Blackport

Along the Upper Gulb Coast there are few ports and the busiest is Blackport. St. Clotilda carved a deep recess into the Gothyri Mountains to serve as a port and connection to trade cities along the steppe. The entrance to the harbor is split in two by the Maiden of Blackpool, a castle statue carved from the black rock of the mountains. The maiden once housed the noble Blackport family until the Ixmian Siege. The missing heir was never found and a civil war between city factions ensued. The struggle was ultimately won by a faction supported by the Hopeful Star cult. The Silverbloods, occupied with the Redhill Rebellion, sent little help before and after the siege. The lack of aid inflamed separatists sentiments and the city declared independence from the empire. Delicately balancing diplomacy between the Steppe trade cities and the Golden Sun Empire has been the primary focus of the cities rulers since its freedom. The ruler of the city, the Bishop of Blackpool, is chosen by clergy of the cities cult. The bishop is advised by the leading trading families.