Braavos

The Secret City of Braavos, also known as the Bastard Daughter of Valyria, is the northernmost of the nine Free Cities of Essos. Unlike the other eight, Braavos was founded not as a Valyrian colony, but as a refuge for escaped slaves - and to this day, it continues to pride itself on its vehement opposition to slavery. In the last two centuries, it has surpassed its long-standing rival, Volantis, to become the wealthiest and most powerful Free City.

Location and Layout
Braavos is comprised of over a hundred small islands within a lagoon, each connected by stone bridges and divided by canals. The city is in a naturally defensible position: the surrounding mainland is boggy and rugged, and a chain of mountainous islands encircles the rest of the lagoon. It sports a cool, humid and moist climate, characterized by frequent fog and rain, and occasionally icy waters in the winter. The peninsular landmass south of Braavos is entirely under the control of the city, though its influence also extends to Pentos and Lorath, both of which have become virtual tributaries in recent years.

The Titan of Braavos
Standing astride two mountainous islands, the Titan of Braavos is a towering fortress in the shape of a statue. Regarded by some as one of the man-made wonders of the world, it hovers over the principal maritime entrance to Braavos’ harbor, serving as a reminder of the city’s might while also providing for its practical defense. Adjacent to the Titan is a fortress known as The Arsenal, hosting much of the city’s fleet as well as its greatest shipyards - which have been known to produce a war ship in full within a single day.

The Isle of the Gods
At the city’s center sits the Isle of the Gods, home to numerous temples that reflect Braavos’ religious diversity. The island itself features the shrines of the Weeping Lady, the Lord of Harmony, the Red Bull, the Patternmaker, the Silent God and Trios. The Warren, also known as the Holy Refuge, is dedicated to forgotten deities. Nearby islands include the Temple of the Lord of Light, the Sept-Beyond-the-Sea, the House of Black and White, the Temple of the Moonsingers, and the twin temples of Semosh and Selloso.

The Drowned Town and Silty Town
The oldest part of the city is the Drowned Town, aptly named for its half-submerged buildings. Though no longer inhabited by any of Braavos’ well-to-do citizens, many of its poorest still reside within the upper floors of sinking structures. On the southeastern edge of the city, the Silty Town is almost equally humble; though it is decidedly above water, its buildings are small and without the grandeur that characterizes much of the architecture of Braavos.

People
The men of Braavos are known to be boisterous, passionate and fond of art and music. Though not without social stratification, the Braavosi have always opposed the practice slavery, the abolition of which was imposed upon Pentos. The city’s wealthiest inhabitants tend to wear dark, muted colors, with the exception of the bravos, who favor vibrant flamboyance. The bravos practice a unique style of swordsmanship known as the water dance, and are always eager to put it into practical application: any man visibly carrying a sword at night might be challenged by a bravo to a duel. Braavos is also known for its famous courtesans, who operate their businesses on luxurious barges within the canals, complete with their own servants.

Politics and Economy
As the mightiest of the nine Free Cities, Braavos dominates the affairs of Pentos and Lorath, and often wields an indirect influence over the others. Its government is headed by the Sealord of Braavos, elected to a lifelong term by the magisterial conclave. Braavosi elections are frequently controversial, sometimes resulting in violence. The Sealord is protected by the First Sword of Braavos, selected for both his combat finesse and his ability to identify threats. Located adjacent to harsh, marshy land, Braavos’ wealth comes not from its natural resources but from its prime position for maritime trade. At the intersection of the Narrow Sea and the Shivering Sea, it is integral to the flow of trade between northern Essos, Westeros, and the other Free Cities. Braavos is also home to the fearsome Iron Bank, perhaps the wealthiest and most powerful in the known world. It is known to be especially potent at collecting its debts; many regimes have been toppled for their failure to pay their dues.

Recent History
Since the dawn of the fourth century, Braavos has been the mightiest of the Free Cities of Essos. Nevertheless, Volantis has remained nearly as strong, and much of the subsequent century was defined by proxy wars between the two. Unlike the Volantenes, however, the Braavosi have seldom in recent years experienced the effects of war firsthand. This century of stability and prosperity has in turn allowed the Braavosi elite to descend into decadence, and its already cutthroat politics have become even more chaotic. The decadence of contemporary Braavosi politics was best embodied by the Zalyne Conspiracy, in which one of the city’s great houses bargained with foreign powers to steal an election and ensure dynastic control over the position of Sealord. Though it was initially successful, suspicion has recently arisen among the Braavosi elite. The incumbet Sealord Syrio Zalyne - the key beneficiary of the plot - has thus spent the last few years hampered by controversy.