Codex IV·—
Verantum
No army. All the power. The city that made itself impossible to ignore.
The Three Cities
Not one city but three, sitting on the southern coast of Aldor. The last major port before open water, every ship heading south passes through Verantum, or pays the price of going around. This is the source of everything.
Gold & Information
Verantum has no army. It doesn't need one. It has gold, which is more reliable than soldiers, and information, which is more valuable than both. Governed in name by an elected council; governed in practice by three crime families, one per city. If you ask anyone in Verantum about this, they will not be surprised you know. It is not a secret. It is simply how things are.
Character
Verantum does not smile at anyone. It smiles at money. Arrive with gold and every door opens. Arrive without it and the city looks straight through you.
It does not start wars. It profits from them.
People
Every race that money brings. Humans, Tieflings, Half-elves, Dragonborn, if you can pay, you belong.
Cities
Ravenharbour
The capital. Sits where the ocean cuts inland like a gorge. The council meets here. So does the darker work. Run by the Draeven family.
Greyreach
The northern city. First stop coming from The Greylands. Land trade and caravans. Run by the Vorne family.
Dawnport
The eastern city. Faces the open sea. Maritime trade routes and harbour control. Run by the Varshen family.