Ravensport
The Isolated Western Gateway
Large Port City, Strategic Trade and Military Hub
Settlement Summary
- Population: 35,000 (primarily humans, with a mix of dwarves, half-elves, and halflings)
- Government: Governed by Duke Raelyn Haraeth, the King of Southreach’s brother, under imperial authority
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Languages: Common, Dwarven, Halfling, and regional trade dialects
- Notable Locations: The Duke’s Keep, The Western Docks, The Trade Road Gate, The Raven’s Market, The Mariners’ Barracks
Notable Features
- The Duke’s Keep: Perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the harbour, the keep serves as the administrative centre of Ravensport and the residence of Duke Raelyn Haraeth.
- The Western Docks: A sprawling dockyard where ships from across the empire and beyond unload goods, bringing wealth and culture to Ravensport. The docks are also fortified with coastal artillery to defend against naval threats.
- The Trade Road Gate: The gateway to Westrun’s Trade Road, this heavily patrolled checkpoint ensures the safety and regulation of goods moving between Southreach and Westrun.
- The Raven’s Market: A bustling open-air market where traders sell everything from local produce to exotic wares from across the seas and roads.
- The Mariners’ Barracks: Housing a significant portion of Ravensport’s military population, this facility is designed to train and house both land and sea forces stationed in the city.
Special Qualities
- Strategic Isolation: Ravensport’s distance from both Stannisport and Kingsport gives it a degree of autonomy, allowing it to develop its own trade-focused economy and culture while maintaining loyalty to Southreach and the empire.
- Dual Focus: With strong land and sea military presences, Ravensport is equally prepared to defend against naval incursions and maintain security along the Trade Road.
- Cultural Crossroads: The city’s vibrant trade brings goods, ideas, and customs from across the empire, fostering a unique and diverse cultural atmosphere.
Defenses
- Military Presence: Ravensport hosts 5,000 soldiers, split between its land forces and its navy, ensuring readiness against threats from land and sea.
- Fortified Port: The Western Docks are protected by coastal artillery, sea walls, and a garrison of marines.
- City Walls: Thick stone walls with watchtowers encircle Ravensport, with patrols ensuring constant vigilance along the Trade Road Gate.
Notable NPCs
- Duke Raelyn Haraeth: A disciplined and pragmatic elven leader, Duke Raelyn oversees Ravensport with the same martial focus as his brother, King Eadwin. His loyalty to Southreach is unwavering, though his isolation breeds a quiet resentment for the lack of imperial attention.
- Captain Elira Wavehelm: The human commander of Ravensport’s navy, known for her keen tactical mind and ferocity in defending the Western Docks.
- Trade Master Byron Goldleaf: A halfling merchant who manages The Raven’s Market and serves as a liaison between traders and the Duke’s Keep.
- Sergeant Tarrek Ironspike: A dwarven officer in charge of the Trade Road Gate, renowned for his meticulous inspections and no-nonsense attitude.
- Enchanter Lyria Windsail: A half-elf mage who provides magical support for the navy, including weather control and ship enchantments.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Smuggling: The city’s bustling trade and isolation make it a hotspot for smugglers seeking to avoid imperial taxes.
- Piracy: Occasional pirate activity along the western coastline threatens Ravensport’s sea trade, requiring constant naval vigilance.
- Road Security: The Trade Road, though patrolled, is a frequent target for bandits, forcing Ravensport’s land forces to stay on high alert.
- Autonomy vs. Loyalty: Ravensport’s isolation creates occasional tension with Southreach and the empire, as the Duke balances loyalty with local governance.
The Western Docks
"The Lifeblood of Ravensport"
The Western Docks are the heart of the city’s economy, teeming with sailors, merchants, and dockworkers. Fortified warehouses store valuable goods awaiting transport along the Trade Road.
The Duke’s Keep
"The Seat of Authority"
Overlooking both the city and the sea, the Duke’s Keep is a symbol of Ravensport’s strength and autonomy. Its walls are lined with banners bearing the Haraeth family crest. Rumors of secret tunnels beneath the keep have surfaced, suggesting hidden routes to the sea or beyond.
The Raven’s Market
"A Trader’s Paradise"
The Raven’s Market is a chaotic but vibrant centre of commerce where traders hawk wares ranging from Blackpeak steel to Wildacre produce.
Tales of the Trade Road
"The Artery of the West"
The Trade Road is the primary land route connecting Ravensport to Westrun, but its length and remote stretches make it a hotspot for bandit activity.