An owl, at least twice the size of a man, flaps its wings as clouds and floating stones whiz by. It tilts its head in curiosity as it hears something approaching from below - as a huge face bursts through the clouds! Screeching in annoyance as it banks to the left, the Owl turns away from the balloon effigy of a jester - one of several jolly decorations trailing down to a floating island where people from all over the Cell of Everwing are gathering. Propeller-driven airships at the docks, flying mounts, and rickety flying machines of all stripes flit about the island. Today is the Four Winds Festival, where the children of Nimbuston come of age by venturing into the "haunted ruins" below. The adults of Nimbuston know full well that the ruins are perfectly safe, but they are the preferred nesting grounds of the Fruit Bats, which they use to make flying mounts that the children must befriend as a test of courage in a rite of passage.
Nimbuston is a bustling community of about 400 souls, well situated between the trade winds. Giant dandelions line many of the fields, used by the townspeople for food, shade, and building materials. Most buildings are constructed of dandelion wood and packed earth from the forests and hillsides. Aside from its trademark Four Winds Festival, the town's main claim to fame is its Batrider militia, who help pacify the nearby Flying Mountains, which are the main source of stone and ore for this particular Cell.
For those from other islands or kingdoms, the lure is a bit easier: Nimbuston's Four Winds Festival is a great way to network, whether it be finding an apprentice or squire, chatting with old friends, or simply buying and selling at the pop-up marketplaces. From street cooks to blacksmiths, everyone has something to sell today, hoping to do business before sundown, when the children must descend into the ruins below. For now, the windswept travelers are free to wander about.
[Alright, sorry to let y'all loose, but you're free to establish what brings you here! Maybe you're looking to meet up with an old friend who comes every year, or hoping to headhunt some talent. Maybe you just really like dandelion salad.]