Port Taverick

Port Taverick is a city of roughly 9,000 people located on the central western coast of the Sea of Fallen Stars. It is the largest city in the nation of Ironbank, the busiest trade route, and is considered a free port to the neighboring kingdoms. The port city is named after its founder, Ulfgar Taverick, a great sailor in days long passed. The Tavericks still overseer the city to this day, keeping the streets safe and the ports free. Port Taverick has a very high population of dwarves and gnomes, somewhat unsurprising considering its close location to Harrenfal. During the day, the locals are usually hard at work; but once dusk falls the atmosphere changes to one of celebration. The unofficial motto of the local residents of Port Taverick is "work hard, play harder". Shops of all manner can be found within the city, ranging from bookbinders to blacksmiths, and sculptors to spice merchants. Many guild houses are also present within the city, serving as hubs for those engaged in trade or garrisons for martial companies. Many of the gnomish families residing within the port city are members of the Grand Order of Gnomish Minds United in Pursuit of Innovation and Ingenuity, a guild of tinkerers experimenting with and researching different alchemical compounds. This particular guild house is located on the outskirts of the city, away from the central trade hubs, ever since the fire of 11 AR which consumed whole sections of Port Taverick.
Laws are somewhat laxed within the city, although violence is strictly forbidden and punishments come swift and severe to those choosing to ignore them. The city has a small standing militia of around one hundred, twenty members and hires mercenary companies to further enforce the law and protect its citizens.

Demographics

Human (18%)
Non-human (82%)

Gnome (Forest 3%/Rock 34%) (37%)
Dwarf (Hill) (20%)
Human (18%)
Tabaxi (10%)
Halfling (Lightfoot 5%/Stout 3%) (8%)
Other (7%)

Government

Port Taverick is a gerontocracy; governed by the elders of the dwarven clan who founded the city. The twelve member council is made up of the clan elders, and they are the final word on all laws, safety, and commerce within the city. Traditionally, the Tavericks have been less preoccupied with the upkeep of regulations, laws, and traditions within the city compared to most dwarven ruled settlements. However, to offset their leniency with enforcing strict guidelines and rules of conduct within the city, those laws that are in place carry very harsh penalties for violations.
The Tavericks meet with leaders of the guilds residing within the city on a monthly basis to discuss trade, logistics, taxes and other topics that may arise. They choose what guilds may operate within the city and which may not. The lax trade laws enforced by the ruling clan have cemented Port Taverick's position as the most profitable trade hub in the region. All nations are welcome to trade within the city, as Ironbank is a neutral party in most conflicts on Andeir.

Defences

The city is protected by twenty foot high stone walls with thirty foot high steam powered signal towers. Sections of the wall are reinforced with metal bracers and beams. The towers on the western side of the city are armed with massive bolt throwers capable of launching their ammunition hundreds of feet with deadly accuracy. Machicolations line the battlements, offering further protection to those manning the walls in times of conflict. Similar defenses can be found on the towers overlooking the north and south lands surrounding the city.
Two large cannons, at least thirty feet in length, are mounted on massive metal towers which rise out of the sea at either end of the dock ward, serving as a visual deterrent to any ships thinking of assaulting the harbor.

Industry & Trade

Naval trade, the import and export of goods is the means by which Port Taverick sustains itself. Tourism, research and development take place within the city as well, also contributing to its growth.

Infrastructure

Stone roads, shipyards, watermills, smithies, metal working facilities, steam powered contraptions, signal towers, and blast furnaces.

Guilds and Factions

Countless guilds have houses within the city, not limited to: merchant, weavers, dyers, bakers, fishers, masons, blacksmiths, armorers, locksmiths, tinkerers, and various mercenary companies.

History

Port Taverick is a city of industry, and trade where the majority of the Ironbank populous chooses to dwell. The city was founded in 820 BCR by Ulfgar Taverick, a mountain dwarf from the neighboring kingdom of Harrenfal. Following a great tragedy that none of the Taverick clan speak of, there was a forced migration of the clan to the coast of Ironbank. They constructed the city of wood and stone and began to work the sea, as industrious as they were. Several years later, a bond of friendship was forged with a clan of rock gnomes who resided several miles away and soon the Tavericks welcomed them into their coastal home. The gnomes proved to be an ingenious bunch, and through mutual understanding and friendship the village grew ever larger. Eventually the port began to attract human settlers from the far eastern lands wishing to trade, neighboring nations and other folk who resided on the coast of the Sea in nearby towns and villages. Trade routes via land were also established. The Tavericks saw a chance to reclaim their greatness and wealth lost to them so many years ago. By keeping their city "free to all", they attracted far more business and trade than other settlements claiming alliance to any one particular power.

Architecture

The city is built along the coast of the Sea of Fallen Stars and River Harren. Hills and cliff sides rise up along the north coast line, allowing the city some protection from would be invaders. It is organized into a western and a eastern ward. The western ward is dotted with dozens of workshops and furnaces that billow smoke from chimneys and stacks. The colors are fairly drab: browns, greys, and dark graphite metals. Over-sized bolt throwers mounted on giant watch towers can be seen along the city walls, aimed out towards the mountain range which lays hundreds of miles to the west. On the ground there is a faint layer of soot from the constant smoke. Along the eastern ward, facing the water front, there are houses and store fronts with similar chimneys although they produce far less smoke and soot. Along the shore, where the city meets the water, are long docks which extend hundreds of feet outward, allowing many ships to make port at the same time. The dock ward is dotted with many inns and taverns to accommodate the large number of visitors to the city on a daily basis. The colors in this part of the city are far more vibrant; banners, flags, and pennants of all colors hang from lines between buildings, painted placards indicating businesses brighten the otherwise grey stone streets.

Founding Date

820 BCR

Alternative Name(s)

Freeport

Type

City

Population

Approximately 9,000

Related Historical Events

• 820 BCR
  The Founding of Port Taverick

Manned watch towers can be seen along the soot covered streets of the western ward.

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The dock ward is a bustling place where the majority of trade is conducted within the city.