The Free Port of Palegold was a piratical state in the western Ruined Sea, founded by the legendary pair of thieves - and lovers - Maurise síl Ebenaire and Adeline of Thiefgallows. Fleeing for Aelantir after a botched heist in Anbenncóst which resulted in information on Nathalaire’s Shadow Council to be leaked, the pair was on the run from both the law and the underworld. As their Cannorian crime networks were ripped from the ground, their former associates came to join them in Aelantir, where they would found the city of Port Palegold. Comprised of some of the shadiest characters their old continent had to offer, the pirates of Port Palegold quickly began targeting each other as much as they were targeting outside ships. However, despite their bickering, Port Palegood quickly rose to prominence as the premier location for any black market goods the heart could desire.
Artifice[]
Positioned at the western mouth of the Ruined Sea, Port Palegold was optimally positioned to leech from Amadian silver exports and prey on shipments of precursor artifacts. The abundance of old Precursor tech proved to be attractive for rogue artificers, mostly from the Triarchy or Vanburia, while the no-questions-asked attitude of the port allowed for many an unethical or disgraced artificer to continue their studies unimpeded. This class of illicit artificers eventually developed into one of the city’s foremost industries, adding a technological edge to Palegold pirate ships. Over time, leadership of the city often defaulted to whichever captain had the most advanced or intimidating looking flagship.
The most famous story relating to the Palegold artificers is the legend of the Eye of Doom and its wielder, Captain Lazga Deatheye. A towering orcish woman who once was a normal pirate captain bearing the name Lazga Seaquake, her legend began with a defeat. When her eye was destroyed by a stray bullet, she commissioned a local craftsman from Port Palegold to fashion a replacement. In a work that was equal parts genius and madness, the artificer pieced together a sheet of brass, a damestear crystal, and a precursor diamond to create the Eye of Doom. The device quickly lived up to its name as it proved capable of drilling holes into any person or ship that crossed its gaze with a beam of magical energy, earning Lazga the nickname “Deatheye.” Ultimately, Captain Deatheye quickly became the strongest pirate captain in the Ruined Sea, terrorizing the seas for almost twenty years before seemingly going mad and erupting into a violent rampage across Port Palegold, killing hundreds and destroying entire districts before the city government had ships bombard her location with enchanted cannonballs. Since that day, the Eye was lost many times before inevitably being found again, and passed hands tens of times between captains who all adopted the Deatheye name; some dying quickly and others becoming feared in their own rights, before eventually falling to the same madness. The cursed relic finally vanished in 1703 along with the Kheionai pirate Kelodus Deatheye, whose ship was destroyed in an altercation with a Lamentairey vessel when its captain – one of the feared Drowned Ones – summoned a gigantic kraken that swallowed Kelodus and his ship whole, before vanishing back into the depths.
The Nathalara[]
Peculiar to Port Palegold is its resident cult: the Nathalara (also known as the Cult of the Hidden Lovers). Inspired by their founders, the Ara-worshipping Maurice and the Nathalyne-worshipping Adeline, the cultists believe that the two goddesses are secretly lovers, and venerate both in equal measure. Though the cult did not originate with Maurice and Adeline, their escapades together led many believers to proclaim them as avatars of their respective goddesses, leading to a surge in converts. Officially declared heretical by both Corinite and Adeanic clergy, the cult was cracked down on after the Lorentish occupation of the city. However, both goddesses remain the most popular in the city.
Locations[]
- Temple of the Hidden Lovers - A temple to Ara and Nathalyne with an enchanted dome designed to refract and amplify the light of the moon into the city.
- Saltfront - The city’s fishing docks, this is where most of the less-criminally-inclined residents of the city spend much of their time.
- Lovers’ Landing - Another set of docks boasting a collection of taverns and inns, most visitors to the city will arrive here.
- Seahammer Yards -The artificery district of Port Palegold, located away from the main docks and other important structures.
- Gallowsquare - The heart of Port Palegold’s commerce, this is where most buying and selling of goods takes place.
- The Haul-of-Silver - Port Palegold’s oldest, largest, and most popular tavern.
- Shadowdocks - An innocuous-seeming port complex located far away from the hustle and bustle of the main city, the Shadowdocks are most attractive to clients seeking a higher degree of secrecy in their dealings.