The City State of Winegorge

A Truefolk republic on the outskirts of civilization famous for its wine.

Population: 100,000

Heraldry: Blue background with a golden cornucopia on the left that spills out purple grapes with a golden ship with white sails on the right sailing right.

Racial Breakdown: 60% Truefolk, 20% Human, 10% Dwarven People, 10% Other.

Government type: Republic led by an Archduke who is attended by a council of  ministers.

Current ruler: Lord Frost, Archduke of Winegorge.

Current known alliances: No official alliances

Current Wars: No current wars.

### Location

Located in a large natural harbor in the South west of the continent, with rising hills and mountains around it.

### Culture

The distance from the core of the Empire means that the vice-culture of Winegorge is nowhere near as intense. The city is home to many famed wineries and very reputable gambling houses. The people fish and whale the high seas expertly and the Truefolk of Winegorge are some of the most industrious of their kind. Winegorge was always a Truefolk stronghold but has become a home for Truefolk who do not wish to associate with the more scandalous nature of Vrosa.

### History

Always a Truefolk city, it was held by several lord mayors over the years. During the time of source, the refugees landed in Winegorge to find the city overrun with source undead. Battles raged across the city until the foul necromancer responsible was defeated and what few undead were left were driven into the sewers, where the citizens of Winegorge still have to deal with them to this day. During the height of this battle, a Truefolk by the name of Frost captured the Fortress of Winegorge and claimed it as his own. With a group of mercenaries under his command he brought order to the city and it has prospered under his stewardship.

### Economics

Winegorge is uniquely situated in that the shape of its harbor reflects light onto its steep banked hills and surrounding mountains for a longer time of day than any other vineyards in Bil’Hanna. This allows for some of the best wines in the world to be created and is a driving point for Winegorge’s economy. Winegorge also exports a delicacy of porpoise meat that pairs well with its wines. The finest of wines produced are loaded up into the clear bladders of these marine animals and sold in bags. This method of storage is unique to the wines of the city and has led to a myriad of cultural and regional traditions based on who purchases them.

### Influence:

Winegorge is currently in an economic boom. Being the only port around for hundreds of miles it has a near monopoly on ocean trade which gives it access to goods unavailable to much of the continent. A safe and reliable trade route established with Neppen in recent years has become threatened by Slegorian pirates who change exuberant fees to ‘escort’ Winegorge’s products upriver. Winegorge trades freely with any nation with a port and is unapologetic in doing so.

### Truefolk of Winegorge’s stereotypical views

#### Truefolk of Vrosa

“There are trade goods you can deal in other than vice and decadence. We think they forget that sometimes.”

#### Fortune Less Cohorts

“It is a way for those who have lost everything, to become something again. A hard road but at least it is a road.”

#### Dwarven Peoples of Bridge City

“We have no ill will towards these Dwarves. We are so far from them we have no skin in that game. Their portals do threaten our commerce though.”

#### First Elves

“The necromancer Egon was a First Elf. To this day many people in the city do not trust them.”

#### Wracked Elves

“Sometimes they come into town in troops during the harvest season to help pick grapes. We pay well, they work hard.”

#### Slegorians

“We never had any problems with them, but if they do not stop harassing our merchants there is going to be trouble. Sooner rather than later.”

#### The Necropolis of Myr

“They like strong wine. We make strong wine. What’s not to like?”

#### Tarabuthians

“On the other side of the Dunkelheit. If you can, trade for their furs. They are excellent quality.”

#### The Eternal Empire

“Both customer and competition. Friend or rival really depends on what you have in the hold of your ship”.

#### Kingdoms of Anwyn

“To turn on the Empire when they invested so much money in your society really is bad business. They have effectively closed themselves off from the rest of the world. Except for us. We will sail around the world to sell to them. They just have to pay for every league traveled.”