Santigo

**Santigo** is the capital and the largest settlement of the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS). With a population of nearly 80,000, it is the fifth-largest city in Venthalia and is home to a diverse mix of races, including Humans, Dwarves, Baagians, Gnomes, Elves, and many others.

## History

### Founding and Early Years

The city of Santigo was founded in 910 AV during the Golden Age of Piracy, a period of heightened pirate activity. This era was marked by several significant events, including the audacious heist of the Hysemacon Fleet, the founding of the CFS, and the establishment of the Captain’s Table. The city was established along the western coast of Venthalia, in the cove where Captain Kipfer Santigo and his crew kept their hideout. The city's founding was a testament to the growing influence and power of the CFS, which had been steadily expanding its territory and influence since its establishment in 896 AV.

### Growth and Development

Following its establishment, Santigo quickly grew and flourished, attracting a diverse population of pirates, freedom fighters, and other individuals seeking a life of freedom, liberty, and adventure. The city's strategic location along the coast made it an ideal base for pirate operations, providing easy access to the sea and a safe haven from the Kingdom of Althea. The city's bustling port became a hive of activity, with ships coming and going at all hours, carrying goods from across Venthalia. This rapid growth and development transformed Santigo from a simple pirate hideout into a bustling city, the new capital of the CFS, serving as the political and economic center of the Confederation.

## Architecture

The city's architecture and layout reflect its pirate heritage, with buildings and streets designed to facilitate quick escapes and defenses against potential attacks. The city is home to the Great Hall, which houses the Captain’s Table. This grand structure is built from the remnants of the Bridgeman, the famed galleon of Captain Kipfer Santigo. The city is home to the Captain's Table, the governing body of the CFS, and serves as a base for numerous pirate crews. Despite the constant threat of attacks from the Royal Navy and other adversaries, the city of Santigo stood strong, embodying the spirit of defiance and liberty that defined the Golden Age of Piracy. The city's resilience and defiance served as a beacon of hope for pirates and freedom fighters across Venthalia, inspiring them to continue their fight against the Kingdom and its oppressive rule.

## Culture and Population

Santigo is a city of diversity and freedom. It is home to a wide range of races, each bringing their unique cultures and traditions to the city. This diversity is reflected in the city's vibrant culture, which is a blend of different traditions, cuisines, and art forms. Despite their differences, the people of Santigo are united by their shared belief in the values of the CFS: freedom, individual liberty, and opposition to monarchy and slavery.

## Economy

As the capital of the CFS, Santigo is a major economic hub. The city's strategic location along the coast makes it an ideal base for pirate operations, providing easy access to the sea and a safe haven from the Kingdom of Althea. The city's bustling port is a hive of activity, with ships coming and going at all hours, carrying goods from across Venthalia.

## Governance

The city of Santigo is governed by the Captain's Table, a council of 24 elected pirate captains. Each captain has a voice and a vote in the matters of the Confederation. This democratic approach to governance is a stark contrast to the monarchy of the Kingdom of Althea, and it ensures that the CFS is guided by the collective wisdom and experience of its members, rather than the whims of a single ruler.

## Notable Figures

### Esmerelda Punrar

Esmerelda Punrar, a Dark-Elf from Kassrend, is a respected figure in the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS) and a successful businesswoman in Santigo, Venthalia. She immigrated to Venthalia in 1017 AV during the reign of Queen Lysandra IV. Despite her humble beginnings, Esmerelda's determination led her to the CFS and a life of adventure on the high seas. She served on several crews, including the legendary galleon, the Demeter, captained by the renowned Minotaur pirate, Captain Hank. Esmerelda's influence within the Confederation and the city of Santigo grew when she transformed an old brothel into the famed "Drunk Monk" Inn and Tavern, a crucial meeting place for CFS sailors. Over the years, she expanded her business ventures in Santigo, owning several businesses and providing a safe haven for young runaways and immigrants. Her influence is so significant that she obtained a seat at the CFS Captain’s table, the only non-captain in history to do so.

### Captain Howitt Riggans

Captain Howitt Riggans, born and raised in Santigo, is a prominent figure in the CFS, serving as the Meeting Chairman of the Captain's Table, Lead Shipwright for the CFS, Harbormaster for the Port of Santigo, and Captain of the vessel "Blue Spruce". From a young age, Riggans displayed a natural talent for shipbuilding and design, eventually becoming the most skilled shipwright in the CFS. As the captain of the "Blue Spruce", Riggans focuses on providing emergency repairs and assistance to damaged ships, rather than engaging in piracy. His selfless dedication to his craft and responsibilities has earned him respect and admiration. Riggans was elected to the Captain's Table in 1101 AV, where he now serves as the Meeting Chairman. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining unity and shared purpose among the captains.

### Captain Hank

Captain Hank, a prominent Minotaur pirate captain, is an influential member of the CFS. He is the captain of the ship "Demeter" and has been a member of the Captain's Table since 1030 AV. Hank is known for his intelligence, eloquence, and strong opposition to slavery. Originally from the distant land of Kotyan, Hank immigrated to Venthalia in 1019 AV, seeking new opportunities and a life free from the destruction that plagued his homeland. As a member of the CFS, Hank demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and rapidly gained popularity within the organization. Under his command, the Demeter became one of the most feared and respected ships in the CFS fleet. Hank's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many prominent figures in the CFS, such as Esmerelda Punrar and Cpt Lasko Loggins. Despite his many accomplishments, Captain Hank remains a humble and private individual. His steadfast commitment to the Confederation's values, his unwavering opposition to slavery, and his extraordinary achievements have made him an enduring symbol of freedom and individual liberty.

## The Streets of Santigo

In the pirate capital of Santigo, the absence of traditional law enforcement is a testament to the city's unique brand of independence. With a population of nearly 80,000, the city is a melting pot of races and cultures, all living under the banner of the CFS. The city's highest governance is handled by the Captain's Table, however, the absence of a formal police force does not mean that crime goes unpunished. Theft and other crimes are met with swift and often brutal community justice, a reflection of the city's pirate heritage and the values of the CFS. Santigo's streets are a testament to its pirate anarchy, with buildings, streets, and alleyways forming a labyrinth that only those familiar with the city can navigate, in case of an attack. The city's architecture is a reflection of its pirate heritage, with the Great Hall, home to the Captain's Table, being built from the remnants of the Bridgeman, the famed galleon of Captain Kipfer Santigo. Despite the constant threat of attacks from the Royal Navy and other adversaries, the city stands strong, embodying the spirit of defiance and liberty that defined the Golden Age of Piracy. Among the city's notable figures are Esmerelda Punrar and Captain Howitt Riggans, a Santigo native. In the dangerous city of Santigo, these individuals and the community as a whole ensure that justice is served, even in the absence of traditional law enforcement.