A Floating Sunderland

Sunderland is a floating city in the sky. The city was constructed along the side of a mountain. The higher and inner most city areas contain rustic buildings that were once important locales and municipal structures. Dense vegetation has beautifully taken back this area now. On the next level, the middle district, are old residencies reoccupied by commoners, clergy, military, and visitors alike. There are alleyways sprawled through this district that lead to the Marketplace. This area is the living image of the people's labor and unusual economy. The market crowd consist of people and creatures from all walks of life. It is a place perfect for finding something rare and selling it for decent price. Travelers stop by to sell off their junk to vendors who deal in items exotic to Sunderland. These items are bought by commoners. From giant fish heads, salamander tail, to a rack of giant horned bull frog legs, people buy what they can get. These streets are patrolled by officers who oppress vendors and traders, unnecessarily rubbing them the wrong way. Before the markets fill up, vendors stock their booths in preparation for a full day of work.

The places within the market are all wind and steam powered. They make use of the heat exhaust to power balloon lifts for pilots. Every building is potential power supply. Last but not least, the lowest level contains the pier. Pilots, couriers, etc stack their cargo along the piers. Their flying machines are docked on retractable girder bridges made of wrought iron.

Sunderland's highest district receives directly sunlight, causing the ruins to turn white and the plants to grow quickly. Since the market is sunken between tall buildings, it only receives direct sunlight for only part of the day.

Overhead Sunderland are airships, dirigibles, flying machines, you name it. These range from couriers, shuttles, cargo ships, military, and even pirates.

Underneath Sunderland, one is able to see mountain peaks jutting out from the thick cloud banks. Underneath those clouds is a world so tropical and exotic, only adventurers and military dare to travel. There are other inhabited places below that are blocked off from their natural habitat. Sunderland is also not the only floating island; there are many others like it.