Liberus is a trader’s town that is not under the rule of any kingdom. It is the largest market center and port in the western part of Annmar. It also happens to be the second largest port in Annmar next to the Ship’s Haven port of Anntheia. Liberus started out as a smuggler’s port even before the fall of the gods. There are many places along the western coast that smugglers still bring in their goods to avoid port taxes by other kingdoms. The town was created in 40 AG by a smuggler’s consortium who wanted to build some rule of law instead of seeing ships get robbed all the time. It was built with the idea that all could take advantage of the profits of bringing in goods to Annmar instead of paying high taxes and a percentage of the sale in other ports like Anntheia. The man who started it all was a merchant, but also more of a pirate than anything else. His name was Odinnel Ymbertt. A governing council was created with a Magistrate at the head of the council.
Liberus has always been a source of contention for other kingdoms as all of them would like to control the trade that goes through Liberus. But the town brings a lot of goods into Annmar and every kingdom does business with Liberus. Some refer to it as a necessary evil. Even when the town has been attacked and burned to the ground, it has always been rebuilt and trade has continued through Liberus. The town has also tripled in size over 60 years since it was created. All are welcome to trade-in Liberus and it does not require port taxes, just 10% of the value of their cargo that the merchant intends to trade, which is still cheaper than a port that will charge port taxes and 20% of the value of cargo passing through the port such as in Anntheia.
Smugglers still try to bring in their goods bypassing even Liberus by using some of the hidden ports around the town and that is why Liberus have Rangers who patrol the area. Liberus does business with all kingdoms and does not seek to have enemies even though some kingdoms view Liberus as an enemy. In order to maintain peace with other kingdoms, Liberus will trade all goods with all kingdoms. Those who trade in Liberus do so on good faith that they will get a fair deal and have their cargo protected from thieves and pirates. And more importantly, that they have the freedom to prosper as merchants. That is the philosophy of Liberus. In fact, the name of the town is a word for freedom. Liberus is also known for the special alcohol drink they distill, called Ruminn, from a sugarcanne molasses that is only found in that part of Annmar. It’s the number one commodity that comes from Liberus and is heavily traded throughout Annmar.