The Pirate Port of Kortov

Kortov is an infamous port city located in the northern islands of Qur, sandwiched between T'sa and Riek. It is often called "The Pirate Port" for it has overtime turned into a haven for pirates, who are praying on ships hoping to cross the great sea though the calm north passages.

Structure

Kortov is ruled by the "Mariner's Guild" that consist of around 200 captains. They then appoint a Burgomaster-Admiral, who oversees and ratifies every decision made by the Guild.  Though practically Burgomasters usually has the final say in everything and quite often simply rules with an iron fist. Or else they might be deemed weak.  It is a known fact, that accidents might happen to those who are considered weak. Unless their coffers are exceptionally full.
Burgomaster-Admirals themselves are elected. Traditionally, who ever gains enough support from other captains will be elected new leader. Powerful Captains will often use which ever means necessary to gain the support. Be it promises of power, money or new ship rights. Though often they gained through illicit means, such as bribery, blackmail or even assassination.
For example, the previous Burgomaster, a Suun-Zi assassin managed to gain her way to the top by literally eating the previous Burgomaster. She herself was later killed by her previous "acquaintances".

History

Kortov used to called "Travakurch" It was an esteemed naval port under protection of the Riek. But as their influence slowly dwindled, it started to attract more opportunistic captains. Who then started moving power to themselves and to their "Mariners Guild". Slowly but surely, the captains started using more and more ruthless mean when combating their opposition and soon they began targeting unaffiliated merchant vessels.
It only after the great fire of 1501, when all the last remnants of Shaman rule was driven out, did they all drop all pretenses and renamed the city "Kortov" named after the first Burgomaster-Captain Ishdaiban Kortov.
Now declaring autonomy from Riek and openly attacking vessels crossing the northern path. Riek itself was unable to do anything about it, as they themselves were facing their own crisis with the Wrach-Brothers Schism.

The Qur of T'sa instead answered in their own subtle fashion and blockaded the city with 14 Clan-ships. To everyone's surprise and dismay, the Council of Four Stones offered Kortov a deal. Kortov would be allowed to raid the area, but only to meet the quotas set to them by the Qur. And if they would ever cross that line. The T'sa would come with extreme prejudice and raze Kortov from the face of the earth itself.
The Grandmaster of the War-Monks especially was adamant for this decision, for he announced that this would weed out weakness in their ranks and strengthen their navy.

Now face with a weird situation, they are literally forced to pirate, just not too much. This made a lot of the captains turn to smuggling instead and many even turned tail and ran, often taking on honest jobs.

"Grachava uch Narcheva" (Freedom or Death)

Founding Date

1130 NA

Type

Geopolitical, Free City

Alternative Names

Travakurch

Demonym

Kortovans

Location

Islands of T'sa

Related Ethnicities

• Dwarves of T'sa
• Riekians