Zukgrub

The port city of Zukgrub is ruled by the Goblin King. Zukgrub is a seedy and unsavory port, often frequented by smugglers (and, formerly, pirates). The port is located south of Fleurgurd, in a coastal inlet, well-situated for docking ships.

Demographics

The city is primarily populated by Goblins, but there are substantial numbers of Kenku, Halflings, Lizardfolk, and Humans. The Goblins maintain a harsh caste system among their own, but infighting is common between different factions in the city.
The Goblins also have a significant number of slaves, many of them Goblin, but also of other races. The Goblins of Zukgrub often trade slaves with other Goblins in the Petty Kingdoms. Those who run afoul of the Goblin King are often taken prisoner and never heard from again.

Government

Zukgrub is ruled by a single Goblin, who calls himself the Goblin King (despite the fact that many other Goblins claim the title of King of their respective "realms"). The Goblin King maintains the thinnest possible veil of law order to not draw the wrath of the Trading Coalition. Truthfully, he cares little for what happens in the city, provided that he gets a cut of all wealth. It is said that many criminal networks in the Trading Coalition have connections to the city.

History

The exact founding date of Zukgrub is unknown, but it is believed that the Goblins began using the area as a trading location with Lurian merchants approximately 800 years ago during the crusade in Fleurgurd. Since then, the city has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The Goblins' chaos and support for criminal elements has consistently drawn the ire of the Lurian Empire, the Atathian Empire, and subsequently the Trading Coalition over the years. The Goblins seem to have an uncanny knack for fleeing the city for the safety of the jungle and then rebuilding the city after each destruction.
The current city is relatively new, having been rebuilt after it's destruction 25 years ago. The most recent was burned down by Trading Coalition condotierri, led by commander Enrico Forte, when it was found to be supporting pirates under the banner of the Pirate Sultan.
After the defeat of the Pirate Sultan in 6512, many pirates fled for safe havens across Durin. Several ships and crews arrived in Zukgrub, expecting safety that was not to be found. The Goblin King very publicly arrested and executed any pirates in the city in a single night of violence. Afterwards, the King reported their deaths to the Coalition, claiming his support for the cause. Despite this, the city has a poor reputation in the major cities of the Coalition, and particularly hawkish leaders often call for action.

Points of interest

The city is dirty and smells of filth. Most buildings are short, rarely rising more than a single story. Buildings are crudely made from tropical lumber.
The most notable location is the King's Castle, the only building made of stone in the city. The Castle was formerly an Atathian Legion garrison, established centuries ago to help bring order to the area. After the Demonic Invasion, Atathian forces withdrew from the area and abandoned the fortress. Goblins quickly claimed the structure. The Castle has greatly deteriorated in the centuries since the Atathian withdrawal, but is crudely patched with Goblin wooden structures.
A key meeting place for visitors in Zukgrub is the Rotten Leg Tavern. The Rotten Leg is owned by a Goblin proprietor named Norgo and employs Goblins and Humans as bar staff and entertainers. Smugglers, criminals, and mercenaries often meet here to make deals and discuss jobs. Drawing such a crowd invariably leads to some violence. Norgo does not care if guests harm each other. However, if they attack Norgo, the staff, the building, or simply refuse to pay their bill, the Rotten Leg is known to have Lizardfolk security who eat troublemakers.

Founding Date

Around 5700

Type

Town

Population

5,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Zukgruber