History
Located to the north west of Arelith, off the Bitter Coast, the island of Sencliff has a history of population stretching back possibly centuries. Dominating the island from afar, the colossal tower could be mistaken for a lighthouse at a distance in the daytime, but lighting up is the last thing this will do at night. The fact that the foundation stone of the tower is visible at ground level (and 'caverns', occupied by a Chultan witch doctor, are also at ground level beneath the tower) is indicative that the island has eroded substantially since the tower was constructed; and it is so far the earliest evidence of settlement on the isle. The foundation stone bears markings upon it signifying it to be a tower dedicated to the Black Sun, Cyric.
Accessing the upper levels is only possible by sacrificing blood upon a fanged gatekeeper-plinth. Un-dead lurk within the halls, along with a portal output nexus and a number of interesting notes - first and foremost being Cartwright's Shipbuilding Guide (all volumes, will be mentioned later) and notes from a being named 'Z.', whose orders also appear deep in the Cordorian crypts. The Horned Rat cult that lurked there could well have began in Sencliff, but what drove them away is unknown (if it were the outcasts that now occupy it, they'd likely boast of it).
At some point the Cyricists vanished, and the pirates began appearing. It is unlikely the Cyricists built the additional fortifications, as they'd likely incorporate the Tower into the construction, and defend it - the current walls and fortifications do nothing to protect the Tower, and the pirates avoid it. However, it is unknown if the current population then built up the island, as their numbers are not indicative of thriving, castle-building peoples; along with the situation of the estate (see below). But, pirates came to occupy the island, that much is certain. They appear to have owned it for quite some time, perhaps decades, but have consistently failed to provide an infrastructure that is self-sustaining; relying on the constant coming and going of trade (both legal and illegal) vessels.
Between then and now, all that has changed is that the Cordor Moratorium has provided for a select few vessels to be made available to the population of Arelith, enlarging the number of people with access to Sencliff (with the Liberator as sole exception to the Moratorium; the vessel is not legal, never mind piracy).
Culture & People
Describing the island as a pirate fortress may seem appealing but I believe it's not entirely accurate. For a start, it's not so much a fortress as that would imply it was well-guarded (it's laughably guarded) and also solely focused on piracy (it's a "port in a storm", to quote James Wayland). Consisting of sailors, both legal and illegal, outcast noblewomen, legitimate barkeeps, and all those that work docks, weird witch doctors and so forth, it becomes readily apparent that Sencliff is more of a refuge for outcasts. It's not that Sencliff is lawless, it's that Sencliff doesn't NEED laws. Its founding principles appear to consist of mutual disrespect and respect - disrespect for the societal mores of the mainland and of Arelith, and respect for those who similarly disrespect said values. This is, in essence, the only thing they share, and so long as they are of some use to the isle's upkeep or development, they're welcomed. The old noblewoman cares for oxen. The pirates keep the island in resources and provide some defense. Even the halfling torturer is afforded a place to practice his work so long as he offers surgery to the isle.
Religiously, the island appears to be a split between sea patrons, Cyric, Mask and who knows what else. This is another level on which the principle of mutual disrespect is upheld; nobody cares who worships who. An attempt to turn the place into a theocracy - or atheocracy in your case - would result in widespread disgruntlement and potentially low-level insurrection. It wouldn't last but then there'd be no population, no ships, no advantage. Just a barren rock-base. Which, again, has its appeal but there are innumerable advantages to having a small settlement over just a fortress (women and children as morality shields spring to mind, notwithstanding the economic benefits that can be reaped from Sencliff's continued smuggler's port status).
The demographics of the island appear to be in line with Arelith's - mostly (68.75%) human, with representatives of other races making up the rest, a few exotic races (genasi, rakshasa) and one outlying lunatic. I'm uncertain whether or not to be surprised at this, all told, though there appear to be no traces of elven blood (half-breed or otherwise) on Sencliff.
The Estate & The Liberator
Due to the estate's nebulous origins, I think it prudent to note that ownership of the Liberator confers ownership of the Estate. The crew of the Liberator claim that the ship's design is based off the Sea Leopard, a claim I'm yet to validate. However, unless literal designs were procured from the Sea Leopard (and, judging by its status as a legal vessel under the Cordor Moratorium, the Crow's Nest are unlikely to be forthcoming with aid for a new ship) extensive shipbuilding knowledge would still be needed. Funnily enough, in the Black Sun Tower there is a full collection of shipbuilding manuals. There are also a pair of Cyricist banners draped in the Liberator. While the current pirates that crew the Liberator are unlikely to be directly linked to "Z."'s cult that built the tower, they may have been inspired in some part.
Conclusion & Future
In any case, the estate's lack of pirate inhabitants (or any recent inhabitants), collection of skulls, library, and extensive water damage in the lower levels, appears to imply that the estate can really be considered a separate entity to the rest of the island's workings, with no recent habitation prior to Covenant reoccupation. What this means is that the island's future will be measurably altered by how much the estate (that is, we) begins to influence Sencliff. A tyrancy would be ill-advised, in my opinion, at least so rapidly. All trade would vanish, the 'odder' outcasts would probably actively revolt or leave and the people would forment revolt. However, using the populace's preference for "respect earned is respect given", it may prove valuable in the long-term to amenably acquire their support by aiding them.
Making the island a little more self-sustaining (the land seems arable enough), introduction of industry (the Malefactrix suggests whaling or similar, with manufacturing facilities in the underdocks), increasing security against those who will inevitably take notice, and playing host to other outcasts and aiding those already on the isle (beneficial contracts, loans, exchanges) would earn the respect and trust of Sencliff. This also lays the groundwork for Sencliff's population to embrace and create the future we bring, willingly and voluntarily paving the road of good intentions - straight into our ultimate and direct control. For their own good.
18th of Hammer, AR 86
- - Ambassador Damask, The Sencliff Institute