New Dock Ward
The New Dock Ward is a ward in Averum encompassing the entire western edge/coastline of the city. It contains the entire Western Harbour along with numerous other important buildings and organizations.
Outside of the harbour proper, the ward is a tale of two stories. The north and south play host to many taverns and inns serving the influx of sailors and common travelers along with the less expensive houses of the wards, resulting in dank, dirty and often dangerous area where brawls a common sight on the street and in the buildings come nightfall. During the day, these areas are comparatively empty of street traffic save a few guild-members working.
The center of the ward holds play to upmarket taverns and inns, frequented by merchants, diplomats and well-off travelers. This well-lit portion of the ward sees much of its foot-traffic in the daytime, with goods being transported to the Trade Ward nearby. Nightfall brings in small groups of actors and musicians, who often perform to the rich-clientele for much of the night.
The ward has few permanent residents save those working in the buildings.
Demographics
Most people living in the Dock Ward are people who work in the district, such as guardsmen, in-keeps or shipwrights. Outside of winter, the population explodes to more than triple its normal number, with a huge influx of sailors, traders, diplomats and travelers coming to the city. Humans are the dominant species though not by much, with other humanoids being a common sight.
- Humans - 56%
- Half elves - 14%
- Elves - 10%
- Halflings - 8%
- Half orcs - 5%
- Dwarves - 2%
- Dragonborn - 2%
- Other - 3%
Government
The ward follows the typical laws common to Averum, with the Averi Guard having a significant presence. The guards here specialize in the customs work, having gone through training to ensure the right items are being taxed on entry. They are also responsible for much of the regulation of magic items entering the city, assigning more magic item licenses and registrations than any other ward.
Defences
Lining the cliff are a set of towers to watch over the bay. In addition, a set of chain gates can be raised between Mount Averum and the cliffs if needed to avoid unwanted ships from arriving.
Industry & Trade
The ward is responsible for a majority of trade moving into the city, having countless ships come through each day. Most people working are shipwrights, coopers, sailmakers, laborers,
Taverns, Inns and Festhalls
- Anchormans House - Tavern, inn and festhall reserved for the Incredible Collective of Skilled Shipwrights and Sailmakers, located in the wards center.
- The Blessed Landing - Tavern and inn frequented by sailors in the wards south.
- The Cracked Barrel - Tavern run by the former head of a smuggling inn, located in the wards north.
- The Crooked Flagon - Tavern known for its near-constant brawls, located in the wards south.
- Curious Brewing - Tavern commonly frequented by the more literary-inclined, playing host to writers, actors and musicians. Located in the wards north.
- The Dancing Dragon - Tavern owned by the dancers who work there, famed for their fire-breathing and dancing skill. Located in the wards south.
- Eye of the Ocean - A mixed tavern/ inn specializing in music and plays in the wards center.
- The Flirty Mermaid - Upmarket tavern, inn and festhall in the wards center.
- Four Stars - Tavern and inn known for its wide array of spirits and popularity amongst Damaran, Damraz and Illuskan sailors. Located in the wards south.
- The Happy Halfling - Halfling-run tavern and inn. The rooms of the inn are specifically tailored towards humanoids of different sizes. There are no doors on the rooms, with simple sheets instead.
- Hearth and Home - Quiet, two-storey inn towards the wards south.
- The Red Salmon - An inn and escort service run by a sultry, female drow, located in the wards north.
- The Thirsty Sailor - A run-down taverh in the wards south end.
- The Tired Pigeon - Small, quiet tavern in the docks south end, right next to the Crooked Flagon.
- Umberlees Embrace - Inn with a shrine to Umberlee in each room. Incredibly popular among people seeking to please the Sea Queen before leaving port.
- The Vosdrukar Tavern - Tavern in the wards north run by the Vosdrukar Clan, a dwarf clan famed for making some of the best ale in the city.
- The Wealthy Cooper - Tavern found by those who need to find it.
Shops & Businesses
The ward is home to many shipwrights, sailmakers, coopers and carpenters. Along with that, many general labors also ply their trade in the ward. Most of the shops are found in the south.- Aquitters Shop Store Selling Place - Store run by Aquitter, a goblin trader who buys and sells anything he can get his hands on.
- Cvetkos Fishing Shoppe - A fishing and survivalist store operated by Cvetko Darkovic, a former Damraz fisherman from Sakheloblast.
- Fey Fellows Books & Writings - A book, map and chart store run by a somewhat whimsical eladrin named Nelath. Located in the south ward.
- Red Sails Warehouse - Coffin-makers specializing in economic storage in the form of "coffin-sized lockboxes".
Guildhalls
- Antique Woodsman - Guildhall for the Averi Guild of Fine Woodworkers, who control much of the construction of barrels and timber-based public infrastucture. Located on the waterfront.
- Shipwright Meeting House - Guildhall for the Incredible Collective of Skilled Shipwrights and Sailmakers, located in the north.
- The Shoveller - Guildhall for the Dungsweepers Guild of Averum. Located at the eastern edge, nearby the Trade Ward.
Infrastructure
The ward has a paved stone floor entirely throughout, though is much cleaner towards the center. A shipyard for the Averi Navy of the Republic is located in the north, while the rest of the wards coast is home to the Western Harbour of Averum.
Shops & Businesses
- Aquitters Shop Store Selling Place - Store run by Aquitter, a goblin trader who buys and sells anything he can get his hands on.
- Fey Fellows Books & Writings - A book, map and chart store run by a somewhat whimsical eladrin named Nelath.
Guilds and Factions
Guilds
- Dungsweepers Guild of Averum - Headquarters located in the ward and significant amount of work performed here.
- Incredible Collective of Skilled Shipwrights and Sailmakers - Headquarters located near the Royal Shipyard of Averum in the north. Majority of work performed in the ward.
Societies
- Hins Bouqtha Community - The halfling community of Averum use the Happy Halfling as a meeting place from time to time, though this is often done simply to enjoy each others company.
- People for the Discussion of Language and Culture - They have no gathering place built in the ward, but members tend to frequent the central inns and taverns to meet travelers from other lands.
History
Construction of the ward began in 1370 DC and was completed in 1378. The renovation of the Western Harbour of Averum was completed in 1375 and opened prior to the rest of the ward, quickly increasing the overall level of water traffic to the region and reducing traffic in the Eastern Averum Harbour.
By 1400 DC, the ward had the highest level of traffic throughout the city and responsible for more than 50% of all trade.
Tourism
Most tourists to the ward stay there due to its proximity to the dock and quickly move further through the city once able.
Architecture
Buildings in the wards center are typically two or three stories tall and utilize orange clay tiles on the roofs, dark brown timber and dyed plasters.
Geography
A set of cliffs on either side of the wards north and south edges shelters the region, with Mount Averum in the bay helping to fend off the worst weather coming from Annachs Sea.
Founding Date
1378
Alternative Name(s)
West Ward, Dock Ward
Type
Ward
Population
14,830
Location under
Comments