> [!infobox] > # Harbor of Kings > ![[King's Watch.jpg]]<span style="display:block;text-align:center;">[[King's Watch.jpg|Show to Players]]</span> > ###### Information > | | | > |---|---| > |**Region**| [[Zalfaria]] | > |**Ruler**| [[King's Watch#The Merchant-Lords of King’s Watch\|Merchant-Lords]] | # Overview King’s Watch is the main city and port of Zalfaria, serving as the kingdom’s economic heart, naval hub, and primary gateway to foreign trade. As the largest port on the western coast, it facilitates the import and export of goods from Kaldia, Azmarinia, and even the distant lands across the seas. The city is a fusion of mercantile ambition, political maneuvering, and naval dominance, all under the watchful eye of King Alric Velmoran III and the Merchant-Lords who control much of the city's economy. # Government ###### The Monarch's Presence - King’s Watch is the seat of the royal navy and a key city for the kingdom’s governance, but it is not the capital—that honor belongs to the inland city of Zalfaria. - [[King Alric Velmoran III]] maintains a strong presence in King’s Watch, frequently visiting to oversee naval and trade operations. - Though he holds absolute authority, much of the city’s day-to-day rule is handled by appointed officials and the Merchant-Lords. ###### The Merchant-Lords of King’s Watch - The city’s real power lies in its Merchant-Lords, a council of wealthy guild leaders, trade magnates, and naval admirals who oversee the commerce, docks, and financial dealings. - While they officially serve the crown, they compete for influence and make deals behind closed doors to expand their control. The Merchant-Lords' Council consists of: - **Lord [[Rhovan Malcroix]]** – Master of Coin - **Lady [[Thalindra Orvain]]** – Dockmistress of the Grand Por - **Admiral [[Dorian Vaelthorne]]** – High Commander of the Zalfarian Navy - **Guildmaster [[Torren Vass]]** – Overseer of the Guild Masons - **Magister [[Ysolde Ferris]]** – Representative of the House of the Weave - **Baron [[Esteban Luthaire]]** – Liaison to noble merchants - **Grand Warden [[Cassius Draeven]]** – Captain of the City Guard These figures hold immense sway in King’s Watch, often acting as rivals or reluctant allies in a game of wealth and influence. # The Grand Port ###### The Harbor District - King’s Watch is home to the largest docks in Zalfaria, with massive shipyards, dry docks, and a bustling trade hub. - The Grand Port Authority regulates all incoming and outgoing ships, requiring strict documentation, tariffs, and inspections. - The port is divided into sections: - **The Merchant Docks** – Where legitimate trade flourishes under guild control. - **The Naval Yards** – Home to the Zalfarian Royal Fleet, responsible for defending the kingdom’s waters. - **The Privateer’s Wharf** – A more chaotic but semi-legitimate dock where licensed privateers and mercenary captains operate under crown-sanctioned contracts. - **The Shadow Wharf** (unofficial) – The underground black market dock, where smuggled goods slip through the cracks of the city's bureaucracy. ###### The Zalfarian Royal Navy - The navy is the pride of King’s Watch, with a fleet of warships, privateer vessels, and maritime scouts. - Admiral [[Dorian Vaelthorne]] commands the navy, ensuring the coastline remains free of pirates, smugglers, and enemy forces. - Privateers play a key role, being legally sanctioned raiders and bounty hunters who are given leave to attack enemy ships in the name of Zalfaria. # The City Districts ###### The Merchant’s Quarter - The bustling commercial heart of King’s Watch, filled with markets, trade halls, counting houses, and merchant estates. - The Grand Exchange is the city’s central trading hub, where deals are made, contracts signed, and fortunes won or lost. - The [[Guild Masons]] have a heavy presence, ensuring fair business practices (though corruption is rampant). ###### The Gilded Heights - The wealthiest district, home to affluent merchants, minor noble houses, and foreign dignitaries. - Houses elaborate villas, luxurious gardens, and private auctions where rare goods, enchanted artifacts, and high-stakes trade agreements take place. - The Velmoran Embassy serves as the King’s official residence whenever he visits. ###### The Iron Ward - Home to barracks, training grounds, and the office of the Grand Warden. - The City Guard operates here, patrolling the streets to keep peace, though bribery is common. - Houses the Fortress of the Sea Wall, which protects against naval attacks. ###### The Smuggler’s Veil - Though heavily patrolled, there is always a thriving black market beneath the surface. - Hidden taverns and secret passages lead to The Shadow Wharf, where pirates, criminals, and rogue merchants conduct business. - Rumors persist that the Dusk Ravens have a stronghold somewhere within this district. # Influence and Factions ###### The [[Guild Masons]] - The most powerful economic force in King’s Watch, ensuring trade guilds operate smoothly. - They often act as mediators between merchants and the crown but are known for favoring their own interests. ###### The Privateer Consortium - A loose alliance of mercenary captains who serve the Zalfarian navy for a price. - Some act as noble adventurers, while others are legalized pirates under the king’s banner. ###### The [[House of the Weave]] - While not as prominent as in Azmarinia, the House of the Weave still maintains an arcane presence in King’s Watch. - They regulate magical trade, provide enchantments for naval vessels, and keep watch for rogue mages.