Centuries ago, privateers discovered a small island deep in the vastness of the ocean between three continents. Although the island was uninhabited, a shrine dedicated to an ancient, unnamed sea deity was built upon it. The island became a useful landmark for pirates and smugglers, and was an excellent place to rest and restock. It became neutral ground, where no crew would bring harm to another.
One crew settled in the area permanently, becoming facilitators in international black market trade. They would buy stolen goods from one visiting ship, and pass the items on to another vessel bound to some port where the hot items could be safely resold. In time, more crews established bases around the island and a ramshackle village developed. In the fullness of time more and more people came to Ramshackle. These migrants sought a place without restrictive laws, or fled from homes where they were no longer safe or welcome. The village became a town and eventually a city.