Anchor Port: The Last Free City of the Sea
General Overview
Anchor Port is a marvel of haphazard engineering, reckless ambition, and sheer determination. It is a floating city, built from the bones of shipwrecks and salvaged debris, lashed together over decades into a thriving pirate haven. Resting upon and around a partially sunken mountain peak, it is the largest neutral settlement in the Arashi Depths and a refuge for sailors, smugglers, free traders, and pirates alike.
At its heart, Cassian Stormfall acts not as a ruler, but as a mediator, ensuring that Anchor Port remains a neutral ground where alliances are forged, disputes are settled, and the oppressed find shelter. Seven flotillas form the foundation of the city, each a patchwork of ships, timber, and steel, connected by bridges, docks, and gangways. From a mile out at sea, the cheers of revelry, the clash of tankards, and the hum of sea shanties carry across the waves, an ever-present reminder that Anchor Port is a city alive.
Alternative Names
"The Graveyard for Good Men" – A poetic reference to how many lost souls have found a home here.
"Dead Man’s Rest" – Because many who come to Anchor Port are running from something.
"The Last Free Haven" – Spoken by those who believe it is the last true neutral port in the world.
Anchor Port is a city of contradictions—both lawless and orderly, chaotic and thriving. It is a beacon of freedom in an ocean ruled by empires, and for those who call it home, it is the only place in the world that truly belongs to them.
Government
Anchor Port has no true ruler, but Cassian Stormfall serves as the closest thing to an authority figure.
Cassian Stormfall (Founder & Mediator) – While he does not act as a king, he is the final voice when serious disputes arise.
The Council of Captains – A gathering of influential ship captains, merchants, and pirate lords who handle most disputes, trade negotiations, and agreements.
District Leaders – Each flotilla has a representative captain or figure who ensures stability within their area.
Anchor Port thrives because it governs itself—anyone who disrupts the neutrality of the city is swiftly removed.
Defences
Dock-mounted Ballistae & Cannons – Hidden within wreckage, these weapons are mounted along strategic points of the flotillas.
Patrolling Vessels – Various pirate ships maintain order, as keeping Anchor Port safe benefits everyone.
Strategic Positioning – The natural rock formations act as barriers against large naval forces.
Industry & Trade
Smuggling & Trade – Anchor Port is a hub for exotic goods, rare artifacts, and illegal commodities.
Shipbuilding & Salvage – Some of the best shipwrights in the world work here.
Mercenary & Privateer Contracts – Many naval forces secretly hire Anchor Port’s sailors.
Infrastructure
Though built from shipwrecks and debris, Anchor Port is surprisingly well-structured.
Cassian’s Manor & The Life Tree – On the mountain peak, Cassian’s fortified estate overlooks the entire city. Next to it, a massive tree has grown, symbolizing Anchor Port’s resilience.
The Lighthouse – Built onto the mountainside, this towering structure guides ships safely into the city.
Bridges & Gangways – The flotillas are connected by rope bridges, wooden walkways, and retractable docks.
The Sunken Tunnel – A tunnel carved into the southernmost rock, linking it to the adjacent flotillas.
Despite its patchwork appearance, Anchor Port is surprisingly stable, a testament to the ingenuity of those who built it.
Districts
Each flotilla has its own identity, purpose, and leadership.
1. The Highflame Flotilla (North) – The Captain’s Domain
The only access point to the mountain peak.
Cassian’s Manor & The Life Tree
The Lighthouse to the South
Home to high-ranking captains and Cassian’s closest allies.
2. The Goldwake Flotilla (West) – Trade & Commerce
The most stable and wealthy flotilla, known for its merchant docks.
Shipwrights, blacksmiths, and traders conduct business here.
A haven for smugglers and private deals.
3. The Hollow Drift (Southwest) – The Scoundrel’s Haven
A den of thieves, outlaws, and assassins.
A hidden network of tunnels leads beneath the city.
The Harlequin Brotherhood operates from here.
4. The Ironside Flotilla (South) – The Fighters' District
Houses mercenaries, freebooter crews, and ex-navy soldiers.
Docks reinforced with old warships, serving as makeshift fortifications.
A central fighting pit where disputes are settled with steel.
5. The Shattered Keel (East) – The Shipbreaker’s Yard
Where old ships are dismantled and repurposed for the city.
Home to Anchor Port’s best shipwrights.
A place where those in debt are put to work to earn their freedom.
6. The Sunken Lantern (Southeast) – The Taverns & Nightlife District
A flotilla of bars, gambling halls, and inns.
Lantern-lit bridges stretch across the waters, creating a glowing maze at night.
Home to the infamous ‘Drowned Man’s Respite’ tavern.
7. The Driftwood Quay (Further Southeast) – The Refugee Quarter
Where those fleeing persecution, war, or slavery find shelter.
A heavily mixed population of outcasts and exiles.
Operates as a self-sustaining community, fishing and trading to survive.
Assets
Docks for over 300 ships of all sizes.
A functioning drydock for ship repairs.
A thriving black market, rivaling the wealth of major cities.
Guilds and Factions
The Harlequin Brotherhood – A sect of the infamous assassin’s guild.
The Tidesworn – Cassian’s personal fleet, the peacekeepers of Anchor Port.
The Black Knots – A faction of shipbuilders and salvage experts.
The Iron Brand Remnants – Survivors of the once-feared syndicate, keeping a low profile.
Points of interest
Cassian’s Manor & The Life Tree
The Sunken Tunnel
The Drowned Man’s Respite (Famous Tavern)
The Ironside Fighting Pit
Founding Date
457 AEL – Cassian Stormfall began lashing together Anchor Port’s first flotilla.
Type
City
Population
Native Population: 10,000-12,000 permanent residents Average Daily Population: 25,000-30,000 (due to constant travelers, traders, and pirates docking in)
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
