Deepwater

The small trading outpost of Deepwater has recently established itself on one of the mysterious islands in the Pillars of Esperia. Located almost near the center of the Esper Sea, it is quickly becoming a useful stop for many merchant vessels to restock supplies. The town itself is clustered around a U-shaped bay, giving way to marshes on the western edge, and hilly terrain around the north and east. The town slopes upward as it progresses inland, allowing for picturesque views of the community at its most northern point. Deepwater is a relatively new community formed from merchants, so its population is relatively diverse in comparison to the larger kingdoms. Due to recent attacks by pirates, criminal organizations, and the undead, the people of Deepwater are a fairly close knit community. The past few weeks saw a rise in strange fish-like creatures around the island, and rumors of a dark power lurking in the seas below have made the townsfolk a bit fearful of venturing into the jungles just outside of town.

Demographics

The majority of the town’s populous are either unskilled laborers or middle class merchants. A small portion of merchants have amassed enough wealth to form a de facto noble class, though they do not have titles of nobility or claims to noble bloodlines. The town council members are the closest to true nobility, living in estates that overlook the rest of the town. There is a temple to several deities of the pantheon, with shrines devoted to each god within. Most folk pay some homage to Ogrus and Sona to avoid falling out of favor with them, as well as Koore and Basella for fertility and prosperity.

Government

Town ordinances and legal matters are set by a council of three members – William Trelaine, Lisandre Tirallius, and Robert Jareth. A town meeting is called to put ordinances and standard matters to vote, while emergency meetings may be called if an issue is particularly urgent. As the town relies heavily on trade, the council tends to favor rulings that benefit merchants. They have thus far taken a rather hands-off approach to judicial matters, preferring to let the local or even hired guard handle such matters. Some believe that the council have received large contributions of money from certain merchants in town, leading to favorable rulings. Because of Deepwater’s prime location as a trading outpost, several nations and kingdoms have expressed an interest in the locale. Twillin, Lillinosti, and Kirinjo have all applied some amount of pressure for alliance or annexation, but Deepwater has so far remained neutral as an Esperian city-state.

Defences

The town is kept in relative order by a small local guard and guards hired by merchants. Although there was a sizable Black Hand presence, the sinister group was ousted by a band of adventurers. There are rumors that the Whispers have also established a presence here to keep an eye on the region’s wealth and economic growth.

Industry & Trade

Deepwater serves primarily as a trading port, so its economy is largely dependent on traveling merchants and sailors. Several purveyors of unique items have taken up residence as a way to attract more visitors to the island.

HILLSIDE DISTRICT

Bit & Bridle – Traveling supplies and wagons
Empty Hog Apothecary – Poisons and potions
Falsetti’s – Masterwork instruments
Limited Immunity – Medium and heavy armor
Magical Menagerie – Exotic beasts
Pane in the Glass – Furnishings and interior decor
Serene Eel Antiques – Antiques and oddities
Smitty’s Provisions – General goods store
The Perfect Stone – Jeweler and gemcutter
The Wellmaster – Doles out water from the town well

QUAY DISTRICT

Angelic Boar Pawn Shop – Curios and knickknacks
Brews Brothers – Brewery, distillery, and winery
Buy the Quay – Trinkets and curiosities
Curiosities & Moore – General goods
Deepwater Tack & Harness – Riding goods
Reading Monkey Tradepost – Books and art supplies
The Hard Wares – High quality tools

SEASIDE DISTRICT

Catch of the Day – Fresh fish
Feylight Trading Co. – Wide selection of goods and special orders
Happy Ship Repairs – Shipwright
Like Clockwork* – Clockwork gadgets
O’Toole’s* – Gnomish tools
Parts Unknown* – Clockwork parts
Sell & Tell* – General goods, but also a fence for thieves and smugglers
The Ironclad Sword Market* – High quality Dremen and Twill weapons
The Winking Arsenal* – High quality Esperian and Lillinosti weapons

*Traveling merchants currently in residence

History

Deepwater was originally established as a joint venture between the Twill Navy and the Feylight Trading Company. Upon arrival, they discovered the island was only inhabited by a single lizardfolk family that served as speakers for the local nature spirits. After several negotiations, the expedition secured the family’s blessings and cooperation. The naval officers on the expedition then retired from service and proclaimed the settlement an independent Esperian city-state. Since then, the founders (now town council members) have used their connections to draw enterprising merchants and artisans to the area. Deepwater has become known as a fast-growing trading port perfect for those who have a taste for adventure.