Freeport

Freeport
The Gates of Freeport
Continent:	Antonica
Leader:	Sir Lucan D'Lere
Race Inhabiting::	Primarily Humans, also mixed with Half Elves.

The eastern human port city, which shares a border with the Teir'Dal kingdom of Neriak. The city is ruled by Sir Lucan D`Lere and the Freeport City Council. It faces civil strife however as the Knights of Truth vie for control.

Early History

Freeport has stood as a vital trading city in the far east of Antonica for decades, although for most of this time the active traders and oft changing governments have found little need to document the earliest foundations. Like its surrounding area, Freeport is rugged, utilizing architecture that reflects the sandstone and nearby Serpent Spine Mountains. Built well after the Rallosian Wars and the fall of the Elddar Forest, the city does not have the haggard, rebuilt over appearance that other states in Norrath do. All the same, however, there has been little serious effort until Lucan's war against the Orcs to bring the surrounding area to a heel, and therefore the city was built with a fortress architecture in mind.

Rumors have been abound that an ancient Elven city, know as Caer'Thiel, was buried over by the original inhabitants of Freeport, however no archaeological evidence to date has proven this speculation, and many have speculated that this is little more than an attempt by various Elves to try to retain a cultural hand in the ever important trade city.

As far back as recorded history has shown, Freeport was inhabited by a primarily mercantile class of citizens. Acting as the only port access to Faydwer and the connection between the eastern kingdom of Qeynos and the rest of Antonica, it was seen as an excellent hub of trade, a continental bazaar in many ways. No one knows how, or why, but following the constant skirmishes with Orcs and other vagabonds that made the roadways hazardous, a religious group of knights began to slowly acquire power in the city. The citizens, usually protected by mercenaries and other militias, turned to the deeply religious paladins and other knights who collectively worshipped the god Mithaniel Marr.

Under the Knights of Truth

As the Knights of Truth came to power over the city, tasks usually assigned to the coalition of merchants and guilds that normally administered the city were turned over to the band of Mithaniel Marr worshippers. In time, the state army and police force was staffed entirely by the Knights, bolstered by men-at-arms from the expanding Steel Warriors. Although peace was brought to Freeport and the surrounding area, the back bone of Freeport's economy, trade, suffered under the theocratic restrictions of Order.

All the same however, a sense of purpose was brought to many citizens, who saw the religious sacrifices as seemingly worth the gain in security and prestige in the city.

Alongside the Knights of Truth, the Priests of Love, under the goddess Erollissi Marr came to prominence in the city. Headed by a high priest, the followers of Marr administered the day to day religious services of the city.

It was at this time that relations with Qeynos were at an all time high. With similar ideals and a focus on the advancement of primarily human culture, the Bayles were content to satisfy trade and cultural exchanges with their ally. However, with paladin enforced ideals, Freeport's relationship with its immediate neighbors, particularly in Neriak suffered.

The Knights were also particular about maintaining a healthy relationship with the Steel Warriors, often befriending the Marshall of the local chapter. They worked together to battle the nearby Orcs, who grew increasing in numbers.

Despite the restrictive rules brought down by the fiercely theocratic Knights, the people were mostly content with their lots in life, however over time, between a burden of high taxes and an aristocratic life style, the fast growing population began to grow discontent.

Early Forms of Military

The Knights of Truth, who by and large ran the city of Freeport, were dedicated to a feudal code of nobility. All members of their ranks were expected to be of noble birth, which gave the paladins an incredible amount of wealth and power over the city. Despite leaving in the framework of the Coalition of Tradesfolk, the once powerful merchant guilds that had formerly made up the backbone of Freeport's society had eroded to little more than an advisory council. Usually, they were left to tend day to day matters of administration and logistics, but the legislation and judiciary actions were commanded solely by the Knights, backed religiously by the Priest of Love.

The primary army of Freeport was composed of Knights, who were expected to undergo a rigorous series of training exercises that culminated in an ultimate loyalty test. Despite the slow turn out of soldiers, the fiercely loyal and well trained army suited the needs of the Knights, as each individual was expected to be well learned in both law and martial skills. To that end, Knights have largely been expected to be judiciary officials, executors of justice in addition to keepers of the peace.

The result of the highly ritualized and intense training was a fanatically loyal, highly trained, but ultimately highly valuable force that was the pride of Antonica. It has been speculated by scholars that this highly professional force was enough to deter the forces of Neriak, despite having record tensions with the Teir'Dal. This was also sufficient force to abet the Deathfist Orcs, who maintained a sizable force in and around Kithicor Woods and the Commonlands.

Knights were typically trained in martial skills that bolstered the use of a shield and sword, but many were also proficient in polearms. With the majority of Norrath's horse masters gone with the Combine Empire, the Knights were unable to maintain a strong cavalry force, however historians have noted that some of Freeport's past knights were noted cavaliers.