Port Kurstach
Government
Kurstach is at the same time very far away and extremely close to Kirphace, being just downriver from the capital. Taxation is an important part of life, as it funds the guards that protect the port and many other works besides. Incoming goods are tallied and checked to verify that no contraband, such as foreign animals, explosives, or obviously stolen items. At the same time, outgoing goods are checked to make sure of the same, along with making sure no trade secrets are being leaked. This practice seems relatively imprecise on the surface, but it has proven impressively effective in protecting the secrets of Chale alchemists for generations.
Defences
Most of the port's security comes from the royal warships in its waters, defending it from invading fleets and sea beasts alike. Due to the various rivers between it and any lands not owned by the kingdom, it rarely has to deal with land-based invasion. It, along with other ports along the gulf, also light signal fires to warn the others of potential attack. As such, Kurstach can mobilize its fleet well before any real threats can arrive.
Industry & Trade
It would, perhaps, be easier to list the things that are not traded in Port Kurstach, as it receives trade from every known continent as well as Ristshan itself. Since the introduction of invasive wild dogs, foreign live animals of any kind are banned from entry without explicit permission from the crown. Known, active explosive substances are naturally considered a danger to the port and populace, and as such any ships carrying them will be prohibited from docking. Apart from this, weapons are not barred from entry or trade, though magical items require thorough examinations that can potentially delay entry for days.
For the same reason (and to evade the sometimes high tariffs), smuggling and piracy are not uncommon in the waters of the gulf. Stories of ships slipping out in the dead of night or sneaking contraband onto vessels of valid cargo are often heard. Though they are likely embellished, stories of pirates attacking trade ships on their way into and out of the port are popular in the taverns. These outlaws, said to hide in caves along the cliffs or even to tacitly work for foreign powers, garner a reputation of both fear and begrudging respect among local sailors, for few could attempt such feats under the eyes of the kingdom's fleets.
Infrastructure
Apart from being the largest and most famous port in Chal, Port Kurstach also holds its best shipyards, where wonders of wood and banded metal are made and sold. There isn't a street one can walk without being able to look up and see cranes being used to transfer cargo. These are often operated by winches and manpower, though some are powered by the nearby rivers. Canals and docks are also present to allow more surface area for ships coming in and out of the port.
History
Port Kurstach was once close to never being finished. When Ser Cerena first visited the docks as they were being constructed, the Great Serpent of Kurstach emerged from the waters to raze the source of the ships that had aggravated it. The initial work force was slaughtered and the start of the town left as little more than driftwood upon the water. Still, Cerena swore to right this wrong against her people, and the promise of the determined young princess ultimately lead to its reconstruction.
When Cerena felled the beast upon the same shores, the town gained a great deal of popularity and renewed interest. This, along with being in an ideal location along the 'claw' of the gulf and its proximity to the River Chaun, which lead up to the capital, fueled its rise to prominence. Since then, the town has been the first point of contact many coming to the continent have with Chal, and they have brought their own cultures and ideas with them. Thus, the area has become a cultural melting pot, where practitioners of ki from Nalanosa may share drinks with battle-dancers from Arrboth.
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