Arlenport

Arlenport is the gateway to the north and the northernmost city in the Kingdom of Sydonia. Since its founding by Arlen Lorens in the 7th century as a fur trading post, it has provided the kingdom with much-needed resources from the world's end mountains and the sea of daggers. Much of its "frontier town" identity remains today, and the encroachment of modern civilization is somewhat diminished within its ancient walls.

History

In 637 AD, King Cuthred of House Ascania ordered wished to expand his Kingdom into the north. He funded an expedition led by an explorer named Arlen Lorens. Lorens, already an established adventurer, set out with a party of 6 adventurers and 20 soldiers from Seawatch and landed on a northwestern shore. They set up a camp there, and set out to tame the wilds. Before long, they were attacked by a band of northmen who captured them and brought them to Högasun. There, Arlen Lorens managed to convince the northmen to let them go in exchange for "great treasures." They were escorted back to their camp, where an ambush had been set up after the camp had received word from the party's wizard. The northmen were slaughtered, and Arlen Lorens and his compatriots were freed.
While the expedition reinforced its camp with palisades, Arlen and his group set out into the wilds once more with a cadre of soldiers. They reached the dwarven hold of Khazad-Nogaak, where they traded furs and lumber for weapons, armor, gems and precious metals. A trade agreement was struck, and the Dwarves promised to speak to the Northmen on their behalf. For a time, the expedition was able to trade with the dwarves without fear of Vikingr attack. The expeditionary camp grew, and soon became a proper port town supplying the kingdom with furs, fish, whale oil, and Dwarven goods from the mountains. In 640 AD, the town was named Arlenport and officially declared a city in the Kingdom of Sydonia. Arlen Lorens was granted the Earldom of Strathbury and began building a castle in the center of Arlenport. As Duke (Eorl), he ruled over the region and invited freemen from across the Kingdom to settle there. Villages began to crop up, with the largest village being that of Strathmore.
The first few years of Duke Lorens' rule proved peaceful and prosperous, but the threat of the northmen could not be staved off forever. The Jarls who had agreed to cease hostilities against the Sydonians could no longer keep their people from what they saw as easy plunder. Raids from the north began once more, and the villages of Strathbury paid the price. While the northmen dared not anger their Dwarven allies by attacking trade convoys, villages were attacked and plundered regularly until Duke Lorens hired mercenaries to protect his lands. Meanwhile, the walls of Arlenport were further fortified and their ships protected by armed escorts. The sight of Vikingr ships along the western coast struck fear into the hearts of the Sydonians, and life in the frontier became harder.
Northmen raids would continue to be common in the frontier lands for several centuries. During his time, Duke Arlen Lorens maintained a strict "kill on sight" policy for northmen and even sent his mercenary bands into the mountains to attack northmen villages. His successors would eventually adopt a more accepting stance towards the northmen following the great orcish invasion of 1201 (during which the Northmen fought alongside Sydonians and Dwarves against the orcs). After King Ceol of House Dunkeld's proclamation that all Northmen would be granted amnesty for past deeds, Duke Orlo Lorens IV proclaimed that the Vikingr would be accepted as subjects of Strathbury if they wished to settle there. While not many northmen accepted his offer, some traveled to Arlenport to find an easier life as fishermen or tradesmen there. A section of the city was set aside for them to grow a Hörgr or "godswood" to worship their gods. Most Northmen tribes abandoned Raiding and accepted trade agreements with the Sydonians, but some have been known to still venture out into the countryside for illegal raids. They are treated as criminals even by their own people.
Since its founding, a sizeable population of Dwarves have settled into an old mine in the north side of the city. The dwarves continued to dig further, and eventually connected the mine to the great below and built tunnels leading all the way to Khazad-Nogaak. These tunnels were used to trade with the Dwarfhold in the days of hostilities between the Sydonians and Northmen.
In 1257 AD, Arlenport disappeared for 3 months and was transported to the Nine Hells. A group of adventurers known as the Hellraisers saved the city and returned it to Arlyss, but did not return with it. They briefly reappeared in 1259 AD outside Dragonwatch and were recruited in a quest to slay an orc lich in the badlands preparing to lead a host against Sydonia. Among the survivors were an aasimar paladin of the order of the mark (an early unsanctioned knightly order tasked with eradicating undead) named Dorn and a dwarf cleric of Alviss named Kathra Fireforge. Dorn would go on to lead his order from orcwatch keep, while Kathra opened her own forges in Sydonia (producing some of the finest metalwork to this day). The fates of the remaining members of the hellraisers is unknown.
Today, Arlenport still serves as the gateway to the north. As a frontier city, it is a haven for adventurers and mercenaries seeking fame and fortune in the wildlands of the north and the World's End Mountains.

Culture

The culture of Arlenport and its surrounding lands is very much a hybrid of Sydonian, Dwarven, and Vikingr culture. Cultural practices from both Sydonia and the North are commonplace, and oftentimes the Sydonian and northern names of the gods are used interchangeably. This hybrid culture is most common in the city, with the countryside and surrounding villages remaining more strictly Sydonian except where the two meet in the foothills of the World's End Mountains.
Several northern festivals and celebrations are observed in Arlenport, including the mid-winter ice festival during which northmen traditionally leap naked into the frigid waters of the Arlen Bay. Likewise, Dwarven festivals are also observed here such as the festival of Chagiygah Shekhar during which ale is brewed and consumed in large quantities to celebrate its invention in the early days of Dwarven civiliation.

Military and Justice

As a frontier city, Arlenport is protected by a Garrison of the Sydonian Army. The City Watch is housed within the garrison, and is charged with keeping the peace in the city. While the Duke once levied troops from the countryside and hired mercenaries to protect the villages, Strathbury is now protected by village Sheriffs who keep the peace, arbitrate disputes and hire mercenaries when needed.

Crime

The city watch in Arlenport is not particularly effective at keeping the criminal elements subdued. Thieves, pickpockets, smugglers, and assassins all make Arlenport their home, and are organized in several well-known groups. Some of these groups take it upon themselves to keep the peace on the streets when the watch will not. These groups are almost revered by the citizenry, who also live in fear of getting on their bad side.
The Arlenport Boys: A group of organized pickpockets, run by the adult members who recruit pickpockets from the downtrodden of Arlenport. Most are orphans and urchins. They have some affiliations with the Barrow Boys of Dragonwatch. They are currently led by Wilhelm "Billy" Keats.
The Barreira Gang: A newcomer in town, the Barreira Gang is run by Carlos Barreira of Bryganthia and is made up of Bryganthian immigrants to Arlenport. They dabble in thievery, assassination, illegal gambling, and extortion. They have recently had run-ins with the Arlenport Boys, and some believe a gang war to be inevitable.
Skógarmaðr: These Vikingr outlaws living in Arlenport make a living through mugging, intimidation and assassination contracts. They are particularly brutal, and those that have not been branded "Skógarmaðr" by their own people brand themselves when they join the gang. They are currently led by Erik Grímsson.
Black Hand of Alannor: A mysterious Assassin's guild made up of elven exiles, colloquially known as "the hand." They are highly sought-after for their complete anonymity, leaving no witnesses and often making it appear as though the target died of natural causes.

Points of Interest

Castle Lorens

At the center of the city is Castle Lorens, a large fortified estate where the family of the current Duke of Strathbury resides as well as the mayor's estate and city council chambers. A small garrison of soldiers are stationed here at all times.

Gate Ward

Home to the working class of Arlenport, the gate ward is tightly packed with modest homes and multiple-family housing, as well as shops and services.
The Sly Fox: A modest working-class tavern in the center of the Gate Ward housing. Known for its cheap dwarven ale and strangely delicious fish and chips (with a secret batter recipe). Run by Gaffer Harwell.
Smithy's Arms: A rowdy Dwarven tavern on the north side of the Gate Ward near the old mine. Home of the best dwarven ale and whiskey in Arlenport. Run by Korin Firebelly.
Wayward Sons Inn: The wayward sons inn is located near the eastgate and serves weary travelers at the end of their journey along the avron way. It is modestly priced and minimally infested. Run by Aldo Halfleaf.
The Market: a large open-air market where the commonfolk of Arlenport shop for whatever they need, from the day's catch fresh off the docks to produce and meat from Strathbury's many farms and villages.

Craftsmen Ward

The craftsmen ward is home to the merchant class of Arlenport and surrounds the Church of Woden. The east side of the ward is home to several estates belonging to nobles and wealthy merchant lords, while the north side is home to various specialty craftsmen's shops.
King's Arms: A high-end tavern located on the north side of the craftsmen ward. Serves fine Ekorosi and Bryganthian wines, as well as dwarven whiskey from Kal-Ein and locally brewed ales. Chef "Georg Flankcleaver" provides fine dining for those wishing to pair their drinks with a meal. Owned and operated by Count Alfrid Tyneson.
The Stonely Inn: A high-end inn providing fine accommodations and a fully-staffed restaurant, located across the road from church of Woden and frequently visited by the Hofgoði (high priest) for mid-day meals. Some believe it may be haunted by ghosts attached to the reclaimed timber used for its furniture. It was once investigated by famed paranormal researcher Tar'Kanis (one of the surviving members of the mistlands expedition).
The Portable Shop: A strange establishment run by a rock gnome named Fenzik Fizzlesprocket. The small shop only exists within the hours of 9 am and 3 pm. Outside those hours, the shop disappears into an extra-dimensional space leaving nothing behind. Frequented by adventurers and wealthy nobles seeking items of a magical nature, as well as curios from across the world (and other worlds than these).
The Arlenport Library: Here, the historical archives of Strathbury are stored as well as many tomes of lore and history. The librarians maintain the tomes and allow the citizenry to peruse them at will, so long as they do not damage or steal them.

Guilds Ward

Home to the city's guild houses, including the adventurers' guild, mages' guild, craftsmens' guilds and even a few "secret" guilds for thieves and assassins.
Adventurer's Guild: The adventurer's guild provides a place for adventurers seeking employment to peruse job postings, share stories, and gather information about the world. A small tavern within the guild serves cheap ale and mediocre food. The guild house is run by an old Vikingr raider turned pirate-hunter named Gunnar Forkbeard. He retired after transporting the Covenant of the Veiled Coin into the mistlands and losing most of his crew.
Mages' Guild: The mages' guild provides spellcasting services, spell components, scrolls and work for arcane spellcasters in Arlenport.
Hörgr: The Hörgr is an open-air temple to the gods of the northmen, where anyone of their faith may commune with the gods and receive their blessings. Spell components for druidic magic are also sold here, as well as the spellcasting services of its priests.
The thieves' guild: The secretive thieves' guild is a well-known secret throughout Arlenport, but its location is well-guarded. Here, members may fence goods and purchase supplies. Contact with the thieves' guild may be achieved by placing a stack of 4 stones beside the fountain of Duke Arlen, after which a member of the guild will reach out and inquire as to the job requirements. If assassination is required, the guild will provide the would-be employer with a list of potential groups at different price ranges.
The Stone and Crook: An inn catering to adventures and travelers run by a forest gnome named Padraig Aes Sídhe. The structure seems to have been "grown" rather than built, and resembles a large tree house. Rather than bedding, the beds grow moss that can also be eaten for sustenance. The inn's kitchens provide various elven whiskeys, ale and vegetarian fare.

Old Mine

The Old Mine was once an iron mine used by the early settlers of Arlenport. Once trade was established with the dwarves of Khazad-Nogaak, the settlers found they preferred trading furs and other supplies with the dwarves to mining the ore themselves. The mine was abandoned until Dwarves settled in the city in the 9th century and re-opened the mines. They were allowed to build a temple of the three beside the mine entrance, and most of the dwarven settlers preferred to build their homes in the tunnels of the mine. Since its re-opening, the mine tunnels have expanded as far north as Khazad-Nogaak and as deep as the great below. The tunnels leading to the great below are well-guarded by the strongest dwarven warriors.
Fireforge Arms and Armor: A branch of the world-renowned Fireforge Arms, this smithy's shop is run by a descendant of Kathra Fireforge herself. Here, Torvald Fireforge crafts some of the best works of metalcraft in the kingdom.
The Cloven Orc: A modest inn and tavern serving Dwarves traveling along the deep road between Arlenport and Khazad-Nogaak. They serve ale blessed by the clerics of Khazad-Nogaak to pilgrims on their yearly pilgrimages to the birthplace of the dwarves.

Docks

The docks are home to many warehouses, shipyards, fisheries and trade companies. Here, dockworkers toil night and day to deliver goods from the seas to the people of Arlenport.
The Arlen Bay Trading Company: One of the oldest trading companies in the kingdom. The Arlen Bay Trading Company controls most of the trade going through Arlenport. Some believe its president Egtheow Blackrill has more power in the city than the Mayor and Duke Lorens himself.
The Wharf Troll Inn: A run-down tavern and inn built out of an abandoned warehouse on the docks. The wharf troll caters to dockworkers and other working class folk of Arlenport, and is frequented often by the Arlenport Boys. Its owner, Thordis Trollcleaver, is a retired Kalaal shieldmaiden of the Scylfing tribe. She keeps a large axe embedded in the bar, with far too many notches to count the times she's had to use it against those unfortunate enough to associate the name of the Inn with her intimidating appearance.

Maps

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  Arlenport

Government: City Council
Ruler: Mayor Wiglaf Harker
Duchy: Strathbury, represented by Duke Arnulf Lorens.
Size: Medium City
Population: ~80,000
Economy: Fishing, mining, trapping, trade.
Races: Humans 54% Dwarves 23% Gnomes 8% Halflings 5% Elves 2% Other 8%