Uxban

Uxban is an imperial core city directly to the north of Kufmal City. Uxban is known for its famous Melonkor Wat Temple Complex as well as being the home of the Imperial Summer Palace. It is also known for its citizens' lifestyles being the most relaxed of the Core Cities.

## Uxban

Flag of Uxban

Uxban at sunset, 11/13/2022

Map view of Uxban, 11/02/2022

## History

### Early History - City-State

Uxban began as a city-state prior to the formation of the Empire of Kufmal. The city of Uxban had developed the cultivation of melons since their earliest history, growing them in the lush jungles to the west of the city. They took great pride in their melon agriculture.

#### The Great Melon Fire

On Oct 19, 2019, the future Emperor of Kufmal explored north from Kufmal City and into the jungles of Arboland. He found the melon patches of Uxban, right at the wrong time. A small earthquake had unearthed a lava pool near the surface, and began a massive forest fire. Without delay, he began helping the locals move their harvest away from the fields and assisting with firefighting efforts. This first contact forged the groundwork for a longstanding bond between the two cities.

#### Melonkor Wat

After the fire, the people of Uxban desired to show their devotion to the life-bringing melon. This would lead to the initial creation of the Melonkor Wat Temple Complex, which would expand gradually over time, even underground.

### Growth - Imperial City

Uxban was fine with joining the newly formed empire as long as their calm way of life was preserved. Their longstanding trade and goodwill also led to Uxban being one of the first cities to join the empire. The city grew at a gradual pace.

#### Lighthouse

The city gradually expanded over the years, as well as the temple complex. Early into the city's imperial era, a lighthouse was constructed on the southern shore of the city. This lighthouse replaced a previous pile of dirt with some torches that served the same purpose. This lighthouse guides ships into the small inlet that served as the historical port, as well as a developing dockyard.

#### Infrastructure and Palace Controversy

On 3/20/2022, the Kufmal Metro expanded to the city of Uxban, adding three stations on the Yellow Line. The third station was built under a large active construction site. Just ten days later, on 3/30/2022, the Imperial Summer Palace was completed, providing a new seat for the Emperor's court. However, during the construction, the Bunbunmaru Kufmal Gazette reported that the project's head, Master Architect Illotep, had gone missing. It turned out he had been abducted by the corrupt governor of Bruhmethius, Shathenaten, who forced him to construct many projects in the city. He would eventually be freed after the April Uprising. However, the ruins of his house while working in Uxban are now preserved as a historical site.

#### The Raid

In late April of 2022, Uxban was attacked by a heavily armed group of marauders and dark magicians. Citizens were forced to seek shelter in the Imperial Summer Palace and the Kufmal Metro. The attack was repelled by a joint army-navy task force that landed at the city's docks., who then fought to reach the palace and support a breakout by the Imperial Guard and the Emperor. This breakout led to the retreat of the invaders, but not before much damage was caused near the city center.

Following the attack, rumors swirled that the attack was orchestrated by the fugitive governor Shathenaten, recently defeated in the April Uprising. However, the attack was investigated by the newly reformed Imperial Inquisition, who determined that it was an unrelated incident. The next morning, the Imperial Senate allocated funds for disaster relief and defensive investment. The incident was reported in the 4/27/2022 issue of the Bunbunmaru Kufmal Gazette.

## Geography

Uxban is located on the southern shore of the continent of Arboland, bordering the Sea of Kufmal. Although Uxban straddles the border of the continents of Arboland and Roccenstoen, the city is classified as part of Arboland due to the first section of the city to be discovered was in Arboland. This is contrary to the fact that most of the modern city now lies within Roccenstoen. The city's terrain is jungle to the east, plains to the north and spruce forest to the west. This reflects in the construction of the city, most older buildings using either jungle or spruce wood.

## Demographics

Uxban's permanent demographic mix is mostly human. However, the city has a regular tourism that results in larger temporary populations of non-humans. The population is relatively open to both human and non-human immigration as long as they adopt local customs. The city is also known as a city for retirees, many of which commissioned extravagant mansions.

## Administration

Uxban's local government used to temporarily use the Imperial Summer Palace to conduct local government needs. However, on 11/30/2022, the town completed their new city hall, which now fulfills that need. The government's priorities are maintaining the natural beauty of the land, growing agricultural output, and preserving the melon temple.

## Infrastructure

* Connection to the Kufmal Metro on the Yellow Line
* Connection to the Nether Highway Network in the melon temple
* Dock facilities and lighthouse

## Economy

Uxban's output is mainly agricultural, especially in the export of melons. There is little heavy industry. There is also a burgeoning wine production in the city, which is struggling to compete with Fort Jennings to the south.

## Culture

### Religion

Uxban is the home of the Melon Faith, a Religion dedicated to the appreciation and cultivation of melons. This worship is centered around the Melonkor Wat Temple Complex in the western jungles of the city. Uxban also has a sizeable Catholic sect which meets in the First Church of Uxban as well as the new Uxban Cathedral.

### Way of Life

The people of Uxban are insistent on not stressing themselves nor their schedules more than necessary. Siestas are incorporated into daily routines and workplaces are known for a great quality of life for their workers, at the cost of slightly decreased production. Most goods produced are consumed locally.

## Notable Structures

* Melonkor Wat Temple Complex - 37 Melon Drive
* Imperial Summer Palace - 1 Grassbridge Road
* First Church of Uxban - 42 Boar Street
* Red Lighthouse - 38 Lighthouse Drive
* Uxban City Hall - 55 Boar Street
* Uxban Cathedral - 57 Grassbridge Road

## Trivia

* The Great Melon Fire is represented in Part 1 of the survival YouTube series: https://youtu.be/zqdepaWx3-0
* The April 2022 raid event represents a Minecraft pillager raid that I accidentally started.