The Freeport Military: A Deep Dive

The Freeport Military exists predominantly for one purpose—to keep order within the city. As a trading hub, Freeport’s value lies in its ability to remain safe, stable, and neutral, allowing merchants, sailors, and diplomats from across Anuheim to conduct business without fear. The military is less an army and more a policing force, focused on maintaining control within the city walls while leaving the countryside to fend for itself as best it can.

Outside of Freeport’s borders, however, the limitations of its forces are painfully obvious. Though there are a few outposts along the edges of Ebonhart Forest, meant to protect farmlands from goblin raids and worse, these outposts are underfunded, undermanned, and barely able to hold their ground. The soldiers stationed there are often the least experienced, least disciplined, or simply those who have fallen out of favor—sent to the outskirts as a punishment rather than a strategic necessity.

As Freeport’s wealth increases, so too does the threat of conflict, yet the aristocracy remains hesitant to divert funds away from the city itself, ensuring that the city remains safe while the outer lands suffer.

Freeport Military Structure & Function

The Freeport Military is not an army in the traditional sense. It is a security force, paid for primarily by trade taxes, and its structure reflects the priorities of the aristocracy—wealth and stability within Freeport’s walls above all else.

The Freeport Guard (City Watch & Internal Law Enforcement)

The largest and most well-funded division, the Freeport Guard serves as the law enforcement within the city.

Their primary concern is preventing crime, maintaining order in the port, and protecting Freeport’s most valuable districts.

They are highly trained in urban combat, capable of dealing with theft, riots, and localized threats, but ill-equipped for open warfare or large-scale engagements.

Corruption exists but is not rampant—most guards take bribes to look the other way for minor offenses, but outright treason or organized crime within the city is dealt with harshly.

The Outer Patrols (Border Outposts & Rural Forces)

The smallest and weakest division, tasked with protecting the farmlands, roads, and Freeport’s territorial borders.

These forces are severely underfunded and made up of the least disciplined soldiers, many of whom are stationed in the countryside as punishment or due to incompetency.

They operate from poorly maintained outposts, with little ability to stop goblin raids or the creeping dangers of Ebonhart Forest.

Many patrol groups extort farmers for extra rations or coin, making them as much of a problem as the raiders they are supposed to stop.

The Freeport Commander

The military is led by a member of Freeport’s aristocratic council, a political position.

This creates internal conflicts, as military officers often find themselves frustrated by leadership that prioritizes financial and political concerns over actual defense.

The Commander’s role is largely ceremonial, but their decisions shape how much funding the military receives—and funding rarely favors the countryside.

The Relationship With the Freeport Corsairs

The Freeport Military and the Freeport Corsairs rarely clash, as their roles are clearly defined:

• The military controls the land, focusing on city defense and border patrols.

• The Corsairs control the sea, protecting Freeport’s shipping lanes, merchants, and trade vessels.

• The Corsairs are not bound by Freeport’s laws but are paid well to keep piracy in check.

The Military’s View on Growing Threats

Despite Freeport’s wealth, its military leaders are concerned about its vulnerabilities—particularly in the countryside.

The Skragglin Goblin Raids

The forest goblins of Ebonhart have been raiding Freeport’s farmlands and lumber operations for years.

With limited resources, Freeport’s military cannot eliminate the threat, only react to it.

While farmers are demanding greater protection, the aristocracy remains reluctant to increase military spending outside the city.

Some officers suspect that the goblins are growing more organized, possibly under a new leader or external influence.

The Silvanthar Elves

The Silvanthar elves are growing increasingly hostile as Freeport’s loggers push further into Ebonhart Forest.

Though the elves have not openly attacked Freeport villages, tensions are escalating—some military leaders fear a future war over deforestation.

Without proper funding, Freeport is not prepared for sustained conflict with an elven force.

Political Corruption and the Aristocracy’s Influence

Many officers are frustrated that military decisions are being made by aristocrats, who prioritize profit over protection.

Some soldiers question whether the military should have a greater say in Freeport’s governance, but open rebellion is unlikely due to Freeport’s wealth keeping the soldiers reasonably content.

However, if things worsen in the countryside, there is potential for internal division within the military ranks.

Freeport’s Fortifications

Freeport has begun investing in stone fortifications, a major shift in its military strategy.

The fact that the aristocracy is willing to spend on permanent defenses suggests that they fear a coming conflict—whether from outside forces or internal instability.

The walls will secure the city, but they do nothing for the countryside, reinforcing the belief that Freeport’s elite only care about their own wealth and safety.

Some military officers are pushing for a stronger standing army, but the nobility remains unwilling to commit unless a direct, undeniable threat emerges.

The walls indicate that Freeport expects attacks as their wealth grows.

Mercenaries in Freeport

Due to its limited manpower, Freeport relies on mercenaries for certain tasks:

The Silverbrand Mercenaries

A private mercenary company used by wealthy Freeport aristocrats for personal security.

Though not officially part of the military, they often supplement city defenses during crises—for a price.

Independent Sell-Swords and Adventurers

Farmers and merchants often hire their own protection, as the Freeport Military is unreliable in rural areas.

Some within the military believe that allowing mercenaries to operate so freely weakens Freeport’s control, but nothing is done to stop it.

Adventurer's are employed as they work for a small fee with a promise of high reward from their actions. They often venture into the Ebonhart Forest to recover stolen goods and to eradicate threats to the borders of Freeport's lands.

Final Thoughts

Within the city walls, the Freeport Military is highly effective, keeping order and maintaining the flow of trade.

Outside of Freeport, however, it is a poorly funded, barely functioning force, leaving farmlands and outposts vulnerable to raids.

The city’s wealth keeps it strong—for now. But if Freeport’s power is ever truly tested, its military may not be enough to hold it together.