The Free City of Mageport
Off the west coast of the continent of Arimar is Waymark Island, a stopping point for Sea traders for centuries. At the southernmost tip of the island, at the mouth of the Waymark River, was established the settlement of Mageport. What started as a safe anchorage for merchant ships soon sprang into a small settlement that began drawing the curiosity of Mages, Archaeologists, and Sages as several ruins pre-dating known history of the five tribes of men had been found. Deep Beneath, many of these ruins were caverns full of crystal and gems, unlike those seen in much of Evermyst. Some of the rarest Crystals even held magical properties.
The Settlement in its early days was named Freeport, as it was a neutral ground for mariners and vessels of all nations, even pirates. Unfortunately, it earned these odd nicknames: Wizardton, Magetown, and Arcanaville due to all of the book-toting, curious, landlubber types looking to book passage there but didn't know its true name or exact location. Sea Captains soon found this to be surprising yet a profitable charter, as curious knowledge seekers paid large sums to be dropped off at a rough-and-tumble port in these early days. Many of these pilgrims just disappeared into the inner parts of the island.
From its early rough-and-tumble days of being a barely civilized anchorage, Freeport began to become a small town, a mostly lawless town at that. Until three fed-up mages grew tired of the lawlessness, thievery, and downright disturbances that studious curiosity seekers were often victims of. Thadius Greencloak, Marious the Grey, and Drucelia Moonspire stepped into the Bloodbucket Tavern at that time, the only Tavern in Freeport, announcing to all the patrons that they wished to establish a governing council and set constabulary laws for the town. This did not go over well with a mostly drunk and rowdy buccaneering crowd. Legend says a barroom brawl of epic proportions ensued with the Three Mages surviving the ordeal and coming out on the winning end. The following morning at sunrise, despite being bruised, battered, and hungover, the Three Mages held the first Town council meeting for the town of Freeport.
"This drunken lawlessness cannot stand!" ~ Quote: Thadious Greencloak
Within the next two decades, Freeport grew and was even ruled by the Three Mages, becoming the first Ruling City Council Members. Their influence over the city changed it from a lawless port to a promising small village that voted to rename the village Mageport. Over the Last 150 years, the village grew into a city and improved, still benefiting from sea trade and the underground riches of Gems and Crystals, along with magics now being used for the benefit of its citizenry. First, with magically lit Street lamps, then the development of the brass golem guard. Soon, Technologically Inventive Gnomes migrated to the Mageport. They helped incorporate the melding of magics with technology geared towards benefiting the town as a whole.
Greedy Pirates and wealth-seeking Kings have tried taking the city of Mageport on several occasions but all have been driven off or defeated with the combined determination of Mageport's people and their Mage Councils abilities and technology. After the last attempted taking of the city by forces from the Kingdom of Acalon, a treaty was signed that struck up an alliance between Mageport and the King of Acalon. The Mageport Council then held a session and a vote to Declare Mageport "The Free City of Mageport." This Treaty has proved beneficial for both the Kingdom of Acalon and the City and residents of Waymark Isle.
Over the Years, the Free City of Mageport has grown and provided some of the most innovative magically powered technologies to improve the lives of its people. One of these, the Mageport Pram, as it's known, is a form of Citizen transport that travels on a monorail above the just above rooftops to station towers at designated locations throughout the city, a mix of Gnomish Injinuity and powered by magic-storing crystals for the cost of a copper Farthing one can be wisked to one of several destinations within the city walls. This Pram was developed by two of the current members of the Mages Council, an Artful Gnome named Rimple Cogwhir and an Elf Mage named Lethandor Vaelorian. This is one of the most wonderful things about the Free City of Mageport that many from all over Evermyst desire to come and see experience for themselves.
The Mageport Pram.
Demographics
The population of the Free City of Mageport is 58% Human, 30% Gnome, 5% Halfling, 4% Half Elf, and 3% of other races.
Government
The Best Description of how the Free City of Mageport is governed is as a Magocracy. A council of five mages run the affairs of the city. Hold routine meetings dealing with the welfare and affairs of the City. They make appointments for other positions needed in the city, such as Captain of the Guard, Tax Collectors, Constables, Magistrates, Harbormaster, Rat Catcher, etc.
The Council of Mages is led by one High Mage counselor who is elected from the five on the council. He or She is elected by the city's citizens. Elections are held every 5th year. Getting Elected to the Mages Council is slightly different. A pool of Candidates is selected from standing members on the Council, and this pool of candidates is then voted on by the citizenry, with council members' votes used to break any ties. One must be capable of casting spells and incantations and well-versed in using Magic to become a member of the council.
Defences
The City Boasts Many Defenses, some conventional, and some bolstered with magic.
The City Walls, besides being manned by a Garrison they are protected with runes that prevent Flight by Physical or magical means over the walls. Spells such as Dimension Door are often fouled, and those using them often find themselves within the city Jails and without their Gear or Clothes.
Balistae enchanted for accuracy and felling large, high-flying beasts are set at every Larger Tower.
Two Great Statues of Previous Founders at the port's entrance can release Lightning bolts and command Tidal surges to push enemy ships back or even capsize them.
In Addition to a Regular Town Guard and Consabulary, there is also the Brass Golem Guard that answers to the Captain and Sergeants of the Guard.
Industry & Trade
With Innovations through the merger of Magic and Technology, Mageport is now a major Trade Hub for Merchants from all over Evermyst. The City Boasts Substantial Export of Gemstones, and Waymark Islands' climate is suitable for several rare plants, several used in magical components or the manufacture of Potions and Medicine.
Infrastructure
The Free City of Mageport boasts the only Magic Public Transportation System referred to as the Mageport Pram that hauls passengers on a magical monorail system to several Set tower stations throughout Mageport.
Mageport has a Deepwater Harbor that is protected and accepts trading ships from all over Evermyst.
The City has Magically charged street lighting that illuminates the city streets.
Keeping the City Clean on set days are small Water and Air Elementals that keep the streets clean and clear of waste and garbage.
Public Assistance can come to citizens who are current in their taxes in the form of requests for unseen servants to help those not capable or in need of help. This could be in the form of a Housemaid, Rickshaw, or Farmers often save up earned credits to get unseen servants to harvest or till fields.
Citizens who are current in their taxes can take advantage of medical treatment or healing at district clinics with little to minimal waiting time. More serious things like disease or poisoning often require some payment, or their care is forwarded to the city's Temple Clergy or Hospital.
The City can survive a substantial siege or famon as there is an abundance of food stores stockpiled in Magical Pocket Dimension warehouses.
Enchanted Wells provide clean, fresh springwater throughout the city.
The City has four bridges and a river running through the center of the city with green spaces and daily markets.
Windmills near the harbor power for the processing of Corn, Wheat, and Rock Salts.
The City Boasts District Schoolhouses, and all resident children are taught to read.
The City Boasts one of the most extensive libraries as well as a few colleges.
The City has one of the most extensive and well-kept sewer systems.
In addition, the City has many of the expected amenities and shops like Inns, Taverns, Weaponsmiths, Armorers, Smithys, Stables, Courier services, Clothiers, Tailers, Tinkers, Cobblers, Carpeters, and Shipwrights, just to name a few.
Districts
The City is Divided into Five Districts within the city walls and two outside the city proper.
- Northpoint - Most Northern and Western side of the Waymark River. Home to Nobles, Wealthy Mages and Merchants.
- East Bank - All the homes and shops on the east side of the Waymark River to the eastern walls.
- West Gate - Newer homes and Shops on west side of the Waymark River between Westgate and Division street.
- Old Town North - Older Whitestone homes and shops since the founding also the Library, Town Hall , and Temple of Mihuna. Between North of Progress March lane and Division Street on the West side of the Waymark River.
- Old Town South - Old Whitestone home and shops. on the west side of the harbor to the southern walls of the City
- Northwestern Dales - A rich mix of farmland, forest, and hills with a road heading to the interior of Waymark Island.
- Eastern Pastures - Mostly Farmland and Dairies past the eastern wall gate, this includes little cove.
Guilds and Factions
Some Guilds and Factions within the Free City of Mageport.
- The Arcanum Brotherhood (Mages Guild)
- Arcane Engineers Consortium (Tinkers and Mechanists Guild)
- The Guild of Alchemy (Alchemist and Apothecary Guild)
- The Old Town Jewelers (Gem Cutters and Merchants)
- The Mageport Guard (City Guard)
- The Brass Golem Guard (Constabulary Guard)
- The Blue Shields (City Marines)
- Binders and Scribes Union (Book Tradesmen)
- The Dastard Bastards (Thieves Guild)
- Mageport Longshoremen (Warf and Dock Workers)
- The Have-Nots (Beggars Guild)
- Le Grand Horizontale (Guild of Prostitution)
- Brotherhood of the Tides (Boatmen and Seamans Guild)
- Magus Adeptus (Lesser Mages Guild)
Points of interest
First point of Interest that you see coming in from the sea is two massive statues flanking the mouth of the harbor, and the city spreading out on some gentle slopes behind white stone defensive walls. The statues are those of Thadious Greencloak, The First mage high counselor and Vrevius Brightcloak the second mage high counselor of the Free City of Mageport.
Prominent Structures such as the Mageport Gand Library as stout round whitestone building on the west side of the Waymark River. Counselors Hall its courtyards and adjoining City Guild Halls between counselors way and founders street. Unexpectedly next door is the Halls of Passion headquaters to the Le Grand Horizantale guild. Across from these closer to the river is the Temple of Aella and the Cities Tombs and Graveyards.
Where the Waymark Rivers Mouth opens into the harbor you will find the Infamous Blood Bucket Tavern the first tavern in Mageport. The Founding of Mageport started there. It sets along Progress March lane Near Progress Bridge the first of Three monumental white stone bridges in the city.
At the Southernmost end of the city is the Infamous Waymark Isle Lighthouse that is said its glow can be often spotted over 25 miles out to sea. The arched span that leads from the Lighthouse upt to the city walls and the neighboring Temple of Orena Goddess of the Storms and Sea.
Then there is the wonder of the Mageport Pram gliding on a glowing rail over the rooftops of the city taking people to and fro to varios tower stations througout the city.
Tourism
Tourism comes most often in the way of curiosity seeking. Mages, Scholars, Archaeologists, Adventure Parties who want to explore the interior ruins and the vast network of caves that strewn waymark isle. Others who desire and hear of the wonderous, magical inventions that grace the city. While some come as tourists to see if the tales they have heard about the city are true, and are seeking to perhaps set down roots in a town far different than most in Evermyst.
Architecture
Architecture in Mageport has a blend of the old and new. The Old Town Districts are made of white limestone or Brick with plastered exterior walls. They have flat roofs with timbered interiors. Some have brilliantly painted or stained glass domes. The newer sections of the city take on influences that are somewhat common in cities of Evermyst. Timbered and plastered wall exteriors with brilliant blue slate stone tile roofs. Much of the stone in their construction is quaried from several miles out of of the City.
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