Brionne is regarded as a nest of thieves and ruffians by northerners. There is much to support this view: the cult of Ranald is powerful and tacitly accepted by the authorities, and smugglers and pirates come and go almost unhindered.

    Baron Pierre de Jolensac, a minor noble from Armorique has been governor of Brionne for six years and is based in the imposing fortress referred to simply as 'Le Chateau'. He is a shrewd and grasping individual, not so very different from the more lowly vagabonds who populate the city. He is not well liked, being a little too ready to send in muscle if other means fail; but Jolensac has been shaped by the city's character, and works closely with the Cartel des Poings (an especially large Thieves' Guild) covertly taking a cut of their profits. The other major figure of Brionne is the popular Duc de Navarre who has many clients in Brionne at all levels - even amongst the criminal gangs.

     Since the occupation of Navarre by the north Estalian league (2232-2274) the Capucinet family has been empowered to issue letters of marque to would-be privateers; this has been the main way for Brionne to defend itself given the lack of support by the Bretonnian power. The cities defences are maintained but probably not as well as they should be, given the proximity of the Estalian border. The only genuine military troops in the city are the clansmen of the Duc de Navarre. The governor's mercenary militia is more concerned with enforcing obedience on the populace.

    Day to day existence in Brionne is a fraught and exciting affair. In the hot, densely populated city, feelings often run to fever pitch, and duels and street-fights are commonplace. Crime is rife, but it is better-organised than in most other cities. In fact, since most people (including the nobles) are allied somehow to one or other of the thieves' gangs, they need only look out for their rivals, and it is common for one theft carried out by gang to be avenged by a crime against that same gang, creating a cycle of vengeance and feuding that adds colour and excitement to the city. Many Estalian immigrants and exiles dwell in Brionne. The hidden great hall of Ranald and the impressive Cathedral of Ste Leonidas are some of the main attractions of the city.

    Crime, piracy and smuggling account for an unknown but large proportion of the city's trade, probably the majority (the city's market is something to behold!). Much of the rest is made up by the traditional fishing activity. Brionne is also an important centre for land trade with Estalia, and the choicest products of Navarre, high quality wools and leathers, are offered for sale in the city.