Rashara

Rashara is one of Galeon’s largest cities, and is located on the southern coast. It is known for being one of Galeon’s most exciting destinations, with a rich nightlife, miles of pristine beach, and the nation's most notable opera house. It is a frequent stop for travelers and tradesman, and is home to a diverse variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions. One of Rashara’s defining features is its street art, both visual and performance. The aesthetic of the city truly belongs to the locals, and is unlike any other in Comalan. 

Culture

Rashara, like the capital city of Fides, is a diverse city with a significant population of immigrants from outside Galeon.  However, due to several factors, such as Fides being a center of government and diplomacy, and Rashara being farther from most national borders, most travelers report a higher degree of culture shock in the coastal city. Rashara has fewer foreign visitors on average, and those who do travel there tend to be those seeking to immerse themselves in what they consider to be undiluted Galean culture, or those looking to make a permanent move. Because Rashara has become well known for being so quintessentially Galean, it is often referred to disparagingly by more conservative outside elements as a haven for oddballs and degenerates. 

Many immigrants living in Rashara refer to to the city as a sort of haven for outcasts, but with great affection. While someone who, for instance, who fled from Resta or Heron so that they could live as an openly gay or transgender person would find acceptance in most parts of Galeon, Rashara is a particularly attractive choice because such a person would find many who share their unique experience of leaving their home in the face of persecution. 

Places to Visit

The Rainbow Boardwalk

The boardwalk and pier along the most popular stretch of Rasharan beach is known as the Rainbow Boardwalk, named as such for the colorful mosaics that adorn the walls and walkways surrounding the area. The area is always crowded, and the boardwalk is always lined with artists and vendors. Many say that this is one of the best places in Rashara to people watch due to the colorful characters that spend their time there. 

Zaman Park

This park is just on the other side of the monorail from the Rainbow Boardwalk, so most visitors see both of these destinations in one trip. Zaman Park, named for famed architect Desta Zaman, is a must-see for art lovers. A mosaic path winds through a lush garden, in which is displayed a number of sculptures created by local artists. In the center is a glass gazebo of Zaman's own design. Stepping inside is said to be an ethereal experience, as the glass is positioned just so as to fill the room with a wide spectrum of spectacular colors. 

The Rashara Operahouse 

Desta Zaman's most famed creation is the Rashara Operahouse. This grand, domed venue is near the center of the city, and is known for its majestic architecture and nightly performances. More information can be found at the link above. 

Mung's Musical Menagerie

This family-run shop in downtown Rashara is one of the oldest in the downtown area. The Menagerie is known for its broad selection of instruments from all over Comalan and beyond, as well as their ability to repair almost any kind of musical instrument or device. Lesser known are the monthly parties held at the shop, in which noted musicians attend to play, in many senses of the word, with the shop's eclectic inventory. The shop is run by Hera Mung, noted Windlord, and her partner Alize, a well known visual artist.

Jewel of Rashar

This ancient establishment sits near the water in one of the oldest, most stunning buildings in the city. It is the oldest restaurant still in operation in Rashara, and this is reflected in the traditional decor, ambience, and food that is a draw for anyone interested in Galean history and culture. Patrons are invited to sit on the floor if they are able, and share food in a communal manner while listening to traditional Galean folk music. 

Because of Rashara’s proximity to the ocean, seafood is extremely common, and features heavily in the Jewel of Rashar’s menu, along with several local fruits, vegetables, and kelps. Many of the recipes used are the same as they were when the restaurant was founded, when locally available foods were far more highly valued — before the time of the monorail and the ease it brought in transporting ingredients from place to place.

Prawn Couscous

Flavorful couscous with a wide variety of local vegetables and spicy prawns. Served with harissa and preserved lemon. 

Fish Stew 

Spiced tilapia, prawns, and abalone in a flavorful tomato and lemon stew. Served with rice. 

Shakshuka 

Eggs poached in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce with onions, carrots, and ground lamb. Eaten with bread. Often served as part of a traditional breakfast feast that also includes soft cheese, preserved lemons, olives, deep fried whole fish, and a large loaf of fresh bread. 

Spit Roasted Lamb 

Spiced lamb roasted on a spit. Served with a variety of sauces and couscous.

The Purple Yakta

Though not strictly a restaurant, this establishment boasts one of Comalan’s most extensive, and critically praised, menus of experimental cocktails and desserts, many of a rather risqué nature. The club’s other draws include live music, dancing, burlesque and strip shows, and, of course, a sexually liberated atmosphere. The Purple Yakta has been around for ages, and is rumored to have been founded to provide an environment in which people could safely and privately experiment and act on their desires — as evidenced by the several private rooms in the upstairs of the establishment, which are still utilized today.

Some foods and drinks are merely tasty creations made with fresh, unconventional ingredients and flavor combinations, while others contain potions or charms intended to alter the body and mind, or to enhance certain experiences. The Purple Yakta has several Rasharan regulars that have become part of the draw to the establishment, but is also frequented by travelers looking to experience the best of Galeon’s relatively liberated culture.

The Purple Yakta 

The establishment’s signature cocktail. Vodka, freshly made ginger beer, and yakta flower liqueur topped with a twist of candied Galean fig. One shot of any of the Yakta’s standard potions can be added. 

Angel Wings 

A pair of white chocolate truffles topped with gold leaf, the center of each containing a tart cherry filling imbued with a levitation potion.

Kraken’s Brew 

A smoky blue shot topped with caviar. Allows the drinker to sprout tentacles at will. One of the Yakta’s most popular drinks, despite usually being ordered in a whisper.

The Pearl 

A sour candy orb  that bursts in the mouth, filling it with a sweet, peach-flavored liquid. The eater’s tongue will cause a tingling sensation upon coming into contact with skin.