Semothy Island

Settlement Type: Town

Region: Island

Population: 1012

Description:

Semothy Island is one of the Barrier Islands.  The island is the home to a town of Humans and Merfolk, who live in a harmonious community occupying most of the southeast corner of the isle.  Its streets double as canals, so that humans and merfolk can both access most of the same businesses and homes. Semothy is governed by an elected council, comprised of equal numbers of Humans and Merfolk. The majority of the town's iincome comes from fishing and aquaculture, with some trade among the other islanders.

The most notable locale on Semothy Island is the Blessed Barnacle Inn. Although the inn caters predominantly to human traders and travelers, its lobby includes a large pool connected to the town's canals, so that the merfolk can socialize with their coworkers and neighbors. 

The Blessed Barnacle is owned and operated by Soumida Atheden, a human woman who's family has called Semothy Island home for generations. A solidly built, dark-skinned woman in her fifties, Soumida is known for her hospitality and the odd adornments she weaves into her graying hair: twigs, bones, small stones, etc.  Some people say that she's a bit mad, but others say she is touched by the gods. The merfolk regard her with great respect and affection and often bring her small gifts.

Port Uleca

 

Settlement Type: City

Region: Coastal/Swamp

Population: 19,745

Description:

Port Uleca is a city on the southwestern coast of Hura, where the Faxhadi Swamp meets the ocean. The city has a population of approximately 19,745 permanent residents. Humans make up the majority of Port Uleca's population, with Elves comprising the second-largest racial group. 

Port Uleca is an independant city-state ruled by a monarchy, the House of Ziva'al. The current monarch is King Wisha Ziva'al, who despite his age (78) remains sharp of mind and strong of body. He rules the city with a moderate hand, assisted by his advisors and a few officials elected by the city's residents.

Port Uleca is largely self-sufficient as regards the staples of life. They produce their own food and enough of a surplus to trade with friendly nations for items and materials that they do not have. Although veins of swamp-gas have been found in the area, King Wisha has forbidden its mining because of the hazards it would expose his citizenry too. This has led to some contention with some of the city's Guilds, as swamp-gas is a lucrative resource. 

Port Uleca is an old city, built atop the ruins of an even older city. The Ruined Quarter (02) beyond the central city gives a glimpse of how the ancients lived and attracts some scholarly interest from foreign quarters. Of more interest to the casual tourist/visitor, are the two enormous statues(01) still standing at either end of Port Uleca's docks. The figures are fourteen stories tall, made of stone and metal enchanted against the elements, and dressed as warriors. There are old stories that if Port Uleca was ever threatened from the sea, the statues would come to life to defend the city.

Port Uleca is the central trade hub for most of the Faxhadi Swamp. Smaller communities can bring unique items to the city to sell for a profit, and foreign merchants (and sometimes pirates) know they can sell their wares in the port city with little difficulty. 

Ade

Settlement Type: Town

Region: Forest/Grassland

Population: 4821

Description:

The town of Ade lies north of the Suntouched Desert, near the southern base of the Zabe Mountains. Ade is a heavily fortified town, surrounded by stout stone walls. There is a single gate that controls access to the town, and it is closed from sunset to sunrise.

Ade's population is almost entirely Human, with a smattering of dwarves and elves. The town is governed by a leader, chosen once every seven years by the town's residents. The leader is always a woman and usually a mother. Because of this, many travelers believe the town is a matriarchy, but this is not so. It is just that governance and administration are considered the provence of women, while war, industry and the arts are viewed as more manly pursuits. This sort of thinking is common among the local dwarves and seems to have been absorbed into the local culture.

Speaking of culture, Abe is very proud of its local art scene, particularly their storytellers and poets. They host various festivals all year long in their Poet's Yard(02) that attract visitors from all over the region. Storytelling contests and poetic recitations can go on for days, and the participants, even if they don't win the sizeable purse, can earn a positive reputation among locals. Many well-known bards got their start in one of these contests.

Hospitality is an important part of local culture, and everyone agrees that the best place to stay in town is The Resting Hammer(01) on Garland Street. This three-story stone inn is owned by Master Mawneris Yehar, a cheerful Human male also known as Three-Pins Yehar. Both of his legs, below the knee, and most of his left arm were lost in an accident several years ago, and were replaced with wooden pins. Despite this, Master Yehar can be a formidable foe and a useful ally. He knows a great many useful people in the town.

In addition to its poets and hospitality, Ade is also known for its Ironworks(03). This large industrial yard produces some of the best quality metal tools and weapons in the region, and is an essential part of the town's economy. The Ironworks are owned by three families: the Ialachis, the Machainers and the Sietais. The families get along fairly well, and exert tremendous influence over the rest of the town. They have been known to use this influence to shut down potential competition, and there are rumors that they have employed underhanded and illegal tactics to do so. However, most of the town turns a deaf ear to these rumors, all too aware of how important the Ironworks is to the community.

Fotu'uz

 

Settlement Type: Village

Region: Swamp

Population: 641

Description:

The village of Fotu'uz lies southwest of the Aetu Mountains, in the Faxhadi Swamp. The village is built on a series of elevated wooden platforms connected by well-worn paths and makeshift bridges. Beyond the village the ground gives way to quicksand in several places. In addition, there are many dangerous predators in the area from the Giant Carnivorous Bloodfrog to swarms of vampire-flies that can drain all the blood from an adult human body in minutes.  

Despite these dangerous,Fotu'uz is a busy village. It is the site of a (1)gas harvesting operation. The villagers collect and store a methane-like gas from the swamp that has various industrial uses. Gas-harvesting is a dangerous occupation, and 60% of gas-harvesters die before their fifth year either from poisoning via inhalation of the gas, or by being caught in one of the frequent explosions associated with storing the gas. The companies that run the operation are always looking for new workers and pay reasonably well, all things considered.

Fotu'uz is also the home of the noted alchemist, Ambia Thuro. An aged human sage, Thuro fled persecution in Zadoul, and settled in the Great Swamp. Her workshop(2) in Fotu'uz attracts both students and sages with an interest in the alchemical arts. Convincing Thuro to talk about the subject, however, can be difficult. Mercenaries employed by various factions still sometimes attempt to kidnap the old woman, and she never goes anywhere without her dedicated bodyguards and a few alchemical weapons tucked into the folds of her robes. She prefers to be left alone, to conduct her research and record her findings. Visitors who pester the old woman are likely to receive stony silence or, worse, a world-class tongue-lashing.