City of Umbar - The Haven
"The fleet came at last to that place that was called Umbar, where was the mighty haven of the Númenóreans that no hand had wrought. Empty and silent under a sickle moon was the land when the King of the Sea set foot upon the shore. For seven days he journeyed with banner and trumpet. Then he sent forth heralds, and he commanded Sauron to come before him and swear to him fealty."("Akallabêth", in The Silmarillion)
Times have changed. Umbar was ever a hotbed of political rivalry, but as Sauron unveiled himself in 2951 of the Third Age the haven gave it's allegiance, throwing down the monument of Ar-Pharazon that had long stood on the highest hill of the haven, around which the city sprawled.
"On the highest hill of the headland above the Haven they (…) set a great white pillar as a monument. It was crowned with a globe of crystal that took the rays of the Sun and of the Moon and shone like a bright star that could be seen in clear weather even on the coasts of Gondor or far out upon the western sea." ('The Heirs of Elendil' from The Peoples of Middle-earth)
Over the course of time, Umbar has fallen predominantly into the hands of the Corsairs, comprised of Black Numenoreans and those of mixed heritage with the Haradrim. Now in the late Third Age, there is a Sauronic Temple on the hill, and the Houses of the richest and wealthiest controlling factions of the pirate-port. Within the haven there stand many rival guilds and merchant houses, inns, taverns and assorted businesses, both of a legitimate nature and otherwise, for few enterprises are illegal in the City of the Corsairs, or the City of Spires, as some call it. This name is coined from the Islet in the bay, that is connected by the bridge to the mainland. Here stands the Silent Tower and within it's white walls the secretive Hi-Bajrak meet, for they control Umbar. The Black Towers around this site are amok with sentries and soldiers, mercenary retainers of evil Houses, and piratical Corsairs. The influence of the underworld figures in service to Sauron spreads, the Shadow hangs over the streets themselves, and all manner of rumours flow endlessly throughout the bay. Tread warily, for dark figures skulk in the shadows, servants of Sauron conscript dissenters, and mean-spirited Corsairs are well renowned as slavers!
Locations:
The Silent Tower & The Ivory Hall: Perceived as the seat of government, the Silent Tower is anything but. It in truth serves an important function within the constant power struggle that is Umbar. The most powerful and influential Corsair Captains, the wealthiest merchants and owners of the Houses of Umbar, might occasion to meet here under parley. One might petition the other for alliance, or wish to discuss heated passions in matters of death and intrigue. The sheer might of the variant factions and their mutual service to the Shadow keeps them from each other's throats in open warfare, but assasination is rife, and rivalry is paramount. In truth, this organisation, the Hi-Bajrak, exists only in name. It's members are those mentioned. They meet in the Ivory Hall, for such it is, and it is sworn that all who come to the Ivory Hall do so under the conditions of Parley. No blood can be spilled within the Ivory Hall or the Silent Tower. To the people, the single white spire is a symbol that they do have a governmental control, that there is some power at large that runs Umbar. To those in the know, it is a place to fear, especially if summoned to the Ivory Hall!
The Armorer's Guildhall - Three story stone building that is home to the Armorer's Guild, around it is the Ironforge, a place where most weapons and armour types can be purchased.
The Merchant's Guildhall - This four story building has a domed roof and is the meeting hall for the representatives of the merchants' operating in Umbar. It's halls are rife with all manner of scheming, greedy merchants.
The Barracks of the City Guard - Long ago the Captain of the Havens who retired agreed to Captain the City Guard. His enlisted men are in the pay of the Corsairs through the Captains of the Havens. Unless the Captains all agree, then Valdurmir and his retinue do not act. But when they do act, they do so decisively and with extreme prejudice. They detain people at the Iron House, and execute people in the 'Crimson Rigging'.
The Iron House - Jail or prison complex, three story building with two levels underground. A torture chamber is on site, sometimes referred to as the 'Chamber of Song'.
The Crimson Rigging - Place of execution where people are hanged from a mock ships mast inside a large hall. Drinks are served here! So you can watch the fun! The Executioners' are the City Guard.
The Twilight Trickster - Gambling den. This is a resplendent establishment frequented by the best gambler's, the richest and most infamous. Run by a former pirate, named Nizar.
The Serpent Pit - This tavern meets gambling den has a unique feature. A circular pit dug into the middle of the ground floor which forms a Pit-Fighting Arena. Slave-masters bet their money on the slaves they think most likely win, and have a good knees-up and a sing song. Owned by the ruthless Haradrim Kha'nar.
The Death's Head - This inn, run by the mysterious enigma that is Adumir Valkad, is known by those with smarts as a place to hire a knife. It is unknown how many assassin's guilds operate throughout Umbar, but Valkad was once the best and master of the 'Shadowblades.' Of course, Valkad is very much still in business himself, though he rarely carries out hits these days!
The House of Studded Midnight - Jewellery merchants', and a known place to fence stolen items and trinkets. Run by Kaldurmeir, a former mercenary and cutthroat.
The Dead Reckoning - A small guild of navigators' and artists' have got together to create a shop that sells wondrous maps of the coasts, Islands and hitherto uncharted areas, drawing on a life time of experience on the open seas!
The Blood Scryer - A diviner's house, she tells fortunes in blood! Mrishma Kal'Akbir is her name, but most call her the Blood Hag.
The School of the Corsair's Blade - Aqil was once a Corsair. Now he is risen as one of the best swordarms of his generation and he has founded a school to teach the art to warriors in Umbar seeking to join the piratical ranks! This three tiered building is one of finery and well established. It has many yards and rooms set aside for training it's patrons in their skill. All for a reasonable price of course!
The Slaughter House - The last place you want to end up, the Umbar Hospital.
Umbar Market - Large square in the middle of Umbar, where everything is sold or bought, brought in by the ships from near and far, including slaves. The stage off to one side is where the unfortunate souls are displayed and auctioned off to the highest bidders.
The Warrens - A poorer district, patrolled by gangs of thugs and urchins. This is where many of the villains who rise up to the heights of Umbar's society have their humble roots, though none would admit it. The best known gangs are the Bloody Scroll, the Tattered Flag, the Shadow Walkers, the Black Dragons and the Dark Lord's Wish. Often the warrens are a running battle between these evil gangs, but they also carry out work in the Slums of the Harbors.
This is a free rp thread, the locations and people can be used as you wish, though please try and keep the npc's to what they would be doing and don't make them act stupidly. Please provide a location and your name at the top of your post so we can see where you are. And please do not join in on someone elses RP unless given prior permission.
With thanks to Naith and LoTR Amino for the map