Currently it has been taken over by the Pirate Council, declaring that the town had an alliance with the Kingdom of Lesia and has claimed independence.
Population: 2300 (70% Human, 10% Elf, 10% Dwarf, 10% Other)
Swag Quay is also known as ‘Swanky Town’ and the ‘Gypsy City’. A busy trading port town previously run by the Merchants Guild. Swag Quay is the first port of call for ships from Orlaine, and is the major trading city in Lesia. The city is very welcoming for both you and your money. It’s a favourite hangout for traders, bards, gypsies, gamblers, pirates and thieves. Swag Quay is famous for it expansive harbour, the golden strip, the canals, the waterworks (underwater canals), and the smuggling tunnels. With a reputation for cut-throat criminals, pirates and other low-life's running the trade alongside reputable businessman. One of the cornerstones of Lesia economy for goods entering and leaving the country.
With a deep harbor, it takes a traffic of over a hundred ships at any one time. The docks are always full of fisherman, tradesman and other sailors bringing in goods or passengers. Some have permanent moorings and others temporary reprieve from the sea. A colourful and vibrant market stall line the dock line, with many citizens flog their wares and rarely take no for an answer.
Those savvy to the city know to keep an eye on their coin purse around the children playing in the street, or that fire breather performing on the street. They don’t stop at the Tarot reading stalls or buying a shell necklace made just for them. They are not distracted by the many Houses of ill repute with ladies outside tempting you inside. They are not tempted by the tavern boosting easy games of cards and dice.
Ongoing threats to Swag-Quay are Gnolls from the Marble Hills, Ogres from the Boulder Mountains, Human bandits / Gypsies / Pirated from belle valley, sea monsters, and of course the local populace.
The original town was called Marbellebiem, which was built in a past age. Whether the townsfolk degraded into pirates, or whether the town was overrun by pirates is unknown. The town became a pirate stronghold and a holding point for pirate prisoners and slaves. Most of the buildings were in ruins, with the underground canals and smugglers tunnels being used for shelter. When the town was liberated from the pirates, most of the freed captives opted to stay and make the town their home. The large robust piers had survived well and only required minimal maintenance. The centre of the city is currently in a good state or repair, filled with markets, taverns, casinos and every kind of shop. The road from the main pier to the square outside the keep is particularly built up, and is known as the golden strip. The rest of the buildings are still in various stages of rebuild and is little more than a glorified shanty town. The majority of the current houses are actually tents, immobilised caravans, and makeshift hovels.