The bright sun shines down upon the city of Harara, almost blinding as it bounces and reflects off of the dazzling architecture. People file into the streets as they arrive from all corners of the Celestial Seas, brought here to participate in King Heru’s magnificent festivities. These new arrivals gaze in awe at the city’s grandeur, staring up at gleaming skyscrapers flooded with lights and distracting themselves with the countless vendors that line the sidewalks, selling equally as dazzling wares to the tourists. Even during the day, the city’s bright spotlights illuminate the polished stone buildings with rainbows. The city itself is an oasis among the stars, and now more than ever it is abound with new life.
Booming voices echo through the boulevard from massive screens, anchors drumming up excitement for the upcoming games hosted by the King himself. Framing each television are posters made from glimmering threads that depict large winged beasts flying through the air, warriors fighting in hand-to-hand combat, and all species alike showing off grand feats of magic. After each broadcast, Heru’s brilliant face overlooks the city and its new guests, echoing messages of welcome, encouraging visitors to head to the city center to learn more and participate. As these visitors shuffle down the main promenade, the city’s residents take this opportunity to spice up their own attractions. Smaller casinos ring with the sound of machines and adrenaline, and the hotels along this main road seem overwhelmed by the amount of new guests pouring in. Stores sell outrageous and luxurious clothing and jewelry, stocking the most popular and up to date items revered by any self-proclaimed fashionistas. Countless streets branch off from it with their own unique sets of stores, restaurants, and activities, beaconing to be explored.
Many find themselves swept up in the thralls of Harara before they even lay eyes upon one of its crown jewels, a favorite location of the pharaoh, a massive golden structure that sits at the middle of the city's central district. People shuffle in and out of the looming entrance and from within the sound of music and festivity can be heard. A dark-colored browbird with striking hair and a shimmering golden crest waits in the entryway, her arms filled with pamphlets and trinkets that she hands out to passers-by, ushering them to visit the hotel and casino with great enthusiasm.
She introduces herself as Azimuth, the leading guide of the city and current spokesperson of Harara Brouhaha. A tour group approaches and she jogs over, quickly placing fliers into each of their hands, her face lighting up as they begin to ask questions about the city and its activities. She leads the group around the most crowded areas of this district and makes mentions of the many events to come.
Hundreds of visitors already mill about the casino entrance, swept up in the countless activities already kicking off. Possibly the most striking features of this room are the many tables lining the walls, filled with sweet and savory goods alike. Fried foods entice passers by to dig in, and hearty sweets seem to convince even the hardiest of people to start eating. Complimenting the foods is a vast array of multicolored sparkling drinks, magically cooled by unmelting ice that provides the sweetest relief from the hot desert sun. Slot machines, roulette, and tables packed with card games are already in full swing, and occasionally cheers erupt when a particularly lucky attendee wins a jackpot. The sound of celebration and gambling is almost nonstop, boosted by the wildly colorful slot machines that line the place.