Arcos
Argos is the largest town on the island of Neyris. Located on Neyris' southern coast it grew as a central hub for traders, explorers and travellers sailing from the mainland to the West to Neyris, or to any of the islands East of Neyris.
The rapid growth of Arcos came to an abrupt halt when, fearing rapid cultural changes and foreign influence, the King of Neyris closed his ports and borders.
Neyris' policy of isolationism had wide-reaching effects on the islands of the Archipelago as Arcos was an essential stop for all but the largest ships. In the century that has passed since then the islands have been all but forgotten by the Mainland Kingdoms.
The recent re-opening of Neyris' borders by the Altean Trading Company has revitalised Arcos' economy and led to a new surge in growth after a century of stagnation.
Notable locations in Arcos:
King's Port (Nicknamed the Posh Port)
The King's Port is the largest dock in Arcos. It lies in the centre of the town's southern coast with Tallwater Street running directly north from it to the town's northern gate. Before Neyris closed its borders this was the only dock used by ships of any significance, however ever since the Altean Trading Company re-opened the border they have tightly controlled access to the King's Port. Docking here is cheap, for humans, but the Alteans perform inspections on ships and cargo here with impunity as it is under the rule of Altean law, rather than that of Neyris. As such it can be an extremely hostile place for non-humans... unless those non-humans have brought enough valuable cargo to make them worthy. For this reason companies such as the Dwarvish Neverbeggars have been able to use the King's Port. The Altean Church might not like it, but the Trading company makes exceptions for the wealthy as half of the tariffs charged from trade to this port go to Altea, not Neyris.
Free Port (Nicknamed the Scary Port)
The ironically named Free Port is actually much more expensive to dock at than the King's Port, it is however free of Altean influence, which has earned it the name 'Free'.The Free Port grew up quickly on Arcos' western coast when the borders re-opened due to the patronage of three kinds of people; patriotic Neyrians, enemies of Altea and criminals. Patriotic Neyrians use it to support their economy of their home. The Free Port may cost more, but at least the money all goes to Neyris. The category of enemies of Altea is broad, and includes all non-humans below a certain wealth threshold. It also includes people who are simply opposed to Altea's values, and have no wish to associate with them. Criminals however are the real reason that the Free Port has thrived. Arcos has allowed relatively harmless illegal activity in the Free Port to bolster its economy, and as a result the Free Port has thrived.
Tallwater Street is the oldest in Arcos. It runs directly from the King's Port to North Gate. The street is straight and the area close to the coast is on a steep incline leading up from the sea. The street is the main mercantile district in Arcos, and after the ports themselves, is the island's main cultural and economic hub. It is home to The Tangled Web Inn, Jerome's Armour and Weapons and Bertram's Alchemical Goods and Supplies. It was formerly also the home of the Headquarters of the Guild of Cardinal Points, however the Guildhall, located above Jerome's Armour and Weapons, was burned down in an attack by mysterious individuals thought to be taking revenge on the Guild. No-one was seriously hurt in the attack but the old Guildhall was damaged beyond repair, forcing the Guild to relocate.
Locations close to Arcos include King Laurion's Palace, The Gutter, and the Headquarters of the Guild of Cardinal Points.
King Laurion's Palace is less than a day's travel by cart from Arcos. Far enough away to avoid the riff-raff, but close enough to give Laurion's Court easy access to the beating heart of Neyris.
The Gutter is a huge underground slum built in the ancient sewers of Arcos. It is occupied manly by criminals, the extremely impoverished, and people who wish to live outside of societies norms but don't mind living in squalor. Its hidden entrance is located near the coast of Arcos. Notable locations in the Gutter include Grungorm's Bar, and The Pit.
The Headquarters of the Guild of Cardinal Points is located only a few hours journey from Arcos' North Gate. Formerly the Mansion of Pallas Macyles, a client of the Guild, it was gifted to the Guild in Pallas' will. The acquisition of the mansion gave the Guild new standing in Neyris. It includes quarters for Guild members who need somewhere to stay, an extensive library, an armoury and training yard and an office for the Guildmaster.
(If anyone ever reads this and wants to know anything about Arcos then feel free to ask me. (It's Richard by the way (Yes I'm putting brackets inside of brackets. Don't @ me... it's possible I've been drinking. There are probably many typos above... oh God) ) and I'll be happy to answer questions 'cos I kinda hoped Arcos, and Neyris in general, would be a space that anyone could use when DMing or coming up with characters.)
Type
Town
Inhabitant Demonym
Arcan
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
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