Luxumu
New Homeland of the Loxodon
Luxumu is a large territory controlled by the Loxodon (elephant people), composed of four grandiose marble cities situated on the Northern Plateau of Kharza. Their walls are said to be un-breachable by force. The stone walls surrounding these cities are 25 feet thick and 60 feet high at minimum. These people are masters of stonework as well as gardening and are responsible for, and in control of, Kalima Span, a massive bridge that connects the continents of Kharza and Arna. The cities of Luxumu have been described by outsiders as "the largest shopping markets ever built". This is because they are cities built on and ruled by their economies. They began as trading stations and trade is still the lifeblood here.
A Culture of Peace
The loxodon are a spiritual and pacifistic people whose cities are safe havens for refugees and weary travelers. According to anecdotes of the first loxodon settlers, the world they came from was ravaged constantly by bitter warfare and their people were very tired and jaded. They saw their coming to this realm as their prophesized salvation, and the last thing they seek now is to be once again embroiled in warfare and a struggle for survival. They believe in being self sufficient and mounting an impenetrable defense. There have been periods of history where these four cities were sieged by barbarians to the north- some even lasting years. They have never failed to outlast any who would challenge them. The loxodons boast magnificent vertical gardens which produce an absurd amount of food through the use of druidic magic. They carefully planned the locations of their cities atop natural and plentiful springs. They are, as a people and culture, known above all else for their patience and planning. They are naturally introspective and not predisposed to impulsivity. Each choice they take is careful and measured and well thought out. Any craft they take up they become incredibly dedicated to. Though some loxodon families still worship the old gods they brought with them from their home realm, a large number of them have taken to worshiping Danha, deity of wisdom and order, whose ideals resounded with them. Atop a nearby mountain is a monastery to this deity of peace and balance. Many in Tisenga can be hired as a guide and escort to this difficult to reach religious destination. Luxumu is infamous for one thing- the invention of the firearm by the (largely gnomish) inventor’s guild. The city guards who are charged with defense of the city walls are all outfitted with rifles but it is a long and arduous process for a civilian to take possession of one. The guards themselves are not even permitted to use these weapons unless the city wall is breached or they are attacked at range. There is rumor of a very clandestine black market pilfering these dangerous weapons outside of the cities.The Rule of The Guilds
These massive cities are run primarily by a well managed coalition of guilds. Bureaucracy is key, and all the rules and regulations within a given city could fill a small library. There are many rules that manage which professions one can take, what one can sell, and for what price range. They wish to maintain an affluent economy, avoid monopolization, minimize fraud, minimize inflation and control levels of demand. These cities do not permit large outside imports unless the goods in question cannot be produced in this region and only a certain amount produced within these cities is permitted to be exported. Being self sufficient is of the utmost importance. Most of these laws are strict but also fair, as these cities are well known for caring well for their citizens. Though one may pay high taxes on their storefront, no one in Luxumu must face homelessness or starvation as these things are universally provided. It is against the Loxodon way of life to allow one's neighbor to huddle out in streets, hungry, if you have the means to assist them. These free "public houses" are by no means luxurious, but they are kept serviceable. These cities are largely absent of crime as crime is a side effect of joblessness and no one is permitted to be jobless in Luxumu. Most stores are also host to a great many magical protective spells as the Artificer's Guild of Luxumu is world renowned. Thieves would have a difficult time pinching goods in Luxumu. These cities are not only the home of the loxodon; many outsiders with a particular trade can be found working out of Luxumu, including dwarves from Azanrul and gnomes from geddri. All these people bring their respective skills to the table when they arrive and they are welcomed with open arms. One thing that should be noted about the culture of these cities is that idle hands are not welcome. If one wishes to live long term in one of these cities they must have something to provide to the public, be it a service, trade, apprenticeship, or just manual labor. The so-called Laborer's Guild will help newcomers to the city find an acceptable vocation where they are needed if they have no pre-established skills. Failure to obtain work in this city after a period of time could result in expulsion as one is seen as a resource vampire. This also includes those of wealth. Those of high station must either have some sort of service to offer, such as employment, and they usually must pay especially high taxes or offer large 'gifts of charity' if they wish to retire young.A Melding of Peoples
Luxumu is a diverse region and some call it the "Namiza of the West". Located within the cities of Luxumu are the highest concentrations of humans of Yuani descent (known as the Buangan people now) this side of the mountains. Though some of their distant cousins do live in Va'Sehir (known as the Baru'dar), those who travel here from the west and north who have a strong need to preserve their culture and language (Tulenni) choose Luxumu, where individuals are less likely to assimilate as the Baru'dar have. The ancestors of the Buangan of Luxumu were the first people to happen upon the Loxodon, an ancient clan of them who had recently crossed the mountains in search of a new homeland after being ousted from the Senja Coast. They helped the Loxodon become acclimated to this strange new world, and assisted in the construction of the first city, Banashi. As a result their influences can be seen in some of the architecture found within the Four Cities, especially Banashi, as well as certain food traditions. Though most Buangan in Luxumu are content with their lives living among the elephant-folk, there are those who scheme and dream of returning to the original homeland of Yuan Khun and reclaiming it from the Yuan-te who have inhabited it for thousands of years. The Buangan are not the only people who share these cities of course. Luxumu is home to the largest populations of halflings on this continent. One can find small populations of numerous races living and working here. This includes those of orcish descent, tabaxi, dragonborn, goblinoids, lizardfolk, minotaur, genasi, tieflings and even individuals of Yuan-te blood and wild elves hailing from Melifera. There have been a number of violent conflicts between members the Buangan population and Yuan-te newcomers. Of all the diverse local populations, they are one of the few that may face actual hostility based on their race. Most of the cities have certain "quarters" or enclaves set aside for people of a certain origin should they like to remain near their own people, like the Sehiri, Buangan, Azanian, and Geddrian quarters. This can at time brew conflict and unhealthy competition and some think the construction of these areas was a large mistake as it divides the hearts and minds of many Luxumians.The Marble Cities
Kalima "The Bridge between the east and the west". Massive trade hub. The only city in Luxumu with sea access. High Halfling Population. Banashi Heart of the Free Cities. The first city built by the Loxodon. Rich in culture from the Old World. Most heavily fortified as well. Large Yuani presence. Tisenga Known for its religious dedication to Danha. Strong mining and blacksmithing culture. Many Dwarves. Manieke The most heavily populated city of Luxumu is Manieke operates a massive quarry within the canyon that separates the northern plateau and the southern desert. Many Sehirians and Rock Gnomes.
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