The third-largest city in Varisia, Riddleport sits on the northwest coast of the frontier region, where it serves as a haven for pirates and brigands of all stripes. Also known as the City of Cyphers, Riddleport takes its name from the Cyphergate, a giant stone arch spanning the natural cove around which the city is built. It is covered on both sides with ancient Thassilonian symbols, although their exact meaning is unknown.

The city is effectively run by criminals, the most powerful of whom takes the title of Overlord for as long as he, she, or it can keep it. The current ruler, Overlord Gaston Cromarcky, has brought a semblance of stability to Riddleport, having held power for more than three decades by maintaining the support of key gang leaders and keeping the (relative) peace with a small army of mercenaries.

Aside from the Overlord, the only thing that can unite the squabbling gangs is a threat to their independence—since its founding two centuries ago the city has fended off threats from Cheliax, Korvosa, Magnimar, and even the Lands of the Linnorm Kings.

Riddleport is widely considered the most dangerous city in Varisia, though many also view it as a source of opportunity or even a place of refuge from more “civilized” quarters. Like the former Chelaxian colonies it preys upon, Riddleport is a human-dominated city, though less so than its two biggest rivals, Korvosa and Magnimar.

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