Life along the highways
Good morning or evening depending from where you are joining.
I believe that due to my recent injury and hospital visit, some of the voting results on important matters regarding New Udanani have not been appropriately presented to you. This is why we shall now have a quick rundown of all relevant votes. Accordingly, be it known that:
- VIP Terrain Mod was chosen as a rock texture for New Udanani
- Water texture for New Udanani remains unchanged (Rivit Coastal Modd - Tropic)
- A second, narrative-oriented city journal on New Udanani will be launched, focusing on cultural and historical aspects of the region and the individual tribes. If you are a reader type, you will enjoy it.
- Activators shall export their surplus mining products to Altruists.
And the latter point is where we start off today...
The convoy of barges, loaded full with prime-quality limestone, marble and gravel moved silently up Jaland'di River. Respecting the decision of the Revered Spirits of the St'ropoli Dimension, the Activators have sent a trade mission towards the area occupied by the Northern tribes, hoping to make good profit and new friends. Despite their advantageous geographical location, the Activators have not engaged in any politics yet.
The captain of the convoy was enjoying his morning coffee, coordinating the movement of the fleet through the river. As he was taking the next sip of his favorite drink, the radio went on and a somewhat bored but simultaneously tense, military voice announced:
- This is Altruist River Patrol corvette "Kingfisher" to approaching barge convoy. Set your transponder code to zero-five-eight-seven and state your business.
The captain put his coffee aside, grabbed the microphone and quickly replied:
- Setting transponder now... This is Activator merchant convoy, bringing industrial materials for trade or commercial exchange. Requesting permission to moor in Serene Thoughts.
- Confirmed. On your way.
The barges soon moved past the patrol boat and thrown anchor just outside Serene Thoughts. The government officials have been notified about the arrival of new guests from as yet undiscovered tribe. Two hours later, Activator officials and merchants were invited for a round of talks in the local town center.
After the talks concluded, Altruists left the town center with mixed feelings... They were quite shocked to learn that Activators consider harmful dirty industry or sand-swept mining wastelands to be a form of development as good as forests and parks... Some of the delegates described the Activator style of city building as "sickening", pointing out that their cities are too congested and lacking clear boundaries between different developer types.
The Activators were a bit more kind towards their new partners and quite impressed with the spatial planning of Altruist cities. Especially the capital of Wellbeing which had no empty spaces but, at the same time, was not a glass-and-concrete desert.
All in all, the Altruists agreed for an exchange of ambassadors and also declared their willingness to purchase some of the mining materials brought to their shores. The Altruist Tribal Council planned to establish a new town in the near future and it was determined that quality construction goods might be really useful for their newest plan.
But the idea of a new town in the rural Northern Udanani was dwarfed by the great city-building leaps that the Businesspeople have made. Due to the recent Coastline Summit and the business contacts made there, the tribe has gained a lot of new confidence and wealth. These gains made it possible to turn two, unassuming traveler service points on R-1 and R-3 highways into fully-grown towns. Developing new cities along busy communication networks is always good for business. Thus, Newfoundwealth and Dollar Grove have been established.
Newfoundwealth is the more successful of the two. Wedged between the Businesspeople capital and the already grown Cashflow, Newfoundwealth is passed by thousands of travelers, tourists and businesspeople on a weekly basis. All of it began from the humble travel service points integrated into R-1. These, later developed into larger, low density area of shops and hotels which are heartily welcomed by automotorists passing by.
After the town started to gain strength, some of the CEOs, entrepreneurs and other well-situated people began to move in. These privileged groups of pioneer citizens have established their homes on one of the prominent hills overlooking Newfoundwealth. A very fancy and stylish spot to live in...
Eventually, the soaring number of travelers on R-1 stimulated the commercial growth so much, that a local downtown area started to emerge in the city. This is currently one of its most expensive parts. It also neighbors high-density residential blocks. Workforce and workplace numbers are in a good equilibrium so the city is as productive and balanced as possible in its current economic state.
For its employees sake, Newfoundwealth has some nice recreational facilities too where office workers can calm their nerves down after work. Some of these include Township Square located in the area where initial urban developments took place.
Nearby, one can also find relaxing Merchant Promenade. A highlight to this area is the agricultural market, located at the end of the promenade. The Smileyface and Resident farmers make up most of the traders certified here.
A little bit closer to the downtown, one can also find the Profit Hill Gardens. A huge park complex named in honor of the Businesspeople capital city. At the Northeastern tip of the park, one can also visit Levrono Fort. Formerly a medieval dungeon, it was converted into a courtyard garden in the 17th century by the effort of the local noble family by the name Samanssito.
All in all, the city of Newfoundwealth has a fitting name and the advantageous location surely contributes to its success. With many free spots being still available throughout the city tile, it is sure to grow even bigger in the future.
Things are considerably more challenging in the Dollar Grove. The Businesspeople's first town built along the R-3 highway.
R-3 does not receive the same amount of travelers as R-1. This communication network connects Central Udanani with the Resident-occupied areas to the North which are scantily populated. Therefore, although this town could be established without problem, it cannot spread its wings to the same effect as Newfoundwealth.
As you can see, the town is rather simple and consists of several roads and low-income neighborhoods. All commercial developments are located along the busiest patch of the main road and lay close to the highway itself. Strategically, the zoning is good but the growth in this isolated patch of Udanani is woefully slow.
In an effort to invigorate the town a bit, local government has even allowed some industry to develop West of the highway. The industrial zones bring in the much-needed money but are otherwise a testament to the town's current hardships.
Some economists are concerned that the Businesspeople have simply overstretched their resources. However, the success of Dollar Grove is a matter of political ambition for the tribe and the government is ready to support the town for as long as required.
While economic considerations are of no interest to them, the Slackers are concerned about the establishment of Dollar Grove for a different reason...
According to a nearly forty-year old warning handed out to the Udananites by Sulka - their deity - it is forbidden to build anything it the immediate vicinity of The Sacred Pond of Forces. However, as Dollar Hill is right next to it, many Sulkourbanist believers are fearful of the possible consequences this act may have on the future of Udanani...
Thank you for reading and watching through the episode and for your many comments and likes under the previous entry. 
Comment replies:
@sc4baidu - You're most welcome. Same to you!
@Tamijo - My choice as well. 
@Honolulu - Thank you! 
@JohanD - Thanks! I'm glad you like them!
@kschmidt - Thank you for your kind comment. I'm happy you like it! MMPing this area was fun.
@TG24 - It is always nice to see you on my pages @TG24. Feel free to drop back in anytime you want. Yes, I agree from my point of view as well - #35 is one of the best and most detailed episodes in this city journal. 
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