Shureport
Shureport is the largest city north of Elesmont on the eastern coast. Also one of the largest and most important trading cities, second only to Emyla Aiqua. Shureport's reputation, however, is not held in as high regard. Piracy ran rampant in the eastern sea for many thousands of years, as it still does today. Many of these pirates make berth at Shureport in order to trade their ill-gotten merchandise and, as a result, organised crime runs wild throughout the city. Surprisingly the local law enforcement, The Black Shirts maintain a strict order over the inhabitants and street crime is almost non-existent.
The Black Shirts are under the command of Lord Captain Vittorio Stagnetti who answers only to Lord Lobott Nevermember, the first lord of the council of the 4 families, an uneasy coalition that maintains the rule of Shureport. These four families are the descendants of the founders of the city, violent and bloodthirsty pirates that, over many generations, created a legitimate facade for the public as they consolidated their power.
Taxation is heavily enforced within the city boundaries with the council demanding a share of any trade conducted within their borders.
History
The city of Shureport is not as ancient as some others in Aeberus, but nonetheless features a rich past. The city was founded as a simple fishing village with not much more than an inn, a few shacks and a roughly made wooden dock with a bustling fish market catering to the local fishing boats. Early governance of the village was loosely organized, with the villagers electing a town mayor annually. Over the next several decades, larger and more wealthy trading ships, explorers and indeed, pirates, began to make dock at Shureport, necessitating the rapid expansion of the settlement. In less that a century, the modest village had become a grand city of thousands. The governance of this new city was uncertain with power changing hands frequently by either bribery or violence. It would be almost another century before four of the warring groups would rise above the others to seize control.
The Four Families
The Four Families, as they would come to be called, can trace their earliest origins to the many pirate crews that frequented Shureport in it's formative decades. Of course, most of these crews disbanded and reformed constantly, when they weren't captured or sunk, but there were exceptions. Dozens of forward thinking captains and traders saw the opportunity the undeveloped village offered and began to build their own storehouses and establish businesses and eventually, their own docks too. By settling in Shureport in this manner, they gained control over the shipping in and out of the city. Any other ship, captain or crew, legitimate or not, wishing to use the docks would be forced to pay handsome fees for the privilege.
Of the dozens of captains and crews that struggled for power over the decades, all but four were eliminated by either amicable business deals or violent intervention and a combination of both. The four that would become the Lords of Shureport in modern times are called the Greysong, Sirrica, Gorrell and Nevermember families. Currently, Lord Nevermember holds the power in Shureport over the other three families. Historically however, power can never be held in Shureport for long.
Settlement Details
Settlement Size: Large City
Population: Approx. 12,000
Common Races: Human, Halfling, Dwarf, Gnome.
Uncommon Races: Elf, Half-Elf, Tiefling.
Rare Races: All others.
Race Relations: Harmony
Notable Traits:
Known for:
Notable Locations
The Gaping Chasm
Largest and most frequented tavern and inn to be found in Shureport. Owned and operated by Durin Chasm, the establishment caters to patrons of all sorts. Travelling adventurers often make this their first stop upon reaching the city by land or sea. Notable locals are also known to frequent the inn, using it as a meeting place of sorts. The staff are quite knowledgeable about the comings and goings of their patrons and are an excellent source of information.
The Skewered Dragon
The Skewered Dragon is a dingy and run-down tavern located in the sleazier part of Shureport, away from the well-lit streets and fancy establishments that cater to the city's wealthy elite. It has a reputation for being a haven for criminals, and is known to attract a seedy crowd. The tavern's twisted and gnarled sign board, bearing the image of a dragon skewered on a sword, leaves little to the imagination for what goes on inside.
Shady Pete's
An adventurers' and general supply store. The proprietor, known to everyone simply as "Shady Pete" can provide most mundane adventuring gear, tools and supplies for almost anything.
Steelrod Smithy
A well stocked and proficient blacksmith. The owner, Simon Steelrod is well known for overcharging his customers for a less than respectful manner. That being said, the quality and range of his goods is second to none in the city.
Saltpan
The largest supplier of sea salt to the entire island. Sea water is trapped in evaporation pools and the remaining salt is harvested to be cleaned, packaged and sold. Saltpan is owned by the Gorell family and operated by Ethan Gorell, the youngest son of Godric Gorell.
Shureport Market
All manner of merchants and artisans come together in the market square to trade their goods or ply their craft.
East Aeberus Trading Co. Docks
The largest privately owned dock in the city, headquarters for the East Aeberus Trading Company. Having many private contractors under their employ, the East Aeberus Trading Co. dock makes up for almost half of the import and export traffic through Shureport.
Fishers' Docks
This dock caters exclusively to commercial fishing endeavors and features an extensive wholesale market.
Traders' Docks
The import and export of all goods not under the control of the East Aeberus Trading Co. is funneled through this dock. Under the administration of the Greysong family, all goods entering or leaving the city via this dock are subject to extensive searches and ruinous taxes.
Travellers' Docks
Passenger vessels are directed towards this dock. All passenger travel to and from Shureport is surprisingly free and open. The customs office located on the dock is often unoccupied and travelers are able to come and go as they please.
Shureport Brewery
Famous for it's high priced and low quality spirits, the brewery has been under the management of the Sirrica family for the past 300 years. Although they are known to market their product far and wide, their customer base is mainly local.
Shureport Mine
Established in the earliest years of the city's founding, the mines are known to produce large quantities of gemstones and precious metals. The site is under the administration of the Kulgarum Miners' Association.
The Crow's Eye Investigations
A private investigation firm in the heart of the city.
Chariz Pegasus' Magical Supplies and Services
A well supplied and stocked magic shop, owned by the legendary wizard, Chariz Pegasus. Has a large range of magical items, spell scrolls, potions and weapons.
Temple of the Divine Light
The largest and most glorious place of worship in Shureport. Dedicated to the Aretschef, lord of the divine light. The temple is thought to be the wealthiest in all of Aeberus.
Notable Groups & Organizations
Nevermember Family
One of the Four Families, the Nevermembers descend from the original settlers of Shureport and have a long and distinguished history in the region. The family is highly respected and influential, with many members holding prominent positions in local government and industry.
Greysong Family
Once a humble family of merchants, the Greysongs rose to power in the bustling city of Shureport through their shrewd business dealings and willingness to play dirty when necessary. The family has established themselves as the top dogs of the trader’s docks, controlling the flow of goods in and out of the city.
Sirrica Family
The second most powerful of the Four Families?. Aside from their involvement in the brewing industry, the Sirrica Family is also known to dabble in more illicit activities such as smuggling and piracy. They have a strong network of connections throughout the seas and are said to have close ties to some of the most notorious pirate crews. The Sirrica Family is also known for their luxurious lifestyle, often flaunting their wealth and power through extravagant parties and events.
Gorrell Family
As the youngest and smallest of the families in Shureport, the Gorrell family often struggles to maintain their status and power among the other influential families. Despite this, they have proven to be quite successful in their operations at Saltpan, which has contributed greatly to their overall influence in the community.
Despite their challenges, the Gorrell family is widely respected in Shureport for their hard work, integrity, and commitment to their community. They are known to be unwavering in their loyalty to each other and to their family's legacy of success.
Blackshirts
The Blackshirts were formed shortly after the establishment of Shureport, in response to the chaos and lawlessness that plagued the city during its early years. Lord Captain Stagnetti, a veteran of numerous wars, was recently chosen to lead the organization due to his experience and military prowess.
The Blackshirts are comprised of highly trained soldiers, each of whom has sworn an oath of loyalty only to the Lord's Alliance. They are responsible for enforcing the laws of the Alliance, maintaining order in the city, and protecting its citizens from harm.
East Aeberus Trading Co.
A mainly human traders’ guild, responsible for much of the trade that passes through Shureport. The EATCo. is renowned for their ability to source the rarest mundane and magical items that can be found anywhere, so long as the buyer can meet their price.
The Red Hands
Rumors say that the Red Hands have been active in the seas surrounding Shureport for years, attacking ships and leaving no survivors. They are well-known for their brutality, often leaving behind a trail of mutilated corpses and destroyed ships. Some even say that they have made deals with dark and powerful entities, giving them the strength to defeat any foe.
Amethyst Enclave
The Amethyst Enclave has long harbored a deep-seated resentment toward the clergy of the Great Temple of Shureport, whom they view as corrupt and self-serving. They believe that the temple has strayed far from the true teachings of Aretschef, and that they alone possess the wisdom and purity required to lead the faithful back to the divine light.
Notable Characters
Durin Chasm
Durin Chasm is a well-known figure in Shureport, renowned for his ownership of the Gaping Chasm. This popular tavern and inn has become a favorite haunt of adventurers, travelers, and locals alike. The Gaping Chasm is situated at the heart of Shureport, which makes it an ideal spot for gatherings and events.
Lobott Nevermember
Raenier Nevermember
Chariz Pegasus
Flume Bangalore
Vittorrio Stagnetti