Southport is the largest city in the Five Nations. It has a 400 year documented history and most would agree that it has been an active sea port for much longer than that. As the southernmost port in the Five Nations, all trade between The Principalities and the Five Nations flows through Southport at some point. Most trade with the Western Continent goes through Southport due to the harsh conditions of the Cyllian Sea farther north.

For years, Southport was an independent city that controlled the lands south of the Harllon River and west of the Border River. Fifty years ago it was forced to join Harllon and pay taxes to the King of Harllon, in exchange for military protection. However, there is an agreement that allows Southport to govern itself and Port County?. Fyndal County? and eventually Neufyndal County? lands were seized and turned over to vassals of the King to ensure that Southport is dependent on other lands within the country for part of its basic staples.

Southport retains its traditional government structure of a seven member council, known simply as the Southport Council, made up of the patriarchs or matriarchs of the leading families in the city. The city boasts of having a government that represents all the people of the city. This is true as every person in South Port has ties to one of the leading families, as a member or an employee.

When the council began there were seven powerful families that controlled all business in the city. Each had a representative on the council, but there was much dispute over who would lead the proceedings, as Mayor. Many different methods for electing the Mayor have been tried according to various accounts, but for the last 400 years the current method has been used. During the rights of spring a series of contests are held between the leading families. Traditionally, these contests were for the people to enjoy, but now they have become much more serious, with the most important position in the city riding on the outcome.

In addition, as the city has grown, new families have moved in and established themselves and some older families have had major divisions in them, so that now there are 22 recognized families in Southport, but still only the traditional 7 places on the Southport Council. Now, only the seven families with the best placings in the Spring Contests have a place on the council at all.

Characters using this Keyword:

Native Abilities

• Five Nations Geography
• Five Nations Customs
• Speak Five Nations Dialect
• Southport Politics
• Urban Survival
• Bargain

Native Flaws

Personality

• Independent
• Greedy
• Air of Superiority

Relationships

• To Immediate Family
• To Extended Family

Common Names:

Common Religions

Specialized Religions

• A "Church"
• Schools of Wizardry

Reasons to Have Left Home