The City of Rastgoth
Overview
Rastgoth is a medium sized walled city in a large natural harbor at the mouth of the Rast River. Population is around 80,000, and swells to over 90,000 with the arrival of the caravans and farm workers during the summer/fall seasons. As might be expected, the main industry in Rastgoth is trade. Fishing, farming and metal working are also important to the economy, and Rastgoth has one of the largest shipyards in the Western Hemisphere.
Rastgoth is ruled by Lord Westhof Kilburg, known also as "the Merchant Prince." While Lord Kilburg is the chief executive, it is the Consortium of Guilds (also referred to as "The Guild Council") that hold the true power, headed by the extremely powerful Merchants Guild. The Kilburg Trading Consortium, led by Lord Westhof, is an extremely influential member of the Merchants Guild. There is a traditional ruling noble class that holds some power still, but they are giving way to the emerging middle class of merchants and craftsmen. There is an extremely wealthy upper class, but the gap between middle class and the rich is not as great as in other cities in the west.
Two generations ago, Rastgoth negotiated its independence from the Kingdom of Tilth, choosing instead to pay a yearly tribute to the Crown. Halfred's father — the grandfather of the current Monarch, Edmund — granted independence over the objections of several nobles, and much of his Royal Council, precipitating the conditions that lead Edrin later to stir rebellion (see Tilth-Recent History ). The Kilburg's must go very deep into their genealogy to find a relation with the Quellors, the current ruling dynasty in the Tilth.
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Recent History
Four years ago, Rastgoth was one of the cities hardest hit by the invading armies of the Lizard King (see Tilth-Recent History). Although not considered extremely strategic, Sakatha sacked Rastgoth, and occupied it. Much of the wealth of the city went with him when his troops withdrew. While the invaders occupied, the Mirvian troops and their Yuan-Ti priests used the city as a base. The altars to Srath Sifa, the Lizard god, where in Rastgoth. It was here that the leader of the Yaun-Ti cult practiced his black rites, and made human sacrifices to his god. Rastgoth still bears many marks from the invasion.
After the invasion, the ability of the Guilds to keep peace and provide order was weakened. Areas of the city ahd reverted to lawlessness and the Prince declared martial law for two years. The Guild Council imposed heavy tariffs and new taxes, which in turn created a thriving black market.
The Guild Council forced Prince Killburg to lift martial law in the summer of 760. Order had been restored, some what, thanks in part to the Prince's garrison, but the population had turned against the Prince. Sentiment was high that the Prince would use marital law to disband the Guild Council, and restore the monarchy. It may or may not have been in the Prince's plans, however, the population preferred anarchy to monarchy.
To keep order in among the populace, the Consortium of Guilds instituted the current City Watch system. The City Watch is responsible to the Guild Council, and patrols the city. Prince Killburg maintains a Customs Watch – seperate from the Guild's City Watch – which is responsible for patroling the harbors and enforcing tariffs. The Prince's garrison mans the city walls and guards the palace.
Since lawlessness was at an all-time high, several criminals were able to organize "protection" rackets (see Underwold Figures). Carving up the city into territories, the thugs roamed the city, collecting money to protect the merchants and craftsmen in the area. Order, of a sort, could be bought. While using traditional strong-arm tactics, these thugs actually made the city safer, but a uge price.
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Politics
The Consortium of Guilds is made up of all of the craftsmen and land owners in the city. It is truly democratic, the Ratgoth way. Any one can join, provided they can pay the Guild dues. Each member votes in the Council's General Assembly. Higher rank within the Assemly can attained by the aquisition of proxies (the power to cast another member's vote in his/her place). Proxies are usually given for cash or trade consideration, which is how the powerful trade cartels are formed. Although this body meets regularly, there is little business it is enpowered to carry on.
Though it has it share of problems, Rastgoth still boasts some of the most skilled craftsmen in the Western Hemisphere. Armor, weapons, clothes, pottery and jewelry from Rastgoth are all of superior quality. Some even rival demi-human craftsmen. Some of the finest armor and swords are made in the city. With its rich tradition in craftmenship, Rastgoth boasts a higher than average population of gnomes and dwarves.
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Economy
The City of Rastgoth relies heavily on trade with its neighbors. The city is reknown for the skill of its craftsmen. Worked goods of all sorts make up the cheif export of Rastgoth. The city imports raw materials and food stuffs.
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