Nereas, Granzia

On the western coast of Granzia, built on and in the cliffs of Deep Salt Stone, sits the seafaring city of Nereas. Constructed around the River Nere, Nereas has a long and storied history with trading and the people of the Western Seas. The city’s lifeblood, the River Nere, runs through the center of it dividing the different classes within. On the southern shores resides the more common folk: artisans, smiths, laborers, and the Riptide Academy, the training grounds of the city guard. Residing in densely grouped whitewashed Deep Salt communal buildings with hardened clay tile rooves.  On the northern shores reside the wealthy merchants, noble families, the Halls of the Lord of Salt & Sea, and the Riverview Institute, the naval academy responsible for training the captains and crews of the merchant vessels and armada alike. Residing in more affluent family compounds built of stone and timber.

Settled by Humans, Sea Elves, Tortles, and Triton initially, Aasimar, Gnomes, and Dwarves also made their homes there. While Tritania and those who reside in the underwater city are seen publicly as enemies, there is a large population of Tritons that live along the cliffsides and underwater shorelines, holdovers from a bygone time of diplomatic peace. The Tortles are the backbone of the culinary culture within the city. Stews, roasted meats, fruit, various spiced breads, and liquors to name a few. The original settlers had more of a nautical mindset, however, the later additions were the ones that brought riches and renown from the inland territories. A balance was found between the different races: the rocksteady industry of mining and crafting and the more fluid industry of trading and exploration.

Much like the landscape changes from inland to shoreline, so do the religious views and deities worshipped within the city walls. Closer to the outer walls of the Nereas is a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Singing Waters. Located on a wide bridge overlooking the waterfall that marks a change in elevation between the northern and southern shores. The goddess is prayed to for peace and calm waters. Along the shoreline and docks, many small shrines can be found dedicated to the Sailor’s Friend, primarily used by Sea Elves and the hidden Triton population who live within the cliffside northern docks. The god is seen as a protector and guardian of those who seek to return home from the sea. And finally, in the open waters, past the docks, Umberlee is the prime deity. All those who traveled on open waves sought the favor of the unpredictable sea goddess and hoped for calm waters, though that wasn’t always the outcome.

The city is governed by the Lord of Salt & Sea and their Quartermaster’s Council. Through tradition and long-standing peace and prosperity, these eight seats are typically held by the same families. A Halyard is always at the helm of the city, and while the names may change over time for the other seven positions, close ties to the original families are maintained. Masters of Coin, Swords, Shields, Salt, Stone, Voice, and Tome each have their roles to play within the city. Particularly when it comes to trade and diplomacy between the city and other regional powers. One example is the Master of Coin, who not only watches over legitimate commerce within the city limits but also among the black markets situated within the cliffside northern docks. 

Nereas has two major exports that are sought after by the other powers within Granzia: ships that are capable of navigating both open seas and riverways and a special stone called Deep Salt Stone that is very resistant to erosion by water. Their ships are fast, sleek, and able to navigate shallow waterways of only a few feet deep while still retaining a deceptively large cargo hold. These ships are built to cut through the water with little to no friction and maintain structural integrity by “breathing” in and out with the currents around them. Deep Salt Stone is a hard sedimentary stone that is layered with minerals only found in the greater depths of the seas. When it comes in contact with running water, instead of eroding, it strengthens and fills in gaps to maintain integrity.

Every summer, during the solstice, a festival upon the river is held called the Nere Fate Festival. During the day, the shores of the river are lined with floating markets of all kinds. Local and visiting merchants compete for spots to sell their wares and cuisines. Model boat races for children and families take place as well, all leading up to the lantern ceremony. At dusk, the city gathers at the markets and the docks to release lanterns into the air that signal the culmination of the festival. When the sun dips below the horizon, a display of fireworks and lights takes place within the harbor as the graduating cadets from the Riverview Institute reenact the battle between the naval powers of Nereas and Tritania, celebrating the daring victory of the original Captain Halyard over the superior Tritania force. 

Notable people and places

• Pemo Rahd – M Sea Elf
  • Current Master of Voice, a direct family member of the original title holder
  • Known for his direct, no-nonsense style of diplomacy and charismatic smile
• Woryn Agazath – F Triton
  • Dockmaster of the cliffside Northern Docks
  • Clandestine lover and confidant of the Master of Coin, Jerif Highwind
• Uumin Branhig – M Dwarf
  • Cleric of the Goddess of Singing Waters
  • Responsible for community outreach and carves small statues for local children
• Xa – F Tortle
  • Owner and proprietor of The Pearl
  • Originator of the Seaside Sliders. Small spiced meat sandwiches with crusty rolls, grilled fruit, and spicy sauces
• The Sea Cup
  • A dockside tavern and brothel on the boardwalk of the southern Twilight Docks. Owned and operated by a Drow refugee known to some as Lady Driftwood and others as the Smuggler Queen. This establishment has existed for centuries within the city and is a frequent stop for sailors and tourists alike.
• Old Nereas
  • Much like every other ancient city in Granzia, Nereas is built upon the ruins of an older version of itself. Just under two millennia ago, a combination of unusually high tides and flooding of the River Nere wiped out a large chunk of the southern half of the city. While some areas are flooded and inaccessible, there are still entrances into the old ruins and communities of “undesirables” that live within its crumbling streets.