The Gateway Canton is where most visitors to Lyithdonea are initially welcomed. Ships are required to dock here before entering the rest of Lyithdonea. The canton and the nearby Jermora Resort are a tourist attraction with their sandy beaches and steam baths. But most importantly for the island nation of Lyithdonea, the Gateway Canton is the primary source of potable water with its desalination plant.
Economy
The Gateway Canton is crucial in three major areas of Lyithdonea’s economy:
- Tourism
- Potable freshwater production
- Sea salt production and export
Tourism
The tourism in this region is split between the Jermora Resort and the Steam Gardens and Bathhouse of the canton itself. Visitors stay at the resort to enjoy the white sandy beaches, local cuisine, guided tours up to the scenic Jermora cataracts, and relaxing in the sun. The Gateway Canton provides visitors with access to the Bathhouse with its wind-cooled pools, steam rooms, and saltwater baths.
Freshwater Production
Lyithdonea does not have extensive access to freshwater sources; especially considering its relatively large population. Smaller villages have rain cisterns or may be near a small freshwater spring. The largest source of freshwater comes from the Cataracts of Jermora. For much of its history, Azura City used Jermora for its water supply. However, over the years, the population of Lyithdonea outpaced the natural freshwater production from Jermora and needed to engineer a new solution. The site where the Gateway Canton was constructed is volcanically active. The geothermal heat is used to desalinate water in an ingenious heat-exchange system. The water is then pumped up to an aqueduct routed to the city. The elite of Azura City still get water from Jermora. The lower classes drink the slightly brackish gateway canton water.
Cold seawater is boiled using geothermal heat. Steam is condensed in separate chambers to produce clean, potable water. The clean water is then lifted using steam-powered rope pumps to the aqueduct which supplies the city.
The boilers would make the canton stifling and unlivable except for another ingenious design: the wind catchers. These towers catch prevailing winds, forcing it downwards and across the cool, untreated seawater, the hot air is then forced up and out through the wind catcher towers, leaving the air of the canton cool and pleasant for its inhabitants.
Sea Salt Export
Brine is a useful side product of the desalination process. Among other things, it is used to produce the sea salt which Lyithdonea is known for exporting.
Important People
Llavayn Family
The Llavayn Family governs the northwestern portion of the isles which includes: Gateway Canton, Keen, Gateway Bridge and the Mount Jermora region. The family is currently comprised of three siblings: Ivula and her two brothers, Drishan and Tend. Their family manor is a dome perched on top of the Gateway Canton.
Water Warden
In charge of the steamworks and its workers. Personally responsible for keeping the aqueducts to Azura City clear (which has him on frequent patrols and/or traveling to vantage points where he can use a telescope to look for any potential blockages). Including the Jermora branch. Lives by himself in a small house outside of the Gateway Canton above the Steamworkers’ Quarters.
Dockmaster
Lives behind his office in the warehouse within the waistworks level of the canton. In charge of the dockhands and haulers. Ships arriving in Lyithdonea have to stop here first to be inspected, inventoried, and pay fees. Their papers will then permit them to anchor at any of the major docks in the archipelago.
Points of Interest
Llavayn Manor
Located at the top of the canton.
Inn
Provides food and lodging for more well-to-do travelers (less affluent travelers stay at the tavern in Keen).
Outfitter
Particularly popular with adventurers coming to Lyithdonea seeking their fortune (Maormeri and/or pirate treasure).
Warehouse
Simple storage warehouse. In addition to storing goods destined for Azura City, it also supplies the Jermora Resort.
Bathhouse
A public bathhouse / steam park with “reverse saunas” with wind-cooled water.
Gateway residences
Most of the workers live in Velothi houses outside of the canton on the south-facing hill on the north side of the canton.
- Water Warden’s House
- Steamworkers’ Quarters
- Guard Post
- House Azura guards stationed here patrol the region controlled by the Llavayn family.
- General Housing
- Retired workers, widow living on her deceased husband’s pension, bathhouse attendants, barmaid who works at the inn, and others who are not directly supporting water production or the shipping industry.