Passhall is situated in a valley, shielded by a tall mountain range to its rear. This natural barrier plays a pivotal role in the city's climate, preventing harsh cold winds from sweeping through and allowing the valley to cultivate hearty winter crops.

The climate has a direct influence on the city's architecture and way of life. Most structures in Passhall are built using quarried rock, with wood being sparingly used due to its scarcity. The city's residents have also adapted their lifestyles to the weather patterns, with many activities being season-specific.

Passhall's unique climate, combined with its trade connections, has given rise to a fusion of foods from both Irna and Shoing. The city's residents have the privilege of experiencing a blend of culinary traditions, resulting in dishes that are both exotic and familiar.

Adjacent to the slums, the dockside residents live a slightly more stable life. Many are involved in businesses that cater to the needs of sailors and traders, such as taverns, inns, and markets. While they face challenges similar to the slum laborers, their proximity to the docks provides them with more consistent income opportunities.

Tasked with maintaining peace, especially in the upper city, the city guard plays a pivotal role in Passhall's social structure. While they often turn a blind eye to the dockside slums' violence, they are vigilant in ensuring the safety of merchants and craftsmen. Their lives are a blend of discipline, duty, and the occasional bribe, reflecting the city's complex moral landscape.

Living in the upper city, the merchants and craftsmen of Passhall enjoy a relatively comfortable life. Their homes are sturdier, built with quarried rock and imported wood. They are the city's middle class, benefiting from the trade between Irna and Shoing. Their lifestyle is a blend of work and leisure, with many indulging in the city's unique fusion cuisine and cultural events.

At the top of Passhall's social hierarchy are the elites and government officials. Their lives are a stark contrast to the slum laborers. Residing in walled estates near the government buildings, they enjoy luxuries like horses from the city's sole stable. Their influence extends to the city's navy, where they ensure the smooth collection of tariffs and maintain a couple of warships for defense.

Unlike many regions of the world, Passhall does not recognize nor revere the concept of nobility. Here, a noble's title is as inconsequential as the wind. This cultural distinction often leads to tensions, especially when foreign nobles, accustomed to deference and privilege, find their actions met with resistance, or even violence, from the fiercely independent residents of Passhall.

However, this absence of formal titles does not mean that power vacuums exist. On the contrary, the city has its own breed of elites. These individuals, though devoid of noble titles, wield immense influence through their control over contracts, shipping warehouses, and labor allocations. In Passhall, it's an unspoken rule: one does not cross an elite. Their will, though not enshrined in law, carries the weight of tradition and respect.

While Passhall might be seen as less legalistic and rife with corruption, it has its own set of inviolable principles. The city stands as a beacon of hope for many, primarily due to its stringent stance against practices that are commonplace elsewhere.

Slavery and Human Trafficking: In stark contrast to places like Shoing, Antaea, Funta and Jazirah, Passhall has zero tolerance for slavery and human trafficking. Such practices are not only illegal but are also met with public disdain, making the city a haven for those fleeing oppression.

Regulated and Respected Sex Work: Passhall has taken a protective approach to sex work. Every sex worker in the city is licensed, ensuring their protection and rights. The work is voluntary, and the city ensures that they operate in safe environments. Moreover, the heavy taxation on this profession has led to its legitimization and integration into the city's economy. An example to the power and respect accorded to this profession is the rise of one of the city's elite houses, led by a madam from the guild of sex workers. Her influence and wealth rival, if not surpass, many traditional elites, showcasing the city's unique socio-economic dynamics.

Tall, with a regal bearing that speaks of generations of power, Lord Cedric Rhodar is a man of few words but immense influence. His piercing blue eyes, reminiscent of the vast oceans, miss nothing. A neatly trimmed beard graces his chin, and he is often seen in rich robes, adorned with symbols that trace back to the city's founding days. While he maintains a facade of being just another elite, those in the know are aware that Cedric's word is law in Passhall.

An architectural marvel, the Rhodar Mansion stands as a testament to the family's legacy. Built with quarried stone, its imposing facade is softened by ivy that has claimed parts of its walls. Stained glass windows depict scenes from the city's history, with a prominent one showcasing Rhodar's discovery of Passhall.

Inside, the mansion is a blend of luxury and history. Tapestries from across the world adorn its walls, and a vast library holds secrets that date back centuries. Hidden chambers and passageways crisscross the mansion, allowing the family to move unnoticed and conduct their clandestine affairs.

One of the Rhodar family's best-kept secrets is their alliance with the Xorn from the elemental plane of Earth. These creatures, with their unique abilities, serve as the family's eyes and ears, moving undetected through the city's underbelly. Their knack for sensing precious metals ensures that no one can hide wealth from the Rhodars. On occasions, when someone becomes a thorn in the family's side, the Xorn are known to silently undermine building foundations, causing them to collapse and leaving no trace of their involvement.