Bannercross

Bannercross is a city on the mideastern coast of Ventestrum.

It serves as the seat and base of operations for the Blackbanners and is the main route for land based travellers to reach The City of Bridges.

History
Once named Starcross, the town was given to the Blackbanners after the fall for their participation in the defense of The City.

Description
Bannercross is a fortified small city, surrounded on the three inland faces by high walls. Despite its coastal positioning it has very little seabound trade as most of this comes in through Hoppsleight to the south. The city is divided into three wards.

Black Ward
The most easterly ward, nestled in the crux of where the three walls meet is the Black Ward. The Black Ward is a piece of the city totally devoted to the operations of the Blackbanners and is the location of the Black Keep, seat of the Clan Head.

Dock Ward
The easterly part of the city is the Dock Ward and is devoted to both the docking of the Black Fleet and transport vessels that ship travellers to The City.

Demographics
As is common within the Blackbanners a large number of the population of Bannercross are shifters. Full form lycanthropy is not common but not unheard of within the city, and the Clan usually attempt to help those who come into their care with the curse.

Herald Black
Herald Black is the current Clan Head and oversees the operations of both the clan as a whole and the city itself. He resides in the Black Keep and deals directly with The Nine when The City requires defense.

Culture
While Bannercross is usually seen as a chaotic and barbarous place due to its large shifter population it is actually largely lawful and controlled, with most citizens respectful of the Blackbanners command.

Vigil Night
Each and every full moon Bannercross holds a night of vigil in connection to the clan's history as lycanthropes that exist for both practical and celebratory reasons. During this timeframe all gates to the city are closed and all ships are barred entry to the docks, the Bannerguard are on full alert and all businesses are required to remain open all night. Celebrations that occur during the day elsewhere will usually occur at night in Bannercross if it is the night of a full moon.