Whitport

An extract from “The lands Beyond the Sword Coast: Aeberus”

by Alexander Xilcaryn

There are many ports dotted around Aeberus but Whitport will truly standout as unique to its native populace, it is one of the first mayor settlements to fully adopt district segmented infrastructure. The port has been divided into 10 sections; The Druidic, Residential, Entertainment, Administration, Adventurer’s, Artificer, Arcane, Warehouse, Docks, and High District.

Aside from the layout it also the first and only settlement to allow lesser races to work and live there, all thanks to Mayor William Williams and his wife Gniehrryhr Sludgehammer. They mayor and his wife might be a one of the strangest couples I have seen but I’m not one to judge.

The Druidic District is the first place you enter if you arrive through the main gate, some may find it strange to see wild animals coexist so closely, but the residents reassure me it’s just part of the charm. The druids that reside there offer herbal remedies for almost any situation, along with alchemical supplies. If you don’t step on the grass and keep your litter to yourself, you shouldn’t get the stink eye for both the residents and the animals.

The Residential District is home to many fine inns and richer citizens, anyone who doesn’t mind paying a little extra for being in a nice neighbourhood will surely enjoy pristine rooms and great food. I even got room service and a complementary candle to take home.

The Administration and Warehouse Districts were out of my reach because I wasn’t on ‘official business’ but I can assure you they play a big part in keeping the port running in the background. Sadly, it’s too mundane and official to be worth mentioning and the stuck-up pencil pushers didn’t bother answering my questions.

The Adventurer’s District also don’t have much to describe as of now but the mayor plans throwing a grand celebration when the construction works are finished, most likely to attract the strong and brave.

If you can overlook the drabby appearance and the invasive small you will be able to see The Docks District for what it truly is, the heart of Whitport. Initially I noticed a small number of ships docking and leaving but its about what these ships leave with. The main export being magical items from Elesmont, the district also offers a selection of general goods stores and establishments ‘favoured’ by sailors.

The Artificer District is what some may know as a ‘high street’, purely dedicated to establishments like Tailors, Blacksmiths, and other artisans. If you are looking for that new dress, embossed battle plate or even a bottle of red to end the day then this is the pace for you, provided you can afford it.

The Arcane District offers an amazing opportunity for those who wish to study the mystical and arcane, if you don’t mind the pompous and pretentious residents that apparently have no time to spare even for a basic greeting. The Arcanum Noviciatus is a school that offers tutelage and apprenticeships to aspiring young minds with the correct aptitude, only a select few get handpicked by their tutors to be. This allows them and anyone on ‘official business’ to enter and use The Grand Library, again how pretentious… The Entertainment District may look a little sparse but don’t be fooled, each one of the buildings hides a truly unique experience. Lady Mira’s Spa, Relaxation, and Salon or colloquially “Lady Mira’s” caters for the needs of practically any race, I even got a glimpse of the Lady herself as I was being escorted outside because I wasn’t a ‘paying customer.’ The Gåta is a bizarre restaurant, instead of a menu you get a slip of paper saying what you cannot have. They promise to make anything that the heart desires but don’t tell how much it will cost, so I decided to go before I got scammed. The Curator’s Theatre is another strange one, the locals tell me that no one knows who the ‘Curator’ is or when their shows happen. The theatre advertises a show seeming at random and the tickets are sold out before they day is done, not that I would go. By this time, I outstayed my welcome and I think the guards noticed that I avoided the district entrance fee

Before leaving Whitport I manged to enter the High District, lots of visible guards and expensive landscaping. This district’s housing looks like it’s reserved for those the mayor wishes to keep close, the biggest building being the mayors manor/hall. Its appearance resembles the amalgamation of Human, Elven and Dwarven styles that personally I think looks rather hectic. This district also has 2 religious buildings, the biggest one stylised in a gothic theme. The smaller one is a chapel devoted to Ilmater, run by Mother Helena.