Leogon (/ˈlɛ͜ʊˌgõn/)
This so called "Paradise City" is only a paradise if you're the right person and able to provide the money to back that up. It has a reputation for providing the most extravagant entertainment, alluring pleasures, and exxciting games. There are countless stories of people who went there and made a fortune in entertainment or by winning big at gambling. There are even more stories of those losing their life savings in only a few days before they're lost to the city forever.
Those who live in Leogon on a permanent basis tend to fall into three major categories: those who love the city's reputation and benefit from it, those who resent the reputation because they just want to live regular lives, and those struggling to survive in a place where sensationalism is everything.
Demographics
Leogans like to say that they are a fantastic melting pot of every kind of person. A better description might be that the gap between the richest and poorest is huge, and appearing exotic is a way to earn money. If there is anything about you that is a bit different, try to pass it off as a reason to fetishise you. It might feel degrading, but it puts food on the table.
Roughly half of the adult population is involved in tourism or entertainment businesses, and even more, try to be. It is a frequent joke that everyone in Leogon believes themselves to be an undiscovered entertainment talent, be it writer, dancer, or something else. Even your cobbler might give you an example of their acting skills if you bring it up.
The population of Leogon is on the younger side as many younglings come there to seek fortune, and those who are older either die early from the harsh life or retire to somewhere calmer. This sort of behaviour also means that the average inhabitant can trace their local lineage much shorter than those living elsewhere. Only members of races that live very long have established history beyond a century or two.
Defences
It might surprise some to learn that Leogon is a very well defended city. The city wall has lookouts and frequent patrols ready to man the various ballistae and other weaponry. There is a significant garrison of Republican Guard stationed at both sides of the river. There are many rich and infuential people who visit and a lot of gold that passes through, all of which might make Leogon a very lucrative target. The strong military presence helps deter this and the presence of the river means the guard can quickly move somewhere else if needed.
Infrastructure
The centre of the city straddles the River Argent, and the fanciest establishments give visitors a clear view of the river and its beautifully decorated bridges. From there, the city sprawls out in a maze-like pattern in every direction. There are plenty of guides who can show tourists around when they need it — for a fee, of course. A popular method of transportation for wealthier visitors is to employ one of the many pulled rickshaws around. A metal seal is carried by both guides and rickshaw drivers that certify them as legitimate businesses, which lowers the risk of them leading you into an ambush by muggers.
Guilds and Factions
There are a couple of dozen guilds that represent the various industries that keep Leogon alive and together they make up the real power within the city. The guilds look after their members while not taking kindly to anyone trying to operate without guild involvement. They negotiate deals to help business run smoothly and keep prices at a profitable level. Depending on your point of view, they represent social justice and opportunity for all, or they are hardly better than organised crime in how they force everyone to fall in line.
Several of the oldest entertainment establishments think of themselves as dispensers of their own law that supercede that of the Republic. They are prone to want to take care of issues using their own security staff and try to block any Policia involvement. This attidude has also led to conflicts akin to gang wars between the establishments.
History
Originally, Leogon was mining and trade-town. Nearby quarries provided various luxury variants of stone, which is why so many buildings are completely or partially made out of marble or similar materials. The nearby river allowed for the stone to be shipped elsewhere quickly and easily. The riches brought in attracted many artists, which is what first gave the city its reputation. When the quarries were all but depleted, entertainment was already a big part of Leogon's character.
Tourism
This is the city's major industry, and tourists are provided with every opportunity to spend their money. The city centre has a dozen theatres, twice as many dance halls, a seemingly endless supply of taverns and gambling dens. Every legal form of alcohol or drug is sold in most places, and the illegal ones are in the closest alleyway. The bustling inner-city never goes quiet and never goes dark.
As one leaves the most shining establishments behind, a visitor can find a plethora of brothels, drug dens, and seedier gambling halls. Even further out are fighting rings and other violent entertainment. The city's outskirts has no fewer than three large arenas used for everything from gladiator fights to horse racing.
Some of the activities one might seek out in Leogon aren't legal under Aëdelan Law, but the city is well aware that many visits specifically to explore such experiences. Losing those tourists would be a harsh blow to the economy, so the local Polician Arms have developed a careful balance regarding how much they pretend not to see. This is a frequent source of disagreement between the city and the national government.
Architecture
The facade is important, and Leogans know that. Sometimes this is ever literally true, with buildings being given an extravagant front hiding an elementary building behind. Even poorer areas try their best to look as dazzling as possible, even if it means having to hide even greater poverty behind it. At the city centre, buildings are made out of ornamented marble with statues that hold magical lights in various colours. Fountains might have elaborate mechanisms that cause them to spray water in patterns.
People from other parts of the nation sometimes say the city is just surface, and they mean both the population and the actual structures.
Founding Date
-47
Alternative Name(s)
Paradise City
Type
City
Population
200,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Leogans
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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