Crows Nest

The sprawling, ever changing city of Crows Nest always has wonders to behold.

Situated north of The Harbor of Daggers, Crows Nest is the largest and most well used port in all of Veiltouria. With no centralized government or taxes, the city operates on a system of respect and reputation. The strongest rule here and their word is law. To rise up and gain power, you have to take it from somebody else.

## Crows Nest History and Culture

Crows Nest was never planned or "built". It slowly grew from a small pirate haven into one of the largest cities in all Veiltouria. Populated by pirates, criminals and sea-faring folk, there is no standard citizen of Crows Nest. If you have the strength to survive, you can live there. With its economy built on a foundation of piracy, trade and slavery, it is coin and reputation that will carry you far.

Most trade from far away continents comes through Crows Nest, as does the multitude of treasure and goods found by pirates or merchants. The various crime families and merchant guilds buy the product from the ships, then distribute them fair and wide. There are merchant guild leaders with more power and wealth than kings.

### Citizens of Crows Nest

Many in Crows Nest make their living off the seas. Whether it is through piracy of the the vessels of other kingdoms, honest merchant and trade work or by scouring the seas for treasure and artifacts, the ocean is where a lot of the wealth of Crows Nest comes from. With so much product and treasure flowing through the city, it has grown to be the primary port of the continent. It is through Crows Nest that many of the neighboring kingdoms and empires source supplies or organize their trade.

Many assassin guilds and criminal empires also call Crows Nest home. The lawless nature of the city coupled with its survival of the fittest culture means they can operate without scrutiny. The largest and most prolific Assassin Guild in Veiltouria, The Whispering Dark, calls Crows Nest home. They operate out of their sanctuary, The Ill Opera, a large citadel nestled in the very heart of Crows Nest. Another large criminal presence in Veiltouria, The Crooked Knife Association, has a series of taverns and businesses within Crows Nest, all their funds being shipped back to The Crown Mountains and Obstinath their ruler.

Not all who live in Crows Nest are grand pirates or famous sailors however. Many are simple fisherman or hired muscle, working to make ends meet in a crowded city. An unspoken boon of living with Crows Nest is the joy the city can bring. The freedom and lack of rules means some of the grandest carnivals or most exuberant taverns set up shop in Crows Nest. Magical shows and flamboyant theatres dot the streets, while the markets are always a constant source of enjoyment. To live in Crows Nest is to live in a city of opportunity.

### Merchants and Traders

With its access to shipping lanes and a plethora of skilled sailors, Crows Nest became the default city for imports and exports. Most kingdoms and cities to the West have some form of trade deal with a business or merchant in Crows Nest. As a result, the merchant guilds and families in the city have developed into an approximation of another cities courts or political figures. Espionage, subterfuge and deception are their weapons of choice, often going to trade wars with one another.

It is common for merchants to hire their own guards and keep them on retainer. Within Crows Nest, this mercenaries are known as Clippers. While it is a steady, often small risk job, many of the more lawless citizens view the role as one of shame. Over the years, a tense relationship has evolved between pirates and Clippers.

All too often large groups of the two factions can be found engaging in non fatal but still bloody brawls, with the savvy businessman often taking advantage of these scenarios and taking bets on the spectacle.

## The Pirate Kings

The individuals who command the most respect in Crows Nest are those who are known as the Pirate Kings. Powerful warriors and cunning sailors, all the Pirate Kings quest for fame and fortune. But above all else, the thing that unites them, is their search for The Treasures of The Sea King. Not every pirate who throws their hat in the ring to search for these treasures comes to be known as a Pirate King. Only those of great renown, who have accomplished great deeds earn the title. Or someone who kills an existing Pirate King.

There is no set number of Pirate Kings, nor is there any official power in the title. The role only carries power so long as the pirate in question has the reputation and associated fear to act with impunity. As soon as they falter or a chink appears in their armor, the denizens of Crows Nest will eventually cut them down, usually the perpetrator being some young pirate who aims to ascend to the title.

Currently, the Pirate Kings are:

* Canis Absalom, Captain of The Black Mako
* Icthious Sucker, Captain of The Thorny Rose
* Glarrop Goreslop, Captain of Heir Huntress
* Wylla Quicktalon, Captain of The White Flag

Former Pirate Kings include:

* Sloan The Butcher, Captain of The Obelisk
* Voda Sicalica, Captain of The Widows Whore

Fiercely competitive amongst themselves, the Pirate Kings scheme against one another, hoping to surpass their rivals and ascend to the throne of Sea King. It is rare for one of them to take up arms against each other, as there are various rules of tradition and history that make such acts frowned upon. It is accepted that no Pirate King can kill another, though this rule is largely considered to mean no Pirate King can be seen killing another.

## The Port Guardians

From the first days of Crows Nest, when it was a small cove used exclusively by the most notorious pirates, the Port Guardians have been present. A pair of twin Sea Giants, the Port Guardians are notoriously mysterious and enigmatic creatures. It is not known why they guard the city, though it is clear they will lay down their lives to protect it. The few words they have spoken in their centuries of guarding the city reveal that they wish to ensure Crows Nest remains free. It is they who have halted all The Holy Cities attempts at conquering the pirate city and it is they who have warded off Shog-Ammonoth's Krakens when they come hunting heroes.

Despite their gargantuan appearance and cold demeanor, the Port Guardians are viewed upon fondly by the citizens of Crows Nest, who do their best to ensure the giants are fed and cared for.