Freeport (Free-Port)

A bustling hub of economic activity, Freeport, the Grand Mercantile Duchy in the southwest of the Holy Kingdom of Halon, has always piqued my interest. The youngest, yet the most economically influential among the Houses, it's a case study of laissez-faire governance and a unique religious perspective. The Van Koorstam family's rule for the past four generations has seen both high praise and severe criticism. The areas they turn a blind eye towards, namely smuggling, problematic taxation, and unchecked religious extremism, cast long shadows over their accomplishments. However, their general fairness in governance is commendable. My fascination lies in the spectrum of possibilities this House's future holds, and I intend to study it with a keen eye. L.C.

Found nestled in the southwest of The Holy Kingdom of Halon, Freeport, or as it is officially known, The Grand Mercantile Duchy of Freeport, is a vibrant merchant confederation. It is the youngest and least militarized among the Houses, but it holds an undeniable economic dominance over the Halon archipelago. The Duchy has been under the stewardship of the Van Koorstam family for the past four generations. Their detached leadership style coupled with a lenient religious stance have sparked both admiration and dissent. Although smuggling and dubious taxation practices are prevalent, the ruling family maintains an otherwise equitable governance. However, the absence of a centralized religious authority has made Freeport a hotbed for religious fanaticism, which the rulers address only when the circumstances become dire and systematic. Culture
Freeport's culture is markedly secular and diverse due to less stringent restrictions on House membership and frequent interaction with regions outside Halon. Mild non-ethnic xenophobia is fairly common among the nobles residing in the Estate District, although this sentiment is less widespread in the Common and Slums Districts.

History

The concept of Freeport took root roughly 400 years after the establishment of the other Three Houses. It was the brainchild of Sir Halistus Jakobyn, a fallen noble from the mainland who seized a portion of native territory at the strait between the Gulf of Spiders and the Sea of Squalls using a hired fleet. Originally, it was a minor tollbooth fortress. However, Jakobyn's son, Kubal "the Wide," issued a decree that "those who pay the toll may land for free but may not pass into the Gulf." Intended to hinder or extract tolls from traders from Rivenspire and the other Houses, a protest movement led by merchant navies squatting on Jakobyn's land eventually laid the groundwork for the settlement of Freeport. Despite initial efforts to oust the squatters, Kubal found himself outnumbered and decided to annex them, leading to the formation of the city of Freeport.
Over time, as the Jakobyn lineage faded, various petty nobles took charge. In the last four generations, the wealthy Van Koorstam family, originally from Rivenport, acquired the duchy for a staggering sum. Once they had ousted the fraudulent duke and seized his wealth, Carlos van Koorstam ordered the Ducal Navy to sink the man, distributing the salvaged spoils among Freeport's commoners. Since then, the Van Koorstam family has governed with a light touch, mainly focusing on taxation, a relief from the preceding "Age of Robber Barons." They have earned the respect of local nobility and commoners alike. The current duke is Rampf van Koorstam.

Dignity and prosperity, gold and grace.

Type

Geopolitical, Duchy

Alternative Names

Freebies, Freeboots, Freebooters

Demonym

Freeporter

Leader

Rampf van Koorstam

Ruling Organization

Freeport

Parent Organization

The Holy Kingdom of Halon