Barakib

The only community on Heagate. It was built at the direction of the Empire as an outpost to secure areas to the north and west parts of it. The 30 structures are all made of heavy stone, brought here by a dwarven work crew from Rangara at a high price. While there is a “mayor” elected by the inhabitants of the village, no one balks at the Empire’s operation of the majority of it’s functions.

Everyone in the village came from somewhere else. Over half of the villagers are non-Imperial people who have come here from the wild regions. Most hope to earn citizenship by helping develop trade here on Heagate and in time expand the reach of the Empire to other places in the wild region. The others who call Barakib home are skilled traders. Most operate as freelancers but about 30 people work for the Circle of Jade trading company. Currently Heagate operates with both Imperial bead currency and actual hard currency demanded by those outside the Empire who come to trade here.

Everyone one who lives here is skilled in one or more types of combat. A sort of necessity since the small island sits so far out from the rest of the Empire and on the edge of the wildlands. The Imperial trade offices are within a walled compound. It doubles as a small fort when the island is under threat of raids. The senior official, Helwy Parre, an ex-marine officer, serves as both the trade supervisor and captain of the 30 Imperial marines who are stationed here. Jane Stere, a trained bard, has rights to operate the only inn and tavern on the island. The “Harper and Flail” boasts a common room that can hold over 75 people and sleeping quarters for 50 (75 in a pinch).

The other major buildings here are the trade offices and two warehouses for the Circle of Jade trading company. At any given time, there are two of the company’s ships docked here loading or unloading and two more headed south into the heart of the Empire. There are eight other independent traders operating from the village. Some focus on a few specific things, while most will try and trade for about anything of value. Freelance trading ships stop by every week to barter with these traders for things they can take into the Empire for even bigger profits.