Jadeharbour
Kyneshelm's Maritime Crown
Large Port City, Seat of the Imperial Navy
Settlement Summary
- Population: 220,000 (a mix of humans, half-elves, dwarves, and elves, with smaller numbers of halflings and gnomes)
- Government: Monarchy under King Charlie Maidensfair, with administrative and naval oversight
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Languages: Common, Elven, Halfling, and various sailor dialects
- Notable Locations: The Royal Docks, The Admiralty Tower, The Shipwright’s Haven, The Blue Harbour Market, The Lighthouse of Eternity
Notable Features
- The Royal Docks: The largest dockyard in the empire, the Royal Docks accommodate the Imperial Navy’s fleet as well as numerous merchant ships. The docks are fortified and include dry docks for ship repairs and construction. Overlooking the docks is the Royal Palace, where the King and his family reside.
- The Admiralty Tower: A towering structure overlooking the harbour, this serves as the headquarters for the Imperial Navy, housing naval officers and overseeing maritime operations.
- The Shipwright’s Haven: A sprawling complex of shipyards and workshops where master shipbuilders construct and repair vessels for the navy and trade.
- The Blue Harbour Market: A vibrant marketplace offering goods from across the seas, including exotic spices, textiles, and curiosities brought in by merchant ships.
- The Lighthouse of Eternity: A massive lighthouse that serves as a beacon for ships navigating into Jadeharbour. Enchanted to remain lit through any storm, it is a symbol of Pike’s maritime power.
Special Qualities
- Naval Dominance: Jadeharbour’s immense naval infrastructure and resources make it the unrivaled maritime hub of Kyneshelm, ensuring the empire’s sea routes remain secure. It is believed that Pike's Navy is second only to the Fleets of Eili'an.
- Trade Hub: The city’s docks and markets are a key point of exchange for goods between Kyneshelm and distant lands, driving economic prosperity.
- Cultural Melting Pot: As a major port, Jadeharbour is home to a diverse population of sailors, merchants, and artisans from across Raethíl and beyond.
Defenses
- Imperial Navy Presence: Jadeharbour is home to a significant portion of the Imperial Navy’s 850,000 sailors, with fleets rotating in and out for patrols and training.
- Fortified Harbour: The harbour is protected by sea walls, artillery emplacements, and naval patrols.
- Coastal Forts: Small forts along the coastline add another layer of defense against potential incursions.
Notable NPCs
- King Charlie Maidensfair: The young elven king of Pike, Charlie combines charisma with formidable combat skills, ruling with his husband, Archduke Noir. Together, they ensure Pike’s prosperity and security.
- Admiral Theris Windward: A half-elven naval officer who oversees the Imperial Navy’s operations from the Admiralty Tower. Her strategic acumen is unmatched.
- Master Shipwright Harlan Ironwake: A human shipbuilder who leads the Shipwright’s Haven. His innovative designs have revolutionized the navy’s fleet.
- Harbormaster Kellan Tidecaller: A dwarven administrator who ensures the Royal Docks operate efficiently, managing both navy and merchant activity.
- Priestess Lyria Deepwave: An elven cleric who tends to the Lighthouse of Eternity and provides spiritual guidance to sailors before they embark on long voyages.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Smuggling: The city’s bustling trade occasionally attracts smugglers looking to exploit its size and activity.
- Pirate Threats: While the navy keeps the Shattered Isles mostly under control, pirate incursions still disrupt trade routes.
- Maritime Tensions: Jadeharbour’s dominance sometimes causes friction with inland regions over resource allocation and naval funding.
- Storm Risks: The city’s coastal location makes it vulnerable to powerful storms that can damage ships and infrastructure.
The Lighthouse of Eternity
"Beacon of the Seas"
This enchanted lighthouse guides ships safely into Jadeharbour, its light visible for miles. It is also a symbol of hope and protection for sailors. The magic of the light ensures it can be seen through even magical darkness, which was proven during the Dark Storms of 546 AG.
The Shipwright’s Haven
"Masters of the Craft"
Jadeharbour’s shipyards produce vessels that are both functional and works of art, built with materials imported from across the empire. Wildacre's Copperbark is a popular addition to the ships of the Imperial Navy, giving their ships a distinct and intimidating metallic shine at sea.
The Blue Harbour Market
"Where the World Comes to Trade"
Traders from across the seas gather at the Blue Harbour Market to sell rare and exotic goods, creating a vibrant and diverse marketplace. While most trade occurs in Kingsport, many stop at Pike along the way to claim the goods while they're freshest.
Naval Glory
"Defenders of the Empire"
The Imperial Navy’s sailors are a disciplined and loyal force, trained from a young age in maritime combat and navigation. Sailors come from all over the empire, with many also transferring from the Imperial Army for a life of travel.