Hollow Haven is a small but strategically vital island located in the narrow sea between the Vache Kingdom and the Nagan Empire. The island’s unique geography features a naturally hollowed-out rock formation, which has been meticulously developed into a large, well-protected harbor. This harbor serves as a mandatory stop for all ships traveling along The Hollow Way, the main trade route between the two nations.
Geography and Structure
Despite its relatively small size, Hollow Haven is large enough to accommodate a bustling harbor within its hollowed rock interior. The harbor is heavily fortified, with imposing stone walls and towers that rise from the surrounding cliffs, providing both defense and a commanding view of the surrounding waters. The island’s most prominent feature is its lighthouse, perched atop the highest point of the island, guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters and signaling the location of the toll port.
Strategic Importance
Hollow Haven is one of the most guarded and strictly regulated locations within the Vache Kingdom. Its position along The Hollow Way makes it a crucial checkpoint for all maritime trade between the Vache Kingdom and the Nagan Empire. The island's fortifications are manned by a well-trained garrison, ensuring the security of the port and the enforcement of the kingdom’s toll and inspection policies. The Vache Kingdom’s control over Hollow Haven allows it to maintain a tight grip on the flow of goods and information between the two nations, as well as to generate substantial revenue through tolls and tariffs.
Command Structure:
The island’s fortifications are under the direct command of the Haven Commander, a high-ranking officer appointed by the Vache Kingdom’s Iron Kings. The Haven Commander oversees a well-trained garrison composed of elite soldiers, naval officers, and inspectors, all of whom have undergone rigorous training in security, maritime law, and customs enforcement. The garrison is structured into specialized units, each with a specific role:
Fortress Guard: Responsible for the island’s overall defense, including manning the walls, towers, and heavy artillery. They maintain constant vigilance against potential threats, both from the sea and any unauthorized attempts to breach the island’s security.
Harbor Watch: Tasked with monitoring incoming and outgoing vessels, managing the docking process, and ensuring that all ships adhere to the established protocols. They also assist with the physical inspection of cargo and the enforcement of inspection rules.
Inspection Corps: A specialized unit of customs officers and inspectors responsible for the thorough examination of cargo, screening of crew and passengers, and the enforcement of quarantine measures. They report directly to the Haven Commander and work closely with the Harbor Watch.
Inspection Rules:
Hollow Haven is known for its stringent inspection protocols, designed to ensure that all goods and passengers comply with the laws of the Vache Kingdom. The island operates under a strict code, which all visiting vessels must follow:
Mandatory Docking: All ships traveling along The Hollow Way must dock at Hollow Haven. Failure to do so is considered a serious violation and can result in heavy fines or the confiscation of the vessel.
Declaration of Goods: Before docking, ship captains must submit a detailed manifest of all cargo and passengers to the Inspection Corps. This document is cross-referenced during the inspection process.
Inspection Fees: A toll is charged based on the ship's size, cargo value, and number of passengers. This fee must be paid before the ship is cleared to depart.
Cargo Inspections:
Cargo inspections are conducted with meticulous attention to detail. The Inspection Corps uses a combination of manual checks and magical detection methods to ensure that no contraband, forbidden items, or undeclared goods are being transported:
Manual Inspection: Inspectors physically examine crates, barrels, and other containers. They are trained to detect hidden compartments and false bottoms where contraband might be concealed.
Magical Scanning: Enchanted devices are used to detect magical auras or hidden items that might escape the naked eye. These scans are particularly useful for identifying smuggled artifacts or dangerous substances.
Sampling: In some cases, small samples of cargo are taken for further testing, especially if the goods are perishable, hazardous, or of high value.
Crew and Passenger Screening:
The screening of crew members and passengers is just as rigorous as cargo inspection. The Inspection Corps ensures that all individuals onboard are accounted for and pose no threat to the security of the kingdom:
Identity Verification: All crew and passengers must present valid identification documents. These are checked against the manifest and any records of known criminals, smugglers, or wanted individuals.
Health Screening: To prevent the spread of disease, all passengers and crew undergo a basic health inspection. Anyone showing signs of illness may be quarantined for further examination.
Interviews: Random interviews are conducted with passengers and crew to verify their purpose of travel and to detect any inconsistencies in their statements.
Quarantine and Detainment:
Hollow Haven maintains strict quarantine and detainment facilities to handle any potential threats:
Quarantine: Ships or individuals suspected of carrying infectious diseases or hazardous materials are immediately placed under quarantine. This involves isolating the affected individuals or cargo until they are deemed safe by the island’s medical officers.
Detainment: Any individuals found to be in violation of Vache Kingdom laws—such as smuggling, espionage, or other illegal activities—are detained in the island’s holding cells. Detained individuals are subject to questioning and, depending on the severity of the offense, may be transported to the mainland for trial.
Penalties for Violations:
The Vache Kingdom enforces strict penalties for any violations of Hollow Haven’s rules:
Fines: Minor infractions, such as undeclared goods or improper documentation, result in heavy fines, which must be paid before the ship is allowed to depart.
Confiscation: More serious offenses, such as smuggling or transporting dangerous materials, can result in the confiscation of the cargo or even the entire vessel. Confiscated goods are either destroyed or auctioned off, with proceeds going to the kingdom’s treasury.
Imprisonment: Individuals found guilty of serious crimes, such as espionage or violent offenses, are imprisoned on the island or sent to the mainland for sentencing. Depending on the crime, this can result in long-term imprisonment or, in the most severe cases, execution.
Life on Hollow Haven
Life on Hollow Haven is defined by its military presence and the constant flow of trade ships. The island’s inhabitants are primarily military personnel, customs officials, and a small community of merchants and workers who support the harbor's operations. Due to its strict regulations and the importance of maintaining order, Hollow Haven is known for its rigid discipline and adherence to the kingdom’s laws. Visitors to the island, whether merchants or sailors, are subject to thorough inspections and must adhere to the island’s stringent rules.
Hollow Haven is more than just a toll port; it is a symbol of the Vache Kingdom’s maritime power and its ability to control key trade routes. The island’s combination of natural defenses, human fortifications, and strategic location make it an indispensable asset to the kingdom. Its lighthouse, a beacon of safety amidst the dangerous southern currents, is a testament to the island’s role in ensuring the security and prosperity of trade between the Vache Kingdom and the Nagan Empire.