Luskan
Luskan is a seafaring merchant city, home to fierce, proud and warlike Northmen. This important northern port city is located at the mouth of the river Mirar, a swift, icy, cold, rocky, and extremely difficult to navigate river. Although it seeks merchant trade, visitors are few and often made to feel unwelcome. This probably has much to do with the fact that Luskan is a known harbor for northern pirates, if not an outright sponsor of their activities. Inns that serve travelers are rare; The Cutlass, a notorious dive on the docks (a pirate haven no doubt) and the Seven Sails Inn are the only known lodgings in the city.
Luskan wages almost constant war against naval powers that its Captains feel they can defeat; recently they crushed Ruathym. In the past, they been defeated by Mintarn and Orlumbor (supported by Waterdeep and Amn) and slaughtered on the seas by the ships of Lantan, who they no longer even speak of. Luskan warriors often raid inland, particularly when sea vigilance makes raiding the coast difficult. The Zhentarim are said to be attempting an alliance with Luskan (but it is unknown as to their success).
Economy: Trade and piracy. In peacetime, the city's warships act as unsanctioned pirates (though rumors abound they are led by the High Captains), trying to make all shippers use only Luskan ships or only Luskan as a port by preying on all other ships, and on all shipping that visits Waterdeep (Waterdeep's navy is on constant patrol for this).
Militia: The city has a standing army of hundreds of spearmen, and a navy of 14 known warships (dragonships), armed with up to 70 archers each. Luskan is involved in an "ego" war with Ruathym. Neither side will admit defeat so clashes continue. Waterdeep has threatened involvement if the two nations refuse to negotiate an end to the conflict.
Demographics
Virtually all human. Loathsome of outsiders.
Government
Oligarchy of the High Captains.
Defences
Hosttower of the Arcane. High city walls.
History
Before it was Luskan, in a time long ago, this was an orcish city known as Illusk. Its ruins still stand near the city center.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
Shieldmeet 320 NR or 1352 DR
Alternative Name(s)
The City of Sails
Type
City
Population
16,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Luskanites
Owning Organization
Comments