Westerly

"Coastal City of Adventure!"

On the southwest coast of Hariel Minuta stands the port city of Westerly. As isolated as the city seems to be, it's surprisingly a bit of a mecca for innovation, and features one of the most bizarre and eclectic populaces in the west.
Founded by wealthy merchant aristocrats who chafed at the idea of bowing to the ruler of a unified nation, Westerly became a haven for those seeking to avoid "the king's taxes." Westerly is thusly a city-state unto itself, ruled as a plutocracy from within by a "table" of rich merchant princes (and princesses) who purchase their way into office.
As there are few ports along the southwest edge of Hariel Minuta, Westerly holds somewhat of a monopoly on sea traffic in the region - and the city's rulers damn well know it.

Demographics

Westerly is a predominantly human settlement, with over 85% of the permanent population belonging to said species. The other, roughly 15% is comprised fairly evenly by members of the various demi-human races of the west.

Government

A plutocracy run by a council, or "table," of sea merchant princes and princesses, some 8-10 seats strong at any given time. Election to the table is a "meritocracy," as long as you consider having a fat purse merit. The people ostensibly get to "vote" between several rich candidates (as one must make and spend a certain base-line of gold to even enter the running), but honestly the entire democratic process is a show-pony sham.

Defences

Westerly is defended by a "common" city watch of approximately 800 citizen-soldiers, but it's far more well known for the flashy exploits of it's home-brewed association of gentlemen swashbucklers known as "The White Plumes." Membership to the Plumes is by invitation only, and their ranks never exceed 66 (a number of some significance for them) at any time. Plumes are pulled from the aristocracy, and one must have "the right blood" to be approached to join the lauded few. The White Plumes are easy spotted and known for their eponymous feathered caps, along with their bright livery (depicting two crossed sabres over a field of white and blue).
Westerly also maintains a private navy of around 20 galleons and assorted support ships. This navy comprises the majority of their actual defenses against outside attacks. From time to time, the city employs sell swords to swell their ranks (when and if necessary), but beyond the city's internal defenses, it doesn't feature much in the way of a standing army (the naval officers and enlisted men may be called upon to conduct defense from the land in times of strife).
Up until recently, the city has been either "plagued" or "blessed" (depending on your perspective), by a masked vigilante known simply as "The Grivner." The masked crusader is known to go where even the White Plumes will not, and is a defender of the lower class... the "forgotten masses." The appearance of The Grivner is a well-guarded secret by those who've been aided by him or her (also unknown), as his/her "fans" wish to protect the vigilante's identity from the authorities. Unfortunately, the Grivner hasn't been seen much of late. Hopefully the law hasn't caught up with "the people's savior."

Industry & Trade

They say that anything and everything can be found in Westerly. "If it exists, it's in Westerly," is the saying. It is known to be one of the only western cities that traffics in the burgeoning industry of powder-based projectile arms, mostly brought in from the eastern provinces of The Houlon Empire.

Infrastructure

The wealthy leaders of Westerly desire to keep up with modern trends and conveniences. As such, the city is well appointed with many tacked on public works including an aqueduct that wasn't part of the original city planning. Because of these constant "improvements," Westerly is a hodge-podge of random advancements, some sticking out like sore thumbs against the backdrop of a far less modern city.

Assets

As a wealthy port city, goods of all kinds flow in and out of Westerly on a daily basis. They aren't really known for one particular thing, well perhaps jewels, but if you want it, you more than likely can find it in Westerly.

Guilds and Factions

Most of the western world's guilds are present and quite active in Westerly. Pretty much any of those listed here can be found... Guilds & Factions of the West

History

Though by no means an ancient city, Westerly actually predates the large migration southward invoked by The Sundering. Its rulers were se merchant fat cats who lived high on the hog in the formative years of Angleport's operation. When the bustling city became a protectorate of the crown of Wyeth, the writing on the wall soon became clear. The merchants would no longer be able to act with impunity, selling their wares for prices driven up internally and essentially living tax free. In order to escape the demands of the crown, a good many of the less scrupulous merchant class headed south, to form their own city. One that couldn't be taken from them so easily...
So they sailed south, passing both Hariel Majour and The Throat. They did everything possible to put as much distance between themselves and the nation of Wyeth. They settled on a small southwestern patch of land somehow not yet occupied by any other civilization. Having more resources than most burgeoning settlements, they quick established the infrastructure of their new city. Initially, they relied on sell swords to protect their holdings from both the nomadic tribes pouring forth from The Wastes of Veric, as well as the pirate scourge from the Inner Sea. Thankfully, the sea merchants had much experience dealing with such brigands and cutthroats, and they even managed to convince several of the great pirate kings to settle within Westerly's walls. A few were even "elected" to the ruling table (council).
Never content with what they had, the city rulers were always pressed to keep up with modern trends. The city perhaps grew at a rate faster than any other (save perhaps for Lentokk), with money thrown directly at any conceivable problem. Public works and beautiful facades were a priority. In fact, some gorgeous buildings are not much more than their public facing walls. Within, many of the most expensive structures are pure crap. But sexy crap.
Eventually, Westerly's leaders grew discontent with the rates they were paying for their mercenary protectors, thus they set about forming their own ranks of "soldiers." Never content with anything but the best, their nascent "White Plumes" soon gained a (quite accurate) reputation for being the "best of the best." This was at least one thing in Westerly that was more than a mere facade.
Today, the city stands brighter than ever, though it is bursting at the seams with its permanent (and transient) population. If one wants to see fineries not typically found (in the west) outside the royal city of Markhan or (in the east) the opulence of Varistane, they need only travel a bit south (by sea if possible) to the shining spires of the "White City on the Shore."

Geography

Situated along the southwest coast of Hariel Minuta, just south of the Sun Spires mountain range.

Natural Resources

As Westerly is bordered by both woods and mountains to its south and east, much wood and ore passes through its gates. The city founders own several iron and silver mines, and they constantly work to keep up the trade of wood culled from the nearby forests. Beyond this, the usual sea food typical to a coastal city is another strong point of trade for the city residents.

Alternative Name(s)

"The City of Coin," "The White City," "Port Pearl"

Type

Large city

Population

Roughly 40,000 residents

Inhabitant Demonym

Westerlies

Location under

Hariel Minuta

Owning Organization

The Merchant Princes of Westerly