Viletta

	Size:	Large Port City
	Population:	20,000+
	Trades:	Mithryl, Diamonds
	Qualities:	Constant Winds, Deepwater Port, Natural defenses.
	Dangers:	Pirates
	Languages:	Imperial Common, Thessalyan
	Disadvantages:	Isolated from the Empire, Constant War with Nessia

History

A deepwater port at the foot of high cliffs & the Pyr Range. No suitable passes to the rest of the empire, approachable only from the sea. A mining town which serves the Deadmines. The Deadmines are the primary producer of Mithril in the known world, with diamonds as a byproduct. Viletta’s remoteness made it difficult for the empire to hold onto after Thessalya & Thippus broke from the Imperium, and as the wars in the passes dragged on, draining resources, Florenta had to let it go. (Also, Viletta wanted to belong to the Thippus/Thessalya Alliance.)

Control of the Deadmines goes back and forth between Nessia and the Alliance – frequent all-out conflicts which has ravaged the small port of Viletta, interrupted mining and brought the Mithral trade to a stuttering halt. Even when Nessian occupation forces are driven out, they leave behind dark and fearsome creatures in the mines that prey on miners and disrupt operations.
There was a time when Elven trade ships from Llohna were as common in Viletta’s harbor as seagulls, but now due to the way the port changes hands, only the occasional ship ghosts in and out of port, no more than 2 or 3 per year.

Viletta functions as an equal nation in the Thippus / Thessalya alliance, although it remains an independent City-State. Governing of the city, mines and foreign affairs is conducted by a seven-member council of nobles, each voted upon by the other nobles, and each of whom may serve only five years before stepping down (a process which leads to a great deal of corruption and political intrigue.) The council is headed by a ‘High Magister’ (voted in by the council) who serves ten years, theoretically making him or her immune to political maneuvering…

Although Viletta has a standing army of around 2,000 infantry, they are supplemented by a mandatory citizen militia which can ad up to 6,000 troops. Viletta’s small fleet of warships is for defense only.

The people of Viletta are for the most part followers of the Church of Cuthbert, and watched over by the “Bishop of Viletta,’ the ranking Church delegate, who answers to superiors at the Basilica in Florenta. A small force of paladins and Church troops protect the Bishop and his cathedral. The Holy Inquisition is unwelcome in Viletta.

	THE DEADMINES: An extensive warren of mines reaching deep into the Pyr, with as-yet uncharted depths. Rich with veins of pure mithril, the mines also produce a small amount of diamonds. It is not unusual for subterranean creatures to prowl up from the deep to prey upon miners.
	ST. STEPHEN’s: This impressive marble and granite cathedral, home to the Bishop, is consecrated to the Patron Saint of Masons and Miners.
	THE MITHRIL FLAGON: The premier tavern in Viletta, known for its rich Mountain Stout.
	FEATHERBREAST’S: This is an elven operated mithril-smith / armorer highly skilled at fashioning any possible armor arrangement out of mithril. The craftsmen dabble in weaponry as well.

	Shale the Wise: This old, battle-scarred wizard serves as the chief advisor to the High Magister, and has done so for nearly 50 years. In Their Own Words… “Fear not the Nessians. Their capabilities are known. We should look to our defense against the white-haired serpent who dwells far beneath us.”
	Sir Geoffrey of Valencia: A paladin of the Church of Cuthburt, this young knight is charged with not only the protection of the bishop, but with the overall defense of Viletta. Although young, he has seen many battles with the Nessians and is an experienced warrior. In Their Own Words… “Only through the sustaining power of His grace will we achieve victory over our enemies. And we shall show mercy to our captives, where they would not.”

	VILETTA MINER’S ASSOCIATION: A union-style organization of mine workers, who demand – and receive – a share of the mithril proceeds for their hard and dangerous work. Without them, all work shuts down.
	VILETTA 2nd PIKE: An elite battalion of experienced soldiers skilled at repelling Nessian attacks. Considered one of the premier combat units in the Known World.