Scarford

"Scourge of the Eastern Seas..."

Settled along the western coast of Golthien, and vassal port to Lentokk, Scarford harbors the ancestral enemies of the original Lentokki peoples. It's one of the oldest towns in the east, and one of the only settlements not razed by the blood mages of The Sanguine Order upon their claiming of the Lentokki lands. It was spared because its citizens were eager to get out from under the yoke of their original "masters," as the people of Scarport were (are still remain) brigands and scoundrels of the sea, always under attack by the fleets of Glointhal (which were originally harbored in "Old Lentokk").
One of the early mandates from the The Lentokki God Kings was to recall all privateers and cancel all charters that dealt with the pirate "menace" of the eastern World Sea. This instantly allied the settlers of Scarford, mostly pirates who'd finally run aground, to them. It's been a symbiotic relationship ever since, one maintained for over a thousand years.
In return for a blind eye towards their reaving activities, the seafarers of Scarford have become instrumental in the training and operating of Lentokk's naval fleet, harbored out of Charport, as well as Scarford. The brigands of Scarford have scoured the east and relish the opportunity to test themselves against the seafarers of the west, and the fortunes that travel with them. If recent rumors are to be believed, they might get their chance sooner than once expected.

Demographics

80% human, 5% half-orc, 5% isagorn, 5% goliath, 5% mixed other

Government

The pirates of Scarford rule via a kleptocracy comprised of the most brutish amongst the "Sea Lords" of the region. These tend to be brigands considered too unruly for the likes of Freeport and other portions of The Serpent's Teeth. The Sea Lords of Scarford usually consist of 6-10 free traders with crews of significant size and standing. They are technically elected, but everyone knows the elections are rigged, and money is the name of the game. Well, money and murder, as many lesser candidates for the Sea Lord office are found in various states of mortal disrepair around the time of local elections.

Defences

There is no formal army or constabulary within the town's walls. Individual Sea Lords are expected to police the portions of town they control, using their own muscle as enforcers. The town is divided up amongst the ruling council, and for the most part, people tend to stay in-line when it comes to their own provinces. This is predominantly out of fear from the "Busters" deputized by the Sea Lords to keep the peace. These "Busters" act as judge, jury and (typically) executioner. Thus one never knows what sort of treatment they'll receive at their hands. Murderers might get off with nothing but a warning, while a pick pocket might find himself given to the sword.

Industry & Trade

As a trade town, Scarford is quite bustling. If you're looking for it, there's a good chance you'll find it here. As chaotic as the rest of life is in the town, commerce is surprisingly organized and (mostly) legitimate. Well, if you turn a blind eye towards where the goods initially came from, that is.

Infrastructure

Scarford doesn't have the best infrastructure, and relies heavily on its neighbors for the amenities of its people. It doesn't have a modern sewer system or aqueducts. The town is not the most pleasant to sight or smell. It's overcrowded and dirty. It's not uncommon for the remnants of chamber pots to be found running down the streets.

Assets

Anything of any value in Scarford was either traded or stolen on the high seas. The Sea Lords represent the richest of the citizenry, and their manors are easily distinguished from the rest of the brick and mortar rabble. The "nobility" keeps themselves heavily defended, and its only the extremely brave or stupid (or both) that attempt to part them from their winnings.

Guilds and Factions

Many of the Guilds & Factions of the West can be found in town. Or at least some off shoot of them. Particularly, it seems, the more illegal organizations. It is known that The Club Masters have taken an interest in the port town. Whether or not they have a foothold yet is, typical for them, still publicly unknown.

History

As mentioned above, Scarford has been around for a good many years. Nearly two-thousand of them, to be precise. Originally no more than a rough consortium and hideout for thieves and pirates, the town eventually banded together in response to "Old Lentokk's" mandate to eliminate piracy on the high seas. This all changed the moment the blood mages overtook Lentokk and razed the region. The early Sea Lords came to the God Kings and threw themselves upon their mercy, quickly proving that they could provide a service to the new rulers of Lentokk. Ever since then, they've been given a long leash to run the waterways near Scarford, in return for helping with the naval fleet the Lentokki has been slowly assembling over the ensuing years.

Architecture

A low rent port town, Scarford is comprised predominantly by low standing buildings of cheap wood and clay. Not many buildings here, save for the manor houses of the Sea Lords, stand more than two stories in height.

Geography

Scarford sits on the western seaboard of Golthien, in the lands of Lentokk.

Natural Resources

Outside of fish from the sea, and some crops from the verdant regions to the east, Scarford doesn't claim much in the way of natural resources. It relies heavily on trade and the scouring of the sea lanes for its basic necessities.

Alternative Name(s)

Pirate's Cove, Brigand Bay

Type

Large town

Population

8,000 humanoids

Inhabitant Demonym

The Scars

Location under

Golthien

Owner/Ruler

The Lentokki God Kings

Owning Organization

The Lentokki