Ujen Port Authority
Captain Horgath stepped out on deck and the harbour air hit him like a wet diaper. The tide was low and the stench was strong. Best to get the inspection done with quickly and over to the Tempest for some drink and company. His crew was active on deck, preparing cargo to bring ashore, and he sought out his bosun. The muscular half-orc stood near the gang plank watching the officers ashore and digging for treasure in his nose. Horgath made his way over to him.
"Keldac, who's on today?" The captain scanned the officers, but couldn't spot the inspector among them.
"I saw Karlson a moment ago." Keldac withdrew his finger and flicked away a large chunk. "Best not to hide anything."
Horgath grunted. It was bribery then.
Securing the Port
The Ujen Port Authority is responsible for securing and maintaining the ports of the city of Ujen. This includes both the oceanside and riverside ports. On the civil side they employ many labourers for general upkeep, but most people think of their law enforcement arm. They are responsible for cargo inspections and preventing contraband from entering the city and kingdom of Korinthia. Enforcement includes seizure of cargo, fines, and arrests. Ships can be impounded. The port authority also maintains rule throughout the Shipyards district. They have their own gaol and their own court. While it is technically possible to appeal a ruling to the King, such appeals have rarely been heard.Corruption
Of course this being Ujen, rumours of corruption within the port authority run rampant. It's said getting contraband into the city is all in knowing the inspector's price. The Oameni are particularly made to suffer, often threatened with trumped up charges and forced to pay exhorbitant fines. Getting contraband into the city is not the only trick. Even law abiding captains have their troubles with the port authority. Officers can delay inspections or make them so detailed and rule bound as to tie a ship and crew up indefinitely. The right "fee" will make all troubles go away. Many a captain has been hauled away to gaol protesting their innocence, claiming contraband found on board was planted.
Type
Government, Law Enforcement
Location
The introductory scene was a nice way to introduce the topic of the port authority. It may be worth putting stuff like this in an aloud or a quote box (bbcode), to make them stand out as soon as the reader arrives at your page. You introduced the concept of these people having their own gaol and court. Perhaps it'd be neat to know how those function, or even how did they end up with the power to have those separate to the rest of the Kingdom! Great sidebar material ;) I also really liked the corruption explanations, and how the port authority can make life impossible to ship captains, with tactics such as giving impossibly detailed inspections.
Thanks! I wasn't aware of the aloud tags, that's a great alternative to the quote box. Awesome tip. I was wondering what the best points to expand on would be. Thanks for the ideas. I think that makes a lot of sense.