Eclipse Port

## Eclipse Port: Where Commerce and Shadows Blend

Sitting on the edge of jagged cliffs that overlook the tumultuous seas, Eclipse Port is a sprawling coastal town that captures the essence of life in the gray areas. Here, the boundary between legality and illegality is as porous as the mist that often engulfs the harbor at dawn. Towering lighthouses guide ships through the tricky waters, while the dim glow of lanterns from the taverns and gambling dens beckon visitors into a world of intrigue and complexity.

## Government: The Velvet Fist

At the heart of Eclipse Port's complex social fabric is the Velvet Fist, a highly organized crime syndicate that effectively serves as the governing body. Operating under the veneer of legitimate business owners, merchants, and politicians, its members ensure that the rules of the underworld are as respected as the laws of the land. They provide licenses for smuggling operations, oversee black-market trades, and manipulate legal commerce to suit their needs. Yet, their rule is not oppressive; it’s almost eerily democratic. The Velvet Fist maintains order, settles disputes, and even contributes to public works, ensuring their stranglehold over the city remains both firm and velvet-smooth.

## Mercenary Groups

### 1. Moonblade Reavers

* **Expertise**: Maritime warfare, naval espionage
* **Ranks**: Sea Phantom (Leader), Tsunami Knight, Tide Scout, Wave Grunt
* **Notable Traits**: Known for their sleek, black ships equipped with cutting-edge weaponry. Their expertise in seafaring combat makes them the go-to group for maritime issues.

### 2. Shadowstriders

* **Expertise**: Reconnaissance, stealth missions, assassinations
* **Ranks**: Shadowmaster, Umbra Agent, Dusk Operative, Twilight Rookie
* **Notable Traits**: Highly trained in the art of stealth, they're the people you hire when you need a job done quietly and cleanly. Members often wear cloaks that blend with the shadows, making them almost invisible in dim light.

### 3. Ironjaw Legion

* **Expertise**: Heavy combat, siege operations, territorial defense
* **Ranks**: Legion Commander, Iron Captain, Steel Sergeant, Bronze Trooper
* **Notable Traits**: A well-armored, well-armed fighting force specializing in large scale operations and fortified combats. Their reputation for being nearly unbeatable in set-piece battles is widely respected.

### 4. Quicksilver Alchemists

* **Expertise**: Alchemical warfare, sabotage, magical research
* **Ranks**: Master Alchemist, Potioneer, Elementalist, Apprentice
* **Notable Traits**: With their deep knowledge of alchemy and elemental magic, this group specializes in unconventional warfare. They can turn the tides of battle with their mysterious brews and explosive concoctions.

### 5. The Wayfarers

* **Expertise**: Exploration, treasure hunting, cartography
* **Ranks**: Pathfinder (Leader), Trailblazer, Wanderer, Scout
* **Notable Traits**: A mercenary group for those who need expertise in uncharted territories. They're often hired for expeditions to retrieve rare artifacts or map out dangerous areas.

### Hiring and Contracts

Mercenary groups in Eclipse Port typically operate under a standard contract overseen by the Velvet Fist. However, competition is fierce, and contracts often include clauses that range from non-disclosure agreements to penalties for failures. This competitive yet organized setting makes Eclipse Port a bustling hub for mercenaries, adventurers, and those who walk the twilight path between light and shadow.