The Free City of Sabravar
City of Sabraver.
Who Rules: The Lord of Sabravar, currently Duke Davian Aranth, a 45 year old male human descended from a long line of noblemen. He served as a General in the last Beastman war and was rewarded the stewardship of Sabravar. He is married with 2 children. He is served by the City Council that is made of elected representatives from each district, the highest ranking member of the church and the head of the city military.
Population: 15,000 (estimated)
Major Products: Cloth, Rope, Silverware, Horses.
Armed Forces:
Features
The Shadow Brotherhood, Commonly referred to as the thieves guild by many towns folk, this highly organised group have their fingers in many pies it is even said they are the true leaders of the Dock Workers Guild. Lead by Master Cortoz they are a highly efficient gang of racketeers, smugglers and money lenders. The do not control the muggers, burglars and general criminals of the city however it is not uncommon for the common criminal to disappear if they become too much of a hassle and the “Thieves Guild” is getting blamed.
*** SPOILER *** the figurehead of Master Cortoz is just a front, he is a charismatic puppet controlled by the Baroness El who is the power, money and brains behind the entire operation.
The Dockworkers Guild, an aggressive organisation ruled like a small fiefdom. The entire of the Docks area is controlled by The Dockworkers Guild. Everything coming in and out of the city through the port must pass through their hands, a levy is made against everything that passes.
The Coin Lord, a shadowy figure that has connections to The Shadow Brotherhood and the Merchants Guild a major player in the city and its underworld – it is rumoured he has made the Planks his personal fiefdom.
***SPOILER*** The Coin Lord is actually an extremely obese corpulent individual that is actively opposed to the shadow brotherhood and the dockworkers guild. Through subtly and the use of agents and adventurers he funds a war to cause as much damage as possible to his enemies. The Coin Lord is the actual crime boss with much influence over the thugs, footpads and thieves of Sabravar he fences for both clients and customers.
Districts
Castle District, this district contains the Citadel the home of the Lords of Sabravar and various other fortified houses, towers and keeps that belong to Nobility and the wealthy. Massive stone structures heavily fortified with many crenulations and arches make up the architecture. Djan Stonesmiths have created one of the most imposing and majestic districts with a well-planned street layout that can be locked down to maintain security and is highly defensible.
The Lord of Sabravar dwells within the “The Citadel” which stands high above the rest of the city with magnificent views of the city and its surrounds. It is a massive gothic castle with flying buttresses and impressive towers with green slate roofs.
Called the castle district as the walls and gates are still within the old site of the original castle.
The Planks, one of the oldest parts of the city it is a crumbling derelict district that once contained many great houses. Having suffered from a terrible fire that literally melted the buildings, it was abandoned by its original residents. The city began a rebuilding project, scaffolds were erected and the restoration project began however it was soon abandoned, because of the lives lost here the planks is renowned for its ghost, shades and spirits which are frequently seen during the day and night.
Several years ago however a notorious crime lord sought petition from the Lord of Sabravar to restore the district. Somehow this crime lord was granted the right and the district saw a steady influx of the less desirables of the city migrate to it under the banner of the “Coin Lord”. The Planks has become one of the most densely populated parts of the city and is constantly under construction and expansion to accommodate its residents. The perpetual appearance of the scaffolds, ropes and planked walkways gives the district the name all know.
The gates of the planks are the second most guarded in the city after the main gates to the city. Strict curfews are applied and traffic is heavily monitored. Access to the planks is unrestricted, however getting out is a different matter.
Lowertown, the poorest part of the city with many slums and homeless. This is a district of shanties that crowd between its walls, swarming around the few permanent building that exist here. Frequently disease and vermin out breaks arise, fires are not an uncommon sight. However due to the sheer number of people, the poverty and the exploitation the city have no solution short of expelling the residents out of the city, but this would be a death sentence to many as survival outside of the city would be impossible.
Lowertown does have one thing going for it. It is the home of some of the best breweries in the city and a Tap House called The Startled Frog is renowned for its ale and is frequently visited by many residents of the other districts of Sabravar.
Northtown, this district is dominated by its churches, temples, houses of worship, monasteries and other like intuitions. On each of the religious days Northtown becomes the destination of worshippers and pilgrims both from the city and beyond. Magnificent Cathedrals to various gods sit side by side. Whilst smaller temples and shrines nestle in the canyons between. Numerous orders of Clerics dwell with their monasteries, hospitals and alms houses.
Eastown, is the most well planned part of the city, tree lined open avenues and aesthetic building create a calm and less cluttered atmosphere. Numerous shopping lanes, fine taverns, good inns and open squares make Eastown a popular and safe place to live.
Southtown, connected to the Starseer Enclave and the docks, Southtown is an eclectic collection of buildings given over to many older 3 story buildings with narrow streets. Southtown does not have the wealth of Easttown but still has many fine taverns and Inns serving good ale and fine fare.
There are a number of casinos and private clubs to be found. Some of the oldest families live within the villas and complexes.
Seer’s Enclave, unusual in comparison to the rest of the city, the enclave is actually a pocket in the city where nature holds sway. Originally a dryads grove (it still exists and is protected) the influence of the fey and nature influence the rest of the district. Many small hamlets separated by hillocks and copses make up this community. The stand of Elden trees is also home to a Wild Ael community. It is also the home of the greatest university and private library in all the civilised lands.
The Docks, the sprawling mass of warehouses, tavern, flop houses, merchants and quays make a stark contrast to the rest of the city. The district never sleeps, constant trade due to the deep water harbour ensure that ships can be loaded and unloaded either night or day. Home to the infamous “Dockers” Dock Workers Guild which have an almost total strangle hold over the district, their guild house is the largest single structure that towers above the rest as a testament to their power and wealth.
Other Places of Note