The twin suns were setting over the ocean as Joe Higbee looked out over the docks. The sky was a mix of orange, blue, and purple. The night’s first stars were beginning to show their faces. He stood on the second floor balcony of “The Liar’s Den”, one of the most famous taverns in Bastards Bay. There were many taverns and pubs in the Bay, but this was the one closest to the docks. Closest to the sea. He glanced over the bustling area below. A cacophony of sounds and a myriad of smells washed over him.The Neran wrinkled his nose at the miasma of fish, sweat, and grime. Mixed into those unpleasant aromas were delicious notes of Gerty Chickle’s famous fish pies, salty sea air, and the sweet vanilla scent of spiced rum from the barrels lined up awaiting a voyage.
The docks were bustling. Menn of all tribes and cultures ran to and fro. Ships slowly swayed with the heaving of the tides and the gentle pushing of a stiff sea breeze. Flags snapped in the wind. Menn were aboard the ships and boats, singing shanties and work songs as they mended sailes, tied off ropes, or fixed broken planks. The sounds of bare feet stomping on wood, mallets hitting boards, and all the noise of the merchants and barkers assaulted the ears.
The docks were the entrance to the bazaar. Anything and everything you could wish for, could be bought there. Ships from all over Elyria would stop at the Bay and trade wares, sell goods, or just stop over on their journeys elsewhere. Smoke rose from the homes and inns that dotted the town. The day was winding down, and fishermenn were returning from long hours of hauling nets in the bay. Sailors and merchants all clamoured below Joe as he watched them. Each one had a story as rich and interesting as the next. Some were mere merchants or sailors, sure, but others were explorers, sea captains, whalers, and adventurers! Menn who embraced the unknown and sailed head long into the stormy horizon!
Joe took a drag from his pipe, wishing he had the bravery of those men. He recalled many a tale of the exploits of legendary sailors like Zekiel Schellenger, who once, long ago, sailed off from this very port, to find the Island of Eternity. Or the infamous pirates of the Bay, who once drove the Mad King’s blockade from their home, and freed the town from oppression. Simple brigands, turned heroes, every one. Or Captain Hake Stormwind, who captained the greatest fishing boat in all the county of Sirens Shore. He brought in so many fish, the Bay and the rest of the county didn't need to fear starving during the Longest Night! Gerty Chickle had all she needed to continue baking fish pies well into the spring thaw after such a harsh winter.
The port of Bastards Bay had a rich history full of such people. It seemed that this town bred folks of a stock, not like any others in all Elyria! This is what attracted many to her docks. That, and the promise of becoming famous and rich like the menn from the stories. Joe Higbee was proud to call Bastards Bay his home, even if many outsiders still called it Gull’s Rest. The Bay, for all her glory, meant the world to him, and he’d no sooner leave it, then sink to the bottom of the ocean like a stone.
