Port Istrett

Port Istrett’s fishing industry is among the most expansive in the region, with fleets of well-crafted vessels hauling in bounties from the deep sea. Salted fish and preserved seafood are among the city’s most valuable exports. The steel and iron industry is the backbone of the city, with massive foundries operating day and night, supplying weapons, armor, and tools across Pharus. The blacksmithing guilds hold great sway over city affairs, their forges producing masterful blades, intricate metalworks, and durable construction materials. The tanning industry, though relegated to the outskirts due to the foul stench, provides high-quality leather goods sought after by merchants and warriors alike. Finally, the gem trade with the Isle of Fire brings opulence to the city's elite, fueling the aristocracy’s extravagant lifestyles and the cutthroat competition among merchants.

Surrounding the city, the iron-rich hills of Istrett are dotted with extensive iron ore mines, which supply the city's famed forges and foundries. These mines, owned by a handful of noble families and operated by laboring miners, form the foundation of Port Istrett’s metallurgical dominance.

The city's industries are controlled by powerful guilds, each vying for dominance within their respective trades.

The Miners’ Syndicate, a group representing the workers, constantly struggles against the aristocracy for better wages and safer conditions, while the Iron Lords, a coalition of noble mine owners, use their wealth to maintain control over this crucial industry. Smugglers and illegal mining operations are also known to thrive in the shadowed valleys, siphoning off valuable resources for the black market and rival cities. The Guild of the Iron Chain, composed of blacksmiths and industrialists, pushes for greater autonomy from the nobility, demanding fair representation in the city's governance. The Mariner’s Brotherhood, an influential coalition of shipwrights, fishmongers, and sailors, ensures that Port Istrett’s naval trade and fishing interests remain protected.The Tanners’ Consortium, though less politically dominant, fiercely defends its rights, often clashing with city officials over zoning laws and pollution concerns. Meanwhile, the Gilded Vein, a syndicate of jewelers and gem traders, manipulates markets and wields its wealth to influence noble houses.

Beneath the surface, factions vie for influence. The Silent Tide, a clandestine organization of dissidents and spies, seeks to undermine aristocratic rule from the shadows, working to incite rebellion among the laboring classes. The Steel Sons, a militant faction of disgruntled blacksmiths and mercenaries, advocate for a stronger, guild-led government and oppose royal intervention in trade affairs. Rumors swirl that some noble houses are plotting against King Betram Marnor, seeing his youth as a weakness to exploit. Political tensions are on the rise, and the city's future remains uncertain.

Architecturally, Port Istrett is a blend of practical strength and refined elegance—a testament to its wealth and industrious nature. The city's noble quarters are filled with grand estates built of iron-reinforced stone, their facades adorned with intricate metalwork, while the forge districts glow with the constant light of molten steel.