Heron's Harbor

But what some might consider nostalgia or ritual also serves a very important purpose. The biofouling of those ships, that is the growth of barnacles, saltwyrms, and living algea indigenous to the Kindred Sea, continue to grow even when those ships are not in water. Those same organisms are considered a delicacy in the Kindred Isle, and so the ships of those gone continue to feed the people there by becoming farms for these creatures. An important job in Heron's Harbor is being on the crew meant to maintain and harvest the biofouling of the hanging vessels.

Due to the exodus of so many from Heron's Harbor, much of the town's homes and residential areas are now vacant. Those who remain ignore those portions of the town, and so they have become something of dangerous locales. Some have flooded, while others are overgrown with lichen and barnacles, creating biospheres potentially harmful to the Kindred and others.

But the most impressive and ever magnificent characteristic of Heron's Harbor is its namesake: Tal'Tal Aah, a massive heron who lived along the isle's shores before even the Kindred people made a home there. Tal'Tal Aah protects the harbor and the seas surrounding it, especially travelers who have lost their way and require guidance to the island. The shorelines can be dangerous, and the nights can be filled with mist, but Tal'Tal Aah is always there to guide ships home through the gusts of her massive wings.

There also exists a massive fish in the seas outside Heron's Harbor, a fish named Kokanee. Interlocked in what seems to be everlasting conflict, Tal'Tal Aah and Kokanee battle for the safe passage of vessels. According to the myriad legends and stories dating back to the Constellation War, Kokanee requires ships to protect him from the terrors at the bottom of the ocean, and so he recruits those he drowns into his protection service. But Tal'Tal Aah know there are terrors enough on land, and we must all battle our own demons. But that legends is a story for another time.

City Landmarks

Hanging Life Boats - one of the first things people see when arriving in Heron's Harbor, the hanging vessels across the bay and docks make for a gorgeous, multi-colored, reminder of all those the town has lost over the year. Each vessel has a story, and the old-timers drinking in the pubs nearby would be all too happy to tell the tales of each one.

Old Warthog Warehouse - this abandoned warehouse has been the stuff of local legends since its abandonment hundreds of years ago. Its overgrown and half flooded, making for a dangerous and toxic structure that has somehow stood the structural test of time. They say going near it will make you pass out and wake up in Kokanee's service.

The Bell Tower - Tal'Tal Aah makes her nest atop the old bell tower, which was once used to call ships back to dock in case of emergency. While the bell hasn't been rung in many years, the tower still gets its use every time Tal'Tal Aah lays a clutch of eggs. The herons she hatches there leave the nest and fly off to other ventures in other places throughout Vault. 

Wilder Mansion - years ago, when the King or Queen would visit Heron's Harbor in preparation for departure to distant lands, this mansion acted as their home away from home. It has fallen into disuse and now there are rumors that it is inhabited by evil spirits. Until the King's whereabouts are discovered, no one will step foot within the mansion.

People of Note

Doba: Female Tortle, harbor master and coordinator for the Haning Life Boats, longs for the better days she once knew and hopeful they'll return

Tokala: Female Fox-Kin, a renowned thief, purveyor of illicit goods, and operative, she makes her home in Heron's Harbor but performs all of her operations in newcomer lands