Shoreline

Shoreline

(City)

Nation

Absalom

Source: Guide to Absalom, pg(s). 56 (1E)
Absalom, City of Lost Omens, pg(s). 266–267 (2E)

Shoreline is a small town located just outside the never-breached walls of Absalom, directly west of the district called the Puddles and the Sally Port.

Geography

Shoreline is located west of Absalom and south of Westerhold. The Inner Sea is a short distance south of the town.

The siege castle called the Pyramid of the Dog is located on a beach just south of Shoreline.

Government

Defenses

The Starwatch rotates policing of Shoreline with other settlements on Absalom's outskirts. A tunnel leads from Fort Tempest to the wilds beyond Shoreline in order to help defenders flank potential invaders against Absalom's walls. During sieges and other conflicts, Shoreline's residents evacuate into Absalom.

Economy

Shoreline began as a settlement for those who make their living from the sea, illustrated by its many docks and fisheries, but is also home to some of Absalom's more fragrant businesses, such as tanneries and breweries. False rumors even suggest that Shoreline's distinct aroma is due to excretions of a massive sea creature that would defend Absalom in a time of great need.

Most of Shoreline's inhabitants are quite poor, although they comfort themselves with the fact that at least they are dry most of the time, unlike the people who live in the Puddles. Large numbers of general artisans and laborers also live in Shoreline.

Shoreline supplies a large quantity of fish to Absalom via the Sally Gate. The water-powered Khomar Paper Mill on Shoreline's outskirts was burned by suspected sabotaged ca. 4720 AR, and its proprietor Ta Kohmar was offering a reward for information. The mill is a regular supplier of publishers based in Absalom's Scriveners' Square.

A few boats offering transport along the coast of the Isle of Kortos depart from Shoreline.

Inhabitants

Shoreline is largely populated by respectable laborers and sailors, though the town is plagued by the War Hounders, a criminal gang based in the nearby Pyramid of the Dog. Some in Shoreline attempt to profit from criminal activity by offering cut-rate stabling off the Western Road for illegal mounts, a practice that as of 4720 AR was under investigation by Zifelez of Gyr, a field commander of the Kortos Cavalry. Shoreline also draws smugglers and others seeking to avoid Absalom's import taxes.