Freeport - Jewel of the Wild Coast

Nestled in Howlun Cove on the western coast of the great Safire Bay, Freeport is perhaps the best known and most populous settlement in the lands known a s the Wild Coast.  While it started as a haven for smugglers and pirates, Freeport is now a trading hub between the civilized nations of the south and the wilder city-states of the Wild Coast and the islands beyond the horizon.

Demographics

Freeport is a melting pot of cultures and Heritages, but Humans, Lizardfolk and Salimar comprise the largest populations.  Goblins and Dwarves have sizeable minorities.

Government

Freeport is governed by a town council of seven persons, three seafaring seats, three land-bound seats, and one special seat.  The seafaring seats have traditionally been held by sea captains, but by charter any crew member, such as well-known boatswains or in one exceptional case, a ship's cook, can be elected to one of the three posts.  The land-bound seats are usually held by wealthy or influential shopkeepers of Freeport.  All of these council seats are held for three years, and are staggered so that one land-bound and one marine seat will be up for election each year.
The seventh seat on the town council is unusual.  It is called "The Scalawag's Seat" and by charter and tradition it can be held by anyone, including non-townsfolk.  The Scalawag Seat is only held for one year and only votes to break a tie on any issue voted on by the town council.  The manner in which one is raised to the Scalawag Seat is also unusual, in that it changes from year to year.  On the first day of Platinett, the current Scalawag will announce the Scalawag Challenge, the winner of which will become the next Scalawag for a year.  The challenge can be as simple or complex, safe or dangerous, as the Scalawag wishes.
The Scalawag on the council is entitled to a small stipend and a room at the Olde Bell Inn, the finest and most expensive hostel in the entire town.  At the end of their term, ex-Scalawags are expected to leave town for at least a year, and are unceremoniously ushered out of town by members of the Goose Guard, the town's constabulary.

Defences

Freeport has no static defenses, like a wall or standing army.  Instead, every adult able-bodied citizen is required to train every Huntsday with the spear, bow and dagger.  This stricture is routinely ignored unless a credible threat to the town is nigh. 
Otherwise, the town's constabulary, the Goose Guard, keep order in the streets.  While not the brightest, the Guard are tall, brawny and imposing, and wield their clubs liberally to keep the peace.  They also carry daggers in case things get out of hand.  The Guard's captain, an male Elf named Obenor the Defender, is a master archer who makes clear that when it comes to keeping the peace, his people hit first, hit hard, and ask questions only after everyone is on the ground.

Districts

Freeport has five distinct districts:

• Old Town - the second oldest part of Freeport, and the oldest residential district, Old Town looks down on the rest of the town both literally and figuratively. Built on the highest part of the long hill that comprises the headlands above Howlun Cove, Old Town is an eclectic mix of fancy (for Freeport) shops, small mansions, large houses, small parks, fine dining, and expensive hotels. The streets are narrow and twisting, but are mostly cobbled. Those who do not go about by walking can hire a two-wheeled cart pulled by a running man. Horses are discouraged in this part of town.

Captains and ship owners frequent The Leviathan Club, a private club reserved for them where they can drink, gamble, and exclude landlubbers. Not to be outdone, Freeport shop owners formed The Golden Tower Club, an exclusive club for wealthy businessmen. Other places of note are the Olde Bell Inn, which stands at the top of the hill and is the most expensive and luxurious hotel in Freeport, if not the entire Wild Coast (which is their claim).
• The Harbour - the oldest part of Freeport, the Harbour is a maze of docks and jetties stretching out across Howlun Cove. On land, the Harbour hosts multiple warehouses and dockside taverns, just the place an honest sailor can get a drink, a smoke, and typically a fight. While there are no brothels in the Harbour, many streetwalkers will come out and ply their trade when a ship comes in. There are no inns on the Harbour; local sailors will have housing elsewhere in Freeport, away from the briny stink of the docks, while foreigners who cannot afford better lodgings in other districts generally sleep onboard their ships.

• Bright Alley - the newest district in Freeport, Bright Alley is the province of metal workers and smiths.

• Long Steps - when Freeport's population swelled and trade started to come in from the south, Long Steps was formed. Stretching from the edge of Old Town on the top of the headland hill down to where the roads south begin, Long Steps is as much a vertical location as it is horizontal. Heading further into town from the outskirts is one long upwards climb. Porters will often congregate at the edge of town, offering to bear cargoes and even people up the hill for sums that range from the reasonable to the outrageous.  Along with modest taverns and inns, Long Steps is a residential area for sailors and longshoremen and other people who work in the rougher trades.  Long Steps also houses the seamier side of the town, with a side street that holds the majority of the town's brothels, and several gambling dens scattered in the district.

• Goose Ward - Goose Ward contains the residences of the rising merchant class and those people who work in the shops and as servants for the richer denizens of Freeport.  The district gets its name from large goose pens that once dotted the landscape.  Goose Ward also houses the headquarters of the Goose Guard, the local constabulary of Freeport, and has practice grounds for weapons training, especially archery butts.  There are several superior-quality fletchers with shops in Goose Ward.

Maps

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  Freeport

Founding Date

The Third Age

Type

Large town

Population

13,000 (approximate)

Location under

The Wild Coast