Places

[Ebiris]

Salerno

Salerno is an isolated but busy port city on the otherwise inhospitable coast of Isernia - fearsome cliffs standing before viciously untamed and overgrown forest marks the bitter storm-wracked coast of the kingdom, which holds most of its cities and arable land comfortably inland in more temperate surroundings, but the city was nonetheless settled at great effort nearly seven hundred years ago to serve as a last port of call before ships would challenge the dangerous Charybdos Cape, as well as taking advantage of being the first friendly port seen by ships returning from Jovar.

From the sea there is little to remark upon - two jagged cliffs of blackened stone jut out from the coastline, their faces only brightened by the unmistakable white stains that mark habitation by thousands of screeching seagulls. But through a vast rent in the two cliffs, a ship may sail into a thriving harbour of commerce and intrigue. The city is split into seven districts, seperated by walls, canals and rivers, or simply age. These districts often mark territorial rivalries, and bitter class segregation, but for the most part Salerno stands united by its isolation and the need to defend against external threats from privateers, monsters, and even all out invasion, for it is generally the first city to be attacked in a war against Isernia, and has spent almost a quarter of its seven century life under foreign rule.

The overland road from Salerno to Isernia's heartland is oft described as the artery of the kingdom, and is justly heavily patrolled to avoid any disruptions to the flow of goods inland, but despite that it remains a lucrative and tempting lure to bandits and outlaws, who can be set for life on even one good score on the caravans that endlessly ply its length. Mages who can skip the journey by teleportation magic are greatly prized by trading companies, and even moreso by smugglers.

The city is effectively ruled by seven noble familes, collectively known as the Iron Council, who together own most of the land in the city and take the views of their constituents at public votes before carrying the results of said votes to guide the decisions of the council, and take their views to the biannual parliament in Isernia's capital. Despite the foreboding name of its collective rulers, Salerno has a rather lax culture - while murder, treason, assault, theft, and other violent or destructive crimes are severely punished by the Watch, lesser crimes such as drug trading, prostitution, vagrancy, and gambling are quite unrestricted, and many from Isernia's heartland come to Salerno to take advantage of the uninhibited climate there. Smuggling is of course considered the same as stealing from the kingdom, and is dealt with quite harshly.

[Ebiris]

Districts of Salerno

Azure District

The Azure district lies to the West of Salerno, incorporating parts of the inner harbour as well as an area at the base of a depression in the shield cliffs where a smaller port exists exclusively for local fishing and whaling vessels, as opposed to the more sheltered inner port where most of Salerno's trade occurs, and deepwater ships can dock more easily. Most of the housing here is low income, but it remains particularly busy for commerce and is where the Harbourmaster is based. The noble family in charge of this district are the Islarans, having held the post of Harbourmaster for generations.

Arena District

Arena district towers over the Southeast of Salerno, built right up against the barrier cliffs and rising higher than the rest of the city's mass. Many soliders, gladiators, and mercenaries make their home and business here, and the Arena is a popular fixture for entertainment and warriors looking to make a quick coin or build their reputation at risk of life and limb. The primary inhabitants are wealthy merchants and minor nobles, who pay well to ensure their home district is well patrolled by a competent and honest Watch. The Anowian Embassy is located here, Anowia being an island nation off of West Pranneria and the foremost maritime power. While the Embassy maintains an open door policy and contributes resources to public works, it still remains distrusted due to Anowia's history of interference in mainland affairs to preserve a balance of power in its favour. The Lorchester family represents this district, an old clan that dates itself to Salerno's founding.

Cudgel District

North of Arena district lies Salerno's quietest area, home to mostly middle class residential areas and merchants more interested in dealing with fellow Salernians than outsiders, tending to adopt a suspicious and insular mindset towards those they don't recognise. Despite this it also happens to be the most religious, with small churches and monasteries dotted about to take advantage of the relative quietness of their surroundings, although pilgrims tend to receive a dour eye from the locals until they're able to reach the friendly sanctuary of their own church. Despite all of this, the Taskerhill family who represent the district happen to be by far the wealthiest in Salerno, having held a near monopoly on many mines and lumber mills near the city for centuries to maintain a steady stream of profit.

Merchant District

The centre of Salerno is a series of islands in the very centre of the harbour, it is often the first place a visitor sees, and often the only one they need to see, given the variety of services and entertainments on offer. Almost anything one could want can be bought here for the right price, and its population more than triples during the day as people come from all over Salerno to conduct their business. The head of the Arabani family who represent this district is well regarded for being energetic and active both in the community and council on behalf of her people.

Noble District

The name dates to Salerno's founding, when its nobles were far more isolated from the community and cloistered themselves away in one district to keep the hoi polloi out. With that, the inertia of history and abundance of stately old manors here does still tip the balance of its population towards the lesser nobility, many of whom tend to cling to reactionary viewpoints and a longing for 'better' times. It sits opposite the Arena district, butting against the Southeastern cliffs, and tends to hold something of a rivalry with its counterpart. While often seen as decadent and overly vain, this district does remain home to some of Salerno's better academies and schools, so students from the rest of the city often migrate here for their education. The Lidu family is tied with the Lorchester family for age, so it's perhaps natural that they represent this hidebound district.

Shadowshore

Nestled on the strip of land beneath Arena District and the inner harbour, this notorious district has long been a haven for criminals of all kind. The only people to live here are those so poor that their homes hold no attraction to thieves, or those with the wit or muscle to actively protect their property. The Watch has all but given up on this district, and only particularly destructive events such as fires or riots will rouse a response, otherwise leaving the filth to wallow in its muck. As would be expected with this lack of oversight, the black market thrives here, selling slaves, dangerous animals, forgeries, forbidden magic, and stolen goods. Black market representatives often have outlets in other districts, but these are far more well hidden. The current noble representative of Shadowshore is Emil Dracktus - referring to families or dynasties is pointless when the holder of this station changes so frequently, often due to murder or disgrace.

Sunset District

On the Northwest of the city lies Sunset, a residential district which holds the main gate to the road North into Isernia proper. Its inhabitants tend to be fairly well off, owing to interests in farms and planatations surrounding the city before the forest begins to dominate. It boasts a large natural park, which is entirely scenic to view but also home to fey who are apt to play pranks on visitors, ensuring it never grows too crowded. Representatives of the Knowlern family, chief nobles here, are frequent visitors however, and indeed the park was established by that family nearly two hundred years ago.