Burth Port

**Burth Port** is the second largest city in Venthalia and the Kingdom of Althea, located on the east coast of the continent. It is the largest settlement and port on Venthalia's east coast and has a population of over 120,000 inhabitants. Its diverse population is composed of predominantly Dwarven and Human immigrants from the Bratoli Isles, as well as from across Daunt, being a main gateway for new immigrants, much like Lurie. Bratoli heritage has heavily influenced the city's history since the 10th century AV. The city is also known for being the base of operations for the notorious Gambilici Crime Family.

## History

Burth Port's establishment can be traced back to Ventus the Conqueror, who recognized the strategic potential of the location and founded a naval shipyard there during his conquest of Venthalia. Ventus, along with his men, built the port to aid in their battle against the native Orcish and Tortle combined resistance. The city's official founding, however, is attributed to Arabella of House Surenis, a descendant of Bekram, the second son of Ventus and progenitor of House Surenis, in the late 3rd century AV. The fort built by Ventus and his men on the island in the sound would eventually become the foundation of the city that grew around it. Over the centuries, Burth Port's advantageous position for trade and shipping transformed it into a significant center of maritime commerce and culture in Venthalia.

Throughout the tumultuous Years of Fracture, Burth Port faced numerous raids by Klans who sought to enslave and capture the port. Despite these challenges, the city and its citizens, known as "Burth Porters," demonstrated remarkable resilience and fortitude in defending their home. This shared bond and determination among the citizens allowed Burth Port to withstand numerous attacks and maintain its independence from slavery. Despite being part of the Kingdom of Althea, Burth Port lies over 500 miles away from the capital, Althea Prone. The city's isolation has fostered a strong local identity and a sense of separation from the rest of the Kingdom. Despite these challenges, Burth Porters – the city's citizens – displayed remarkable resilience and fortitude in defending their home. This shared bond and determination allowed the city to withstand numerous attacks, maintain its independence, and continue to flourish even as it remained a part of the Kingdom of Althea.

As Burth Port continued to grow and prosper, its population diversified, with a significant influx of Dwarven and Human immigrants from the Bratoli Isles during the 10th century. The cultural exchange between the native Venthalian population and the Bratoli immigrants greatly enriched the city's culture, resulting in a unique blend of traditions, architecture, and cuisine.This multicultural heritage remains a significant aspect of Burth Port's identity today, attracting visitors from across Venthalia and beyond. This cultural blend, combined with the distance from the rest of the Kingdom, has allowed Burth Port to maintain a distinct identity, which can be seen in its architectural style, cultural practices, and culinary offerings. Over time, the city has developed a reputation as a vibrant, independent, and resilient community.

## Geography

Burth Port's geography is a defining aspect of its identity and prosperity, as the city is situated on an island within the picturesque Burth Sound. This island, known as Port Island, is the heart of the city and is surrounded by the Burth River delta, which has created a natural harbor for maritime trade. The city's strategic location on this island has allowed it to flourish as a hub for commerce and transportation. Currently, the only way to access Port Island is by ship; however, there are ambitious plans in motion to construct a vast bridge connecting the island to the mainland. This bridge is expected to further enhance the city's connectivity and strengthen its economic ties with the rest of Venthalia. The rapid expansion of Burth Port can be attributed to its maritime mercantile trade and global immigration, which have been crucial in shaping the city's landscape and infrastructure. As a result of this bustling trade, harbors and docks have been constructed along the entire circumference of Port Island to accommodate the sheer volume of ships arriving and departing daily. These waterfront facilities have become the lifeblood of the city, providing employment and economic opportunities for its citizens while also attracting new businesses and investors. The unique topography of the Burth Delta further contributes to the city's charm and appeal. Steep mountains encircle the delta, creating a tropical valley that fosters lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems. This mountainous terrain plays a significant role in the city's climate, as the mountains cause unusually high amounts of precipitation. The frequent rain showers contribute to the verdant landscapes and help maintain the abundant natural resources that support the city's growth and development.

Burth Port's position as the first port encountered by northbound ships sailing from the Badlands coast has significantly contributed to its prominence and development. The Badlands, characterized by its harsh desert landscape, stretches along the southern coast of Venthalia for hundreds of miles, presenting formidable challenges for sailors navigating its barren shores. Due to the scarcity of settlements and ports along this coast, Burth Port has historically served as a crucial oasis for weary sailors and merchants seeking refuge, supplies, and trade opportunities. As ships sail northward from the Badlands, Burth Port's welcoming harbor offers a stark contrast to the desolate terrain they have left behind. The city's abundant resources and thriving economy make it an attractive destination for traders, who are eager to establish new connections and exchange their goods after a long journey through the inhospitable desert. The influx of ships from the south has bolstered Burth Port's prominence as a maritime hub, attracting merchants, investors, and entrepreneurs from across Venthalia and beyond. The steady flow of vessels sailing from the Badlands has also enriched Burth Port's culture and diversity, as sailors and immigrants from various regions bring their own customs and traditions to the city. This blending of cultures has resulted in a vibrant and unique atmosphere, which is reflected in Burth Port's architecture, cuisine, and festivals. This cultural exchange has further strengthened the city's reputation as a welcoming and prosperous destination for those seeking new opportunities or a fresh start after the treacherous journey along the Badlands coast.

## Economy

The city's strategic location on the east coast, at the mouth of the Burth River delta, has made it an essential stop for northbound ships and a bustling center of trade. As the largest settlement and port on Venthalia's eastern coast, the city's favorable location has made it the prime destination for goods and traders arriving from across the ocean, from Saneth, Davidia, The Tip, and beyond. The city's geographical advantage, coupled with its prosperous maritime mercantile economy, has ensured its prominence in international trade, facilitating the exchange of goods from diverse cultures and regions. However, the mercantile economy of Burth Port has been significantly influenced by two powerful entities: the Tramontano&Kotts Company (T&K Co) and the notorious Gambilici Crime Family.

T&K Co has been a significant player in the mercantile economy of Burth Port. As a prominent shipping and trading company, T&K Co has leveraged its connections with the Althean Royal Government and the city's municipal government to establish a strong presence in the city's economic landscape. This has enabled the company to expand its operations and attract investment, leading to increased trade and commerce in Burth Port. The influence of T&K Co can be observed in various aspects of the city's economy. By dominating the shipping industry, the company has a strong share of the flow of goods in and out of the city, ensuring that it remains a vital trade hub. Additionally, T&K Co's investments in infrastructure projects, such as the construction of new harbors and docks, have contributed to the city's growth and development, creating jobs and opportunities for its citizens. The company's support of legitimate businesses has also helped to diversify the city's economy, leading to the growth of industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

While the influence of T&K Co has been largely beneficial for the mercantile economy of Burth Port, the city's economic landscape has also been shaped by the darker forces of House Gambilici. Led by crime lord Adamfino Gambilici, the family has infiltrated the political and law enforcement establishments of Burth Port, allowing them to operate their criminal activities with minimal interference. The Gambilici Crime Family's involvement in the city's economy has led to the growth of illegal activities such as smuggling, gambling, and loan sharking. Their control over the criminal underworld has given them a significant stake in the city's mercantile economy, as they profit from these illicit activities. Moreover, the family's extensive network of moles, allies, and corrupt officials has enabled them to maintain their power and evade legal repercussions, further solidifying their position within the city's economic structure. The mob's influence has had a more sinister impact on the mercantile economy of Burth Port. Their infiltration of T&K Co and the Althean Royal Government has allowed them to manipulate trade and commerce for their own gain, undermining the city's legitimate businesses and economic growth. Furthermore, the crime family's involvement in illegal activities has tarnished the reputation of Burth Port, potentially deterring investors and traders from doing business in the city.

## Culture

The large influx of immigrants, originating from across Daunt but especially the Bratoli Isles, have had a profound impact on the culture of Burth Port. With their roots in a rich and vibrant culture, the Bratoli people brought with them a rich tapestry of traditions, architecture, and cuisine. The vibrant fusion of cultures is visible in the city's architectural styles, colorful festivals, and diverse culinary offerings. This multicultural heritage is a significant aspect of the city's identity, fostering an atmosphere of cultural pride. The Gambilici Family has left an indelible mark on Burth Port. Despite their brutal reputation, the mafia has earned a certain level of respect and admiration from the citizens of Burth Port. While the Gambilici Crime Family may be dangerous and predatory, the commoners of Burth Port often see the mob as a force for good. This perception stems from the belief that the mob fights for the poor and underprivileged. In many instances, the crime syndicate has provided essential services to the community, such as protection from other criminal elements, financial assistance, and a sense of stability in an otherwise tumultuous environment. The mob's "take from the haves to provide for the have-nots" image has endeared them to the populace, who often turn a blind eye to their criminal activities in favor of the support they provide to the community.