The Races in Freehaven

Equality for all, yet some more equal than others

   Freehaven is possibly the most cosmopolitan city on
 Chiar.  There are four major races, roughly even in
 distribution (Elves, Humans, Goblins and Dwarves), while
 fully a fifth of the city falls into the "other"
 category, with Orcs, Drow, Gnomes, Kobolds and Locathah all
 having large enough populations to be represented on the
 Council.

   Since voting power is determined by race, race is the
 basis for almost all political organizations.  In order for
 a movement to gain popular support, competent public
 speakers must be rallied to the cause from each of the
 major races of the city.

   While there is little by way of overt discrimination,
 old grudges and older habits die hard.  Dwarves and
 Goblins, most of whom can name some ancestor who died
 horribly at the hands of the other's ancestors, are most
 prone to allow racial disputes to arise in the middle of
 other conversations.

   Likewise, while there is no decree mandating particular
 employments, most races are known in the city for a handful
 of trades.

  The so-called "Council Races" are detailed below:
  Humans              Locathah
  Dwarves             Drow
  Goblins             Gnomes
  Elves               Orcs
  Kobolds             Other Races

   Humans are easily the most diverse segment of the
 population.  As the largest-represented "young race" in
 the city, humanity has filled niches in almost every layer
 and segment in Freehold society.  While they were
 originally the lowest of laborers, it is acknowledged that
 it was from their ranks that the city's liberation rose.

   Dwarves form the larger part of the city's metalsmiths
 and masons.  Furthermore, they maintain their historical
 role as watchmen in many of the city's more traditional
 districts.  In particular, dwarves hold high ranks in the
 Market, North and Temple Districts.

   Goblins, well known for their low cunning and high
 deviousness, are prone to seek employment with diplomatic
 offices.  Likewise, they are frequently employed as
 guardsmen in the Red-Light, Freeman's and Harbor Districts,
 where many of the residents prefer a watch that can be paid
 to go watch someone else.

   Many Goblins make a living as traders, peddlers and
 low-level merchants.  The prominence of Vegfiro in the
 city's makeup, however, means that there are also a
 suprisingly large number of goblins working in the city's
 charities.

   Elves, despite the siezure of much of their property
 following Stared's Revolt, still hold positions of import
 and influence in town.  Many are content to simply enjoy
 the benefits of inherited wealth.  Others are powerful
 merchants or diplomats.

   One great scandal amongst Freehold's elves is the large
 number of their own population which has turned to the
 world's oldest profession.  Elven courtesans are in high
 demand among the city's human and orcish elite, both
 because of their great beauty and the sterility of such
 interaction.

   Kobolds are probably best known for surliness, lack of
 creativity and general bad attitude.  It should come as
 little surprise that they make up the bulk of Freehold's
 tax collectors, civil servants and mid-level bureaucrats.

   A fair number also work as assistants at the larger
 merchant houses, where their stodgy, by-the-book approach
 is actually an asset.

   Locathah, not surprisingly, all are residents of the
 Harbour District.  Most are employed by the various
 merchant ships as scouts and dock-hands.  Others are paid
 full-time as guards for the harbor by the city.  (While
 they vote as Dockers, they are under the direct authority
 of the Council, and not part of the district watch.)

   Drow are also commonly employed as diplomats.  Their
 natural affinity with magic also makes them more prone to
 be hired in that regard.  Many drow also function as
 courtesans, especially for nobles with more questionable
 tastes.

   Gnomes, as might be expected, are tough to pin down. 
 Many work as jewelers, clockmakers and general tinkerers.
 Others are found as entertainers and mapmakers.  There are
 even a few sages (always surrounded by clutter) in their
 ranks.

   Orcs are few and far between.  Those who have settled in
 freehold are often employed as "muscle"--bouncers,
 bodyguards and brute force labor.  Many work as dockhands
 or construction workers.

   While other races may pass through Freehold, none have,
 as yet, made any sizable permanent community.  This may
 change, however, as both aaracockra and (degenerate) from
 the Zantics have noted the city's prosperity and influence.

   In the meantime, a citizen whose own race is
 unrepresented on the council may cast a single vote in any
 one other race's elections.