Free Folk
The Free Folk live in the west, along the shores of the Great Western Sea. Each of the city-states founded along that long coastline governs itself, and the true homes of their people lie in the seas. From these cities a ship can reach the Farr Islands within a few days.1
Anyone who lives in this region is called free folk, whatever their race or culture.2
The Free Ports
The western coast is home to the city-states known as the Free Ports, the three largest of which are Pupa, Pruva and Neptune.2 Seven pirate lords and their fleets currently rule all the cities of the Free Coast, and the constant contest between them is what keeps Neptun free: no one owns it.3
Way of life
In the eyes of The Empire the free folk may all be outlaws and their cities may look like chaos, but the truth is different. The Free Ports have no king and no laws beyond the most basic. This brings insecurity and crime, but it is also a life in which no one can dictate what a person thinks or says.2
Gangs play a large part in the Free Port cities, Neptune above all, seizing every opening that weak central rule leaves them. The Gentlemens, the Hanged Devil and The Boulevard Killers are among the most powerful.2
The free folk choose their ship captains, city leaders and even gang leaders by vote. These votes are not always very democratic and struggles for power go on, but the custom has been handed down from the pirates of old.2
Faith
The free folk keep a church of Aquaron that is independent of the High Church. It stands in the city of Neptune, only ten steps from the salt water.2
Neighbours and history
High elves are a common sight on the Free Coast. Theirs is the most prominent naval force on the seas, and their sea patrols are the encounter Neptunian pirates fear most.4
During the raids of the northern warlord Skolpa, his army burned and destroyed the cities and towns of the Free Folk.5 His raiders tore through the Western Provinces and raided Neptun, which for a short time became one of their military bases. The descendants of many northerners who never returned home still live on the Free Coast.6
Notes
Sources
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