The Harbourmaster’s Tower is a prominent structure in Seregon's Harbour District, standing tall at the edge of the bustling docks. This stone tower, weathered by years of salty winds and sea spray, is the nerve center for the daily operations of the harbor. From its upper floors, the Harbourmaster, a Darakhul named Annelies Zandstra, commands a panoramic view of the docks, keeping a vigilant eye on the endless flow of ships arriving and departing. Ships are all local and regional, as the international ship ceased decades ago.
The tower is built from dark, sea-worn stone, with ivy creeping up its sides. Narrow, arched windows line the tower, allowing the Harbourmaster to survey the harbor from every angle. A large wooden door, reinforced with iron, serves as the main entrance, opening into a foyer where dockworkers and ship captains often gather, awaiting their turn to report.
Inside, the tower is a maze of spiral staircases, dimly lit by magical sconces with weak crystals. The lower floors house the administrative offices, where clerks and inspectors work tirelessly, processing paperwork and conducting inspections. The higher floors are dedicated to the Harbourmaster's operations, with her office located near the top. The room is cluttered with nautical charts, manifests, and ledgers, with a large window behind her desk offering a commanding view of the harbor.
Operations and Challenges
Annelies Zandstra oversees everything from dock usage to the compliance of maritime regulations. Every ship that docks must report to her, and every cargo delivery is inspected by customs agents who then report back to her office. Despite the rigorous inspections, smuggling remains rampant, a problem that Annelies is often unfairly blamed for. The truth is, a small amount of crime is tolerated to keep the docks running smoothly—bribes exchanged for a peek at a ship's manifest, or a portion of goods taken in exchange for turning a blind eye.
Adding to her challenges, Annelies faces prejudice for her Darakhul nature. She became a Darakhul due to her husband’s negligence in failing to return in time with Seregon Serum, instead spending time in a pub while she suffered. This has left her feeling disconnected from her former self and her connection with nature, though she allows druids to operate on the docks, perhaps as a way to reconnect with what she has lost.
The Harbourmaster’s Struggles
Annelies is acutely aware of the slavery ring rumored to be operating within the harbor, but with the Iron Guard stretched thin, her resources are limited. She tries to keep a close watch on the docks, but the sheer volume of traffic makes it nearly impossible to catch every illicit deal. The Seven Sins has a strong presence here, offering security services in exchange for a cut of the goods. They’ve been known to sabotage shipments that don’t pay up, claiming they were accidentally “squashed by a dinosaur.”
Despite these challenges, Annelies maintains strict control over the harbor, using her keen intellect and the supernatural abilities that come with being a Darakhul. Yet, the weight of her responsibilities, coupled with the constant scrutiny and underlying resentment from those she serves, makes her position a lonely and precarious one.