Vastholm

Written mainly by treborile.

Demographics

Diverse because of trade, but Hin are a majority of the permanent residents followed in order by Humans, Elves, and Half-Elves. Half-Orcs are common visitors, but very few are residents. Tieflings are fairly common, but they tend to be more welcome among the Hin-dominated settlements outside the main city.
The ruling faction is generally not discriminatory toward successful individuals of any race, but the attitude of the general populace toward Tieflings is one of vague discomfort and limited trust.

Government

Currently, decisions are made by council, with occasional input from those outside of the council during quarterly meetings. Preference is given to the opinion of successful traders and owners of businesses within the city itself.
Council Members:
Head(s):
General Callum Raeber - Human, formerly head of the Broad Shield
Admiral Urugka - Half-Orc, formerly head of the small naval force stationed in Vastholm
Regulators of Trade:
Quayra Wylric - Elven Merchant
Kaymara Wylric - Half-Elven Merchant; daughter of Quayra
Folcard Goldtook - Halfling g MN.. ..my hmmBusinessman; liaison between Hin communities and the council
Avidity - Tiefling Businesswoman
Clergy:
High Priest Tavaran Aeralei - Wood Elf, serving an unknown deity; He is a mysterious but reasonably well-liked figure within the city
Priestess Sora Minoten - Human, serving an unknown deity; Far less personable than her colleagues, she is known for being blunt to a fault.
Alakvyr - Drow, serving an unknown deity; Despite his dislike for bright light, he is the most willing of the council to mingle with the populace. He is charming, and known for his ability to comfort the dying.
Guard Leaders:
Colonel Garakh - Half-Orc (female)
Commandant Vigen Actura - Human (female)
The guard is referred to as the Broad Shield, and its members referred to as Shieldsmen.
There is a growing military presence, due in part to the change to a military dictatorship.
Leadership was not elected but took power through a quiet coup.
An untimely illness lead to the death of the former head of government, allowing the leaders of the then limited military to step into power.
High Priest Tavaran Aeralei acted as a friend and council to the previous leader, and was kept on by new leadership.
Council members were appointed by Raeber and Urugka, often at the suggestion of the High Priest.
Displeased by the independence of the outer settlements, demands were made to further limit the resources they were allowed to withhold. Resistance was met with forceful seizure of resources “for the good of the city.”
Many residents of the outer settlements relocated outside of the reach of the council’s orders. Those who could not were forced to rely upon the laws of the council.
Aside from the initial limits placed on the outer population, the council and guard don’t seek to oppress the population. Decisions are justified openly to the public in such a way that citizens are assured in the logic used to make them.
Resistance is handled diplomatically, and depending on the severity of the grievance several or all of the council members may hear the complaint personally.
Strong violence or abuse among citizens is dealt with severely. Though the council doesn’t pay much mind to brawls within the coastal taverns, any sober-minded resident causing undue harm to another faces harsh punishment.
Some form of rehabilitation or redirection is far more typical. An habitual fighter might be sentenced to serve as a Shieldsman. Thievery is scrutinized before it’s punished - if it’s for survival, work and housing will be found for them. If it’s for entertainment or unnecessary greed, they are harshly punished.

Industry & Trade

Main source of income for the city is trade. The city is particularly well-known for its production of textiles, housing guilds of sail-makers, leatherworkers, and weavers. There is a smaller but equally masterful guild of apothecaries, which is made up mostly of Hin.
The population relies heavily on the farms outside the city for grown resources. Most of these communities are Hin settlements.
These villages only followed the edicts of the ruling council to keep the peace and continue trade. A sudden and mostly unexplained deflation in the value of their goods heavily affected the success of these communities, leading to a much heavier reliance upon the city’s council not long after its implementation.

Infrastructure

There are currently no large temples or overarching deities within the city. Devout Hin often hold religious gatherings in homes, and there are simple shrines for common gods built by their followers.
There is a small section of open clifftop set aside north of Vastholm. It’s used to honor Yondalla’s Children, with a circle of stones placed, carved, and decorated to represent each of the deities in the pantheon.

Type

Large town

Population

9,000

Location under

Aezith