Western Harbour of Averum
The Western Harbor of Averum is a port located on the western coastline of Averum, inside the New Dock Ward. It was originally constructed by the Pouchers in 1302, though acted as more of a way-station than anything else. During the construction of the New Dock Ward, the dock was purchased by the Averum Republic and renovated for more extensive use.
It is the primary port used by most vessels looking to dock in Averum. Most ships stay anchored there for months on end, only leaving once they sell the majority of their goods. The port also is home to the ships of the Averi Navy. Cliffs to the north and south help to ensure the city always has a good overwatch over the port.
Purpose / Function
The Western Harbor was built by the Pouchers to provide a small way station to its members on Daugstads western coastline prior to the expansion of Averum. After the purchase of the harbor by the Republic, it was upgraded to act as a place to moor the navy of Averum, and be the primary port for vessels traveling along the Merchant Coast.
It sees the highest level of traffic among any known port of Edarmyrni and remains the most profitable. All ships arriving are charged a mooring fee of 1 cp per 10 feet (3 meters) of keel length per week.When the harbor is full, ships will either attempt the eastern port, or simply wait in port until a vacancy appears.
Alterations
The oldest part of the harbour remains the central port once made by the Pouchers. It still has much of the same construction from then, with additions made to increase the size of walkways into the water and expanding upon the Office of the Harbourmaster. Apart from that, the entire port was expanded as well, more than tripling in size during initial constructions, being almost 2 miles long currently.
Architecture
Most buildings of the harbour are warehouses or offices reserved for members of Averums armed forces, with the Averi Guard and Navy having the most expansive spaces. Along the port are a number of customs offices run by the Averi Guard, who are sure to check all incoming vessels for people who might be wielding magic items, and performing random inspections upon trade goods.
The walkways are built from timber, while the buildings of the harbour have a plaster, timber and clay tile construction. In addition to these buildings, shipyards for building and repairs are found throughout the northern portion of the harbour. This is also where the guildhall of the Incredible Collective of Skilled Shipwrights and Sailmakers can be found. The port is paved with imported stone from Clan Grohtskan, having a slight blue grey tint to it.
History
The Western Harbor was established by the Pouchers in 1302 in an attempt to avoid import fees at the time, which were only extended to seaborne goods or those coming through the Underdark. This was somewhat successful for a period, though the introduction of a new import law in 1353 brought the practice to an end, and the harbor gradually fell into disrepair.
Plans for expansion west by the Pouchlords were generated in 1369 and enacted in 1370. The purchase of the harbour from the Pouchers was formally performed on Uktar 14 1370 for a price of 100,000 gold pieces with the Pouchlords providing said currency with assistance from the Averum Republic by way of the Royal Averum Exchange.
Renovation and expansion was completed in 1376, though the ward was not completed till 1378. The port was opened in 1376 at the end of Seasdawn. The harbour experienced a period of yearly quarantine during the Barisle Plague, where ships were only allowed to land during the spring and must depart in the autumn.
Tourism
The harbour mainly has foreign merchants for tourists, typically looking to sell their goods in the Trade Ward. Foreign diplomats also remain common sight through the harbour.
Founding Date
1302
Alternative Names
West Harbor, Merchant Port
Type
Seaport
Parent Location
Owning Organization
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