Cutlass Bay

Cutlass Bay is one of the first human settlements on Gorm. From a simple shelter with a natural harbour, it has become a thriving port town in recent decades. Cutlass Bay is not under any flag and likes to call itself a "free city". In reality, the rules are made by a council of pirates who call themselves the Saltwater Council.

Demographics

Cutlass Bay is a bustling, vibrant city that boasts a wild mix of cultures and peoples, making it a melting pot of diverse backgrounds. The largest group is the Tabaxi, making up around 25% of the population. In addition to the Tabaxi, Cutlass Bay is home to a significant number of humans, halflings, and dwarves, each contributing their own customs, industries, and skills to the city. Elves, gnomes, and various other creatures from across Tardagon have established small communities within the city, adding an air of mystery and intrigue. Many of these groups are connected to various factions, with some embracing the city's rough-and-tumble lifestyle, while others seek to remain detached from the more dangerous elements. The constant influx of new arrivals, traders, adventurers, and outcasts from all corners of the world gives Cutlass Bay a dynamic and ever-changing population, where loyalties and rivalries shift like the tides.

Government

Cutlass Bay operates as a "free city," nominally independent and not under the control of any formal government or sovereign nation. However, the true power lies in the hands of the Saltwater Council, a group of five influential and often morally dubious leaders who dictate the city's laws, customs, and criminal activities.
At the top is Captain Cornelius Cannonball, the oldest and most enigmatic member, a paranoid Sailor who exerts control over the Eyes of Reach, an organization responsible for maintaining order and surveillance within the city. Sazer, a ruthless Tiefling, oversees the slave trade, using his fleet to capture and traffic people, including sending rare creatures like dragons and lizardfolk to his private holdings and selling them on the Vayek Market. Sebora Vhralith runs the city's black market through the Guild of Chaos, supplying the underworld with illegal goods and services, while Denastasia Eurun, a half-elf naval commander, controls the city's defenses. Lastly, Inaya Nightshade, a cunning and calculating Tabaxi, leads the Sokun, a notorious group of assassins specializing in bounty hunting and contract killings. The Saltwater Council meets regularly in the Saltwater Council Hall, where they make decisions that impact every aspect of life in Cutlass Bay, from trade and defense to crime and governance. Their rule is less about law and order and more about power and influence, often at the expense of the city's inhabitants.

Defences

The defenses of Cutlass Bay are a formidable combination of natural and man-made structures designed to protect its wealth, people, and strategic position from both internal and external threats. At the heart of these defenses stands Wave Breaker Keep, an imposing fortress located on the northern island of the delta. This massive stone keep is perched atop sheer cliffs, with towering walls reinforced by ancient magic and steel. Its centerpiece is a colossal cannon capable of destroying entire fleets, making it a key defensive asset for the city. The keep also serves as the headquarters for Captain Cannonball and is surrounded by layers of fortifications, including wide moats, drawbridges, and watchtowers that keep a vigilant eye on the surrounding waters.
The entire delta is enclosed by vast, imposing stone walls that stretch across the landscape, with defense towers placed at key strategic points to provide overlapping coverage. These towers are equipped with heavy ballistae, catapults, and enchanted cannons, ensuring that Cutlass Bay can ward off invaders from land and sea. Raised bridges connect the various districts of the city, making it difficult for enemy forces to launch surprise attacks from the streets or waterways. These bridges are heavily guarded and can be easily drawn up in case of siege or attack.
A particularly notable feature of the city's defenses is the magical chains that can seal off the harbor entrance. These chains are enchanted to rise from the depths of the bay, effectively locking out any hostile ships from entering the harbor. They were designed as a last line of defense and can be controlled remotely by the Saltwater Council. In addition to these physical fortifications, Denastasia Eurun's massive navy plays a critical role in protecting the bay. Her fleet, made up of dozens of warships and merchant vessels, patrols the waters and ensures that Cutlass Bay remains both a hub for trade and an impregnable bastion against invaders.

Industry & Trade

Cutlass Bay thrives as a hub of commerce, piracy, and trade, leveraging its strategic location in the delta to connect far-reaching maritime routes. The settlement’s economy is fueled by a blend of legitimate trading, smuggling, piracy, and black-market dealings. Its inhabitants sustain themselves through a wide array of industries, ranging from fishing and shipbuilding to alchemy and the trade of rare and exotic goods. The bustling Harbor District is the beating heart of the city’s trade, with ships from across the seas unloading their cargoes and setting sail laden with Cutlass Bay’s valuable exports.
The city’s most important exports include stolen treasures, rare artifacts, exotic animals, and alchemical concoctions crafted in the Starboard District. Skilled artisans and craftsmen create intricate jewelry, forged weapons, and enchanted trinkets, which are highly sought after in distant markets. Inhabitants also harvest and sell unique resources from the surrounding jungle and waters, such as rare spices, medicinal herbs, and pearls. On the less savory side, Cutlass Bay is infamous for its slave trade, orchestrated by Sazer, which exports captured humanoids to the highest bidder.
Imports are equally diverse, catering to the needs of a cosmopolitan pirate haven. Exotic luxuries like silks, fine wines, and spices flow into the Portside District’s marketplaces, alongside essential goods like food, timber, and metals for shipbuilding and fortification. Magical items and advanced weaponry are highly coveted imports, often obtained through illicit deals or pirate raids.
The shipbuilding industry is a cornerstone of the city’s economy, with docks constantly churning out warships and merchant vessels. Skilled shipwrights and laborers ensure that Cutlass Bay maintains its naval dominance, particularly Denastasia Eurun's mighty fleet. Fishing is another critical industry, with markets teeming with fresh catches that feed the population and supply the taverns. Additionally, Cutlass Bay's black market, run by Sebora Vhralith, deals in contraband like illegal substances, cursed artifacts, and rare magical creatures, drawing traders and adventurers seeking the unobtainable.

Infrastructure

The City's infrastructure is a testament to its unique geography and its role as a bustling port city. Built on the sprawling Pamet River delta island, the city's design takes full advantage of the natural features surrounding it. The harbor is at the heart of the city, a labyrinth of docks, piers, and warehouses stretching along the coast. Ships of all sizes, from massive pirate vessels to smaller merchant ships, dock here, creating a vibrant maritime atmosphere. The harbor is protected by a series of reinforced breakwaters, and its inner waters are calm, offering safe docking even during stormy weather.
The city's main roads radiate outward from the harbor, connecting various districts. These roads, built upon elevated wooden platforms in some parts, are designed to withstand the ever-present threat of flooding during high tides or heavy rain. Bridges, such as the massive Blue Bridge and the Red Bridge crisscross the city, offering easy access to the bustling marketplaces, taverns, and merchant stalls that line the waterways.
The city itself is built on a network of docks, wharves, and canals that wind through the lower districts. These canals, once used for transporting goods and people, have become an integral part of life in Cutlass Bay, allowing easy access to the river’s resources. Smaller boats and ferries constantly move between districts, navigating the delta's intricate maze of waterways. Elevated walkways and stairways lead up to the higher, more secure areas, including the Saltwater Council Hall, perched at the heart of the city.
Beyond the canals, the architecture is a mix of towering wooden structures and stone buildings, reflecting both the city’s pirate heritage and its growing influence. The buildings are constructed with practicality in mind—high ceilings to allow for ventilation during the sweltering heat, and steep rooftops to shed heavy rains. Numerous watchtowers and defensive structures dot the city, their lookouts keeping an eye on both the sea and the river delta, ensuring the safety of Cutlass Bay’s inhabitants against any surprise attacks or rival pirate factions. The infrastructure supports the city's reputation as a wild, untamed haven, with a blend of organic growth and strategic planning that reflects its role as a major hub of trade and piracy.

Districts

Seu District The Seu District, primarily inhabited by Tabaxi, is the poorest and most dangerous area of Cutlass Bay. Non-Tabaxi rarely venture into its winding, narrow alleys. The district is a hub of criminal activity and is controlled by Inaya Nightshade and her group of assassins, the Sokun. The Sabsin, Inaya's headquarters, consists of interconnected tents and buildings where captives are held and various illicit deals take place. The district's atmosphere is thick with tension, with the Red Cat brothel, known for its thieving employees, attracting both desperate souls and criminals. The Seu District is a place of survival and danger, where the strong dominate, and the weak are preyed upon.
Starboard District The Starboard District is a bustling and grim part of Cutlass Bay, known for its markets where exotic animals and sentient creatures are sold. It is under the control of Sazer and his slave trade operations. His headquarters, Fort Gordoroth, oversees a livestock market and a humanoid market, where both beasts and people are bought and sold. The district also contains Steel and More, a small smithy, and the tavern The Gatehouse. The Chapel of Gordoroth is located here, and there's a library that holds forbidden knowledge. The district is a dark reflection of the power and ruthlessness that cuts through Cutlass Bay, with little regard for morality in the pursuit of wealth and control.
Portside District This districtis one of Cutlass Bay’s more prosperous and refined areas, home to many merchants and upscale businesses. Tall buildings and beautiful courtyards line the streets, providing a contrast to the more industrial parts of the city. Here, you'll find the bakery Crusty Delights and the jeweler Domrans Shiny Stones, offering rare gems. For general shopping, the Store of Everything, has anything you could need, and the Bank of Sigil, managed by Modrons, handles the wealth of the city. For those seeking relaxation, the Springs of Fragas bathhouse, provides a luxurious retreat. The tavern The Stranded Shark, is a popular haunt, as well as the Jungle Breeze Botanicals shop. Portside is also home to a lively marketplace where traders and artifact hunters converge to sell exotic items.
Harbor District The Harbor District is the lifeblood of Cutlass Bay’s trade, a bustling hub where goods arrive by sea. It's lively during the day but becomes dangerous at night, filled with both opportunity and peril. The Hellfire Casino, offers games of chance and vice. A fish market also operates here, supplying the city’s many restaurants and taverns. The district contains The Waterhole Park, home to a permanent teleportation circle, and serves as a key point for magical and trade-related travel. Sebora's headquarters are located in the district. While the district is thriving, its underbelly is rife with crime, and those who control the flow of goods also control the people who work in the shadows.
Red Bridge The Red Bridge was once home to many butchers, but now it is a residential area with small merchants and businesses. The bridge is a colossal structure, connecting the Harbor and Starboard districts to Saltwater Island. The district is quieter than others, with fewer tourists and more locals. Notable businesses here include Bloody Awsome, a butcher, known their her brutal and efficient cuts, and Feel Good Juice, a potion shop. The district has a rustic feel, with simpler homes and narrow streets, but it remains a strong part of the city's fabric, offering both goods and a modest standard of living for its residents.
Blue Bridge The Blue Bridge is one of the most important and impressive structures in Cutlass Bay, connecting the Seu and Portside districts to Saltwater Island. This immense bridge allows ships with three masts to sail beneath its arch, making it a vital route for both trade and travel. Its strategic position also provides direct access to Saltwater Island, where the political heart of the city resides, including the Saltwater Council’s headquarters. The district has a more laid-back vibe compared to other parts of the city. It is home to the tavern The Falling Sailor, which is a popular spot for locals to unwind. Blue Bridge offers a mix of homes and small businesses, making it a comfortable and convenient place for residents to live. Its proximity to the water and more stable neighborhoods make it an attractive option for those who want to be close to the city's heart without the chaos of the commercial districts.
Saltwater Island Saltwater Island is an exclusive district that only the most influential can access. It houses the Saltwater Estate, the headquarters of Denastasia Eurun, Terwael, and Volmodan. Only those with an invitation from a council member can step foot on the island. The estate is a sprawling complex with luxurious gardens, high walls, and hidden chambers. The Saltwater Council’s hall is also located here, where decisions are made that affect the entire city. The island is a place of political intrigue, where power plays and secret deals shape the future of Cutlass Bay.
Wave Breaker Island Wave Breaker Island serves as the city’s military and defensive stronghold. The island is home to Captain Cannonball's fortress, Wave Breaker Keep, which is a heavily fortified location designed to protect Cutlass Bay from both external and internal threats. The island also features a weaponsmith shop, Slash, Pierce, Hit, where weapons and armor are crafted for the city's defense forces. Wave Breaker Island is a symbol of Cutlass Bay’s commitment to maintaining its independence, with soldiers, mercenaries, and weapon crafters populating the island.
Shipwreck Park Shipwreck Park is a quirky and eerie area filled with the remains of old ships and a dilapidated lighthouse. The park itself is a peaceful spot amidst the chaos of Cutlass Bay, but it also holds a darker history. The wrecked ships have long been abandoned, leaving behind secrets that have been buried in time. The park is occasionally used by pirates and adventurers looking for a quiet spot to plan their next move, though rumors persist about the park’s strange happenings after dark.
The Old Island The Old Island holds a significant place in the history of Cutlass Bay, as it was the site of the first settlement in the area. Long before the sprawling city emerged, the island was home to the earliest inhabitants who established rudimentary structures and basic trade routes. Over time, however, the island fell into disrepair, its buildings decaying and its streets abandoned. Its decaying buildings and a ruined church stand as a grim reminder of the past. There are whispers that dark rituals were performed here long ago, and now the island is shrouded in mystery and danger. Those brave or foolish enough to explore it often disappear, adding to its eerie reputation.

Assets

The City is a treasure trove of valuable assets, built from the spoils of piracy, trade, and various unsavory dealings. The city boasts a vast array of equipment, stores, and riches, many of which have been accumulated over years of raiding and smuggling. One of the most notable features is the giant cannon on Wave Breaker Keep, a massive, ancient weapon capable of decimating entire ships with a single shot, serving as both a defense mechanism and a symbol of the city's might. The Bank of Sigil, nestled in the wealthier Portside District, holds treasures from across the seas, with riches brought in by pirates and traders from distant lands, stored in vaults guarded by Modrons and high-level enforcers. The city's black market, run by Sebora Vhralith in the Starboard District, offers everything from enchanted weapons to rare magical artifacts, often smuggled past the prying eyes of the city’s more law-abiding factions. Many taverns and shops, like Jungle Breeze Botanicals and The Store of Everything, are stocked with hard-to-find materials, potions, and goods from across the world, catering to adventurers and locals alike. Whether it's the finest silks, exotic animals, rare alchemical ingredients, or stolen treasures, Cutlass Bay has a vast and varied supply of valuable assets that make it a magnet for opportunists, traders, and pirates alike.

Guilds and Factions

The Saltwater Council At the heart of the city's power structure lies the Saltwater Council, a coalition of the most influential pirate lords who claim to govern the city. Its members, such as Captain Cannonball, Denastasia Eurun, Sazer, Sebora Vhralith and Inaya Nightshade, bring their unique brands of influence, ranging from military might to shadowy assassinations. The Council's decisions dictate the city's major policies, including trade agreements, defenses, and law enforcement. However, their alliances are tenuous at best, with frequent infighting and power plays shaping the political scene.
Eyes of Reach Controlled by the paranoid Captain Cannonball, this organization acts as the city’s de facto law enforcement. Its agents, an eclectic mix of mercenaries, spellcasters, and monstrous creatures, patrol the streets to maintain order—though their loyalty is first and foremost to the captain who rules them. The Eyes of Reach are particularly active in the Harbor District and the bridges, ensuring the city’s wealth remains protected. The Death Stares are an elite unit within the Eyes of Reach, personally selected and trained by Captain Cannonball. Known for their relentless precision and eerie, emotionless demeanor, they act as both assassins and enforcers, wielding powerful magic and enhanced sight to eliminate threats before they can even strike.
The Seabears Denastasia Eurun’s elite strike force, the Seabears, is a naval powerhouse feared for its precision and brutality. These highly trained pirates are the backbone of the Crimson Fleet, enforcing Denastasia’s will both on the seas and within the city. They operate primarily out of the Saltwater Island and Harbor District, acting as enforcers and protectors of Denastasia’s interests. The Seabears’ sheer presence is enough to deter rival factions, and they play a significant role in maintaining her dominance within the Saltwater Council.
The Sokun Led by the cunning and ruthless Inaya Nightshade, the Sokun is a feared assassin and bounty hunter guild based in the Seu District. Known for their unparalleled efficiency and brutal methods, the Sokun enforce Inaya's will and take on high-stakes contracts from the Saltwater Council and beyond. Their influence extends into the Red Bridge and parts of the Portside District, where their spies operate among merchants and traders.
Slavers Operating from the Starboard District, the Slavers form one of the darkest and most despised factions in Cutlass Bay. This faction dominates the trade of both humanoid captives and exotic creatures. Sazer controls the humanoid markets and fortifies his power with Fort Gordoroth, where captives are held and processed. His lieutenants, oversee the livestock and humanoid auctions, while his smithy and tavern serve as fronts for his operations. The Slavers maintain a delicate balance of fear and bribery to ensure their trade continues without disruption.
Guild of Chaos The black market of Cutlass Bay is ruled by Sebora Vhralith and his Guild of Chaos. This faction specializes in the trade of illegal goods, rare artifacts, and forbidden substances, with their operations centralized in the Starboard District. They also maintain a vast smuggling network, ensuring their contraband flows seamlessly in and out of the city. The Guild of Chaos often clashes with the Eyes of Reach, creating a shadowy undercurrent of tension in the city.
The Church of Gordoroth A shadowy religious faction led by the enigmatic cleric Rack, the Church of Gordoroth operates from the Starboard District. They maintain the Chapel of Gordoroth, which serves as a spiritual haven for the desperate and a meeting ground for those who trade in darker rituals. Though they appear to provide guidance and aid, whispers suggest their influence reaches into forbidden necromancy and pacts with infernal powers.

History

Cutlass Bay was founded centuries ago by the marooned crew of Captain Cornelius Cannonball after their shipwreck on the island’s treacherous shores. Initially a small pirate outpost, the settlement grew into a bustling haven for outlaws, traders, and adventurers, attracting individuals from across the seas due to its lawless reputation and strategic location at the river delta.
Over time, the city evolved into a complex and thriving free city, governed by the Saltwater Council, with its districts and bridges reflecting its chaotic origins and diverse inhabitants. Notable events in its history include the establishment of Wave Breaker Keep as the city's primary defense, the rise of the Sokun assassins in the Seu District, and Denastasia Eurun’s formation of a formidable navy, which solidified Cutlass Bay's dominance as a trade and piracy hub. Despite frequent conflicts, the city remains an infamous stronghold of wealth, danger, and opportunity.

Points of interest

Cutlass Bay

Open full size

Architecture

The architecture of Cutlass Bay is a vibrant fusion of maritime, colonial, and jungle influences, reflecting the city's diverse population and its tumultuous history. Buildings are primarily constructed from dark jungle hardwoods and weathered stone quarried from the island, both chosen for their durability against the harsh sea climate. The stone walls of larger structures, such as Wave Breaker Keep and the fortified towers, are often reinforced with iron bands and adorned with intricate carvings of sea creatures and pirate lore.
Wooden buildings in the residential and market areas feature stilts to protect against flooding and are often decorated with bright, hand-painted murals depicting maritime scenes, mythical beasts, and tribal motifs. Roofs are typically made of thatch or clay tiles, with wealthier districts favoring copper or bronze accents that catch the sunlight. Adornments include hanging lanterns made from colored glass, garlands of dried flowers or seashells, and banners displaying personal or factional insignias. Doors and shutters are frequently painted in vivid hues—ocean blue, fiery red, and tropical green—adding bursts of color to the streets and marking allegiance or occupation. The blend of rugged practicality and bold aesthetic speaks to the city's pirate heritage and its enduring spirit of resilience and defiance.

Geography

Cutlass Bay is nestled within a sprawling Pamet River delta that opens into the vast and glittering expanse of the Azure Sea. The terrain is a mixture of flat, marshy wetlands and narrow, forested ridges that rise above the floodplains, creating natural barriers and vantage points. The delta's maze of intertwining river channels and lush mangroves not only provides fresh water but also forms a natural defensive labyrinth, complicating any potential invasion. The surrounding jungle is dense and teeming with life, its towering canopy offering both resources and concealment.
The settlement is bordered by golden beaches to the south and rocky cliffs to the east, with Saltwater Island and Wave Breaker Island forming protective outposts in the bay. From the upper levels of Wave Breaker Keep, the views are spectacular: the endless horizon of the ocean, the shimmering waterways of the delta, and the emerald jungle stretching inland.

Climate

Cutlass Bay experiences a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The air is heavy with the scent of salt and vegetation, while steady sea breezes help to moderate the heat, especially near the coast. The region has distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season bringing monsoon-like rains that flood the delta and jungle, swelling the river channels and creating temporary lagoons.
During the dry season, the skies are usually clear, and the sun blazes down relentlessly, though brief, sudden showers are not uncommon. Hurricanes and powerful storms occasionally sweep through the area, threatening the settlement and testing its defenses. Despite these challenges, the climate supports the lush biodiversity of the surrounding jungle and the fertile riverbanks, making it a bountiful, albeit unpredictable, environment.

Natural Resources

The city is rich in natural resources, drawn from the lush environment of the river delta and its surrounding jungle. Towering hardwood trees from the jungle provide durable timber for shipbuilding and construction, while the fertile soil of the delta supports the growth of exotic fruits, spices, and medicinal herbs that are highly valued in trade. The nearby coastlines and reefs yield an abundance of seafood, pearls, and coral, further bolstering the settlement’s economy.
The rugged hills beyond the jungle are rich in minerals, including iron and copper, though these resources remain underdeveloped due to the dangers posed by the terrain and wildlife. Stone for building is quarried from the cliffs along the coast, with its obsidian and basalt used in the massive defensive structures of the city. While livestock is sparse, hunters in the jungle supply meat and hides from wild beasts, adding to the bounty of resources that keep Cutlass Bay thriving.

Founding Date

2144

Founders

• Captain Canonball

Type

Large city

Population

90 000

Location under

Gorm

Owner/Ruler

Captain Canonball

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Denastasia Eurun
• Inaya Nightshade
• Sazer
• Sebora Vhralith

Owning Organization

Saltwater Council