Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a smaller town in southern Skerritt, located in a generally swampy area where the Hiram River empties into the Gulf of Viskii. This strategic location has been held by the kingdom of Skerritt since the early days of the city-state almost two millennia ago. In more recent times, Portsmouth has emerged as a strong merchant port, since the main port facilities at Southby are dedicated to the kingdom's navy in its attempts to fight off Toldrunite invasions and piracy. The unfortunate consequence of this is that goods must travel for several days northwest through Geva's Clearing on their way to Southby, as the direct western land route is comprised of watery swamp that cannot hold carts. The port at Southby does have some space for commercial ships, so perishables and important cargo can still disembark there, but most nonessential things are directed to go to Portsmouth instead.
One positive consequence of goods going through Portsmouth instead of Southby is that it is easier to distribute good to the rest of the kingdom using a combination of the Hiram River and the various roads leading to and from different settlements. Part of Portsmouth's dock facility is located on the river side of the city, allowing smaller ships to traverse up and down the river as necessary to supply other towns and the forts. This emergence as a distribution and trade hub has fueled population growth in Portsmouth for the last century, as the See's navy has grown in size and boldness.

Demographics

The majority of Portsmouth is made up of humans and dwarves, with a sizeable contingent of halflings and elves. Various other races and cultures are represented, but not in any significant concentration. The majority of Portmethans work in the shipping, warehouse, and transportation industries helping goods get off ships and onto appropriate transportation to reach their next destination. This has created a slightly lower average income compared to other cities, but few Portmethans live in actual poverty. The town does have a handful of noble families, mainly involved in the shipping and merchant industries.

Government

The town is led by a Mayor that is elected by the people and confirmed by the monarch in Southby. At some times in history, this mayor has been a close friend or relative of the monarch, but it is usually a respected member of the Portsmouth community that has been elevated by their peers to a leadership position. The mayor has several advisors that assist him with decision making and crafting city policy, though the exact number and portfolio of these advisors changes from mayor to mayor. The mayor serves for 10 years, though some have been known to leave office sooner due to death or popular petition to replace them. In these cases, a special election is held to appoint someone to see out the rest of the existing term.

Defences

Portsmouth has simple stone walls around its perimeter, to protect from various swamp and forest creatures that would otherwise roam free. These walls are not high or thick enough to prevent an army from taking the town, but they serve their purpose of keeping out creatures. The docks and port facilities have a contingent of soldiers stationed in towers along the coast, each of which has a gunpowder cannon to hamper assaulting naval forces. It is very rare for an attack to occur in Portsmouth, as the Skerrittese navy usually intercepts Toldrunite threats before they can reach this far east.

Founding Date

2560 1A

Alternative Name(s)

Hiramport

Type

Town

Population

7,201

Inhabitant Demonym

Portmethans

Owning Organization

Skerritt