Grayport And The Gray Bay

image by Deiv Calviz

Simon Gray was a thoughtful man. He was tall and lean, with a swagger that was intimidating enough with his armor off. However, the moment the man brushed his aging gray beard with his hand...that when the real armor comes on. Tonight the harbor was still as if holding its breath. The noises of the dock workers vacant from the salt water air. His cold brown eyes surveyed the bay and he began to stroke his beard.
He pondered what the Weir would throw at him next. What would dare to stalk his waters? Would it reach the shore? Would it endanger his city, his people, his very home? He peered down the docks and took notice of the cobble stone streets that weaved from the edge of the water to the few vessels who made it to the dock in time.
He saw the maze those streets created as they weave in between the stone building with blue and gray rooftops that reflected the light of torches and stars back to the sky. Simon was lost in thought, barely taking note of the squire helping with his armor. Would this night be my last? He thought as his cloak was fastened, The sigil and colors of The Greys, a hammer and sword on a blue and gray field, adorned the fabric. That's when he saw it. The creature emerged from the water and he smiled.
He rushed down the steps of his manor and out the door. He lifted atop his horse and urged it to move. The sounds of its hooves on stone echoed into the narrow streets. Not a soul was in sight. Within moments he was at the docks.
The beast's skin was rubbery and black. It exhaled the blue luminous mist of the Weirlands. The thing towered over him, even on horseback, and brought its teeth and claws to bear, sharp and designed with natures cruel intent. The creature gave a soft growl, which roused a chuckle from the man.
"I began to think Id never see you again old friend!" he began as his horse attempted to maintain composure, and another growl was all he received in reply.
"Must we dance again?" he taunted unsheathing his long sword and using it to point at the scar on the creature's side. It growled again, lower and more predatory, revealing its intelligence and understanding of the gesture.
He wasted no time and urged his horse to rush forward as the war cry of a hundred soldiers rang out in the night. Men and woman rushed out of alleys and behind fences, each dressed in the same armor as Simon. They each wielded a Maul with a shield forged into the handle.
Each shield featured the profile of a gray dog painted in its center. Simon saw other creatures rise from the water as he charged with the faithful hounds. Moments before the two sides clashed together Simon had a thought.

Thank the gods, he's getting bigger.

While mostly human, gray port is also host to many Alfen who are attempting to join The Greyhounds. Most of those who live in Grayport are middle class laborers who operate the mines and docks. Several artisans call it home as well and man the forges of the Grey's estate.
Simon Gray swears fealty to the King of Estoya and is very loyal. The affairs of Grayport and The Gray Bay are however under his direct authority.
The shipyards are the biggest in all of Estoya, and produce ships in almost half the time. The Gray estate also has one of the most advanced forges. The city has a small militia and military ships are always patrolling the waters of the Gray Bay, but the main line of defense would be Simon and the Greyhounds.
The city is also built like a maze to allow easy defense as enemies split or get lost. The first thing taught to new recruits is how to navigate the city efficiently.
The first port in Estoya, the town of Greyport was entrusted to house gray by the first of the Roux dynasty. The Grey's have turned it into a powerhouse with their elite soldiers and arms. Routine attacks from creatures of the Weir made it a necessity, They often patrol the coast for this reason.
Architecture is made of granite. Buildings are close together and feature reinforced wooden doors. Decor often depends on one's trade and interests. Rooftops are blue and gray such are the colors of the ruling house. Iron and fish are the main resources, as are grain and granite.

Guilds and Factions

The Grey Hounds, House Grey

Type

City

Population

2000

Inhabitant Demonym

Estalians

Location under

An Introduction To Estoya

Owner/Ruler

Simon Gray

Owning Organization

House Gray