Wycklow

Cities of the Outlands. Wicklow is located on the eastern coast.

A near-lawless seaside city, Wicklow is the primary point of entry for refugees from the continent. Its population of over 230,000 is most diverse, surpassing even Rome in demographic complexity.

The Outlands were born in and grew outward from this city. Its population reflects the centuries of fantastic creatures fleeing the persecution of the Holy Empire. While still mostly human, the city is also populated by Elves, Gnomes, Halflings, and a variety of other non-human races. A respectful peace exists among the various races, though occasional rivalries have been known to occur. Bloodshed is bad for business, and the business of Wicklow is business.

Its position as a port city of Eíre has historically made Wicklow important. This has not changed since the coming of the Visitors, as the humans of Wicklow refer to the refugee races. In fact, Wicklow is regarded by many as the capitol of the Outlands. It is certainly the only city to have thrived during what many refer to as the DarkTimes, the first one hundred years of immigration from the continent, which saw much bloodshed and violence between humans and the new arrivals. Once peace was established, the various races began trading and building a society together. In recent decades the former rivals have united to repel foreign invaders as well as sea pirates.

Piracy is a problem along the coast north and south of Wicklow. There is no organized navy to protect merchant ships. This has led to a thriving maritime mercenary business, with entire ships and experience crew for hire. Some suspect the pirates themselves to be among these mercenaries. Wicklow enjoys robust trade with Prydain, bringing a wide diversity of products and peoples to the streets and markets. These trade routes, as well as those with the rest of Eíre, are the primary targets of piracy.

The government of Wicklow is something never seen by most residents of Eíre: a representative democracy. The Baron of Wicklow possesses supreme authority, but he shares some of it with the City Governors. The city is divided into 14 districts, each of which elects two representatives to the council of City Governors. This council of 28 is presided over by the Baron, who votes only in the event of a tie.

There is effectively no law in Wicklow. While the traditional courts of Eíre exist to resolve disputes between humans, there is no legal jurisdiction over the other races. Crimes of theft, robbery, assault and even murder are ignored by local authorities. Justice is usually sought through revenge in such cases. In others aggrieved parties may themselves commit offenses. Some areas of the city are patrolled by citizen’s militia groups, who keep a semblance of order through intimidation and violence.

For such a diverse and lawless city, Wicklow is surprisingly safe. The primary concern of most citizens is the acquisition of personal wealth. Violence is seen as a hindrance to good business, and so it is shunned by most. Theft and other dishonest trade is also seen as detrimental to good business, so are discouraged and those caught transgressing are usually punished severely. The banker’s guild, for example, will cut off both thumbs of any member caught stealing clients’ monies.

Much of the peace in Wicklow is due to its diversity. Various races and faiths have learned to get along over the years, deciding to let perceived differences go unexpressed in an effort to maintain a productive environment for business and development. Most of the humans in the city follow traditional beliefs, but the teachings and practices of the Visitors has had a profound influence on the population. Most human children are familiar with the legends and lore of their elfin friends, and goblin stories are told around many human campfires. Some human miners know as many dwarf songs as those who brought the tunes to Eíre.

Every culture and religion from the continent is represented in Wicklow. Some of the only Theists on the island of Eire are in Prydaín, and while they have no church and are restricted from proselytizing, they can be found throughout the city. Many object to the presence of these believers from the continent and have argued for their exile. There have been incidents of violence, and more than a few Theists have been murdered. The official position of the government is that all religions are equally tolerated in Wicklow.

Notable Places in Wicklow

Church of the Toothless One

Gilly's Tavern

Notable Residents of Wicklow

Baron Vardamon

Lucien Vardamon

Dara Bragh

Cormac Mar

Wicklow After the Great Devastation

Wicklow is a free port in barbarian territory. The city is still under the control of Baron Vardamon, but he serves only as a titular figure. True power lies in the hands of criminals who each control a portion of the city. Much of what would be considered a crime elsewhere is legal in Wicklow. It is a wild and dangerous place where only the hearty and foolish would dare venture unprotected. Additionally, Wicklow has begun the first regular trade with Prydaín in nearly fifty years.

Pirates also work the seas near and to the north of Wicklow, extending their reach north along the coast. They have also begun to harass the newly created shipping lines between Wicklow and Prydaín. A number of elves and dwarves have contributed their knowledge of shipbuilding and seamanship, with seagoing elven crews among the most notorious of the pirates.

Slavery is big business in and around Wicklow. There are three areas near the docks where slaves are now sold and traded. This practice began in the days immediately after the Great Devastation, when Baron Vardamon ordered all alien visitors arrested, sighting their risk to the security of the barony. Elves, dwarves, humans, and others were placed in chains and made to serve the barony.