Greywharf
The Northern Anchor of the Trade Road
Coastal Town, Fishing Hub, and Festival Stop
Settlement Summary
- Population: 11,000 (a mix of humans, halflings, and elves, with smaller numbers of gnomes and dwarves)
- Government: Administered by a Mayor elected by local merchants and fishing guilds, with oversight from Westrun’s monarchy
- Alignment: Neutral Good
- Languages: Common, Halfling, Elven
- Notable Locations: The Wharfside Market, The Grand Pier, The Festival Grounds, The Lera Lantern, The Deepsea Guildhall
Notable Features
- The Wharfside Market: A bustling marketplace near the coast where fresh seafood, fishing supplies, and artisanal goods are sold.
- The Grand Pier: A massive pier extending into the ocean, designed to accommodate both fishing vessels and festival ships during Lera’s Parade.
- The Festival Grounds: A large open area on the town’s southern edge, specifically designed for hosting events during Lera’s Parade, including music, dancing, and markets.
- The Lera Lantern: A towering lighthouse and shrine to Lera, its light guiding ships safely into Greywharf’s harbour and its base serving as a place of worship.
- The Deepsea Guildhall: The headquarters for Greywharf’s fishing guilds, where policies on deep-sea fishing are set and disputes are resolved.
Special Qualities
- Festival Stop: Greywharf plays a key role in Lera’s Parade, hosting thousands of travellers and celebrating with grand festivals every four years.
- Fishing Expertise: The town’s economy is built on deep-sea fishing, supplying Westrun and the greater empire with high-quality seafood.
- Maritime Identity: Greywharf’s culture revolves around the sea, from its traditions to its economy, making it a vibrant and resilient community.
Defenses
- Local Militia: A small militia of 100 members protects Greywharf from minor threats, with additional security provided during festival seasons.
- Proximity to the Windsingers: During Lera’s Parade, the presence of the Windsingers ensures the town’s safety and adds to the festive atmosphere.
- Natural Defenses: The rugged coastline and well-maintained harbour offer some protection from seaborne threats.
Notable NPCs
- Mayor Telyn Brightwharf: A halfling leader known for her enthusiasm and dedication to preserving Greywharf’s traditions.
- Guildmaster Kael Wavebreaker: A human fisherman and head of the Deepsea Guildhall, Kael is a respected figure in the local fishing community.
- Priestess Eryndel Shorelight: An elven cleric who tends to the Lera Lantern and organizes worship during Lera’s Parade.
- Captain Arden Marrowtide: A human captain who leads Greywharf’s small fleet of deep-sea fishing vessels, known for his sharp instincts and daring adventures.
- Artisan Rynella Driftwood: A gnomish craftswoman who creates intricate carvings and jewelry from driftwood and shells, her work is a highlight of the Wharfside Market.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Festival Crowds: Lera’s Parade brings significant economic benefits but also strains the relatively smaller town’s resources and infrastructure.
- Fishing Risks: Deep-sea fishing is dangerous, with threats ranging from storms to sea monsters, requiring constant vigilance.
- Smuggling: Greywharf’s location along the Trade Road makes it a potential hotspot for smugglers attempting to exploit the busy shipping lanes.
- Economic Reliance: The town’s heavy reliance on fishing and the festival economy leaves it vulnerable to disruptions in either sector.
The Grand Pier
"Gateway to the Deep"
The Grand Pier is the heart of Greywharf’s fishing industry, bustling with activity as boats unload their catches and traders haggle for the best prices. This is also the entryway for anyone coming to Lera's Parade from the west of Kyneshelm, usually from eastern Rothgar.
Lera’s Parade
"Here begins a Festival of Joy"
Every four years, Greywharf transforms into a hub of celebration as part of Lera’s Parade, hosting travellers and performers from across the empire. Greywharf is the starting location for the massive festival, which pushes the mid-sized city to the brink of its capacity. Many tavern owners actually set up massive Big Tops outside the walls, acting as makeshift taverns and lodgings for those that don't fit within the walls.
The Lera Lantern
"Beacon of Hope"
The Lera Lantern is both a lighthouse and a shrine, its light guiding sailors and its base serving as a sanctuary for worshippers of Lera. It was built in honour of Lera, and was blessed by her during the first Parade after its construction. Since then, its light has never needed tending.
Wharfside Wonders
"A Market by the Sea"
The Wharfside Market offers a mix of fresh seafood, handmade crafts, and during the Parade, festival souvenirs, drawing visitors from far and wide. Many of the foreign goods entering Greywharf are from Rothgan travellers, usually visiting for the Parade.