Westcrown

Westcrown is the capital of the Gherant Coast kingdom. It was founded in -1104 by half-elves who thought deeply about the statecraft needed to run a city state and later a kingdom. The experiment was at first enormously successful and Westcrown became a self-declared 'beacon of light' on the west coast of Sudland and managed to spawn three other large cities in an extended kigdom. From about 500 years ago, however, the city has declined, markedly so over the last 50 years so although it still has a thin veneer of respectability its reputation is now one of crime and corruption.

The city is run by a Mayor, current Aberian Arvanxi, who wields enormous power despite in theory being beholden to the City Council on which the patriarchs of all the leading noble families sit. The Archbishop of the state religion, the Church of Pelor, also wields some influence but with church attendances in decline, including amongst the nobility, seems to be fighting a losing battle to uphold the founding principles of the state. Many indeed suspect that the Church of Asmodeus, although nominally much smaller now holds as much influence among the city's elite. Also although (or because) its existence is officially denied many in the City suspect the Council of Thieves of being behind much of what happens within the city walls.

About thirty years ago many citizens were grumbling about how unsafe the streets were becoming when a new peril appeared. After dark it was rumoured the shadows would sometimes come alive and snatch unwary citizens who were never seen again. The Mayor and City Council at first scoffed at such nonsense and it was only when a minor noble went missing several months into the 'Shadow Scourge' that they took any action. Eventually they imposed a curfew on the City that is enforced to this day by the Dottari (the City Watch') and the 'Order'.

For administrative purposes the city is divided into three Paregos ('Great Sectors') with further subdivisions into Regos or which there are a total of eight. The three Parego are Parego Regicona, the upper class district centred on Westcrown Island, Parego Spera ('Hope's Altar') the still thriving sector of the city and Parego Dospero ('Despair's Altar') the ruins and slums on Westcrown's on northern shores. Even these names tell the newcomer to the city much about its nature. The population is still around 100,000 but was greater in Westcrown's days of glory.