Nestoria Harbor
Nestoria Harbor is the southeastern harbor district of Eknopolis. Consisting of three major neighborhoods, Nestoria, Warehouse Row, and Lion Square, Nestoria serves the the majority of needs for the mariners that make up the lifeblood of the Eknopolitan economy - with the brothels of Xenikos serving the rest.
Nestoria is the heart of the district and is comprised of a sprawling slum. While not cursed with the abject poverty and high incidence of violent crime that plagues the neighboring Xenikos district, those unfortunate enough to reside in Nestoria still bear the heavy burdens of disease and desperation that typifies life in the southeastern quarter of Eknopolis.
Government
Nestoria Harbor is organized into five political districts known as dimoi, with each dimos the responsibility of two senators who serve in the Eknopolite Synkletos. While the rank of Senator is hereditary, it is considered good practice to maintain one's popularity among the citizens within one's dimos as the Emperor can revoke the title if he feels a senator is not sufficently fufilling his duties as custodian of the dimos. As such, the senators of Nestoria Harbor spend a great deal of money on panem et circenses, keeping the denizens satisfied through welfare schemes and senatorial-sponsored festivals and arena games.
As of 114 PR, the ten Senators of Nestoria Harbor are:
- Petronas Macrembolitissus
- Florentius Ingerinus
- Dulcitius Tzimiskes
- Lucas Phocus
- Epiphanius Lecapenas
- Auxentius Bardanes
- Basil Zonaras
- Eulalius Lascaris
- Iason Constantinus
- Vitalius Ducas
Defences
The southern edge of Nestoria runs along part of the enchanted city wall that lies between the Golden Gate and the Iron Gate. Two watchtowers overlook the district and act as the local headquarters of the district's vigil.
Industry & Trade
In addition to its residential neighborhoods, Nestoria Harbor contains two commerical districts:
Lion's Square (Πλατεία Λέοντος: )
Named after the large statue of an Aeriscan Lion in front of the large public bathouse that stands in its center, Lion's Square is an entertainment district that is bordered by Katadelian Square on its west side, the Forum of Naeia on its north side, the harbor to its east, the slums of Nestoria to its southeast, and the residential district of Eknopolis Major to the southwest. This central location ensures that the streets of Lion's Square remain filled with activity day and night with Eknopolitans of every social class rubbing shoulders in its multitude of taverns, shops, and gambling dens. Fierce competition between retailers results in prices for goods and services that are about 10 percent lower than the city average.
While Lion's Square is home to numerous eating and drinking establishments that are frequented by the large number of mariners who flock to its taverns at the end of their workday, there are five taverns of particular note:
- House of Alexios: A lodging establishment that caters to wealthy merchant-adventurers from foreign lands who stop in Eknopolis while traveling the Dragon Silk Road or the Dhenian Spice Routes. While the luxurious private rooms are out of reach for most travelers at the rate of 250 argyron a night, the large dining hall provides excellent meals and good wibe for only 10 argyron. The House of Alexios also provides a private bath and bath attendant, as well as a stable and groom for its guests.
- Demetrios's Inn: Providing lodging and food to more travelers of more modest means, one can rent a bed in one of the few dual bed rooms available for one argyron a night. Average quality fare can be had for 5 chalkon and mounts can be kept in a dilapidated stable for the same price. Bottles of average quality Eknoi wine can be purchased from the cellar for 1 argyron.
- Inn of the Shemites: Located near the Lion's Square public bath, the Inn of the Shemites was established to cater to the dietary restrictions of the Shemite mariners and merchants who visit Eknopolis, it provides modest lodging in communal bunks on its second floor for a few chalkon. In addition to dzite, average quality Shemitic fare and wine can be had as well.
- Taberna Maraga: Operated by Iordanis Maraga, patrons who have overindulged on the inn's dzite and wine on can sleep in one of the bunks located in the back room by tossing a few chalkon towards the barkeep. Iordanis's wife, Ermioni, provides modest but filling Eknoi dishes to patrons. Guests may walk to the nearby public bath to wash the ever-present Eknopolite dust off of their bodies.
- Eliza's Inn: Lodgers can rent a bed in one of the few small rooms that have two beds each. Innkeeper Eliza Lambratou provides average quality food and wine to her guests. Like most of the taverns in Lion's Square, it is located within the large public bath complex.
In addition to its entertainment venues, several other shops are present in the vincity of the public bathhouse complex. Myron Karaliades operates a public scriptorium that provides scribes and clerical services for the mostly illiterate populace. A tailor shop and a shop selling curios and religious relics also can be found in the public baths. There are also rumors that a meetingplace for those inducted into the mysteries of the Collegium Arcanum can also be found somewhere in Lion's Square.
Warehouse Row (Aμφοδον Αποθῆκon)
This district contains several city blocks of warehouses that house the multitude of cargo that is imported and exported by Eknopolitan merchant fleets on a daily basis. Prices for products and services in this district are around the city average. Taverns and inns that provide food and lodging for the many traveling merchants who come to Nestoria to do business can be found on the 2nd floor and above of many of these warehouses. Three taverns in Nestoria are of particular note.
- Quintus's Taberna: A tavern that is patronized only the most destitute or desperate of travelers. In addition to cheap dzite beer, customers can order bowls of itria pasta that are of average quality. For those too drunk to venture home after dark, Quintus allows one to sleep in an open chair in the tavern's common room for a few chalkon.
- Boulopoulos Inn: A multi-story establishment, guests may find accommodations in the few bunks found on the 3rd floor at the cost of 5 chalkon a night. In addition to dzite, the tavern also offers watered-down bowls of adara gruel.
- Blue House: Known for the best accommodations and food in Warehouse Row, patrons can lodge in bunks located in the communal rooms upstairs and dine on average-quality Eknoi fare. In addition to dzite, the Blue House also offers cheap, low-quality wine.
In addition, a small market square, known as the Ikhthueion, is located by the wharfs of Warehouse Row where fishmongers gather to sell the day's catch. Located on the square are two stalls selling common curios and relics, as well the workshops of several boatwrights, cartwrights, and shipwrights. A carpenter's workshop and a blacksmith can also be found near the wharfs for common quality woodcrafting and metalworking. Finally, a tailor's shop can be found that produces cheap, but poorly constructed garments for the residents of the Nestoria slums.
Guilds and Factions
The criminal underworld is split into two factions that war over control of the district: the Black Roses and the Shadow Snakes. Both gangs are involved with petty crime such as theft and smuggling, as well as more serious crimes, such as extortion and assassination. The Black Roses generate much of their income from running gambling dens in Lion's Square, whereas the Shadow Snakes tend towards 'thugs for hire' schemes.
