====== Catalajara ======

North of elven city

===== Geographic =====

Though marked upon the map a mysterious energy surrounds the oasis that often leads travelers astray. Only when they are on their last breath does the oasis appear, unless they know the secret of the sands which will allow them to pass through the desert without too much difficulty. Traveling wagons and native merchants are invaluable and priceless in the trade process, persons who expect to be paid handsomely for their services. Crossing the guide is a terrible idea, for the people of Catalajara have learned to be ruthless to survive the dunes and will leave a cheating client to their doom. Once within the oasis the streets are painted with vibrant colors spun throughout silk, painted on pottery, and dazzling the sides of metal and glass product. The people here are not necessarily wealthy compared to many larger cities but they are comfortable. For natives the city is a place of equal opportunity as established by the Kahliah family three generations prior. Ali Kahliah came to power after beheading the previous rule and upon taking the throne began to change the city into a matriarchal society. It took the remainder of her life and the majority of her daughter's before the adjustments were settled and the streets became accustomed to the new rule. Now Ali's granddaughter Sirena Kahliah leads Catalajara toward what she hopes will be prosperity.

===== Religion =====

Primarily, the citizens of Catalajara have always worshiped three major gods and then a handful of minor deities although they are not as widely recognized. Of the trio there is: [[:zol]], the three-headed serpent who is said to govern change, freedom, and creation--one province for each head. She is considered chaotic good. Her symbol is a bronze coin with a serpent embossed upon one face and a two headed serpent embossed on the other. [[:pascal]], the rainbow scarab who governs life and death. He is considered true neutral. His symbol is a jeweled scarab pendant that shifts in color under various light. [[:raei]], the great phoenix governing over compassion and atonement. They are considered lawful neutral. Their symbol is a metallic red feather.

===== Primary Exports =====

The number one export from Catalajara is textiles and ready-made attire. Grand creators of silk due to the specialized care and growth of silkworms, among other silk-creating creatures, the people of [[Catalajara]] are primarily employed to keep the looms running as well as care for the gardens where the silkworms live. Tourists to the city almost always choose to see the lush gardens where various insects are cultivated and cared for. Florists get their lush and fragrant flowers from these gardens as well. From the flowers not only are they sold for decor but also to pigment paints and dyes. From the textile creation they also make various types of clothing both simple and exquisite in style. Fashionable persons from around the world may have at least one silken garment from Catalajara. in their closets! Naturally, this creates a very sustainable, cyclical business. All other sales, while important to the citizens of Catalajara, are dwarfed in comparison to textiles. Ceramics typically come in second and range from various decorative pottery to household goods such as fine dishes, flatware, and glasses.