Balamb Town

Geography: A small island nation out of the way of the political machinations of Galbadia or the reclusive paranoia of Esthar. Balamb Island is half-surrounded by forest and mountains (pocked with volcanic caves: most notably the Fire Cavern) on one side, verdant plains and a massive beach on the other. Balamb’s sole population center is its large eponymous town, known for being a slow and peaceful place (some might say it’s downright breezy) to live. 

Since the founding of Balamb Town, there were Centran ruins on the island which were remodeled in 1AW into the world famous Balamb Garden Academy. While not technically affiliated with Balamb Garden, the two bodies coexist with one another and mutually benefit from the other’s proximity. 

Culture: It is a cultural hub of islanders, seafood cuisine, music and unique curving architecture. The island lifestyle moves slowly and at its own pace. The roads are often full of people going about their days. Very few people in Balamb actively drive, let alone own a car (save for auto-enthusiasts.) This is partly due to the convenience of the town for pedestrians, but also because the sea air rapidly corrodes the metal in cars and other heavy machinery.

Architecture: Inspired by the smooth shapes of surf-worn rocks and seashells, Balamb Town is all curves and sandy colors. Most buildings are rounded organic shapes, though in the past five years more modern, Deling-style architecture has been added to the city. With very little exception, buildings are kept below a certain height so that the island’s natural scenery can be seen all around the town. There are a lot of winding one-way streets, which causes frustration for vacationers who rent cars during their stay. 

Industry: Balamb Town is a vacation hotspot, seeing a steady stream of tourists year round looking to relax and unwind in the balmy weather. Since Balamb is warm most of the year, people come from less favourable climates to enjoy a taste of island life. The Balamb Hotel is world renowned as a luxury destination with a very highly rated restaurant run by a famous chef called The Sea King. 

History: Founded in 1683 BW, Balamb town’s dominance on the island was diminished twelve years ago when Balamb Garden, a training center for the elite military force SeeD, was erected. Because of its isolated location, Balamb residents often revel in their ability to ignore military conflicts going on in the rest of the world, and to some extent, resent that the Garden’s presence serves as a reminder of those problems. The townspeople respect those who choose to attend the Garden, which they see as a school for the gifted.

Balamb Town is connected to Galbadia via the trans-continental railway.

Military: Balamb Town has no standing military, though there is a local militia which is little more than a police force. For protection, Balamb Town is politically allied with both the Nation of Galbadia and the Dollet Dukedom. In the past, Balamb relied on Balamb Garden for protection due to its proximity.

Trivia: 

BG Residents from (Location): Kairah Namishiki, Jacob Palmer, Rikriel Rezier