Port Freedom

Port Freedom

(City)

Nation

Vidrian

Size

Large town

Population

2,950

Government

Council of Representatives dominated by Rivermen's Guild

Source: Sargava, The Lost Colony, pg(s). 17 (1E)
The Mwangi Expanse, pg(s). 285 (2E)

Situated on the northern bank of the Korir River delta, Port Freedom is Vidrian's second port, behind the capital Anthusis.

The sandbanks of the delta mean the port cannot accommodate large, deep water ships, and are also a serious hazard to the river trade with Kalabuto. Barges travelling the river normally call upon the services of the Rivermen's Guild, native Mwangi pilots who are the only people skilled enough to reliably navigate the river.

History

Under Sargava

In theory, the town under Sargavan control was ruled by Sargava's leader, the Grand Custodian, Baron Utilinus. However, the Baron lived in Eleder and had many calls upon his time, and the day-to-day running of the town was carried out by a council made up of representatives of the various companies which do business along the river. The Rivermen's Guild therefore effectively controlled the town, which operated largely independently from colonial control despite a lack of open opposition to it.

Vidric Revolution

Port Freedom's relative autonomy meant the Vidric Revolution of 4715 AR was a tidy conflict, at least locally; the Rivermen's Guild detained all who opposed a free and independent Vidrian long before revolutionary forces reached the port. (Claims that the imprisoned included those who opposed the Guild, but not the revolution, could not be proven.)

Under Vidrian

After Vidrian won its freedom and reformed as a new nation in 4717 AR, the Rivermen's Guild took on a central role within the Combined Mercantile Interests, a political faction with significant influence over the fledgling nation's commerce. Their ambitions to extend their influence to other Vidric cities has soured their reputation among some, who see their actions as overreaching—or no different than the piracy of the Free Captains.

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.