Leagues of Mare

## Leaders

* **Gwendolyn Lydia** the harbourmaster (Sea Elf, feared captain of the ship The Golden Wave, harbourmaster means they are the leader)

* **Benjamin Roberts** 2nd chair (human, adopted father of Adrian Wallowthester)

* **Presley Redcap** 3rd Chair (aarakocra a trusted advisor for many famous captains, he's the number guy)

Others are on the “council of 21” but these are the main three

## Founder

the great pirate dread captain of the Wave Crasher

The dread captain's name has been lost to time as the sea keeps its secrets but it is said that his lineage is still around and distant children are around the globe.

The league claims they own the sea and many pirates see it as a religious claim because they have a close connection to the sea. This claim is not respected by other large factions and the claim is not protected as the League does not wish to go to war.

### Symbol

a large boat crashing through a great wave

### Saying

The saying changes when the role of harbourmaster changes hands. The current one is “United we stand stronger than any, but splintered they do not fear us.”

### Races | Religions | Languages

it is not hard to find any race, religions, or languages as the port takes in any who seek refuge as long as they don't make problems

#### Languages Spoken

many mixes of thieves cant are used. Many areas around the port are separated by groups of certain language speakers although anyone is welcome anywhere.

## How did the founder or current ruling house come into power?

Gwendolyn Lydia came to power after the disappearance of the last captain. Due to her title of pirate legend, her being a member of the board, and her bountiful successes in sailing she was appointed as head of the board

## Foundation

The beginning of the League was not a kingdom at first. The true beginning was with the Dread captain of the legendary ship the Wave Crasher. The legend of the Wave Crasher is an infamous tale. The Wave Crasher is the largest ship of the last age. It commanded the sea causing fear in sailors because it was nigh unstoppable. The sea was angered by its presence and cast a great storm causing it to crash into a rock cluster ending that era of fear. Eventually pirates found the forgotten ship and found the crew still alive thriving in their wrecked ship. The pirates were welcomed with honor and trade. This continued until it became a thriving port eventually taking on new members and generations of pirates as it continued to expand and grew. When it was discovered by a military ship of a semi close kingdom. They tried to apprehend the pirates but were met by extreme resistance. That ship was sent back to the kingdom with only the necessary crew and a warning. This was when the world found out about the port. This event caused mass hatred of its existence but also caused a massive boom in the population of the port because of criminals and outcast seaking refuge. This is how it was made to be how it is today.

## Society

The Leagues of Mare is a society of criminals, pirates, outcasts, and refugees but to them this “land” is sacred. There is an unspoken unity between inhabitants that they shall do no harm because this is the last place they are accepted and can live a somewhat normal life regardless of background. The Leagues of Mare is split up into many different subcultures that all have their own representatives at the captains hall conference. Most of its inhabitants don’t stay for all too long as they must go back to sea causing the inhabitants to differ from month to month.

### How does the current ruler stay in power?

The current ruler was placed in power by others out of respect of character; she is in power democratically with two subordinates being 1st mate/2nd chair Benjamin Roberts and second mate/3rd chair Presley Redcap. The people of The league respect and fear her as she can ban people from The Port. However if the captain becomes corrupt or goes mad the 1st or 2nd mate may challenge their rule. Most people don't look at the harbor master as their leader but more of an enforcer of the peace.

### What major taxes are put on the people to keep income flowing? If there are none then why?

Because of the nature of its residents being criminals and sailors who would not be there so often the league is unable to collect taxes without major backlash. The Port is instead a large market that is expanded and repaired by its inhabitants to keep it alive.

### Imports and Exports

Grains

Due to the lack of land and mainly soil they have little to no room to grow food but due to a large population being sailors they deal in many exporting and importing jobs. Food is supplied by businesses owners in The Port and by some sailors who make it their trade. Another massive import is lumber as they are constantly expanding the port as it is not all covered in wood yet. Other than food The Port has many businesses making it fairly easy to find whatever you’re looking for as well as being home to one of the largest black markets in its side of the world making it a great place to get rare, illegal, and strange items.

## Territories Owned

There are small groups based on ethnicity, belief, or clans. The largest of these “control” kinda a certain large city in the port and have a representative in the board of 21

## Who are their enemies?

Most nations have a strong distaste for the existence of The Port as it harbors criminals and pirates in a safe place because The league of Mare is home to possibly the strongest navy in the world. The only problem is that it is spread thin throughout the seas but legends tell of an ancient method to call on them when they are needed most. The kingdom that hates the Leagues of Mare the most is the House of Karta as so many pirates have stolen their ships. Some are legally acquired but most are taken.

## Who are their allies?

There are a few coastal towns that will trade with The Port because the pirates defended them in the past forming long standing treaties. While kingdoms will trade with The League because it is lucrative they still look down upon it and reinforce stereotypes against pirates and criminals.

## Biggest Strength

Strongest wildest Navy in the world (however it is spread very thin making it basically usseless)

Because it's a lot of pirates they will not follow direct orders so it's useless to try to use it. A legend is foretold that there is a way to call the allies of the sea together. (the only thing that they could probably get them to do is defend the port. Something most would be willing to do with their lives)

Massive markets making it a wealthy nation although none of its wealth is directly owed by The League

## Biggest Weakness

Little to no land presence

Lack of lumber for expansion. It has to be imported because they dont have a way to grow trees.

Harmful stereotypes and labels making it hard for inhabitants to live anywhere else

Family tree doesnt really matter as power is not family based