Lustrum - Portside

Portside is a coastal district in Lustrum Metropolis, founded by the Triton people in 700 AD after they settled along the coastline. Originally from the Elemental Plane of Water, the Tritons arrived in Astrium through tears between realms caused by a surge of elemental energy. Despite initial distrust due to their extraplanar origins, the Tritons have found comfort within the waters of Astrium and have established Portside as their primary settlement, living in harmony with the sea. Known for their exceptional underwater skills, they work alongside other "stray races" to create a home for all, forming the foundation for Lustrum Township, which eventually grew into Lustrum Metropolis.
Portside, once a humble fishing village, has evolved into a bustling coastal hub, now home to one of Astrium’s most notable attractions: the Ocean Prism Casino. With a deep nautical feel, the district is built from reclaimed ships, giving the town a unique and distinct charm. Portside is also Lustrum’s main docking area for passenger ships arriving from distant lands, across the Marblehaven Divide. The Tritons utilize the treasures they retrieve from the seabed to fund the casino, while their excellent fishing industry drives much of the district’s commerce.

Demographics

60% Triton, 20% Humans, 10% Sea Elves, 10% other races (including , Water Genasi, and adventurers passing through)

Government

Portside operates under the governance of Lustrum Metropolis’ Council, where the Triton representative, Siron Deepwave’s descendants, hold a key position as a subsidiary of the Astrium Council. The district is ruled locally by a group of elected Triton officials who manage Portside's day-to-day affairs, focusing on the needs of the fishing industry, shipbuilding, and tourism.

Defences

Portside is defended both on land and underwater. The Tritons have patrols of skilled warriors and magic-users who guard the waters surrounding the district, protecting it from aquatic threats. Underwater wards shield the Coral Caves, and magical sentinels are posted along the port to ensure safe passage for passenger ships.
Notable Defenses:

• Sea Guardians: A group of elite Triton warriors that patrol the underwater perimeters.
• Coral Wards: Magical barriers protecting the underwater Triton district from hostile sea creatures.
• Ocean Prism Guards: Security for the casino and surrounding areas, ensuring the safety of wealthy patrons and tourists.

Industry & Trade

• Fishing Industry: The backbone of Portside’s economy, Tritons catch large quantities of fish that are sold throughout Lustrum Metropolis and beyond.
• Treasure Salvage: Tritons frequently retrieve valuable artifacts, pearls, and other treasures from the sea, which are sold in the market or used to fund the Ocean Prism Casino.
• Shipbuilding: High-quality ships are constructed in the shipyard, with the most prestigious ones crafted by the legendary Targas Saltstone.

Infrastructure

Portside’s infrastructure is heavily influenced by Triton architecture, with buildings constructed from repurposed ships and materials recovered from the sea. The district includes a large docking area for passenger and fishing ships, a market square where fish and seabed treasures are sold, and an extensive shipyard. Roads are paved with coral and sea-smoothed stone, giving the district a shimmering appearance under the sunlight.
Key Infrastructure:

• Large port and docking area for passenger ships, particularly from Wayshore
• Fishing ship harbors
• Underwater Triton habitats, connected to the mainland through coral-encrusted bridges

Districts

• The Docks: The central hub of Portside, bustling with Tritons and other sailors unloading fish, treasure, and other sea-borne goods. The docks are the busiest part of the district, especially when passenger ships arrive.

• Tidebound Market: The heart of commerce, where fish, pearls, and treasures from the seabed are traded alongside magical trinkets, seaweed remedies, and underwater gear. Anything the Tritons find beneath the waves is brought here for sale.

• Shipwright’s Wharf: The district's shipyard, home to a legendary veteran shipwright known as Targas Saltstone, who only crafts vessels for those he deems worthy. This area also houses blacksmiths and other artisans catering to sailors and travelers.

• The Coral Caves: A hidden underwater district where some Tritons still prefer to live, submerged within the coastal depths. Accessible via magical wards that allow surface dwellers to visit, this district is known for its unique coral homes.

Assets

• The Ocean Prism Casino: A luxurious casino built from sunken ship treasures, offering entertainment and a gambling haven for visitors. It is a key attraction and the main source of income for the district.
• Tidebound Market: Selling fish, magical items, pearls, and unique goods from the seabed.
• Targas Saltstone's Shipyard: A prestigious shipwright who builds only the finest vessels.
• Magic Item Vendors: Selling underwater enchantments, protective gear, and potions.

Guilds and Factions

• The Oceanward Guild: A faction dedicated to protecting the district’s waters and ensuring safe trade routes. They work closely with other seafaring races to secure the coastline.
• Triton Trade Union: This guild manages the fishing industry and treasure recovery efforts. They oversee the Tidebound Market and ensure the ethical use of sea resources.
• The Sirenscale Syndicate: A secretive group that oversees gambling operations within the Ocean Prism Casino. They hold significant influence over the district’s economy and local politics.

Points of interest

• Ocean Prism Casino: The district’s crown jewel, offering high-stakes games and luxurious entertainment.
• Tidebound Market: A bustling marketplace where goods from the sea are traded daily.
• Shipwright’s Wharf: Home to Targas Saltstone’s famous shipyard, known for crafting legendary vessels.
• Coral Caves: A hidden underwater district for Tritons, known for its enchanting coral structures.

Shrine of the Shifting Mask Nestled within a hidden alley in the winding streets of Portside’s chaotic district is the Shrine of the Shifting Mask, a small but potent place of worship for Mask’s followers. Unassuming in appearance, the shrine is marked only by a stone carving of a mask embedded in the side of a nondescript building. To most, it’s an innocuous feature of the city, easily overlooked. But to those who follow Mask, the stone mask is more than it seems. It never shows the same face twice—its features shift subtly, revealing a different expression with each glance. Thieves, smugglers, and spies frequent this humble shrine, offering stolen trinkets, small coins from successful heists, or valuable information in exchange for Mask’s blessing.
Those who leave an offering often hear faint whispers in the shadows, rumors suggesting the shrine is alive with Mask’s presence. Local thieves believe the shrine grants subtle, often cryptic guidance to those who seek it. It is said that if you linger near the shrine long enough, the shadows might whisper back, offering clues about an upcoming heist, warnings of betrayal, or even a path to avoid capture. The Shifting Mask represents Mask’s ability to conceal, deceive, and change, guiding his followers toward hidden opportunities and away from danger. This shrine has become a secretive hub for the city’s underbelly, where the truly devoted can feel the presence of the Shadowdancer, urging them to dance with fate under the cover of darkness.

Tourism

Portside is a major destination for travelers and adventurers arriving via sea, thanks to its proximity to Wayshore and its vibrant nautical culture. Visitors are drawn to the Ocean Prism Casino, where they can gamble and enjoy Triton hospitality, while the Tidebound Market offers exotic goods from the sea. Guided diving tours allow visitors to explore the underwater portions of the district and its enchanting coral reefs.
Celebration Festival of Sunken Treasure - 23rd Thundralis
Overview: The Festival of the Sunken Treasure is a grand annual celebration held in the district of Portside to honor the Tritons' connection to the ocean and their mastery of retrieving treasures from the seabed. It commemorates the discovery of a legendary shipwreck by Siron Deepwave, the founder of Portside, and celebrates the prosperity that the ocean has brought to the Triton people and their allies. During this week-long event, the entire district comes alive with festivities, magical displays, and sea-themed competitions, attracting visitors from across Lustrum Metropolis and beyond.
Key Events:

• The Great Treasure Dive: The festival begins with the Great Treasure Dive, where teams of Tritons, adventurers, and daring participants dive into the waters around Portside in search of hidden treasures placed by the Oceanward Guild. The competition is fierce, and the team that retrieves the most valuable item wins a prize—often a relic from the seabed, enchanted by Triton mages. This event highlights the Tritons’ skills and invites others to test their luck and bravery in the depths of the ocean.

• Sea Serpent Races: One of the festival’s most exciting spectacles is the Sea Serpent Races, where participants ride magical water serpents through an obstacle course set along the shoreline. Spectators place bets on their favorite racers, creating an electrifying atmosphere that fills the district with excitement and anticipation. These races are a tribute to the Triton bond with sea creatures.

• Tidal Feast: The Tidal Feast is an enormous communal meal held on the second night of the festival, featuring fresh seafood, seaweed dishes, and delicacies harvested from the ocean. The Tritons share their bounty with visitors and locals alike, reinforcing the spirit of community and abundance. Long tables are set up along the docks, and fishers from across Portside contribute their best catches of the year.

• Ocean Prism Gala: The Ocean Prism Gala is a luxurious event held in the famed Ocean Prism Casino, where the wealthiest visitors and high-profile figures gather for a night of gambling, entertainment, and auctions of rare seabed treasures. The gala is an elegant, high-stakes affair that highlights the more glamorous side of the festival, with performers, merfolk dancers, and illusionists providing spectacular shows.

• The Blessing of the Deep: On the festival’s final day, the Blessing of the Deep takes place, where the Triton clergy and magic users perform a grand ritual to honor the ocean spirits and ensure safe voyages and bountiful harvests for the coming year. This ceremony is held at the edge of the Coral Caves, where the Triton priesthood invokes the blessings of sea gods and releases bioluminescent sea creatures into the waters, creating a mesmerizing display of light that illuminates the district’s coastline.

Traditions:

• Sea Glass Lanterns: Throughout the festival, locals and visitors create beautiful lanterns out of sea glass and coral, which are lit at night to float along the water. These lanterns represent wishes for good fortune and safe travels. The sea glass glows faintly in different colors, making the Portside coastline shimmer during the evening celebrations.

• Pirate Performances: A favorite among children and adventurers, pirate performances and sea shanty contests are held along the docks. Actors play out thrilling tales of pirates, treasure hunters, and underwater escapades, while locals and travelers join in the singing of old sea songs.

• Treasure Trade Day: On the third day of the festival, a special Treasure Trade Day is held at the Tidebound Market, where participants can barter and trade artifacts, relics, and items recovered from the ocean. This day sees traders and collectors from all over Astrium bringing their most precious items for exchange.

Impact on Portside:

• Tourism Boom: The festival brings a surge of visitors to Portside, with adventurers, gamblers, and merchants all drawn to the events and the treasures offered. The Ocean Prism Casino sees a spike in activity, and the Tidebound Market becomes a hotbed of commerce during the week.

• Strengthening Community Bonds: The festival reinforces the connection between the Triton people and the ocean, as well as their relationship with other races within Lustrum Metropolis. It serves as a reminder of the Tritons’ origins and their place in Astrium, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the district.

• The Festival of the Sunken Treasure is a vibrant celebration of the Triton heritage, their mastery over the sea, and the treasures they bring to Portside. It’s a time of joy, competition, and reflection, reminding the people of their deep connection to the ocean and the prosperity it provides.

Architecture

The architecture of Portside reflects its deep connection to the sea. Buildings are made from repurposed ships and driftwood, adorned with shells, pearls, and sea glass. The use of coral and sea stone in roads and bridges gives the district an otherworldly beauty, shimmering under sunlight.

Geography

Portside is located on the coast of Lustrum Metropolis, with its waters connected to the deeper ocean. The district experiences a temperate coastal climate with warm summers and mild winters. Due to its proximity to the ocean, the air is often humid, and the sound of waves can always be heard.

Natural Resources

Fish: A staple resource for both food and trade. Seabed Treasures: Pearls, sunken artifacts, and other valuable items retrieved from the ocean floor. Coral and Sea Glass: Used in construction and decoration throughout the district.

Founding Date

700

Founders

• Siron Deepwave

Type

District

Population

10,000

Location under

Lustrum Metropolis

Related Tradition (Primary)

• Festival of Sunken Treasure

Characters in Location

• Dribblestep Tikkip
• Warden of Sunken Paths - Mereion Tidesworn