Port Avanthyr

Origin

The Port Avanthyr is the main shipping area for most of Sundren's ocean bound goods. Its coast is somewhat easier to navigate than some other parts of the Sundarian coastline, and so most of the shipments from places such as Neverwinter and the like decide to make their berth here. The Port is also the main entrance point for many adventurers who decide to come to Sundren, often greeted by the Port's Darge Hemslate on where they are from and their business while within Sundren's borders.

The Port is now ruled by the Meriadoc family in lieu of any Legion troops. This has been somewhat of a contested issue, with the Emperor insisting on Legion troops taking their rightful place in the Port, but the noble family has been reluctant to do so.

Since the Meriadoc House founded the original port, they have had a majority of the controlling interest in the Port's activities over the years. They collect a small tax on goods that come in and go out through the Port alongside the government, as they own about three quarters of the land, including most of the docks. In return for the operation and management of the docks, the government allows them to tax the goods and the store owners that operate on their land. The Meriadocs own several apartments, shops, and buildings, including the Menacing Mariner.

The Meriadocs patrol the waters in several ships in order to prevent piracy, however, and provide a second level of security to the surrounding seas. That being said, their power isn't entirely widespread. There are private owners within the Port, and there are docks that do not have the Meriadoc tax attached to them (about 1/4th). This, coupled with the mostly 'hands off' approach the Meriadocs have to strictly enforcing rules and regulations, has made the Port a place of opportunity that the Meriadocs profit from by encouraging trade and transactions.

The Temple of Umberlee also makes its home within the town, a tribute to the Bitch Queen and her ilk. While Umberlee is indeed a goddess of wrath and a terrible one, the sailoring communtiy always see it fit to offer some sort of compensation and tribute to her in order to prevent storms and tragedy at sea. Recently, her temple has been reduced to a shrine, when Umberlee's Wrath came against the Port and the Meriadocs, who she saw as not giving proper tribute. The daughter of Nicantor Meriadoc and a few companions stayed this disaster of a storm somehow, saving the Port from certain destruction. The Port has been divided into East and West, with the channel running through it to the open ocean. You can find most goods and services you need in the Eastern portion, including City hall and the main docks. The West portion is home to the lighthouse, as well as the Bank of Waukeen.

The Blackwood mercenary group also makes its base in the Port, moving from Aquor. New to Sundren, this mercenary company is frequently hired by the Exigo Trading Company to protect their outposts and trading areas. Open to hiring by other organizations, the Blackwoods have a fierce reputation as being the best of the best. Well armored, well equipped, and well trained is the motto they profess to prospective clients.

The Menacing Mariner is a dangerous spot, full of tough sailors and even more drunken fighters. Keep an eye out of Tyris, the bartender, and see if you can't get some information out of him when you need to.

Recent History

Following the Emperor's announcement and Avanthyr's declaration of independence, the Legion withdrew its troops and the Meriadoc family took control of the Port's civil governance and security, the latter made possible through partnership with the Northern Watch in conjunction with the Avanthyr militia. Founded by Esmond Aurelianus, the Watch supplemented the Port's newly minted militia to keep peace within the city while safeguarding its borders.

A meeting was called among the Port's various leaders and stakeholders, including the two noble families Aurelianus and Meridoc, temple representatives, and prominent merchants. Having no desire to reinstate the Arbiters' system of government yet not wishing to relinquish their power as the city's founders, the Meriadocs now guide Avanthyr's future ruling as heads of state, supported by the Council of Ten, Supreme Tribunal, and General Assembly - a mixed government combining monarchy/aristocracy and democracy.

Government

Duke Everett Meriadoc

The Duke serves as Avanthyr's head of state and chief executive and passed down the Meriadoc family tree. Starting with the first Duke of Avanthyr, Nicantor Meriadoc, the role is inherited through birth - though it may also be bequeathed to the most able family member if one's direct descendant is unqualified or unwilling to serve. While the office comes with considerable power, the Duke is fully subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of city laws. The current Duke of Avanthyr is Everett of House Meriadoc.

The Council of Ten

The Council of Ten is the central political body of the Port whose members are voted in from the General Assembly (after a minimum 1 year of service), serving limited terms of 2 years. Former Councilmen may be voted in again but not consecutively. The Council was given authority over public finance and improvements, military action, and lawmaking. While the Duke has the right to veto over Council actions, the Council in turn has the power to investigate and even remove the Duke from power (to be replaced by another Meriadoc) if sufficient evidence of dereliction is presented to the General Assembly.

The General Assembly

The General Assembly represents the common people and other Port stakeholders (currently between 50-60 members). Yearly elections are held among the citizens, and most Representatives are prominent merchants, respected clergy, public servants, and other local leaders. Campaigning for this office is forbidden, and indeed, one can be elected to the Assembly without running for office at all - at which point it is a citizen's patriotic duty to serve. Anyone currently living within the Port (for at least one year) can participate in this process.

The Supreme Tribunal

In order to ensure such powers are not abused by any government body, the Supreme Tribunal was formed five years after the declaration of independence. Three state inquisitors - one selected from the Duke's advisers, two from the Council of Ten - are employed to regulate the governmental powers, preventing any group from gaining too much power.

Places of Interest

Jeremiah's store, City Hall, Shrine of Umberlee, Stouthammer's Brews, Lighthouse