Marseille

🏙️ Settlement Name: Marseille
🌍 Region: Infini Protectorate / Asmora
🏰 Settlement Type: City
Population: Approximately 74,000
Age: Roughly 400 years since its founding by sea traders and explorers.

👑 Leadership & Governance
• Ruler / Governor / Baron / Mayor:
Mayor Dimitri Dutoit – A seasoned diplomat with a merchant background. Charismatic and calculating, Dimitri walks the line between populist and pragmatist, keen to maintain Marseille’s trade dominance.

• Advisors & Council Members:
o Military Advisor: Captain Auren Cazelle – A stern, veteran knight from the border wars, respected for her tactical mind.
o Religious Advisor: Sister Veria of the Radiant Flame – A high priestess of Solara, known for her calm voice and stern rebukes of corruption.
o Arcane Advisor: Magus Innalyn Quor – Head of the Crystal Sigil Enclave, she ensures magical regulations are upheld and protects against arcane threats.
o Economic Advisor: Master Hendrick Farseam – Master of Coin and head of the Merchant's Round, he is obsessed with profit margins.
o Public Voice: Alienne Roze – Guild Leader of the Artisans' Collective and representative of common citizens.

• Ruler’s Family:
Dimitri’s daughter, Lyselle Dutoit, is a rising star in diplomatic circles. His wife, Anelise, vanished a decade ago under mysterious circumstances.

• Rival Factions:
The Midnight Accord (smugglers and dissident nobles), the Gilded Flame (zealot sect tied to Lior’s harsher doctrines), and the Deep Ledger (a shadow trade guild).

• Style of Governance: Elected Republic (term: 10 years; eligibility requires guild, military, or noble support)

🛡️ Law, Order & Defense
• Captain of the Watch: Ser Grant Vellon
• Guard Size: ~1 guard per 100 citizens (~740 guards)
• Known Traits: Efficient but overwhelmed; known to turn a blind eye with the right bribe.
• Militia Commander: Kelvra "Ironhand" Delgarn
• Militia Size: ~5% (~3,700 citizens)
• Training Level: Average with a core of veterans
• Are watch & militia the same force? Partial overlap
• City Defenses:
     Stone curtain wall with five towers
     Naval watch towers
     Defensive harbor chains
     Magical warding stones at major gates

• Public Trials, Town Criers, and an active Bounty Board in Greatring Square

• Organized Crime:
   Group Name: The Midnight Accord
   Leader: Vancia the Pale
   Influence: Moderate, growing
   Activities: Smuggling, illegal arcane trade, extortion, rumors of a shadow assassin ring

🧾 Economy & Trade
• Master of Coin: Master Hendrick Farseam
• Local Taxes:
  Entry Tax: 5 silver pieces per cart, 1 silver per foot traveler
o Market Fees: 2 silver/day
o Adventuring License: 10 gp/month
o Hearth Tax: 1 gp/month per resident household
• Currency Used: Standard Infini coinage; foreign coin accepted with exchange fee
• Merchant Purchase Limits: Up to 1,000 gp for mundane items; magic items available up to 500 gp value but difficult to find. 
• Main Exports ship-grade timber, silver ore, exotic inks
• Main Imports: Spices, fine wines, silk, rare beasts
• Guilds & Trade Unions:
o BL Industries: Yes – influential in the dock districts
o Grand Consortium: Yes – holds the Merchant's Round
o Major Trading House: The Grand Consortium
o Adventurers Guild: Yes – respected, small chapter near North Dale Ward

⛪ Religion & Spiritual Life
• Religious Character: Tolerant
• Primary Pantheon Worshipped:
☑ Dawn Pantheon
    Triad and Twilight Pantheons illegal.  
   
• Most Influential Deity: Solara, with a rising minority of worshipers of Lior
• Religious Institutions:
o Temple of Solara – The Dawn Spire, high attendance
• High Priestess: Sister Veria
• Political Influence: Moderate
• Shrine of Brakus– At the docks, used by sailors
• Small Temple to Mortyssa – On the outskirts, frequented by the grieving

• Local Holy Days:
o Dawnfire – Celebration of Solara
o Tide’s Eve – Seafarer’s blessing festival to Brakus
o Night of Lanterns – A somber reflection for the lost at sea

🧙 Magic, Education & Knowledge
• Attitude Toward Magic: Tolerated but heavily regulated
• Magical Laws:
• Necromancy forbidden except by special license
• No public use of the arcane in public
• Chantry of Arcane Arts
   Crystal Sigil Enclave
• Leader: Magus Innalyn Quor
• Specialty: Divination and abjuration
• Magical Services: Available but expensive unless a citizen of good standing
• Common Education: Literacy is common among citizens; schooling through churches or private tutors
• Schools: Yes – both religious and secular
• Libraries:
• The Civic Archive – Large mundane and magical library, tightly guarded and open to scholars with permits

🎭 Culture, Life & Aesthetics
• General Mood: Proud and mercantile-minded
• Greetings: "Dawn’s Light guide you" (common); hand over heart, slight nod

• Fashion:
    Materials: Wool, leather, silk for nobles
    Colors: Blue, silver, dark red

• Wealth: Jewelry, braid clasps, and etched belt buckles

• Cuisine:
 Signature Dishes:

• Sea scallop stew with black garlic
• Flatbread with roasted onion and basil cheese
• Honey-roasted root skewers
  • Drinks: Strong barley wine, seafoam mead, juniper gin
  • Water: Safe (central aqueduct blessed by clergy)
  • Cleanliness: Varies by district; merchant wards clean, dock ward grimy
  • Noise & Smell: Forge ringing, salty sea breeze, spices, incense from street vendors
  
  Architecture:
  • Stone lower levels, timber upper levels
  • Domed civic buildings, skywalks in noble quarters
  • Urban Gardening: Yes – rooftop gardens and terrace pots
  • Common Pastimes: Public duels, bardic duels, dice gambling, boat races
  • Local Entertainment:
• The Eternal Theatre (Greatring)
• Crossed Candles haunt nights (Dock Ward)
• Tide’s Eve flotilla and lantern release
  
  • Treatment of Outsiders: Traders welcomed; strangers with no coin or purpose viewed warily

⚠️ Tensions, Threats & Adventure Seeds
• Major Problems:
• A growing smuggling operation
• Recent disappearances of magical students
• Merchant Guild infighting with religious zealots of the church of Lior
• Conflicts:
• The Grand Consortium vs The Gilded Flame
• City Guard vs Midnight Accord
• Local Legends:
• The Cursed Vault below the Governor's Hall
• A haunted menhir that whispers to diviners
• Rumors:
o "Someone’s been swapping real goods for illusions at the docks."
o "The Mayor's wife lives in the Lantern District—changed, watching."
• How adventurers may leave their mark:
• Investigating disappearances
• Clearing crime syndicates
• Mediating political unrest

👁️ Player Sensory Snapshot
• Sight: Stone walls lined with trade banners, well-dressed merchants, beggars, elven artisans
• Sound: Bell chimes at the Dawn Spire, hawkers shouting prices, ship bells, and sea birds
• Smell: Brine, roasted meat, pipe smoke, damp timber
• Reactions: Guarded interest; wary of armed groups unless marked as guild or adventurers
• Lingering Mood: Anticipation – something stirs in the city’s undercurrent

Notable Places:

• Sende's Woodwork: A modest woodcarver's workshop, built around a large rowan tree.
• The Wench and Chalice: A fanciful elven inn, which seems to be bigger on the inside than on the outside.

A few NPCs:

• Exut: Male Human Soldier, Neutral. Exut has short copper hair and sharp amber eyes, and numerous distinctive scars. He wears studded leather and wields a halberd. Exut is searching for his missing daughter.
• Abor: Female Human Illusionist, Good. Abor has a round face, with brown hair and large grey eyes. She wears blue robes and wields a quarterstaff and dagger. Abor believes that the gods are actually ancient liches and powerful wizards.
• Ethais: Female Human Ranger, Neutral. Ethais has grey hair and narrow brown eyes, and a beaked nose. She wears scale mail and wields a spear. Ethais is serious and inventive.
• Anas: Female Human Cleric, Neutral. Anas is tall, with auburn hair and light hazel eyes. She wears plate mail and wields a quarterstaff. Anas is depraved and stubborn.
• Ergent: Female Human Craftsman, Good. Ergent has red hair and hazel eyes, and a pattern of unusual marks on her arm. She wears worn clothing and an iron amulet. Ergent has an animal companion, a sable ferret named Ricsa.
• Aelior: Female Human Craftsman, Evil. Aelior has tangled auburn hair and grey eyes, and numerous unusual scars. She wears modest garments and a red cloak. Aelior has an animal companion, a red fox named Enor.

Notable Places:

• The Earth Shrine: A wondrous column of smooth sandstone, said to be a magical portal to the throne of Fele, Goddess of the Earth.

A few NPCs:

• Elias: Female Human Fighter, Evil. Elias is short and willowy, with auburn hair and brown eyes. She wears banded mail and wields a fauchard-fork. Elias has an animal companion, a green firedrake named Verrel.
• Berge: Female Human Craftsman, Evil. Berge has a round face, with white hair and large brown eyes. She wears modest garments and riding boots. Berge is dying and desperately seeks the secret of immortality.
• Berge: Female Human Ranger, Neutral. Berge is short and thin, with grey hair and large grey eyes. She wears chain mail and wields a military pick. Berge seeks to atone for past sins.
• Hansa: Female Human Merchant, Neutral. Hansa has curly black hair and bright hazel eyes, and a sharp nose. She wears modest garments and several pouches hang from her belt. Hansa has an animal companion, a grey rabbit named Ricsa.
• Aisent: Female Human Fighter, Good. Aisent is noble in bearing, with thick copper hair and brown eyes. She wears banded mail and wields a mace and dagger. Aisent has an animal companion, a black wolf named Andis.

Notable Places:

• Seray's Pottery: The workshop of a male human potter named Seray, who was once a great wizard, but stumbled into a fortune and retired.

A few NPCs:

• Ethis: Female Dwarf Scholar, Neutral. Ethis is short and heavyset, with matted red hair and sharp hazel eyes. She wears modest garments and a sling of vials and potions. Ethis is searching for the lost dwarven kingdom of Badushath.
• Rainatz: Male Human Fighter, Neutral. Rainatz has a long face, with curly black hair and sharp brown eyes. He wears splint mail and wields a military pick. Rainatz seeks to become a knight of the realm.
• Aelois: Female Dwarf Wizard, Neutral. Aelois has a long face, with long white hair and brown eyes. She wears worn clothing and wields a quarterstaff and sling. Aelois has an animal companion, a red snake named Gonat.
• Hile: Female Human Alchemist, Good. Hile has uneven white hair and grey eyes, and a wide mouth. She wears modest garments and a fox fur cape. Hile is a pack-rat, and carries a satchel of random junk.
• Dratzia: Male Dwarf Thief, Good. Dratzia is fey in appearance, with red hair and dark grey eyes. He wears leather armor and wields a club. Dratzia lost his shadow to a hag.

Notable Places:

• The Guildhall: A grand half-timbered building, decorated with wrought-iron lamps. It contains a large meeting hall and several smaller rooms, and is shared amongst several local trade guilds.
• The Cursed Wand: A shabby dwarven inn, kept by a sphinx named Beriasha.
• The Golden Staff: An elegant elven tavern, known for the illusions which entertain its patrons.

A few NPCs:

• Esclas: Female Dwarf Scholar, Neutral. Esclas has silver hair and sharp blue eyes. She wears well-made clothing and a sling of vials and potions. Esclas has an animal companion, a ginger cat named Aerris.
• Larmers: Female Human Peasant, Good. Larmers has silver hair and light amber eyes, and a sharp nose. She wears simple clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Larmers is fascinated by history.
• Ansas: Female Human Mercenary, Evil. Ansas is common in appearance, with auburn hair and green eyes. She wears studded leather and wields a military fork. Ansas seeks to free herself from an ancient curse.
• Astor: Male Human Artist, Evil. Astor is rough in appearance, with short golden hair and sharp blue eyes. He wears modest garments and a silver amulet. Astor is disloyal but imaginative.
• Ecic: Male Human Peasant, Good. Ecic is common in appearance, with braided auburn hair and narrow brown eyes. He wears worn clothing and an iron amulet. Ecic seeks to save his family from financial ruin.
• Constie: Female Dwarf Druid, Neutral. Constie is exceptionally beautiful, with golden hair and amber eyes. She wears leather armor and wields a quarterstaff. Constie has a hawk named Elis.

Notable Places:

• Shieldhome: A two-storey building of half-timbered walls, the home of a female human cleric named Ursas. Its walls are covered with shields, said to be those of the warriors slain by the dragon Sina. It is also said that the dragon's hoard still lies buried beneath the building.
• Gosa's Carvings: A modest woodcarver's workshop, built within a copse of hawthorn trees.

A few NPCs:

• Raise: Female Human Soldier, Good. Raise is fey in appearance, with red hair and blue eyes. She wears scale mail and wields a military pick and javelins. Raise is inquisitive and protective.
• Guisa: Male Human Alchemist, Neutral. Guisa is rough in appearance, with black hair and large brown eyes. He wears tailored clothing and a silver holy symbol. Guisa has an animal companion, a white rabbit named Ansas.
• Guire: Male Human Soldier, Evil. Guire is fair in appearance, with auburn hair and grey eyes. He wears scale mail and wields a spear and shield. Guire has an animal companion, a grey rabbit named Verrin.
• Anor: Female Human Peasant, Evil. Anor is tall, with curly silver hair and soft grey eyes. She wears simple clothing and an iron amulet. Anor has a dire rat named Gire.
• Ersent: Female Human Ranger, Evil. Ersent is tall and slender, with brown hair and sharp hazel eyes. She wears chain mail and wields a short sword. Ersent is colorblind.

Notable Places:

• A tall menhir of quartz, said to entomb a relic of Paners, God of War.
• An ancient temple ruins, said to lie atop catacombs filled with long-forgotten treasures.

A few NPCs:

• Evetz: Male Dwarf Fighter, Evil. Evetz has grey hair and brown eyes, and a matted moustache. He wears chain mail and wields a battle axe. Evetz is searching for a legendary blade named Hellish Subjugator.
• Sibill: Female Elf Scholar, Good. Sibill has curly brown hair and narrow blue eyes, and pointed ears. She wears well-made clothing and several pouches hang from her belt. Sibill is hateful but quick-witted.
• Carais: Female Dwarf Thief, Good. Carais has braided blonde hair and dark brown eyes. She wears leather armor and wields a long sword and dagger. Carais has a dire rat named Enas.

Notable Places:

• Reli's Arsenal: A large weaponsmith's workshop, built around a shrine of Gersa, God of War.
• Guilhos' Pottery: The workshop of a male human potter named Guilhos, who was once a great wizard, but retired to marry and raise a family.
• The Crossed Candles: A modest elven tavern, known for the ghosts which haunt its halls.

A few NPCs:

• Constie: Female Human Professional, Neutral. Constie is exceptionally beautiful, with thin red hair and green eyes. She wears modest garments and an amulet of luminous crystal. Constie is haunted by the memories of a past life.
• Bertzia: Male Human Illusionist, Neutral. Bertzia is willowy, with straight copper hair and light amber eyes. He wears sturdy clothing and wields a quarterstaff and darts. Bertzia seeks revenge against the sister who betrayed him.
• Jaufre: Male Dwarf Fighter, Neutral. Jaufre is fey in appearance, with cropped golden hair and light grey eyes. He wears plate mail and wields a glaive-guisarme. Jaufre is sadistic but calm.
• Diasa: Female Dwarf Druid, Neutral. Diasa is fey in appearance, with cropped silver hair and hazel eyes. She wears leather armor and wields a club and sling. Diasa is covetous and inquisitive.

Notable Places:

• An arch of weathered stone, placed to mark the Battle of Chateau Aulhoulx.
• The Crossed Wands: A heroic elven inn, built within what was once a sailing ship.
• Diase's Armaments: A cluttered weaponsmith's workshop, decorated with a collection of sundered shields.

A few NPCs:

• Aersent: Female Human Artist, Good. Aersent has auburn hair and green eyes, and walks with a limp. She wears expensive clothing and several pouches hang from her belt. Aersent has an animal companion, a black cat named Verrais.
• Bilia: Female Dwarf Scholar, Good. Bilia is short and heavyset, with curly brown hair and bright blue eyes. She wears expensive clothing and a silver holy symbol. Bilia is dying and desperately seeks the secret of immortality.
• Dragui: Male Dwarf Soldier, Good. Dragui is pleasant in appearance, with cropped auburn hair and dark blue eyes. He wears scale mail and wields a battle axe and shield. Dragui is lazy but heroic.
• Erris: Male Human Servant, Good. Erris has a narrow face, with black hair and grey eyes. He wears modest garments and carries a long knife. Erris seeks to make amends for a previous life of crime.
• Aenas: Female Human Cleric, Neutral. Aenas has thick brown hair and narrow amber eyes. She wears splint mail and wields a quarterstaff. Aenas is blind in her left eye.

Notable Places:

• The Shrine of Bonde: A bronze statue of Bonde, Lady of Animals, said to reveal visions to those who leave an offering.
• Lisa's Arsenal: The workshop of a female human weaponsmith named Lisa, who was once an adventurer, but retired after the Demon of the Faerie Woods murdered her companions.
• The Water Shrine: A wondrous arch of clear water, placed to honor Bille, Lady of the Sea.

A few NPCs:

• Alpais: Female Dwarf Professional, Good. Alpais has tangled black hair and blue eyes. She wears well-made clothing and an amulet of luminous crystal. Alpais was petrified for a hundred years.
• Amad: Male Dwarf Professional, Evil. Amad is fair in appearance, with grey hair and brown eyes. He wears modest garments and several pouches hang from his belt. Amad is hunting the brigands who murdered his family.
• Ursas: Female Human Professional, Evil. Ursas has a narrow face, with white hair and blue eyes. She wears fine clothing and a sling of vials and potions. Ursas has an animal companion, a silver cat named Elis.
• Elias: Female Human Paladin, Good. Elias has copper hair and large green eyes, and walks with a limp. She wears chain mail and wields a flail and shield. Elias is jovial but scheming.
• Sana: Female Human Servant, Evil. Sana is short, with grey hair and hazel eyes. She wears modest garments and a wooden holy symbol. Sana seeks to fulfill an ancient prophecy of evil.

Notable Places:

• The Shrine of Teci: A stone niche enshrining an idol of Teci, Lord of the Lost, said to bestow favor to those who leave an offering.
• The Temple of Anas, Goddess of the Undead: An impressive terraced building, decorated with bronze statues and idols of precious stone.
• The Scoundrel's Cauldron: A neglected commoner's tavern, within which a magical spell protects against poisons.

A few NPCs:

• Annent: Female Human Soldier, Neutral. Annent has thin golden hair and sharp green eyes. She wears studded leather and wields a military pick and shield. Annent compulsively scratches an old scar.
• Galie: Female Human Wizard, Neutral. Galie has black hair and grey eyes, and walks with a limp. She wears well-made clothing and wields a quarterstaff and dagger. Galie is hunting the sorceress who stole her husband.

Notable Places:

• A menhir of polished agate, said to entomb the bones of a local god of wealth.

A few NPCs:

• Sine: Female Human Scofflaw, Neutral. Sine has white hair and dark blue eyes, and a small mouth. She wears plain clothing and riding boots. Sine dislikes everyone except other humans.
• Tiersa: Male Dwarf Servant, Neutral. Tiersa has a round face, with thick copper hair and dark hazel eyes. He wears sturdy clothing and a yellow cloak. Tiersa is impossibly lucky.
• Ricsa: Male Human Druid, Neutral. Ricsa is thin, with thick blonde hair and blue eyes. He wears leather armor and wields a hammer and sling. Ricsa has a silver dog named Hile.
• Laise: Female Human Peasant, Good. Laise has matted black hair and narrow green eyes. She wears well-made clothing and a gray cloak. Laise is fair but corrupt.

Notable Places:

• The Luminous House: A large stone-walled theatre, which has one door here and another in Rese, the Shield of Hithloriand.

A few NPCs:

• Feri: Male Human Scofflaw, Good. Feri has a long face, with golden hair and brown eyes. He wears modest garments and carries a hazel staff. Feri seeks to free himself from an ancient curse.
• Sibauss: Female Dwarf Soldier, Good. Sibauss is exceptionally beautiful, with thick white hair and green eyes. She wears studded leather and wields a short sword. Sibauss is a pack-rat, and carries a satchel of random junk.
• Girve: Male Dwarf Priest, Evil. Girve has an angular face, with brown hair and soft hazel eyes. He wears modest garments and a feathered hat. Girve has an animal companion, a white rabbit named Ilhertz.

Notable Places:

• The ruins of Sornatz Tower.

A few NPCs:

• Aelient: Female Dwarf Fighter, Neutral. Aelient has brown hair and large blue eyes, and a flat nose. She wears chain mail and wields a flail and short bow. Aelient seeks to become a knight of the realm.
• Raimfre: Male Dwarf Paladin, Good. Raimfre is thin, with auburn hair and green eyes. He wears plate mail and wields a warhammer and shield. Raimfre is optimistic and thoughtful.
• Guisa: Male Human Fighter, Good. Guisa has a narrow face, with white hair and narrow green eyes. He wears banded mail and wields a short sword. Guisa is fascinated by culture and fashion.

Notable Places:

• The Guildhall: A grand timber and brick building, once an inn house. It contains a large meeting hall and several smaller rooms, and is shared amongst several local merchant guilds.
• The Eternal Theatre: A large stone-walled theatre, which has one door here and another in Mure, City of the Spectral Guard.

A few NPCs:

• Guetans: Male Human Artist, Evil. Guetans is fey in appearance, with cropped golden hair and dark blue eyes. He wears modest garments and carries a fine stiletto. Guetans is idealistic and studious.
• Bloisa: Female Elf Fighter, Good. Bloisa is rugged in appearance, with thick grey hair and dark brown eyes. She wears plate mail and wields a two-handed sword. Bloisa believes that she's the rightful heir to the crown of Eledhen.
• Gersa: Male Dwarf Fighter, Neutral. Gersa has brown hair and sharp blue eyes. He wears splint mail and wields a mace and shield. Gersa is studious but bloodthirsty.
• Esclas: Female Human Paladin, Good. Esclas has matted copper hair and amber eyes. She wears banded mail and wields a bastard sword and shield. Esclas has an animal companion, a bay warhorse named Gobern.

Notable Places:

• The Shrine of Bille: A cauldron lamp enshrining the flame of Bille, Lady of Luck, surrounded by a neglected garden.
• The Shepherd's Scroll: A modest dwarven inn, built atop an outcrop of obsidian.

A few NPCs:

• Helia: Female Human Scholar, Evil. Helia is slender, with black hair and bright amber eyes. She wears fine clothing and a silver amulet. Helia has an animal companion, a hunting dog named Monde.
• Gere: Male Dwarf Craftsman, Neutral. Gere is tall, with brown hair and amber eyes. He wears sturdy clothing and a blue cloak. Gere is depressed and lewd.
• Amas: Male Dwarf Soldier, Neutral. Amas has a square face, with matted golden hair and narrow green eyes. He wears leather armor and wields a mace. Amas secretly serves Lapha, an ancient god of destruction.
• Rainers: Male Human Entertainer, Neutral. Rainers is short, with silver hair and blue eyes. He wears expensive clothing and several pouches hang from his belt. Rainers has an animal companion, a grey rat named Verrin.

Notable Places:

• The Shrine of Riquin: A stone niche enshrining the holy symbol of Riquin, Lord of Vengeance, surrounded by a neglected garden.
• Jeaneus' Clocks: The workshop of a male human clockmaker named Jeaneus, who leads both the Clockmakers and Trapwrights Guilds.

A few NPCs:

• Galtib: Male Human Aristocrat, Good. Galtib is short and heavyset, with brown hair and light grey eyes. He wears fine raiment and an amulet of luminous crystal. Galtib has an animal companion, a sable ferret named Elias.
• Gire: Male Human Merchant, Neutral. Gire has a narrow face, with short red hair and large grey eyes. He wears travel-stained clothing and a wooden holy symbol. Gire is easily distracted by food and drink.
• Annent: Female Human Fighter, Evil. Annent has red hair and light amber eyes. She wears banded mail and wields a bastard sword. Annent is capricious and disloyal.

Notable Places:

• Guisa's Pewter: A cluttered pewtersmith's workshop, built within what was once the feast hall of a long-ruined castle.
• Merse's Ironworks: A large blacksmith's workshop, built around a volcanic fissure filled with flames.

A few NPCs:

• Azais: Male Human Fighter, Good. Azais is stout, with white hair and light blue eyes. He wears splint mail and wields a short sword and javelins. Azais is optimistic and intuitive.
• Ricsa: Male Dwarf Peasant, Good. Ricsa is heavyset, with brown hair and green eyes. He wears travel-stained clothing and a wooden holy symbol. Ricsa is creative and flirtatious.
• Arguic: Male Dwarf Scholar, Evil. Arguic has a long face, with straight white hair and light brown eyes. He wears modest garments and numerous rings. Arguic is hunting the brigands who murdered his family.

Notable Places:

• The Bloody Thorn: A large elven inn, said to be built atop the tomb of a demon.
• The Temple of Berge, Lady of Strength: A grand stone-walled building, decorated with ethereal curtains and pools of clear water.
• A broken statue of rough-hewn stone, placed to honor Lady Aendent.

A few NPCs:

• Azais: Female Human Fighter, Evil. Azais is haughty in bearing, with blonde hair and dark brown eyes. She wears banded mail and wields a warhammer and long bow. Azais lost her reflection to a nymph.
• Mere: Male Dwarf Scholar, Evil. Mere has a round face, with uneven white hair and blue eyes. He wears modest garments and several pouches hang from his belt. Mere seeks to save his family from financial ruin.
• Gere: Male Dwarf Cleric, Evil. Gere is rugged in appearance, with grey hair and grey eyes. He wears chain mail and wields a flail. Gere is fanatical but cultured.
• Rauda: Male Human Fighter, Good. Rauda has brown hair and grey eyes. He wears splint mail and wields a bastard sword and light crossbow. Rauda has an animal companion, a badger named Dine.
• Lozia: Male Human Craftsman, Evil. Lozia has uneven auburn hair and blue eyes. He wears sturdy clothing and a yellow cloak. Lozia has an animal companion, a hawk named Randa.

Notable Places:

• Elior's Pottery: A cluttered potter's workshop, built within what was once a titan's tankard.
• Randa's Masonry: The workshop of a male human stonemason named Randa, who seems to know every dungeon within twenty leagues of town.

A few NPCs:

• Ethais: Female Dwarf Scofflaw, Neutral. Ethais has a long face, with thin copper hair and blue eyes. She wears plain clothing and several pouches hang from her belt. Ethais has an animal companion, a grey rat named Abes.
• Antient: Female Human Druid, Neutral. Antient has thick copper hair and sharp blue eyes, and a beaked nose. She wears leather armor and wields a club. Antient is energetic and capable.
• Jeanaud: Male Human Fighter, Evil. Jeanaud has an angular face, with grey hair and brown eyes. He wears splint mail and wields a military pick. Jeanaud is a pack-rat, and carries a satchel of random junk.
• Espard: Male Dwarf Fighter, Good. Espard is fey in appearance, with tangled black hair and sharp green eyes. He wears chain mail and wields a bastard sword and shield. Espard is quick-witted but unforgiving.

Notable NPCs:

• Rostac: Male Human Woodseller, Evil. Rostac is tall, with thin golden hair and grey eyes. He wears modest garments and riding boots. Rostac also deals in smuggler's maps.
• Bertzia: Male Human Bookseller, Evil. Bertzia has a long face, with silver hair and green eyes. He wears simple clothing and an iron amulet. Bertzia specializes in grimoires of charms and compulsions.
• Haine: Female Human Entertainer, Evil. Haine has golden hair and amber eyes, and a distinctive scar on her leg. She wears well-made clothing and silk gloves. Haine was once an adventurer, but retired after her companions were turned into vampries.
• Felie: Female Human Thief, Neutral. Felie has a long face, with auburn hair and bright amber eyes. She wears leather armor and wields a short sword and dagger. Felie is fighting a war with the Thieves' Guild.

Notable Places:

• The Guildhall: An impressive half-timbered building, decorated with finely carved gargoyles. It contains a large meeting hall and several smaller rooms, and is shared amongst several local merchant guilds.
• A column of hewn crystal, which shines with a cold light when the town is under threat.

A few NPCs:

• Aucet: Male Dwarf Fighter, Neutral. Aucet has black hair and soft blue eyes. He wears banded mail and wields a warhammer and shield. Aucet is jealous and daring.
• Guesa: Male Dwarf Professional, Good. Guesa has auburn hair and soft hazel eyes. He wears expensive clothing and an amulet of luminous crystal. Guesa has an animal companion, a hawk named Rice.
• Arais: Male Human Mercenary, Neutral. Arais is short and thin, with black hair and sharp amber eyes. He wears chain mail and wields a military pick. Arais is cursed with amnesia, and is searching for the secret which will break the curse.
• Thelsa: Male Human Illusionist, Evil. Thelsa has red hair and large amber eyes. He wears red robes and wields a dagger and sling. Thelsa seeks to become a vampire.
• Respi: Male Human Soldier, Neutral. Respi has matted brown hair and bright hazel eyes. He wears scale mail and wields a two-handed sword. Respi has an animal companion, a red fox named Rober.

Notable Places:

• The Guildhall: A grand building of stone walls, decorated with brightly dyed pennons. It contains a large meeting hall and several smaller rooms, and is shared amongst several local trade guilds.
• An ancient abbey ruins, which appears restored upon the night of the equinox.

A few NPCs:

• Gili: Male Human Soldier, Good. Gili has grey hair and narrow grey eyes. He wears chain mail and wields a bardiche. Gili is virtuous but destructive.
• Giere: Male Dwarf Cleric, Evil. Giere has tangled golden hair and hazel eyes. He wears banded mail and wields a flail. Giere has a deadly allergy to milk.
• Rice: Male Human Assassin, Evil. Rice has long golden hair and blue eyes, and numerous distinctive scars. He wears leather armor and wields a dagger. Rice is a practiced dart thrower.
• Alias: Female Dwarf Wizard, Good. Alias is exceptionally beautiful, with tangled grey hair and bright grey eyes. She wears modest garments and wields a quarterstaff. Alias is searching for her missing son.

Notable Places:

• Guisa's Clocks: The workshop of a male human clockmaker named Guisa, who is rumored to lead an apocalypse cult.
• Peiray's Carvings: The workshop of a male human woodcarver named Peiray, who also brews potions and elixirs.
• Ricxup's Pewter: The workshop of a male human pewtersmith named Ricxup, who knows the secret of an alchemical tin alloy which does not reflect firelight.

A few NPCs:

• Azas: Female Human Wizard, Evil. Azas has short silver hair and hazel eyes, and pointed ears. She wears red robes and wields a quarterstaff and dagger. Azas is undisciplined but gentle.
• Acis: Male Human Wizard, Neutral. Acis has red hair and brown eyes. He wears well-made clothing and wields a quarterstaff and dagger. Acis seeks to become an instructor at the Academy of Artifice.
• Anor: Female Human Ranger, Evil. Anor is willowy, with tangled grey hair and grey eyes. She wears studded leather and wields a spear. Anor lost her shadow to a hag.
• Rici: Male Dwarf Priest, Evil. Rici has white hair and blue eyes, and a pattern of unusual marks on his leg. He wears well-made clothing and a silver holy symbol. Rici seeks to discover where he came from, and who his real family is.

Notable Places:

• The Keystone of Manael: A giant white keystone hangs in the air high above the street, fixed and immovable. It is said that anyone who touches the keystone is protected from evil for a year and a day.
• The Triumphant Cat: A neglected elven tavern, decorated with exotic weapons and armor.
• The Shrine of Fele: A stone niche enshrining an idol of Fele, Lady of Destruction, said to reveal visions to those who leave an offering.

A few NPCs:

• Enor: Female Human Aristocrat, Evil. Enor has thick blonde hair and sharp grey eyes, and a wide mouth. She wears fine raiment and jewelry. Enor seeks to free herself from an ancient curse.
• Sende: Female Human Ranger, Neutral. Sende has cropped silver hair and bright hazel eyes. She wears chain mail and wields a long sword. Sende has a dire rat named Ustos.
• Jouda: Male Dwarf Servant, Good. Jouda has grey hair and green eyes. He wears modest garments and a wide-brimmed hat. Jouda is studious but hard-hearted.

Notable Places:

• The Theatre of Clycusil: A grand timber and brick theatre, known for its halfling slice of life plays.
• The Goblin Mine: This pothole in the street has been named the Goblin Mine in jest. It will not stay filled for more than a few hours, and the local townsfolk have given up trying.

A few NPCs:

• Elmetz: Male Human Thief, Evil. Elmetz has a narrow face, with matted red hair and soft green eyes. He wears leather armor and wields a long sword and dagger. Elmetz is insensitive and pleasant.
• Chanatz: Male Human Ranger, Evil. Chanatz has blonde hair and hazel eyes, and a short beard. He wears leather armor and wields a flail and light crossbow. Chanatz is vengeful but philosophical.
• Bertac: Male Human Professional, Good. Bertac is elegant in appearance, with straight brown hair and sharp blue eyes. He wears expensive clothing and carries a fine stiletto. Bertac is hunting the sorceress who stole his wife.
• Abes: Male Dwarf Craftsman, Evil. Abes is slender, with white hair and grey eyes. He wears sturdy clothing and carries a hawthorn staff. Abes is fascinated by illusions and phantasms.
• Alias: Female Human Scholar, Neutral. Alias has red hair and hazel eyes. She wears tailored clothing and a sling of vials and potions. Alias has an animal companion, a hunting dog named Auders.
• Sibond: Female Dwarf Scholar, Neutral. Sibond has thin black hair and soft green eyes. She wears tailored clothing and numerous rings. Sibond is studious but disloyal.

Notable Places:

• The Crossed Candles: A large adventurer's inn, decorated with stained glass windows.
• Aersent's Anvil: The workshop of a female human blacksmith named Aersent, who was once the best weaponsmith in the kingdom.

A few NPCs:

• Sibil: Female Dwarf Mercenary, Good. Sibil has braided white hair and brown eyes. She wears scale mail and wields a flail and shield. Sibil holds a grudge against trolls.
• Guilhelm: Male Dwarf Aristocrat, Neutral. Guilhelm has copper hair and narrow grey eyes. He wears fine raiment and a silver amulet. Guilhelm is easily distracted by food and drink.
• Elior: Female Elf Illusionist, Evil. Elior has auburn hair and grey eyes. She wears modest garments and wields a quarterstaff and dagger. Elior has an arcane familiar, a tiny shadow elemental named Anas.
• Enor: Female Human Scofflaw, Good. Enor is willowy, with short grey hair and dark amber eyes. She wears plain clothing and a red cloak. Enor is fascinated by history.
• Erris: Male Human Fighter, Good. Erris has blonde hair and green eyes. He wears chain mail and wields a warhammer and shield. Erris seeks to prove himself to his peers.
• Gualhatb: Male Human Thief, Good. Gualhatb is stout, with matted silver hair and large blue eyes. He wears leather armor and wields a club and sling. Gualhatb is creative but greedy.

Notable Places:

• The Dwarven Road: A wide tunnel extends from here to the dwarf town of Barazir in the Cliersy Fells. The tunnel is accessed through a shaft, within which a sturdy platform is raised and lowered by a massive windlass of hewn stone and timber.

A few NPCs:

• Bile: Female Dwarf Fighter, Neutral. Bile is rugged in appearance, with curly silver hair and large amber eyes. She wears plate mail and wields a spear. Bile has a traumatic fear of disease.
• Degui: Male Human Soldier, Neutral. Degui has short brown hair and green eyes, and walks with a limp. He wears chain mail and wields a mace and shield. Degui is antagonistic but optimistic.

Notable Places:

• An ancient monolith of crystal, which floats several feet above the ground.
• The Bloody Hammer: A neglected commoner's inn, known for its impossible variety of beers and ales.
• A broken temple ruins, said to be haunted by the spirits of those slain upon its altar.

A few NPCs:

• Patre: Male Dwarf Paladin, Good. Patre has a long face, with red hair and bright brown eyes. He wears chain mail and wields a two-handed sword. Patre is daring and depressed.
• Rauda: Male Dwarf Fighter, Evil. Rauda has red hair and amber eyes, and a cropped beard. He wears chain mail and wields a battle axe and shield. Rauda is cynical and depressed.
• Sausa: Male Elf Craftsman, Good. Sausa is tall and slender, with grey hair and large green eyes. He wears sturdy clothing and carries a long knife. Sausa has an animal companion, a hawk named Dina.
• Sale: Female Dwarf Thief, Evil. Sale is thin, with golden hair and bright hazel eyes. She wears leather armor and wields a club and sling. Sale has an acute fear of elemental and planar magic.

Notable Places:

• Raimi's Pewter: The workshop of a male human pewtersmith named Raimi, who knows the secret of an alchemical tin alloy which cannot be melted again once cast.
• Joray's Pewter: A cluttered pewtersmith's workshop, decorated with grotesque pewter gargoyles.
• Salie's Foundry: A two-storey timber and brick building, the workshop of a female human founder named Salie. She has been cursed by a hag, and every bell she casts makes all those who hear it more susceptible to magical charms and compulsions.

A few NPCs:

• Felie: Female Human Thief, Good. Felie has a long face, with black hair and green eyes. She wears leather armor and wields a club and sling. Felie has a dire rat named Ethis.
• Sibond: Female Human Fighter, Evil. Sibond has auburn hair and soft amber eyes, and an unusual scar on her neck. She wears banded mail and wields a warhammer. Sibond is capricious and vulgar.
• Mantie: Female Human Necromancer, Evil. Mantie has uneven grey hair and blue eyes, and a small mouth. She wears dark robes and wields a dagger. Mantie has a severe allergy to dragons.