Port Lajer

If it's the rare stocks you're looking for, you've got to go to Port Lajer. It might not seem like much compared to Tenimor or any of the other mainland cities, but it's got it where it counts. Anyone who knows their maps is aware that Emito is on the outskirts of the Kingdom, practically touching Toren-Osea, Lauredia, and the unclaimed lands, which has obviously caused the place to be a hotbed for political... tensions. On the other hand, the wobbly balance of power there means that there is little effort to be spared to curb things like black market traders, or even pirates. Over my time in the trade I've found just about anything a person could want in Port Lajer, one time I swear I saw someone haggling for something that looked an awful lot like the Fharyne crown jewels. Regardless, I know it might be a hell of a trip to get from Fharyn to Emito, but trust me that it'll be worth it for what you find there. -E.S.

An undated letter intercepted on its way to Tenimor, seized by the crown due to its relevance to the crackdown on illegal trading.

Demographics

Since Port Lajer is a popular trading destination, its populace is quite varied. However, the majority of residents define themselves as Toti, or natives of the Ito Archipelago, and are recognizable primarily by their large noses. Economically speaking, this trend of diversity continues, as residents of Port Lajer span from wealthy traders to the lowest street urchins. Those among the lower castes are the majority, though the balance of power is definitely skewed out of their favor.

Government

Port Lajer is situated upon the island of Emito, which is (currently) under the control of the Kingdom of Fharyn. As with all of its satellites, the Fharyne government has imposed a royal governor onto the island, and has a large military presence stationed there. The port cities in particular have seen a rise in armed forces, as Emito is uniquely situated between all three major empires, as well as the unclaimed lands, making it a hub of inter-empire trade. The Kingdom of Fharyn is wary, however, that another empire may challenge the claim to Emito and its valuable ports, so its grasp on the island has been steadily increasing. Port Lajer is somewhat unique in that it faces the unclaimed lands, making it of less importance to the government and more importance to smugglers, pirates, and black market traders.

Defences

In recent years, Fharyn has been attempting to shore up its boundary states in an attempt to ward off attacks from other empires. As such, lands such as Emito have gained military importance. Port cities such as Port Lajer have a near constant Navy presence, and its harbor has been fortified to fend off an incoming naval attack.

Industry & Trade

Port Lajer is practically the Morovan capital of all things shady and illicit. Its sprawling layout and lack of oversight made it incredibly popular with traders and pirates in the past, though lately this has become more dangerous with the increase of Fharyne military presence. However, this has not completely vanquished the shady nature of Port Lajer, as many of its scummier residents have learned that even the most loyal Fharyne soldiers can be bought. And so, black market deals and illegal goods still keep the economy of Port Lajer afloat.

Infrastructure

Port Lajer is of somewhat haphazard construction; narrow winding roads crisscross the city, and are lined with wooden buildings that seem to lean on one another for support. It is an old city, though it's obvious that it was gradually built outwards from the harbor. As such, the newer and often nicer areas are situated further from the water, whereas shadier and slummier parts thrive near the harbor. There are aqueducts and an underground sewage system in place, though they often do not extend to the harbor districts.

Pronounced "LIE-yair"

Type

City

Population

10,000