stationed at Ailupapa, but attacking the city itself will be incredibly difficult. There are several defended islands around Ailupapa with cannons ready to weaken invaders. Aside from that, the city is also full of merchants, and pirates, who would seek to defend their own belongings should the city be attacked.

Assets

The greatest asset of Ailupapa is its location. Ailupapa is in a place that is easily accessible from most of the world without having to travel through many political borders, other than through Taugata.

Note: The image of Ailupapa does not accurately portray the city, but it is close. Ailupapas balloons are more colorful and it has no ground beneath it.

Type

City

Population

60,000

Location under

The Broken Expanse