The large town of Welgan lies within the Southern Salenheim (SSP) Province, on the far south-east coast of Salenheim. Its hazardous position between four nations means that it has been razed several times, and its remote position means that it would be a great risk to live there, however this is compensated by the bounties of the sea and by a powerful religious presence.

History

Welgan is believed to be one of the oldest towns in all of Salenheim, however there are few records from the oldest times. It is believed to have been founded by refugees fleeing from persecution in Slarrg. Despite the poor weather and risk, the refugees fell for the town, and its riches, and remained there for several hundred years as it grew into a sizable town. Shortly before the formation of the Salenheimian Empire, its inhabitants were massacred by Salenheimian soldiers, and Salenheimian citizens first moved in, to carry on the traditions of that area. In 1E511, it was sacked by Kasamaki Warriors of the House of Xin.

Notable Sights

There are few notable sites in Welgan, mostly limited to a thriving fish and seafood trade. Many visitors come to see the famous Cicle Crab, only seen in the frigid waters of Welgan and harvested both for its beautiful shells and for its tender flesh. The town does have extensive history, and ruins and tombs are commonplace in the hinterland.

Trade

Welgan’s most notable export is the flesh and shell of the Cicle Crab, which are both sold as luxury gods to the rich in Salenheim City, Porttown, Beltar and other centres of the Aristocracy. The shell in particular, famed for its multiple uses as a reagent, and for its ice-blue to white beauty, can be sold for well over 1000gp for fine specimens. This has led to a quite rich upper working class among lucky fishermen, which in turn has led to a thriving underworld. Welganites import beef melons and grains from Wilkinsvale and the rest of that shire to supplement their diet. Fish are another export, though often the catch is not big.

Religion

The town of Welgan is the centre of all worship of its namesake god, Welmer, in Salenheim. Virtually every house and shop in the town features a shrine to the Frozen Wind. Tristan is also worshipped, as townsfolk pray for the safe return of their sons and fathers.

Government

The town has no government of its own. All provincial and national laws are respected, though the lack of local government means that law-enforcement is erratic at best. The town, as previously mentioned, has a thriving underworld, run by two rival families, rich through lucky crab farming, whose activities range from assassinations, kidnappings and gang brawls to black-market drug and contraband sales.

Culture

Welgan culture is basic, at best, though the residents do celebrate the national festivals and two religious festivals, one for Welmer and one for Tristan. The aforementioned drug families play a major role in the continuance of these festivals, each trying to outdo (and outfight) the other with bigger and better parties. Alcohol and drugs are fairly commonplace and very important to the town’s social culture, though the priests and some lawkeepers are trying to limit their use.