The Floating City

Ruler: The Great Lurker, represented by Alawash Kurham

In the eastern most reaches of Cantillia, South of Crossmire, is the Sinister Swamp. Fed by an offshoot of the Shallorn river, the Briarmark river; the Sinister Swamp is home to a sweeping plain of mangroves. In the mangroves, sitting on piles that run deep into the mud, is Port Mariina, a wild, lawless (ish) and sprawling city.

Port Mariina is the youngest of all the Lord-doms, having only existed for a few hundred years. It’s strength and rapid rise to power however come from 2 factors. The native Mariinan’s (as they call themselves) have worked tirelessly, and still do, to expand their city. More so in a small amount of time than any other city in Cantillia. Assisting this effort is the harvest of the Jewel of Iambulus, a delicate, golden flower that grows exclusively in Port Mariina. The nectar of this flower is a powerful, valuable magical component used in hundreds of rituals all over Ianis. From the wizards of the Starlit Rock, to the Dwarves in the north, the Jewel of Iambulus is in high demand. And with seemingly no other location able to grow the flower in any great quantity and the Mariinan’s keeping their method of harvest a closely guarded secret; Port Mariina seems set to continue its monopoly for some time.

Port Mariina itself is fairly loose with the enforcement of laws generally left to its citizens. The Great Lurker is concerned with Port Mariina as a whole and the harvest, outside of this, districts are left to fend for themselves and co-operate amongst themselves. And on the whole Port Mariina functions well with a sparse, but well backed central government ensuring the entire town doesn’t fall into the mangroves. In the history of Port Mariina only one district sought to break away from Port Mariina and establish its own rule. That district is now more mangroves thanks to the Great Lurker.

Representing the Great Lurker to the leaders of Port Mariinas districts is Alawash Kurham, a tired but quick witted man who only wishes for Port Mariina to run itself. He often appears haggard and whispers abound that this is because the Great Lurker will not allow him to die. Whatever the truth, Alawash is always willing to work with the other Lords, he and the Great Lurker fully aware that Port Mariina relies heavily on them.

Art by Jon Pintar
Follow him on Twitter!
Check out more of his work!