Coral Beach

Coral Beach is an ancient city, and its roots go deep in the old empire.  Founded almost 2000 years ago, this city sits in the middle of the Dragon Sea, and while the city did suffer during the Great Collapse, Coral Beach was spared much of the catastrophes that befell prominent towns on the continent. Many of the old imperial structures have been maintained and cared for so much so, that old elves have said that they feel as though time stood still for this place.
For many years, Coral Beach existed as an independent city state.  The two smaller islands eventually started to look to the city state for leadership, and the old province was all but united.  Eventually, Coral Beach was annexed by the County of Cilicia.  While the small island nation was stable with resources of its own, it needed the access to natural resources that Cilicia controlled.  The count at the time was shrewd and leaned on his control of the coast to push for incorporation.  The islands have never been mistreated, per se, but the people there cannot help but feel a little used by the mainland.  Who knows if this lingering resentment will amount to anything.

Demographics

The largest racial group is humans followed by elves and half-elves.  A few halflings can be seen wandering main port, and a handful of dwarves help round out a few of the guilds.  Most other races seem rather exotic to these islanders.

Government

The city is republican oligarchy with a council of leading citizens who rule the city and the neighboring islands in the name of the Count of Cilicia.  The council is lead by the First Citizen (Princep in the ancient tongue), and while the title is supposed to denote a "first among equals," recently, the current holder of the title, Rasic Nagant, has spent years concentrating more and more power on himself, thus making him the De Facto ruler.  The council still meets, but they are pretty much a rubber stamp for the First Citizen, at this point.

Defences

The city is protected by rocky beaches and cliffs that shield the people from direct attack.  All people have to enter the city harbor through the great stone archway, which is not only watched over by numerous guard towers ready to rain arrows upon them but also by a great iron chain that, when drawn, will stop any ships from entering or exiting the harbor.  The landward sides of the city are protected by thick stone wall, and the city guard watched over the populous.  The guard are supplemented by the Knights of Torm and the First Citizens personal guards.

Industry & Trade

The city has become one of the premier trading hubs in the Dragon Sea.  Goods from all around are bought and sold here, and many exotic dyes and reagents that can only be found in the reefs surrounding the islands are sold in the city's market district.

Guilds and Factions

• Merchant's Guild 
• Shipping Guild
• Knights of Torm--a paramilitary group, consisting of knights, paladins, and a few clerics, dedicated to Torm: god of courage and self-sacrifice.
• Black Legion (unofficial)--the most notorious thieves' guild on the continent.

Tourism

While mainly a trading hub, many people do come to the islands for their religious significance.  One of the great temples dedicated to the Great Pantheon of the Empire rest at the top of a promontory just a few miles north of Coral Beach.  This temple used to house an Oracle, who is said to have the power to weave and twist the fates of mortals, and while an Oracle has not resided in the temple for centuries, there are rumors that such a being exists there now.

*Addendum--a party of adventurers journeyed to the temple and discovered that there is no new oracle: just a cult that was taking advantage of the stories to lure victims into their grasp.*

Geography

The city of Coral Beach sits on the largest of the Madeira Islands. The lands are somewhat hilly and rocky, and there are few natural harbors.  The islands are surrounded by natural reefs that, while somewhat depleted during the Imperial Era, have recovered in recent centuries.

Founding Date

1,000 IE

Alternative Name(s)

Jewel of the Dragon Sea

Type

Large town

Population

9,872

Inhabitant Demonym

Corals

Owner/Ruler

Rasic Nagant

Ruling/Owning Rank

First Citizen (Princep)

Owning Organization

County of Cilicia