Gao Shan
Gao Shan: A hidden gem among the eastern side of the Alderman Mountains. If you happen to make it there, be prepared for beautiful scenery and a peaceful surrounding. The citizens love to tend to their gardens and paint their homes in beautiful rainbows of purple and yellow and red. They take great pride in their dwellings, which is easy to see.
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The city is quiet, the people are private, and you can find yourself asylum among its walls. This is upheld by its protectors. You wouldn't want to find yourself in a bind here. Troublemakers are not welcome.
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Year Incorporated: 1500
Population: Approximately 10,000
Human: 67%
Elven: 20%
Dwarven: 3%
Other: 10%
Magically Inclined:
Approximately 12%
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Tonic
Tonic is such a simple name for such a sinister looking shop. Upon entering, you will be greeted with many different looking bottles filled what seems to be souls of the damned. This is far from the truth. From a child, Blaize had always been fascinated by the dark and macabre. Having a knack for making potions of all sorts, he decided to mix the two. Even the healing potions look sketchy, but not a single person would question his ability.
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Kora's Karamels
A bakery and sweets shop run by a woman named Kora, a kitsune who dedicates her life to the sweet and tooth-killing. All sorts of strange candies can be found here as well as most varieties of baked goods, in the style of her homeland and the style of the natives of Simul. As a second measure to save money, she will also offer massages in the back if you can pay.
Lady Thay N'oes
Got yourself into some trouble again, didn't ya? No worries. Lady Thay N'oes is here to take care of you in a snap! Often faced with the protectors of Gao Shan who just so happen to cut themselves frequently (How strange, right?), Lady Thay is well known for her excellent patches and stitches. Not just a healer, Lady Thay is an amazing midwife. Having brought over a thousand children into the world in her day, she can take care of you in every which way! (HA! THAT FREAKING RHYMED! XD)
Katana Cuts
A butcher’s shop that is run by a man with draconic blood flowing through his veins, named Dargo Koushin. He does not, contrary to popular belief, cut his meat with a katana. He does, however, offer to cook the meat he sells with his fire breath.
Chartam Collection
Gao Shan is known for having such high standards. Not only in the community, but in appearance. One would think the library would be just as organized and upheld. Looking at it from the outside would also give this assumption. Walking into the doors, however, you will be met with a mess of books. Not because the caretaker, Song, does not care. But because there is a literal dragon on premises. Yes. His name is Noodle. He has no abilities that normal dragons have. No fire breath. Flightless. And he is about as big as a small dog. Messy should have been his middle name. Constantly pulling books from the shelves just to plop down on top of them. He may be a dragon, but he is quite friendly!
The Mystic Deer
A tavern run by a retired samurai from across the sea named Sho Mayozaki. A katana hangs above the fireplace and the smell of cherry blossoms wafts constantly through the air. The place is designed in typical Gao Shanese style, though it also incorporates a little bit of foreign styles as well. It is said to have the best sake in the city, and the wisdom imparted by the owner is not something to take for granted.
Chai Out
A tea shop that sells many teas that are native to the people of Gao Shan. The owner, Sayaki Kimosana, is known for believing heavily in things like chakra and karma, and offers many spiritual methods of help on the side. It is believed that she infuses her teas with mystical energies, leaving people who drink it notably refreshed.
Steel Arms
Steel Arms, located within Gao Shan, is one of the most prestigious and decorated blacksmiths in all of Simul. With a steady employee count of twelve, items are often made rather quickly. The head of the shop, Xia, is the one who takes the orders, but doles them out appropriately. Engraved on every piece, you will find their stamp of approval, the red cat. No one quite knows what it stands for other than the smiths themselves showing off.
The Red Sea
The Red Sea is a park and garden located in Gao Shan. Here, the grass is dotted by thickets of cherry blossoms, also known as sakura trees. It is a popular spot for picnics and meditation, and there is a large pond with fish from other lands. The park is home to a man known only as the Flower Sage, who seems to be a true expert on all things flora and fauna. Even the most obscure questions he knows the answer to. Many seek his wisdom on unrelated matters he is viewed as so wise, like relationship issues. He usually tells these people to go away.