Yola

Situated on the south-eastern coast of the Alidasht Kingdom, in Sakha territory, Yola is a prominent city known for being the only deep-water port located east of Genasea. It sits close to the Gazali border, with the city of Amysdet being only a few days' travelling away by carriage. Due to the size of its harbour, and its relative proximity to Caesonian ports when compared to other Alidashti ports of similar size and capability, Yola is a popular destination for merchants importing goods from Caesonia. A good percentage of the city's revenue is derived from the taxes levied, and charges imposed on such a trade.

Yola has the dubious reputation of being the smuggling capital of Alidasht. Despite the efforts of city authorities to crack down on such activities, black marketing remains a thriving industry. The city's extensive coastline and many coves and islets makes enforcing laws against contraband difficult. Although it is often thought that smugglers traffic foreign illicit goods into Alidasht, it is in fact the opposite. Most smugglers attempt to smuggle Alidashti luxuries out from Yola to Caesonia or Varian. Spices and other compact but expensive items are the most popular trafficked goods, but smugglers have been caught trying to transport anything from the smallest ivory wares to entire animals. Nevertheless, regardless of the direction of smuggling, Yola is known throughout Alidasht where anyone can get anything for the right price.

There are rumours that the Sultan sends his people to Yola to purchase more exotic goods that are even beyond his reach. According to Genasea, however, these rumours are slanderous lies backed by no evidence.

The beaches of Yola plays host to a yearly phenomenon where ocean algae illuminate the waves with glowing hues of green and blue. During this period, it is common for people to flock to the shore at dusk to take in the sights. As the algae decomposes, however, they release fumes that are a major hallucinogenic in small doses, and a lethal poison in higher doses. Despite the danger, illicit late-night parties and gatherings are a common occurrence, held and attended by those who chase the high and wish to savour the soothing calm that follows. Unscrupulous individuals and organised gangs also process harvested algae into a powdered and more potent form, known to most as 'Harvest of the Sea'. This drug is then smuggled out of Yola to various cities of the region. City authorities have tried to fight this drug epidemic for years, but with little success.

Pasha Sunni Olufemi rules from, and does his best to control, Yola.

## Notable Places

* The Shadow Bazaar
	+ This is where trafficked goods are sold. If one has a mind for haggling, and doesn't mind a potential run-in with the city guard, this is where one can find all that their heart desires, from the moral to the immoral. The Shadow Bazaar has no fixed location, and moves daily.
* The Pasha's Palace
* Mirrorglass Bay
	+ Although called a bay, this is actually Yola Harbour. For the most part, the waters here are so calm that it almost seems like the surface of a mirror. It is for this reason that Yola is a popular harbour for any mariner.
* The Marble Beach
	+ The sands here are so white, and so fine, that they appear to be marble. Although mostly known for the glowing algae that appears yearly, it is also a popular place for people to gather.
* The Old Lighthouse
	+ This is a restaurant built into what had once been the tallest lighthouse in Yola. Now superseded by better, more advanced lighthouses, this old building now plays host to a rather well-known eatery. Diners at the top floor are offered a spectacular view of both the city and Mirrorglass bay.

## Notable Events

* The First Glow
	+ This marks the first of the yearly algae glow
* Day of the City Guard
	+ A day to commemorate the city guard, in recognition of their efforts to maintain the peace