Port Carneval, Gateway to the East (Carn-e-vaal)
"If you're looking for goods from across Aetheria. no better place to look than Rose Bazaar of Carneval. Silks, spices, and exotic beasts from the jungles and plains of Iolan to the East. Rare gems, minerals, and forge works from the Dwarven clans along the Spine. Even rare magic scrolls and books, if you know the right merchants." ~ Excerpt from A Look at Aetheria's Tradework.
Originally a small fishing community formed in the early years of the First Age along Vanigraad's south-eastern coast, Carneval has undergone many changes over its long history. The most significant change was the acquisition of the village by the burgeoning East Iolan Trading Company run by the Reiage family, which turned the small settlement into a bustling trade hub between Vanigraad and Iolan. The resulting trade boom brought wealth to the village and allowed the Company to make many improvements to the now sprawling port. Brothels, inns, taverns, and street traders line the long avenues as trade and passenger vessels alike dock at the Reiage Harbor.
The Reiage family is the main governing body of Carneval. Mayor Bridgeth Reiage ensures that the coming and going of goods and people flow smoothly through the port and that no illicit items pass through the Rose Bazaar or make their way into the heavily guarded caravans that leave the port daily. Mayor Reiage also negotiates with the Empire, the Holy City, and the Steamworks Assembly of Belrynna to ensure that the laws of all kingdoms do not impact the port. As Carneval falls under the governance of the Company, and as such, Iolan. However, this does not stop the company from paying its share of taxes to both nations. The Company wants to continue to operate within Vanigraad, and angering the ruling bodies of any city state would make such a desire impossible.
The port is broken up into three distinct sections; the Reiage Harbor, Rose Street, and the Company Quarter. The Reiage Harbor consists of the collection offices of the Dock Wardens, various cranes and wenches for offloading cargo, and temporary storehouses. Dozens of ships come and go from the harbor's twelve docks each day. As such the they are crowded, loud, and occasionally dangerous depending on the cargo being moved. The Harbor is heavily patrolled by the Dock Wardens enforcing Company tariffs and fees, and by the Rose Enforcers the policing entity of the Iolan Company within Carneval. The Wardens keep watch for contraband for each of the three nations of Vanigraad, as well as detain ships if such items are found. They are accompanied by the Rose Enforcers to ensure that ships are anchored and their crews questioned and held within a prison offshore known as the Black Tower.
Rose Street is where the bulk of the Port's residents, storefronts, and inns reside. A long main thoroughfare lined with street merchants climbs into the city from the the docks seaside, leading into the Rose Bazaar. The Bazaar is a large marketplace spread out across a vast central square, and is a melting pot of various goods from all across Aetheria. Silks, spices, and magic items from Iolan to the East, rare gems, herbs, and potions from the tropical islands of the Sapphire Archipelago, and even the odd Dragonborn from the Menagerie Cloud Sea, bringing with them carved ivory, delicious teas and expensive coffees. This Bazaar is the crowning jewel of Carneval, and one can be sure to find anything they need, and even a few things they didn't know they needed, within the stalls.
Further inland lies the Company Quarter where the Mayor, the more affluent merchants, and even some of the local merchant ship captains have their estates. The Quarter is marked by large sweeping boulevards and fenced in estates. As well as being the only area lit by magically light instead of oil lanterns and hanging lamps. Small orbs of softly glowing red and orange light drift just above the estate rooftops as dusk settles. Floating lazily above posh, comfortable inns and large taverns. Shops for more luxurious garments, jewelry, baked goods, and trinkets line each side of the main thoroughfare. While gaudy brothels and garishly clothed women of the night tempt those with enough coin to spend the evening with them.
Recently however, there have been sightings of black sails and pirate flags along the horizon. Crews have been spreading tales of ghost ships surrounded by a chilling fog. Their dread captains attacking and pillaging ships along the southern coast. Some say they have come east from the Blood Tide sea and the the Isle of Crimson Teeth. Such tales have never been confirmed however, as no one has yet verified these stories. Regardless, a cold dread has settled in the heart of every sailor that frequents the port. Many even abandoning their captains altogether in favor of safer occupations. Or just drowning their fear in ale among the local taverns.
Type
Large city
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