Varmitville
A Wild-West style town with almost no laws or governing structure, Varmitville is the least technologically advanced of the thirteen cities. It is bordered by the Domain of Man to the south, a cacti-filled desert to the west that eventually yields to the grim skies of Vanok Tus, and a pine forest to the east that separates Varmitville from Vastida. Monstrosities of all types can be seen wandering around fields and sometimes even being ridden like horses. The folks in the saloons are usually friendly and the preserved trails are beautiful, but keep your wits about you and look out for herds of stampeding owlbears. The current Champion, Percy Creekleap, has followed in the footsteps of many of his predecessors by imposing absolutely no restrictions on where monstrosities can roam. This stems from a deeply-held belief in the sanctity of nature and an even more deeply-held belief that making laws sounds like a lot of work.
This low-tech anarchy is epitomized by the central district of the city, a circular neighborhood called Saloon City. There is no electricity in Saloon City; oil lamps light the many bars, taverns, and pool halls that flank the dusty roads. The folks who live there are an eclectic bunch: you’re just as likely to see someone in a ten-gallon hat and spur-heeled boots than you are to see someone in a t-shirt and jeans. As far as attractions are concerned, Saloon City offers up the simple pleasures in life. Stop by the extremely well-funded Creekleaper for a pint of Cactusshine, compete for prizes at the weekly Greedy Gulch Carnival, or spend a day betting on the stirges (foot-long mosquitos that circle Varmitville in concerning numbers) down at the racetrack.
Encircling Saloon City is the modern section of Varmitville, which is home to three smaller neighborhoods. The more urban part of the city is home to many hiking trails, dog whatever-you-can-get-on-a-leash parks, and pretentious microbreweries. The western third of the city is known as Cactus Corner. The poorest neighborhood in Varmitville, CC is home to many struggling shelters, orphanages, and mom-and-pop shops. The most evident reasons for the neighborhood’s hardships are the arid land that kills all but the hardiest crops and the lack of government support, but some residents tell tales of a horrendous monster living deep below the sands who brings ill luck to anyone or anything in its habitat. These are almost certainly the tall tales of sun-addled old folks, however.
Varmitville’s eastern third, Earthhaven, is the most unspoiled part of an already eco-friendly city. Winding trails and steep hills are popular destinations for hardcore hikers and bikers, who usually set out with the Varmitville exercise essentials of running shoes, a water bottle, and a loaded shotgun. The local sheriff's office (not government-affiliated, of course) has one person in their Missing Person’s Department and she disappeared eight months ago. Denounced as hipsters, Earth Heads (as residents are informally known) would tell you that it’s not their fault that they listen to more underground music and drink more sustainably-farmed coffee than you. A common tourist attraction is Innainaxinai’s Microbrewery, the second career of formerly acclaimed graviturgy mage Innainaxinai the Stout. While his batches have rave reviews, some customers wish the options weren’t all so heavy.
The southern third of Varmitville hugs the rocky shores of the Domain of Man. Scuttle Banks is technically a port, but as its name suggests, it is almost impossible to get a ship in or out of the area. This is not due to strong currents or hidden rocks, but the absurd collection of aquatic monstrosities that make their home just offshore. Sharkbears, merrow, and the occasional crabstrosity lurk below the depths and love nothing more than feasting on the cargo and crew of any ship foolish enough to enter their territory. The actual residential part of Scuttle Banks is actually quite nice. Nautical-themed shops, the famous Scuttle Carousel, and an avid beachcombing scene give it a quaint seaside vibe. It is said that you could once find gold nuggets the size of your first in between the rocks, as well as the finest silks and weapons washed up on the shore from wrecked ships. Nowadays, consider yourself lucky if you find a few silver pieces and don’t lose a finger to the sharp teeth of a water leaper. Finally, a warning to all tourists. Don’t eat the sushi sold by vendors near the beach. The word “imitation” in “imitation crab meat” is doing a lot of heavy lifting.