State of Meranthe

[Avee]

  

2004AC

"The question isn't whom or how, it's where, and how much?"

Idle undulations of waves caress the shores of Port Fortune. They continue as they have for years now. Yet, quiet contentment underlays brisk and fortuitous happenstance. It's spoken that the march of progress is slow, and inexorable. Those of Port Fortune choose not to abide by such. Rather, the development of the island village has been expansive and rapid. Several hundred homes dot the gentle slopes of the atoll, each as quaint as the last. One might hardly recognize what it has become, to what it was but years ago.

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Despite the perturbing lack of a formal government, the informal has seen success. Many factors contribute to the fantastic growth of the settlement.

• The ongoing war within greater Meranthe has seen the population bolstered by refugees and the world-weary alike.
  
• Various projects by the citizens have led to pleasant events upon the island, such as the concert held by The Stormbringers.
  
• The ideals of free-trade and the tenuous peace have thus far proven to be a resounding success, naught a single fight having broken out in three years, despite the diverse cast of visitors.
  
• Arrangements for the delivery of delicious, and not to mention nutritious, milk have been made despite the conflict upon the mainland. How this is possible with the distance is unknown.
  
• The development of a mooring system continues, though the mysterious disappearance of several dozen boats over the course of time has led to many believing a boatgoblin from Oy-Deniz is hiding upon the island. Several adventurers seek this cretin. None have found it.
  
• The enigmatic company known as The Nightingale Corp. has established itself upon Port Fortune. Many claim this will provide a boon not only to the local economy, but to Meranthe as a whole.
  
• Mercenary work proves to continue to be a boon for the developing settlement, gaining something of a reputation for quality, though it's said this doesn't come cheap. Aphros is said to have made use of these mercenaries, noting their capabilities after a slight incident involving a particular Kitsune.
  
• Agreements have been reached with Vdalion regarding the contractual rate of mercenaries in the long term.
  
• Some slight discussions of a more formal governmental structure are being had, though this isn't expected to go anywhere terribly quickly.
  
• Delphinian diplomats have came and went, but with the sudden death of Delphina's Queen, it is unknown what impact this may have had, if any, though more diplomats are welcome, as they have always been.
  
• The Freeport remains open to all peoples of all backgrounds, though should you be a particularly shady individual with particularly shady motivations, that people are particularly angry with, it's probably best to wear a cheap disguise.
  
• Several shops have opened upon the island, as well as the development of a new kind of lighthouse to assist when the seasonal typhoons assault the island. What purpose these may have beyond showing the way is currently unknown.
  
• The death of the notorious Pirate Captain Orion Finn, despite what one might think, has brought a small bit of sadness upon the island, particularly within the crew. He was a bad man, but a good rival. Such things are seldom found, and even more seldom recognized. What events may transpire from this, have yet to be seen.
  

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Developments

A large sum of money, 100,000c to be exact, has been spent on the improvements of infrastructure, including but not limited to the construction of additional housing, for both magi and non-magi. Port Fortune's leadership has come to the understanding that housing these two disparate groups within the same area is not necessarily to be benefit of the latter. Following a particular incident in which a magi whom was buying fruit from the market accidently injured several non-magi, this understanding was reached. The later understood to be aeromancers excuse of "Gotta go fast!" was not deemed suitable, and they were punished accordingly.

In addition to this, some dredging projects have taken place, allowing some of the more shallow areas of the island to be reclaimed, though these are small in number, the added farmland is certainly a boon. The ship within the center of the atoll, as well, was renovated, and several small apartments, in the style of ship cabins, have been made available for rent. How quaint! How rustic!

A small shipyard has been developed as well, though the purpose of this is unknown, the experimental hulks it churns out are slowly becoming more advanced, and more stable.

Things are looking up, and the blue n' white waves proudly from the tavern.

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Relationships

Vdalion : Allied
Aphros : Friendly
Delphina : Neutral
Black Thorn Cove : Skirmishing