The Outlander’s Guide to Miercna

Excerpts from Captain Rhys's letters to Huntmaster Axel, forwarded to Ix on the eve of his visit to Miercna.
Miercna is located in hilly terrain between the ocean and the mountains. This is not an ideal place to grow food. The fact that they have managed to get a lot of growth from their farms suggests the use of a druid.
Mountainous terrain prevents invasion from one side. The cannons on their walls face the sea, which should hold back any water based invasion for a while. The hills likely once held dens for outlaws and enemies of The Emperor, but these have long been rooted out and turned into hides for the City Guard and those members of the Imperial army based in the city. This forces any potential invading army to march towards them in plain sight. Seems difficult.
Others are shunned in Miercna. Hobgoblins are thrown out of most pubs, alongside many who do not have fully human features. The prejudice is strong here. It is safest to stay within the Sea Ward. There you can find a diverse group of Others. Jobgoblins like me, one or two Leonin. Trollsons, Orc bloods. Full orcs, even. This is where you can find work without getting attention. Mostly sailing, if you want to keep your nose clean. Work hard enough and you might get into an imperial ship one day. Would that be too long to wait?
The Black Fang was a place for steady work. I told you Our Rich and Inventive Friend used to hire through them. He's going direct these days, says he can't get hold of them. The Covenant used to be a steady source of work outside of Miercna, but that's gone quiet too. Probably not a good sign if both the thieve's guild and the assassin's guild have gone quiet. I think the Bandit Queen prospers in the West because the cities cannot challenge her. Crime-wise.
They've dragged a young lad up into the Imperial Court and dressed him in fancy robes and called him the Voice of The Goddess. Before you ask, yeah. The same as the others. The emperor has a type. If you wanted to strike at the heart of the Imperial Order, you could try a hostage exchange. Voice of the Goddess for your prisoners. Might be hard. I'll try to get closer next time.
May the Spirits forge your claws into silver. If I'm not back alive, I'll find a way home.