City of Portglassia
World Connections Type LOCATION Sub-Type CITY Status EXPLORED Time Period --- Regions The Cartas Empire Campaign The War of the Enlightened World Period Dilatatio et Bellum
Titles: The Port Town of the East, The City of Water, The City of Whispers
Region: Southwest Cartesia
Size: Medium
Origin: New Age City (Post-Great Unification)
Population: 712,000
Welcome to Portglassia, a thriving coastal gem along the southwestern edge of Cartesia. Known for its bustling docks, winding canals, and mysterious undercurrents—both literal and political—Portglassia stands at the crossroads of commerce, history, and adventure. Though not the largest city in the Cartas Empire, its cultural and strategic importance cannot be overstated. The city exudes a sense of transience and discovery; travelers pass through, whispers are exchanged, and opportunities arise.
Home to the Adventuring Guild’s southern headquarters, this year Portglassia is the starting point for many aspiring adventurers seeking fame and purpose in the evolving landscape of the Cartas Empire.
History
Founded shortly after the Great Unification, Portglassia grew from a modest harbor into one of Cartesia’s premier port towns.
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Its legacy includes the Sistine Sewer System, a vast underground irrigation and transport network originally repurposed from pirate-era tunnels. Though reclaimed over centuries, much of it remains unexplored, with sections still sealed off for safety.
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From 150–300 A.U., Portglassia flourished as a pirate stronghold. During this era, three pirate lineages reportedly discovered routes through the perilous Ader Vortex, granting them unmatched power. Eventually, a treaty forged with the central government saw these pirate factions folded into the infrastructure of the town, giving rise to the vibrant trade networks it supports today.
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Architectural remnants of the pirate age still decorate the lower quarters, though the city now sports a blend of modern engineering and aged sea-worn stone.
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The Captain’s Canal, both an engineering marvel and symbolic divide, splits the Upper and Lower Districts. While the class divide isn’t stark, this canal has become a literal and cultural boundary.
Portglassia is also renowned for its specialized agricultural exports, made possible by its sewer-fed irrigation systems, and its history as a crucible for transient merchants, crafters, and explorers.
Politics & Government
Government Type: Local Parliament with Royal Oversight
Royal Presence: None (no royal families reside here)
Dominant Parties: Modicus (74%), Cambiare (36%)
Current Mayor: Mayor C.C. Chim
Defense: Local Town Guard
With a youthful city council and a politically moderate stance, Portglassia’s government focuses primarily on trade regulation, port safety, and transport infrastructure. While generally stable, recent years have seen small-scale protests over increased trade tariffs and uneven dock fees.
The town hall, located in the Upper District, houses both political chambers and guild offices. While the Royal Families do not reside here, state envoys from the capital and other regions often pass through.
Religion & Belief
Portglassia holds shrines and temples to all four major Churches—Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. As a new-age town, religious tolerance and diversity are deeply embedded in its culture. The city’s Sirens Altar, however, remains unclaimed by any contemporary religion and is thought to predate the Unification era entirely.
Commerce & Industry
Major Exports: Agricultural goods, aquaculture, trade goods for the northern and southern port routes
Industries: Household magical items, printing presses, trade logistics, engineering crafts
Portglassia is a key node in the maritime trade routes of Cartesia, facilitating exchanges between Silinea, Baruba, and Jimbasa. Its docks see hundreds of ships per day and its markets are a riot of culture and wares.
The presence of the Tinkerers Guild has helped popularize locally made magical appliances, often catered to domestic and agricultural use. The city is also known for its printed journals and trade records, produced in its many scriptoriums and press-houses.
Key City Locations
Town Hall
Center of governance and administrative affairs. Also houses the local offices of:
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The Adventurers Guild
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The Tinkerers Guild
Upper District
Affluent and well-kept. Contains:
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Government buildings
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Major temples
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Guild headquarters
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Homes of the upper class
Lower District
Working-class neighborhoods. Contains:
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Bazaars and trade markets
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Taverns and inns
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Minor shrines and underground establishments
While not lawless, it is advised to travel in groups after dark.
Captain’s Canal
An engineered canal that runs through the heart of the city. Designed with flow-modulating features derived from the Sistine Sewer System, the canal supports irrigation and transport.
Central Fountain
A symbol of Portglassia. Its source remains unknown but produces water of unmatched clarity. Some claim the waters to have minor restorative properties.
The Stagnant Pools
Steamy pools with unclear origin, rumored to show glimpses of the future when gazed into. Once sacred to the pirate lineages.
The Southern Archives
One of Cartesia’s most important trade and navigation archives. Frequently visited by scholars, captains, and researchers.
Seafarers Sanctum
Nautical museum built into the former stronghold of a pirate lord. Displays relics, maps, and tales from the pirate era.
Sirens Altar
An untouched religious structure of unclear origin. Rumors of whispers and visions surround it. Maintained as a historical site.
The Adventuring Sign-Ups
Each year, the Adventurers Guild selects one city to host sign-ups for new members. This year, Portglassia is the chosen site. Adventurers have only a few weeks to register before the caravan moves to the next city.
This influx brings with it:
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Opportunity for work and reputation
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Higher guard presence
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Increased trade and tourism
Notable Figures
Mayor C.C. Chim
Leader of Portglassia, known for pragmatic diplomacy and a calm demeanor.
Akone Aleman
Tinkerers Guild regional lead. Oversees trade, research, and artisanal innovation in magical devices.
Ae-Cha
Southern Head of the Adventurers Guild. Renowned for her no-nonsense training methods and strong moral code.
Venk
The finance minister of Portglassia. He is often trusted by Mayor Chim to run aspects of the city that extend beyond the scope of his position, but is incredibly competent in his duties. Before his position in Portglassia, he was said to an import manager within the government of Jimbasa.
Samsara
Decorated captain of the Cartesian Royal Knights, often stationed in or around Portglassia.
Additional Information
Portglassia is more than a city—it is a threshold. Whether you are here to trade, discover, or begin a legend of your own, you will find the seas whispering stories, and the stones beneath your feet humming with forgotten truths.
“The tide always returns to Portglassia, even if the ship does not.” — Gildas the Mariner
Size | Medium | Region | Southwest Cartesia| Origin | New Age City | Titles | The Port Town of the East, The City of Water |
Politics
Govt Type | Parliament with Royal Seats | Political Comp. | Modicus [74%], Cambiare [36%] | Royal Prescense | No Royal Families Here | Ruler(s) | Mayor C.C. | Defense | Town Guard |
Society
Races | Dwarves [30%], Gnomes[15%], Humans[40%] , Elves[5%], Tielfings[5%], Halfings[5%] | Population | 712,000 | Religious Prescense | The Major Churches |
Commerce & Industries
Exports | Agriculture, Trading Goods for Northern/Southern Port Towns, Aquaculture | Industries | Assorted Goods, Daily Household Magical Appliances, Printing Press Hub |