Neptaris

The Freecity of Neptaris has a long and proud tradition of being the oldest true city on the continent of Divia, even preceding the foundation of Zeth by over a century. Despite its sometimes war-torn history, Neptaris is one of the few states that has actually succeeded in maintaining a democratic government for much of the Third Age of Man. They were able to avoid domination by the slave armies of Lun Dorak during the Mage War, but the population was decimated when the Crimson Plague struck in the final years of the Third Age and trade ground to a standstill. When the Old Gods receded, the city finally fell to chaos as the civil government fell apart. Many of its prominent citizens who survived these dark times fled for Marosh, leaving the city a nearly empty ruin controlled by various gangs squabbling for survival. Only the efforts of a handful of scholars and druids trickling in from Malvetia provided any sense of order and kept the city from being abandoned altogether.

When the Old Gods returned and the few remaining priests in Neptaris again began to receive answers to their prayers, the Supreme Assembly was re-established and trade routes were reopened. Though Neptaris still struggles with the power of its various guilds and gangs still roam certain parts of the city, the people of Neptaris are slowly rebuilding to their former glory.

Neptaris

The Freecity of Neptaris

Geographic Info

Continent: Duria

Geography

Neptaris is located on the eastern shores of the Maroshian Sea, situated between the frontiers of the See of Cambrecia and Danas. The city itself rests on six hills, the crests of which are roughly located at Zepharos Keep, the Estate of House Markos in the Noble District, the Temple of Cthos in the Temple District, Liberty Square in the Merchant’s District, the Mayor’s Residence on Pelligrin Hill, and the middle of Castaway Hill. Gryphon Hill, around which Castle Zepharos was built, is the tallest, topping out at about 120 feet above sea level. The bedrock of these hills is composed primarily of a blue granite (soft for its type), pocketed with limestone. The limestone deposits are constantly being eroded by the water table, and sinkholes are not an uncommon problem in the city. Of course, rumors of large caves and chasms deep beneath the city’s sewers are abound, but as yet are unfounded.

Local flora and fauna are typical for a warm temperate region. The soil in the Territories is generally fertile, though some regions do have problems with infertile ground and low topsoil. The natural forests that exist in the region, particularly in the eastern Territories, are composed primarily of deciduous trees, with confers being common only in regions where clearing and subsequent abandonment has permitted forest regrowth. Trees are of the typical sort found in warm, temperate environments, with oak, maple, cypress, and elm being the most common. Animal life in the region is dominated by a few large predators, including brown bears, lynx, wolves and, along the Krios River, alligators. There are also several species of large herbivores, including whitetail deer and wild boar, but most herbivores are relatively small and harmless.

Neptaris surrounds the Bay of Krios, which is a major source of trade and comestibles for the city. Despite common misconception by foreigners, the Bay of Krios is not fed by the Krios River, the mouth of which is actually about five miles south east of the city. It is a natural, deep-water bay that does not accumulate appreciable amounts of silt from year to year, so maintenance of the waters by the city is relatively easy. It is well protected from the ocean by a short penninsula upon which the Neptars have constructed their lighthouse. That region of the Maroshian sea which is nearest to Neptaris is dominated by a southerly stream which is not so fast that northern trade is made more difficult. The stream does whip around the southern tip of Danas and joins a larger stream there heading eastward and most ships who become lost in this stream do not return.

History

An independent city state ruled by a democracy that has someone maintained its independence for centuries, despite the coming of the Empire and other turmoil. See also The History of Neptaris

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