Porta Dell'alba

Porta Dell'alba is the main port for imports and exports to Nuovo Tezzano, as well as a key dock for resupply. The natural harbor is large, with calm waters. Fortifications on islands at the mouth of the harbor as well as walls around the main city keep it safe from pirates and invaders. The City of Porta Dell'alba is painted in bright, tropical colors with well-paved streets. It is the symbol of the island's prosperity, and home to many merchants. The city has a cosmopolian atmosphere, with many cultures of the east and south represented.

Demographics

Porta Dell'Alba is a cosmopolitan mix of different races and ethnicities. Humans are the majority of the populace (4,700), with most being from Lurian or Xin descent. There are significant minorities of Halflings (500), Tabaxi (200), Kenku (200), and Goblins (200). The remaining 200 citizens are Dwarves, Orcs, Elves, Half-Elves, Tieflings, Genasi, and Lizardfolk.
The Tabaxi of Porta Dell'Alba are a relatively new addition to the population of the town, with almost all moving into the city in the past decade and a half.

Government

Porta Dell'Alba is the home of the Viceduca (provincial governor), who manages the defense of the island and ensures that taxes are paid. The Viceduca is appointed by the Duca of Tezzano. The current Viceduca is 49 year old Viceduca Manfredi Falco, who was first appointed by Duca Torino in 6510. He has proven himself both loyal and capable. The Falco family are influential nobles in Tezzano proper - indeed, Manfredi is the Count of Altopiani, although day to day administration of his lands back home are left to his younger brother. Viceduca Falco has a 19 year old daughter named Liliana Falco. He is unmarried - his wife died in a tragic accident in 6515.
A Council, consisting of five prominent citizens, leads the municipal affairs of Porta Dell'Alba. The nomination of Councilmembers must be approved by the Viceduca. Currently, the fifth seat is unoccupied, and there are ongoing political discussions for the replacement.
The Council includes:
Signore Enrico Forte: Enrico Forte, 62, is a retired condotierri, who has fought in many campaigns. Notably, he led the sack of Zukgrub in 6490 and led the defensive campaign against the Lizardfolk in 6509. He invested his wealth from those campaigns in a number of businesses. He was knighted into the Holy Order of St. Kassandra in recognition for his service. He is now in his 60s, but maintains a surprising amount of physical strength. He has a 22 year old daughter, Gabriella Forte, who is engaged to Antonio Solinas.
Antonio Solinas: Antonio Solinas, 24, is a relatively young man who inherited great wealth and the famous Solinas name after the death of his parents, including vast sugar plantations and a rum distillery. Despite his privileged upbringing, Antonio is known to care for the condition of the farmers and other common folk and he has made several charitable investments in the countryside. Antonio Solinas is engaged to Gabriella Forte. He maintains the counsel of an Elven sage, Sevelor Withrethin, who has served his family for decades.
Gastone Prima: Gastone Prima, 44, is a maritime business owner. The Prima Fleet consists of a number of mercantile vessels responsible for import and export from the island to destinations across the Coalition. Gastone is quite popular in town and sponsors many festivals. Gastone is unmarried, although there are persistent rumors about his dalliances.
Daiyu Zhang: Daiyu Zhang, 39, comes from a long line of fishers, who built the Zhang Fishing Company from the ground up, without the aid of any noble title or status. Her family arrived as refugees from the Xin Empire generations ago. Regarded as fair and trustworthy, she is popular with fishers and other common people. Daiyu has a husband and three young children.

Defences

Porta Dell'Alba lies on a large island at the mouth of a natural harbor. Naval entry to the bay requires passing through straits. Land entry requires crossing a bridge from the main island to the island where the city is located.
Tezzano maintains a total of four fortifications around Porta Dell'Alba. Two are placed on either side of the naval straits, allowing for a crossfire on any ships entering the harbor. A third fortification sits at the eastern side of the city. A smaller fourth fortification surrounds the Viceduca's Palazzo on the main island. Heavy walls surround the city.

Points of interest

Any Port Tavern: The Any Port is located near the docks and popular with sailors and fishermen. The tavern is rough and dirty but cheap. The name comes from the saying "any port in a storm".
Castelli Blades: Castelli Blades is a blacksmith operated by Signore Vito Castelli. Signore Vito Castelli grew up as a blacksmith's son and then apprenticed to Enrico Forte as his squire. As a squire, and later knight, he achieved great success on the battlefield, most notably in the War of 6509 with the Lizardfolk and the 6512 Al Badir campaign. He retired as a warrior a few years ago. Now 45 years old, he runs his father's smithy.
Cat's Cradle: One notable tavern in the city is the Cat's Cradle, owned by the Blythe family of Tabaxis. The tavern was opened in 6512 after the family moved to the city. It is known for it's lovely pastries prepared in the Vladkimiran style. Day to day operations are managed by Nasira Blythe, the matriarch of the family, who is also something of a community leader with the tabaxi.
The Consiglio: The Consiglio is the town administrative center and meeting place for the town council. There is a plaza in front of the Consiglio to allow for performances and festivals.
Dragon Embassy: The Empire of Xin maintains an embassy and trade delegation within the city, nicknamed the Dragon Embassy. The delegation is overseen by Consul Sun Ying, a human woman who serves Valamthrax, Great Dragon Lord of Shanzou. The embassy is staffed by dozens of scribes and armed guards.
Fortezza San Erastos: Fortezza San Erastos guards the main road leading east out of the city. Land traffic to the city must pass through the fort. The town guard is responsible for monitoring the fort and uses it as their main headquarters. Captain Franco Cattaneo, 42, leads the town guard.
Fortezza San Teodoro: Fortezza San Teodoro is the smallest of the three fortresses. It is on a small island across the mouth of the harbor from Fortezza Torino.
Fortezza Torino: Fortezza Torino is the largest fortress in the city, responsible for guarding entrance to the harbor. It also acts as the primary barracks for the city and jail.
The General Store: Owned by a kenku merchant named Ching (the sound of coins), the General Store incorporates a perfect copy of elements from a dozen other stores around town. Prices are exactly matched, shelves are stocked the same way, and customer service is provided just like the others. It can be bizarre for new visitors but long time customers find him to be fair and straightforward.
Giallo Shipwrights: Giallo Shipwrights provides construction and repair for seagoing ships. The Shipwrights are owned by Signore Valente Giallo, who now lives in the rural town of Veriposo. Day to day operations are conducted by his Half-Elven steward, Aelar Esposito.
Il Consiglio: Il Consiglio is the town hall and meeting chambers for the Consiglio. It is a prominent landmark in the center of the city.
The Heap: Many Goblins are employed in the town to pick up trash and other filth, which they bring to a dump outside of town for disposal. Goblins will scavenge in the refuse for any usable items. At this site is a Goblin merchant named Guano, 24, who sells scavenged and refurbished items, although rumors say he also acts as a fence and trades in information gathered by Goblins in the city.
Honesty of Santa Kassandra: The Honesty of Santa Kassandra is the city's cathedral dedicated to Absyun. The devout priest Father Wu Biang is a descendant of refugees who came to Porta Dell'Alba after the failed Sun Rebellion.
Marciano's Fishing Company: A fishing company run by Marciano Malfati the Fourth.
Temple of the Sea and Wind: Given the maritime nature of the island port, Sakira is an often worshipped Goddess, whose popularity is second only to Absyun. Most sailors, fishermen, and others give tribute to Sakira before heading out to sea, lest they provoke her wrath. The temple is overseen by Felicita Cadorna, a woman marked by the favor of her Goddess.
Tower of Cosima: Cosima the Unspoken is a tiefling wizard, who reportedly trained at the Academy in Vatalli. She mostly keeps to herself, but rumors swell about her dark powers. Many townsfolk say that she is a witch who can hear you whenever her name is spoken.
Viceduca's Palazzo: The Viceduca's Palazzo, often called "the Palazzo", stands within the City. It is fortified and the primary residence and place of business for the Viceduca.

Founding Date

6255

Alternative Name(s)

La Porta

Type

Large town

Population

6,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Portano

Location under

Nuovo Tezzano

Owning Organization

Trading Coalition