Real City of Fake Heroes.
The Pulabat Hero League was undoubtedly the most popular fictional narrative of the Old Lands. Dozens of authors, mostly from Vasa Lothra, wrote fabulous tales and graphic narratives about the mighty heroes defending the made-up city of Pulabat. The city was depicted as a vibrant yet corrupt city-state in an undefined location in Vasa Lothra. The city faced great problems, terrors, and villains, but – luckily for Pulabat (and the people reading about it) – even greater heroes. The mighty Dancing Prince, The Queen of Swords, Tiger Boy, Question Monk, The Whisper, and the rest of the ever-growing Hero League always saved the day at the last minute, with plenty of action scenes, romantic interludes, and fabulous dancing along the way.
This Pulabat is not the Pulabat from the stories; it just stole the name. But after a century of growth and immigration, it's inherited many of its namesake's colorful problems – including overcrowding, political corruption, and dangerous warlords in the nearby desert.
Cultural Influence: 9 The direct cultural impact of the city on the wider world – literature read, art purchased, architectural styles copied, memes created, etc. – is marginal. And yet, Pulabat has an outsized place in the popular imagination of Terra Trema. It's shaping up to be just like its namesake city from the stories – an Old-Lands city, but not an evil imperial seat. Just a flawed-but-relatable polis in need of some heroes.
Economic Influence: 6? Pulabat has a bustling local economy but its economic ties to the rest of Terra Trema are only so-so. Trade is monopolized by corrupt guilds and the ports are policed by foreign navies – generally the Albish, though warships of many flags prowl the waters beyond the city. The shocking wealth disparity is disappointing for a city where the caste systems of the Old Lands have been – technically – abolished, and upward mobility is theoretically the ideal. Perhaps a band of plucky heroes could set things right?
Military Influence: 4? Pulabat's army is honorable and well-trained, yet small and underequipped. If only a band of plucky heroes could help save Pulabat from its many foes...