Harloch

That the port town of Harloch is home to more ships then houses is a common saying on Snowdown, but it isn't far from the truth. A criss crossing network of canals branch off from the deep water harbour where large vessels moor, while the canals are clogged with barges that are home to shops, tanneries, warehouses, and indeed homes. The Canals edges are lined with stout, grey stoned buildings built to withstand winter snows and summer storms. The roofs of the barges are all covered in tar and gravel, as they make up the only way to traverse the town on foot.

Defences

Harloch is protected from land by the vast fens which surround the city. Any force who tried to approach the city by land would find their supplies bogged down and their warriors drowned. Should any be foolish enough to attack by sea, then they'll find themselves at the mercy of a hundred Pirate Captains and their crews. As much as they will fight each other, the Captains of Harloch will unite against any folk from the mainland.

Industry & Trade

Trade in Harloch is limited to what its Captains bring in from their raids. This means that there is always something new to find in their markets. The one contant is fish, as the most common occupation of a retired pirate is that of a fisherman. 
If there were to be any trade that Harloch is known for, it would be for their shipwrights. Over the centuries, Harloch has collected an enormous amount of ship building expertise, enough to rival even the creations of Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep.

Infrastructure

Harloch's infrastructure is entirely limited to is canals, which are dug deep and lined with granite blocks. There are dozens of miles of canal around its main harbour, and the gaps between have been filled with stout grey buildings housing the towns food stores, smithies, and shipwrights.

Architecture

Permanent structures in Harloch squat on the narrow walls between canals, and are made of grey blocks of granite so as to withstand any storm. They are slit windowed buildings, bereft of any ornamentation, and only a single story tall.

Alternative Name(s)

The Steady City

Type

Town

Population

3,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Lochers

Location under

Snowdown

Owner/Ruler

Erliza Daressin