Brimshore

*by Kyler*

## Geography:

The village of Brimshore starts far out into the waters, sitting on a complex system of wooden docks and walkways, covered in netting and ropes for easy traversal all over. The village sprawls from the farthest parts of the water inwards towards the beach, not straying too far from the water’s edge. Rickety seeming buildings dot the docks and shore, more often having a few cloth tarps for a roof than anything permanent. At the very top of the area sits a bright lighthouse atop a large pagoda structure which stretches up to touch the clouds.

The entire village is ringed by a tall, thick white stone wall with a single massive arched gate as the entrance. Guards are posted there at all times, checking carriages and allowing visitors on foot in.

The docks themselves are layered in three main levels separated by stairwells:

* The lowest level being completely submerged in the water and used almost exclusively for fast travel around the village.
	+ Much of the transporting of shipments from the reef arrive here first
	+ Workers and civilians alike come here to swim at a speed of their choosing, with no real traffic control
* The middle level is where much of the storage of shipments and materials are held
	+ Much of the structural integrity can be found here, and workers are always repairing something
	+ A lot of minor fishing enterprises have their workers set up here, with their hooks extending down to the level below where travelers will spook the fish right to them.
* The highest level is the main village area with housing, the market square, the various guild headquarters and the large Storm Temple towering high into the sky.

## Culture

The people of the village are largely there because they have been assigned there. They do not particularly enjoy a life not spent fully underwater, but understand the necessity of what they do. There is very little in the way of random citizenry walking around the village, with most everyone running around on some task or another. Countless fishermen or market stall runners, as well as people hauling shipments fresh from the reef.

## Political Structure

Vassal village to the reef kingdom Merrowdeep.

Brimshore is usually headed by the local captain of the Guard unless the Councilman is in town. The guard patrol regularly and keep everything calm and in control.

## Economy

* Fledgling Markets
	+ As a newly opened locale, Brimshore is eager to exchange for foreign goods and has a plethora of oceanic oddities and specialties to offer in return
* Vitae Exchange
	+ Historically, the only interaction Pearl Ridge has had with the outside world has been small trade with Xeque to procure precious Vitae. Even a society that dwells below the waves must enact protective measures to ensure the ever present dangers of Xeque are held at bay, both from the jungles and the depths of the ocean.

### Adventurer Employment:

* Hunt down monstrous sea creatures
* Join the Treasure Hunters Guild in exploring ruins
* Fend off attacks from either terrestrial Xeque or the depths

## History

Centuries ago, close to the founding of the first cities of Xeque, there were some who felt discontent with the danger that came from living within the jungles. Some believed there to be somewhere else that would prove safer to settle at. The idea of moving beneath the waves was quickly proposed, and those who could survive in such an environment banded together to do just that.

The beginnings of the region now known as Pearl Ridge were perhaps just as rocky as those of terrestrial Xeque. The founding of the first Reef Kingdom was a monumental occasion that led to untold prosperity and security for the fledgling society that had moved there. With the success of the first, and the subsequent population boom, many groups split off to found their own kingdoms.

The early history of these kingdoms involved much bloodshed as bickering over the limited safe territory surrounding the reefs was highly contentious. Eventually, the 12 wisest rulers came together to forge an alliance that would bloom into the present Council. A united kingdom that leads its people to better lives deep in the ocean.

The few kingdoms that survived without joining the council have since degraded to paltry bandit hovels and ghost towns, barely fit to be picked at by roving Treasure Hunters and adventurous Disciples of the Storm.

Each reef kingdom that makes up Pearl Ridge is represented by an elected Councilman, and possesses a shore side satellite village to ensure that all needs are met the best they can be. Brimshore, and its presiding reef Merrowdeep, have always stood as the ones most open to the idea of talks with outsiders, though even they are possessed of the natural disdain and trepidation that residents of the ocean have towards those that live on land voluntarily.

The main intention behind the opening of Brimshore to the rest of the continent was to ensure that they, and the rest of Pearl Ridge along the way, may have access to the resources and services that they desperately need and cannot fulfill themselves.

## Demographics

* Common Races
	+ Tritons
	+ Crab Folk
	+ Sea Elves
	+ Carcharians
	+ Water Genasi
* Random singular instances of any race might be found for some reason or another though it stands out among the more common races

## Ecology

### Flora

* Mundane life is standard to the oceans, though much larger than average
* Coral stronger than steel

### Fauna

* Mundane life is standard to the Pacific Ocean, though much larger than average
* Strange fish infused with elemental essences
* Monstrous sea creatures
* Sahuagin
* Kuatoa

## Threats

### Flora and Fauna

* Sea monsters of various shapes and sizes
* Common and Uncommon species of aquatic life, larger than those found elsewhere
* Threats from the jungles of Xeque encroaching on the beaches

### Rogue Aquatic Settlements

* Small groups that refuse to join proper civilization under the Council, instead choosing to raid others and take what they can to survive

### Monstrous Tribes

* Sahuagin and Kuatoa who worship darker powers and seek to overthrow the Council of Pearl Ridge.