Argonsa
Argonsa, situated on the western coast of Mar Mabon, is a powerful city-state that serves as the primary trading gateway between the Townships and the influential Realm of Forbin.
Known for its opulent architecture and rich cultural heritage, Argonsa embodies a fusion of regal grandeur and pragmatic commerce, making it a hub of political intrigue and economic ambition within the Mar Mabon Townships.
Though Teros’s hold over the archipelago has long since waned, the title of Prince has endured, and the tradition of princely rule remains a point of pride for the people of Argonsa. The city’s princes are not mere figureheads but wield significant power, shaping the destiny of Argonsa as rulers in their own right.
Known for his charm, ambition, and formidable magical abilities, Alfic has solidified his rule over Argonsa, ensuring his authority is absolute. His family, the House of Galmanda, has held the throne for generations, using both diplomacy and force to maintain control over the city’s lucrative trade and powerful guilds. The prince is well-connected, both feared and admired within the city, as he holds considerable influence over Mar Mabon’s other towns.
Alfic’s leadership is marked by a keen interest in both traditional governance and magical pursuits. His private intelligence network keeps a close watch over the city, ensuring that Alfic is alerted to any dissent or unrest.
The House of Galmanda maintaining close alliances with key trade guilds and merchant families. While Prince Alfic wields ultimate authority, he consults a council of advisors composed of influential guild leaders and wealthy merchants. This council has limited power, yet its members often vie for favor with the prince, securing privileges and protection for their respective industries. The council’s existence is less about sharing power than about creating the illusion of balance in a city where wealth and influence matter as much as military force.
Craft and labour guilds also vie for power and influence, with the Stevedore's Association (led by Hannam Doskaren) a prime example.
The city's priesthood holds considerable influence. Most notable (and influential) is Vallam Tenn at the great Halls of Frenar.
Among the city's many craft and labour organisations, the Stevedores' Association, led by the likeable and hardworking Makkun, Hannam Doskaren, is the most prominent.
The Children of Tirax is based here, where the cult's leader Tragan Teenishan plots to cleanse Helerin of its people to start a new civilisation.
History
Originally established during the height of Terosian influence, Argonsa has long been a prized port in Mar Mabon. Its first princes were scions of the Terosian royal house, appointed to govern the city in service to their homeland. Over time, however, Teros’s influence waned, and Argonsa declared its independence, elevating the title of prince from a regional governorship to a fully autonomous rule. Under the House of Galmanda, the city transformed into a major commercial center, utilizing its strategic position to trade extensively with the Seynan Islands, Forbin, and the League of Mar Miskun.Power and politics
Government
As a semi-autonomous city-state, Argonsa is governed by its prince, Alfic Galmanda.
Defence and security
Argonsa’s coastal position makes it a frequent target for pirates and rival towns, leading to a robust defensive strategy centered around Palace of the Sun and the well-trained City Guard. The City Guard are trained both for street-level skirmishes and maritime defence, reflecting Argonsa’s need for versatility. The overbearing Captain Sarax leads the city's garrison. Inside the palace, the Sun Guard, a personal guard loyal to Prince Alfic, maintains order. Elite soldiers handpicked for their loyalty and skill, they act as the prince’s enforcers and bodyguards, ensuring his rule is unchallenged. They are led by the fierce Captain Passell. Argonsa's docks are protected by the Harbour Guard is led by the corrupt Captain Orfinn. His force guards the dock, and patrols the waters near the city, ensuring the safe arrival of trading vessels and the defence of Argonsa’s docks.
Other powers
Several influential mercantile and trade guilds operate in Argonsa, notably the Spice Guild merchants and the artisans' Menahel Collective, each wielding significant influence over trade policies. Although Prince Alfic does not share power in any official capacity, he frequently collaborates with these guilds to keep Argonsa’s economy thriving. The guilds serve as intermediaries between the prince and the city’s merchant class, helping to navigate the complicated web of trade deals and political favours that underpin Argonsa’s wealth.
Geography and environment
Local geography
Argonsa lies on the western coast of Mar Mabon, where the low-lying terrain meets the sea. The region around Argonsa is characterised by dry, rocky soil interspersed with hardy vegetation, including patches of Thornfane and Spireleaf. These resilient plants, with their water-storing capabilities, provide sustenance to the wildlife that roams the area. Small shrubs and clusters of pale grasses cling to the landscape, painting the scene with muted greens and greys that contrast with the golden sands of the nearby salt flats. The coast itself is a mosaic of sandy beaches and craggy outcrops, while the waters teem with life such as Passu and playful dolphins that frequent the shallows. Argonsa lies in a region known for its arid conditions and rugged terrain, meaning water sources are precious. While no major river flows through the area, smaller streams and carefully managed wells supply fresh water to the city. The coastal plains around Argonsa are less harsh than the Curmon Desert to the south, supporting a mix of wildlife including desert foxes and hardy seabirds like gulls and scavenging Morvix. During the marginally wetter winter, the landscape momentarily transforms with the bloom of wildflowers and the appearance of temporary streams, offering a fleeting glimpse of abundance before returning to its dry state.Design and architecture
Argonsa’s architecture reflects both its status as a trade hub and its adaptation to the coastal environment. Constructed from locally quarried sandstone, the buildings radiate a warm, sunlit appearance that blends with the surrounding landscape. The city spreads across the mainland and three distinct islands: Prulla, Menahel, and Sathorrin. The harbour, positioned between the mainland and Menahel, is the city’s heart of trade and maritime activity. Protected by natural rock formations and fortified with stone seawalls, the harbour accommodates a bustling array of ships. Prulla, the largest island, is connected to the mainland by a grand stone bridge and is known for its serene, upscale neighbourhoods and temples dedicated to Balcosh and Frenar. This island’s lush gardens provide a verdant contrast to the dry mainland, and the buildings here are adorned with ornate carvings of deities and sea creatures. Menahel, directly connected by another bridge, pulses with life as the centre for artisans and market activity. Its narrow, winding lanes host workshops where craftsmen create the city’s famed pottery and leather goods, while vibrant market stalls spill out into the streets, filled with the scent of spices and fresh fish. Sathorrin, the smallest and most remote island, reached only by crossing from Menahel, is home to the Tower of Bavallim. This fortification, with its squat, sturdy towers and beacon fires, serves a critical naval defence role, watching over the harbour and the open sea. Though not as significant as the Palace of the Sun, the Tower of Bavallim is a testament to Argonsa’s readiness and vigilance against maritime threats. Public squares throughout the city are paved with intricate mosaics that depict scenes of trade, gods, and maritime adventures. Bridges and public buildings are often embellished with frescoes and stone reliefs showcasing Argonsa’s history and legends. The overall cityscape, with its terraced layout and fusion of opulence and practicality, evokes both the grandeur of its princely heritage and the pragmatic spirit of its seafaring people.Landmarks and key locations
Palace of the Sun
The residence and stronghold of Prince Alfic, this grand structure is the heart of Argonsa’s political power. Its high spires, decorative frescoes, and lavish courtyards make it a symbol of both Argonsa’s wealth and Alfic’s authority.
Halls of Frenar
This mausoleum is dedicated to the god Frenar and holds the remains of Argonsa’s past rulers and notable citizens. Its somber, elegant design attracts pilgrims and visitors alike, adding a quiet reverence to the city’s lively streets.Tower of Bavallim:
This small fort on the island of Sathorrin serves a critical naval defence role, watching over the harbour and the open sea.Great Market
Argonsa’s sprawling marketplace is a bustling hub of activity where merchants trade spices, pottery, textiles, and rare artifacts from across Helerin. The Great Market is famous for its diversity, drawing traders from distant shores.Stepwell of Taldeen
Located on the city’s outskirts, this ornate stepwell is Argonsa’s primary water source and an impressive example of ancient engineering. Adorned with carvings and statues honoring Frenar, the stepwell is a vital resource and a popular gathering place.Transport
Argonsa’s port is a vital artery for trade, with ships arriving regularly from Forbin, the Seynan Islands, and the other towns of Mar Mabon. Overland routes connect Argonsa to Orbont and Gathansin, though these paths are treacherous and often patrolled to guard against raids. Caravans carrying salt, fish, and pottery wind through the dusty plains, bringing valuable resources to and from the coast.Demographics
Argonsa’s population is diverse, consisting of a mix of merchants, artisans, soldiers, and laborers. A substantial portion of the population is involved in the city’s trade network, while others work in the salt flats, fisheries, and nearby stone quarries. Nobles and guildmasters comprise the city’s elite, while an underclass of laborers and nomads live on its fringes, sustaining the city’s economy through manual work.Population
Argonsa has a total population of approximately 48,300.Wealth and class
Education
Economy
The economy of Argonsa relies heavily on trade, with the city’s merchants handling the export of locally produced goods such as salt, fish, and pottery. The city is a major importer and exporter, connecting Mar Mabon’s products to the wider archipelago and beyond. Argonsa’s famed Achamen leaves add a unique flavor to its culinary exports, while its artisans produce prized carvings and fine ceramics.Key industries
Salt Production: The salt flats along the coast are a significant economic asset, with large quantities exported to distant markets. Herb and Spice Cultivation: Argonsa is known for its achamen leaves, a valuable export that adds a subtle, floral note to dishes. Fishing and Leatherwork: The city’s fishermen supply fresh fish to the markets, while local tanneries produce high-quality leather goods for trade. Pottery and Ceramics: Argonsan ceramics are known for their durability and intricate designs, making them popular across the Helerin Archipelago. This town produces the following goods:- Stone (sandstone)
- Fish
- Herbs and spices (particularly achamen leaves)
- Salt
- Carvings and statuary
- Pottery and ceramics
- Bone, horn, and ivory
- Weapons and armour
- Hides and pelts
- Worked leather goods
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