Port Assurance

Port Assurance is a city on the island of Assurance, part of the Åblisk continent and currently under the government of Åblia. It is the capital of Åblia, seat of the Advokaterseregeringen.

Geography & Terrain
Port assurance sits on the southern edge of Assurance, south of the Assurance mountain range. As its name suggests, it is an active port and has an inlet for ship repairs, building, etc. However, only Åblisk ships are allowed to make port; all other ships must port at (name I am currently forgetting). Merchants and travellers of other nationalities may enter and leave the city freely, however.

The city itself is composed of several cobblestone roads spread out in a somwhat random format due to the necessity-focused nature of the city's construction. The only section with organization is the Government District, which is laid out in a small grid in the northeastern area of the city.

There are no surrounding farms, as agriculture is not particularly economically sound in this area. The soil and climate are not favorable to most profitable forms of plant life.

Culture
The culture of Port Assurance is a mix of old dwarven culture and human mercantile culture.

Dwarven Culture
Generally, dwarven culture surrounds gold, honor, glory, and intoxicating beverages. The music almost falls apart if there is not some liquor flowing into the performers, dancers, and fighters (although some higher class humans and most elves see this as a way of making poor music sound nicer). Brawls are common and considered an unspoken sport of sorts.

As for daytime culture, dwarves value their braids (as Arknel Strungelimmer once said, "For head hair to toe hair not a hair loose for the enemy, conquest, or lover"). Sometimes this can be seen as a sign of status, although most non-dwarves would not be able to see a distinct difference between the elaborate patterns.

Mercantile Culture
The mercantile culture focuses on music and storytelling. The markets of Port Assurance are never silent; most merchants agree that music lubricates a buyer's pockets. The particular music of Port Assurance is very hearty, and is exemplified here.

As for storytelling, legend has it that the old dwarven salesmen spun such awesome tales that bardic tradition began in Åblia, and by extension Port Assurance.