Aldrich's Landing

Originally founded by a pair of friends about two centuries ago, this large markdom is located in a crescent shaped natural bay.  Aldrich's Landing is a separate entity from the overbearing Starshooter government and thus is able to escape much of its influence.  The markdom is overseen by the descendants of the founders, the House of Valedier and the House of Gradios.  Valedier's descendants have usually taken up the role of rule and command, while those of from Gradios's line have been in charge of keeping the peace and watching over trade in the city.

Normally, a young Starshooter is sent off to the military at the age of sixteen to receive two to five years of training as a type of "coming of age" ceremony. The Valdiers instead train their own family, as they are fairly well removed from the actual Empire and The Capital. This training will begin usually around the age of twelve and complete when they turn eighteen.  Not only are they removed from the Empire, but the city they founded is considered a safe haven for non-Shooters within the Empire's borders. They outlawed non-Shooter slavery within the city's borders about fifty years ago.  Currently, the city is a bustling mix of Stardragon races, but some consequences of Starshooter slave practices have impacted the societal structures of Aldrich's Landing.  The use of slaves, trading slaves or owning slaves is banned within the city, but the traditions of it from outside the island are still seen from incoming merchants and travelers.  Many domestic servants are former slaves who escaped to Aldrich's Landing, but have had a hard time leaving their past behind them.  Trauma from physical and mental abuse is common, and suicide is unfortunately often seen in immigrant communities.