City of Danaï

The city of Steam and Schemes   Perched on the glittering coast like a brass-and-marble jewel, the City of Danaï is the capital of the Duchy of Danaï— an autonomous vassal of the Orronian Dynasty, which is a fancy way of saying “self-governing, until Orronia decides otherwise.”   Its spired skyline is a marriage of cutting-edge engineering, such as the Oblis Mir and old-world opulence. Its streets are beset by puffing steam trams and automatons. There are still plenty of carriages drawn by horses, who wear expressions suggesting they disapprove of all of it.   Danaï is a city where fortunes are made, and if you stand still too long, someone will try to sell you a timeshare in the Vale Confederation.  

Government

Currently, Danaï is in an awkward interregnum. The previous Duke Ren and his family met a watery demise when their pleasure yacht “tragically” sank (and yes, the quotes are doing a lot of work there).   The Auric Hall, Danaï’s house of representatives, is now led by Prince Lynceus Angelos of Orronia, who is meant to keep the peace but may be eyeing the dukedom for himself.  

Economy

Danaï thrives on industry, trade, and the careful laundering of both into respectability. The city’s factories churn out everything from airship components to luxury automatons, while the port swallows and disgorges goods from across Ticossia.   Shadowy wealth flows through less… official channels. The Shadowed Blades, a Vendish underdark syndicate, run much of the nightlife, smuggling, and “security services” with a grip so firm that even the constabulary sometimes forgets which side of the law they’re on.  

Culture

Danaï prides itself on its cosmopolitanism. The city is a haven for inventors, artists, and political dreamers, all of whom learn very quickly that genius alone doesn’t pay the rent—unless it comes with a patent or a protection racket.   Nightlife is an art form. The nightclub fad started here, funded largely by the Shadowed Blades.  

Notable Locations

The Auric Hall

A grand debating chamber where representatives argue over the city’s future while trying to avoid eye contact with the Shadowed Blades’ “observers” in the gallery.  

De Çana Tower

A city hub, home to the public teleportation circles into Danaï and event location. Also the scene of at least one notorious airship-assisted heist.  

Vantrell Institute

A venerable academic institution where scholars research ancient history.