Post by Head Moderator on Jan 28, 2012 4:24:00 GMT -5
ABOUT THE LAND
Climate: Continental
Language: Sark
Capital City: Navahla
The people of Sarkotos tend to be cynical, with a strong sense of national pride and a belief that theirs is the greatest nation in the world and the only truly civilized land. In general, they value moderate behavior and emotional reserve. They may be embarrassed by displays of emotion or excessive enthusiasm. Families are small and tightly knit.
Social class can be observed in people's accents, manners, and homes. Most homes have a garden attached. In lower castes, it is reserved for food to feed the family, while in upper castes it is often devoted to flowers.
All families baptize their children. The baby is dressed in ornate white robes for the occasion and given small, silver presents such as coins or feeding spoons.
Sarkotos is made up of two smaller kingdoms that were conquered in the past: Valden (conquered 125 years ago, northern Sarkotos), and Carmathyn (Westwend area beyond the Kierl Heights, coastal, conquered 300 years ago).
IMPORTANT FAMILIES & TITLES
Royalty
The current royal family, the House of Riverlan, has been in power for 150 years. They are humans.
•King Alfred "King Alfie" Riverlan [65 yrs]
•Queen Bellangere "Queen Bell" Riverlan [62 yrs]
•Crown Prince Gareth Riverlan [34 yrs]
•Prince Albion Riverlan [30 yrs]
•Princess Pryda Riverlan [25 yrs]
•Princess Georgia Riverlan [18 yrs]
Important Nobility
•Katherine Sutton, 30th Duchess of Tyn [Shield cut through with four swords]
•Henry Pellehan, 15th Duke of Grimsby (Knifedge) [Griffin]
•Charlotte Butler, 19th Duchess of Penwyth (Navahla) [Three Silver Fish making a Circle]
•Oliver Lionell, 5th Duke of Westwend (Westwend) [Golden Lion's Head]
•Richard Kilydd, 16th Duke of Feldsmith (Feld) [An open book]
•James Wright, 18th Duke of Ormond (Navahla) [Three oak leaves]
--
•Aaron Gaheris, 13th Earl of Blackburn (Navahla) [Acorn]
•Edward Palomides, 8th Earl of Farwater (Farwater) [Eagle with Two Heads]
•Redvane, 20th Earl of Deepwood (Deepwood)
--
•Count Aubin & Countess Sophie Leodegrance (Butter Hollow) [Rose]
•Countess Meredith Helaine (Navahla) [Flaming Heart]
•Count Alphonse & Countess Bernadine Bayard (Mountmend) [Arrow Pointing Down]
--
•Viscount and Viscountess Gringolet (Kierl Heights) [Cockatrice]
--
•Baron & Baroness Uwaine (Broken Shield) [Cross Moline]
•Baron & Baroness Rossi (Deepwood) [Evergreen]
--
Lord Jacques Gervais
Lady Abrielle Larue
Lord Quincy and Lady Issa Leale
Lord Dashiell Leale
Lady Clara Duvall
Lord and Lady Dax
Lord John Triel
Lady Mina Triel
--
•Sir Ian Redfellow, Leader of the Guard
•Sir Patrik Laodegan
•Sir Dennis Danes
•Dame Victoria d'Viviane
Other Rank Titles in Sarkotos
•0 - These are the common folk who do not pay taxes. They receive only minimal protection from the law, are required to pay trade tariffs in order to move their goods in and out of Sarkotos, and generally must rely on mercenaries and adventurers when things turn sour, leading to no end of demand for such services.
•1 - Citizen. All those who are registered citizens of Sarkotos have some rights to protection by the law. Registered citizens are expected to pay taxes, but not trade tariffs, which makes it profitable for many merchants to be citizens, from which Sarkotos gets the majority of its tax revenue. Many peasants in the outlying regions of the kingdom also pay taxes, and are also Citizens, allowing them to have the right to call on the Knights to protect them, though many communities do not have this luxury, and thus are forced to rely on the aid of adventurers. To receive any higher titles in Sarkotos, one must first be a Citizen. Citizens also make up the first rank of defenders of Sarkotos, and are considered by many worldwide to be some of the best-trained combatants to be found among a standard population.
•2 - The Gentry. Lords and ladies, merchant families, and wealthy members of society are known as the Gentry.
•3 - Knight or Dame. This title is given to those who have served Sarkotos' interests, and is usually awarded to war heroes of significance, higher-ranking officers in the Guard after at least a full decade of dedicated service, and to those who provide significant monetary or political advantages to Sarkotos. This title is not normally hereditary, but can be made so for a registration fee, or else by truly significant acts of heroism. Should it become a hereditary title, this is the lowest rank in Sarkotos at which a family can gain a personalized crest symbol. Since this title does not generally include any lands or other monetary rewards, it is not uncommon to encounter knights at various levels of society.
•4 - Baronet - A Baronet is a knight that has inherited their title. Baronets can go into battle flying their own colors, rather than their lord's. They are addressed as "Sir."
•5 - Baron or Baroness - Commonly called "country nobility," barons are significant land- and property owners in Sarkotos. This title is generally purchased initially, but it is hereditary afterwards. To retain the title, however, requires a person to retain actual property within the boundaries of Sarkotos, though this property can be rather small in nature.
•6 - Viscount or Viscountess - Any knight or baron whose family is able to retain that title for at least three generations has the right to become a viscount, thus gaining additional prestige.
•7 - Earl (country nobility) or Count or Countess (urban nobility) - To be an Earl or Count requires retention of a noble title for at least four generations, as well as holdings of some significance.
•8 - Marquis or Marquess - At least five generations of nobility are required for this title, with still greater wealth from a family's holdings. It is possible to have one's rank reduced at the level of marquis and below back down to knight should one's familiy fortunes be depleted and this is brought to the attention of those of the rank of Duke or higher.
•9 - Duke or Duchess - After six generations and demonstrations of consistent loyalty in the protection of Sarkotos through most, if not all, of those generations, plus the accumulation of sufficient holdings to be considered at least a marquis, a family may gain the title of duke. Once this title has been gained, a family will not lose it, even if their fortunes later wane. The only way that the title can be removed is through conviction for acts of treason against Sarkotos.
•10 - Prince or Princess - These are the direct sons and daughters of the King and Queen.
•11 - King and Queen
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Sentences
A - Death On the Spot
B - Death Upon Conviction
C - Exile or Ban from Future Entry
D - Branding
E - Hard Labor
F - Imprisonment (Dungeon)
G - Imprisonment (Labor)
H - Fine
I - Damages to Injured or Victim's Kinfolk
J - Edict (posted on gates and walls, forbidding from doing something)
K - Flogging
Crimes
- Aiding an Attack upon Sarkotos | I, then E, then H, then C
- Arson | B or E, then C
- Assault on Citizen with Injury | I and E or K
- Assault upon Outlander with Injury | I and/or G or H
- Attacking Sarkotos (dmg to gates, building collapse with deaths, poisoning water supply, etc) | B or E, then C
- Bribery (attempted bribery too) | G, H (double bribe amount), and J
- Dealing in Stolen Goods | H and I (value of stolen goods)
- Defacing or Forging a Public Notice | G and H
- Defiling Holy Places | I, E, and J, often followed by C
- Forgery of documents, counterfeiting money | D, H and I
- Fraud | D, H and I
- Hampering Justice | H and E
- Harmful Public Spellcasting | H and I, then G (10 days max), if convicted is visitor, then C (year)
- Harmful spellcasting on person of importance | A
- Impersonating Officials or Clerics | H then C
- Intimidation (includes blackmail) | H and I (double amount demanded), then K
- Murder | B or K and C (if judged unintentional)
- Obstruction (parking your wagon in front of alley or route to block) | H and J then F (one full day and night) if city gate or trade route blocked
- Rape | I, then K, D, F
- Sedition (speaking against the rule of Sarkotos, or officials) | F (half day), plus H (25gp)
- Spellcasting in Court (harmful or otherwise) | H and K, then F (ten days), plus I if applicable
- Theft | H and I (double value of stolen goods), then K
- Tomb Robbing | D, H and I
- Vandalism | H and I, then K
- Violation of Edict | G and H
IMPORTANT CITIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES
Green = Natural Places
Purple = Interesting Creature-Made Places, Dungeons
Maroon = Religious Spots
NAVAHLA
Navahla is a sprawling capital city on Pincer Lake, that is home to every race, religion and creed. The noble and wealthy families of Sarkotos live in well-tended manors scattered in the best districts, while the working class live in small rented rooms and houses of varying sizes in the neighborhoods and poorer districts of this city.
Many inns and taverns, and even a few fine hotels can be found within Navahla. Carriages and carts, and horses daily clog the well-tended cobblestone streets. Various shops and trade establishments line the streets, and one can find just about anything they need in the fine city of Navahla. The seedier parts of town are quite dangerous to walk in at night (and even during the daylight) but our knights attempt to keep the filth at bay.
Power, knowledge, money, and influence are all means of wealth within Navahla, and all of Sarkotos itself. Navahla is the largest city within the entire Obsidian Heart realm.
The Lost Lady
This is Navahla's most famous ghost, a long-ago noblewoman of Navahla named Jezzuin whose true love, Barret fled from her during a quarrel with her necklace of sapphires. He hid from the Guard in a secret passage, and died shut up there, unable to get out. His bones and gems have never been found, but her restless spirit persists as a floating, incorporeal, faintly glowing face that whispers in the ears of persons she finds alone at night, bidding them "find Barret" or "find my bluestones". She has the ability to enter into and "ride" beings who are willing, or whom she overcomes (DC20 willpower to avoid, DC24 if drowsy) forcing them to search Navahla for Barret. She knows he's "shut away somewhere" and will compel her "steed" to keep moving and looking (steeds can otherwise speak and act freely). Jezzuin's face will be faintly visible, superimposed over the features of the person she's riding. Magic, lots of loud people or a successful willpower save (every hour) usually causes her to "melt away" from ridden beings. There's no known way to slay Jezzuin, she means no particular harm to those she whispers to or "rides", though fearful victims have been slain or injured fleeing or doing wild things to be rid of her. Some Navahlans welcome her "aboard" in hopes she'll lead them to some treasure. All Navahlans know about the Lost Lady and persons being ridden by her are tolerated and sometimes followed and watched for sport.
"The winter will ask what we did all summer." - Sarkotos Saying
CANTON ROYAL
Navahla Castle overlooks the entire city of Navahla, and the large district called "Canton Royal" near the castle is mostly made of the embassies for other lands and kingdoms. Canton Royal is in the northeast corner of Navahla.
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is located within the walls of Navahla, within the Canton Royal district and it is where all royal weddings and funerals occur. All deities can be worshipped at the Sanctuary, but it's main deities are the Six Primal Gods.
Navahla Catacombs
It's graveyard (referred to usually as the kirk), and extensive catacombs (which some report to extend underneath the city proper) are quite famous for it's serpentine passageways that one can get lost quite easily within.
The Crimson Lance
The Lance is the local inn and tavern for Canton Royal, and feature fine wines and ales, and alcohol from all over the known world to gifted bards and performers. The rooms are spacious and elegant, and cater to the wealthy and powerful.
THE SABLES
The Sables is a district of elegant architecture and old money, filled with manors full of servants and wealthy nobles that sleep upon featherbeds and eat from the finest of imported china all within a stone's throw of the Canton Ward. The wide avenues are well lit and guarded by private guards hired by the wealthy that live there to not only keep the thieves and riff raff out but even the beggars and street urchins are kept at bay. It is the cleanest section of Navahla as rubbish collectors regularly take their garbage to the dumping site far outside the city walls several times a week. This is where the nobles and aristocrats of Navahla live if they do not live outside the city in sprawling mansions and manors along the Rambles.
Sable Wolf Tavern
The Sable Wolf is named after the coat of arms of one of the more prominent nobles in The Sables District, by a former employee of the noble family, who opened the tavern when he retired.
Ebon Swan Hotel
The Ebon Swan is located on the shore of a small pond and is arguably the finest and grandest hotel within the whole of Sarkotos.
Navahla Stables
Where the wealthy board their horses.
"You never miss a slice from a cut loaf." - Sarkotos Saying
MARKET DISTRICT
The Market District outside of The Sables is a fashionable commercial and shopping district with a mix of broad streets and smaller tangled alleyways. During the day and early evening they are always packed with carts, street vendors, and pedestrians. Many of them simply stroll the area taking in the sights, sounds and delicious street food of the district. Old noble families that once lived here have moved to quieter districts, their homes converted to two and three story shops, inns or taverns, or flats. In the side streets and alleys, you will find the offices of lawyers and doctors, gentleman's clubs, mage shops, apothecaries, and gambling halls.
Letters Inn
The Letters Inn (Let us in!) is one of the main inns in the Market District and a favorite for travelers and locals alike. A halfling is the innkeeper.
Crooked Chimney Tavern
The local watering hole and a favorite stop for shoppers at the end of the day. Known for it's delicious food and extensive selection of wines, ales and liquor.
Raven's Foot Apothecary
Rumerian Stables
The only place in Sarkotos (besides the black market) one can purchase pure-bred Rumerian Steeds, unless you arrange purchase with individual owners.
Blacksmith
That is all the sign says hanging over the smithy shop.
Sweets and Treats
Chocolate, cakes, sweets of all kinds and even candy can be found in this specialized shop in the Markets.
The Gilded Parchment
Books and scrolls.
Leather Goods
Jeffen's Junkshop
But it's not all junk. He will buy and sell nearly anything non-magical, and offers fair prices. He gives better prices to his fellow townsmen, but will deal with virtually anyone provided they don't try to cheat him.
Wendhammer Weapons
Weapons and armor made by Kord Wendhammer, a dwarven smithy of high repute. He sells all manner of items, and does not mind special requests.
Spinning Web Weavers
If it can be woven, it is made by the two sisters who run the Spinning Web; such as tapestries, blankets, and cloths of all sort. Sadira silk thread is also available here.
Old World Cloth
Though Old World Cloth does sell cloth made by the Spinning Web sisters, they also have fine silks from Summerglass, and satins, velvets and other cloth from various parts of the known world.
Huffton's Haberdashery
The premiere shop for men's fine clothing.
The Lady's Grace
Finely made women's clothing and underthings.
Cybal's Sundries
Bits and bobs, and all sorts of miscellaneous items.
Rushhollow Relics & Monsters
The most famous relic shop in the realms, and the owners are known to send adventurers to find relics and treasures on occasion. Hamon Rushhollow also owns a monster shop.
Rushhollow Monsters
Hamon Rushhollow is a retired adventurer who now trades in monsters and beasts. Mostly fur, fangs, and other body parts, but he does have an area of the shop dedicated to live specimens and eggs. He will also buy monster parts, eggs, and specimens from you for a fair price.
The Bubbling Bard
Instruments are made and sold at the Bubbling Bard. Masterwork instruments are available.
The Dapper Sole
Boots and shoes.
Falkon Feather
Bowyer and fletcher by the name of Falkon.
Stollard's Silversmithy
Silver Phoenix Jewelry and Gems
Silver Phoenix is actually a small bazaar containing several gem and jewelry merchants.
GREENLORD RUN
Greenlord Run is the artist's district, a place of fashion and the fashionable, poets and artists of all kind, as well as alchemists and mages. It is located in the southeast section of town. It is a more scandalous area of town and even reported to be the home of a few brothels. Clothes here are bright and artistic, and it is a fine place for romance. Most of the wealthy homes in the area also have gardens of varying size, as beauty and style is very important to the citizens of Sarkotos.
Amelia Park
Lovers are sure to be found in the area once night falls on benches around the pond and throughout the intertwining paths of the gardens. Rooms above galleries and shops are prime real estate. Amelia Park is popular with the poor and wealthy alike. There are many paths to wander at the park, and the grass stays green and lush, and trees and flowers line the walkways.
Ameliaroveal's Tree
The massive oak tree in the center of Amelia Park has a lofty crown higher than a temple spire and a spread of branches broad enough to shade nearly half the park. The mossy trunk looks big enough to swallow a peasant's hut. Though its sheer size suggests great age, the tree seems exceptionally vigorous. It has very green leaves and no visible dead wood. Ameliaroveal, a dryad, calls this tree home. The city of Navahla was built around the tree allowing Ameliaroveal to stay, though she did make them promise to always maintain a park around her tree and never encroach onto that area with the city and its buildings. They named it "Amelia Park" after the dryad.
Amelia's oak is sturdy and healthy, but it's hollow. Amelia has ample room inside to dwell in reasonable comfort, at least by human standards. Amelia spends her time tending her tree, carefully pruning its leaves and branches to promote vigor and strength. She also keeps watch over the park around the tree, tending the plants if necessary and protecting them from damage or destruction. Amelia has lived in her tree for much longer than she can remember, but it has been many centuries at least. Whatever happens to her, Amelia always tries to be as calm and strong as her tree. She doesn't get angry, but she doesn't back down either. She treats friendly visitors with soothing words and an abundance of charm.
Her hair is the vibrant green of summer leaves, and her eyes are as brown as the oak's bark. She is very enticing and has been known to take human lovers, often of noble birth.
Obsidian Heart Inn
Simply the most popular and well-loved inn and tavern in the lands! Run by a young, tough lass called Maria Alaria, the Obsidian Heart caters to all. It is a quality establishment, serving a fine meal and excellent drinks. Maria is known to have a bit of a temper, and has no problem banishing troublemakers from her establishment.
Lucky 13 Tattoos
Tommy Tentoes is the owner of Lucky 13, and does all sorts of body modifications such as tattoos and piercings, including sacred art.
The Scented Dove
Perfumery shop.
Dax Bakery
Three Old Ladies Laundry
Sullen Sage
Spells and magical item shop.
Boutique Felix
Felix is a popular fashion designer not only in Sarkotos, but among many of the nobles and royals of other kingdoms. He is known for fanciful wear in bright colors, incorporating strands of pure gold and silver, amulets and protective sigils, and gemstones. The young nobles would not be caught dead without having a Felix wedding dress upon their special day, and he also prides himself on ostentatious and glamorous gowns for any ball or party. Buying a Felix on the black market is a dangerous thing, as most of the Felix gowns sold on the black market are quite simply fakes.
Crimson Torch Brothel
A high-class brothel if such could ever exist, these ladies are beautiful, clean, elegant and some are even distant relatives to the nobles. "Lady Crimson" is the owner, and there is a half-orc bouncer they call "Twig" that keeps the ladies safe. Lady Crimson is also the guildmistress of the Guild of the Ivory Lily, the Sarkotos Prostitute's Guild.Amee, the Chosen
The epitome of the working girl, Amee is a chameleon of desire. She is witty and charismatic enough to quickly and quietly emulate her client’s desires, but remains emotionally detached from the entire affair. Much like a coal miner who hangs up his hat at the end of the shift and goes home to his family, Amee hangs up the fish-nets at daybreak and heads to a comfortable home she shares with her aged mother and ailing aunt. Many whisper that she is only a few years away from being promoted to being a madam and possibly getting to sit on the council of the Ivory Lily.
Pageen, the Brothel Bard
In the afternoons she strums her dulcimer and sings the standard array of tavern songs, ballads and when the sun goes down the bawdier songs. When the next row of entertainment comes in, she takes a few clients to the sheets for some coin. As far as most prostitutes go, Pageen is considered a higher class lady as she is more educated and more difficult to intimidate or shortchange.
Jillian, the Meek
Few men can resist the heart shaped face of Jillian, her quiet demeanor, and the flush of shame that colors her cheeks as she endures their rough treatment. And it is shame that sets her aflame as she willingly submits to each client. Currently under penance for behavior bordering of heretically blasphemous, Jillian was given the choice to accept punishment as a common whore for a year or be exiled from the clergy forever. Allowed to serve her penance away from her home region, each night of sorid sex is one night closer to when she can return to the mother church. She wears a necklace of prayer beads that reminds her of her sin each time she joins with a man. She yearns for the day when she can cast it away.
Rayva, the Imposter
In truth, Rayva is actually an alias used by the eldest daughter of a very prudish noble family. This Lady secretly dons the attire of a prostitute and sells herself to any man with enough coin. Unlike the other working girls, Rayva likes her men to be big, hairy, muscular, and dripping with testosterone. The men of the court are to this day flabbergasted over how such a woman remains immune to their dandy charm and eloquent turns of phrase. Eventually she will mature out of this rebellious phase, but for the time being, the Lady walks the streets like a cat in heat.
Dahlia, the Devoted
Dahlia is temptation wrapped in silk and served on a silver platter. A ravishing blonde bombshell with long legs and a come hither stare that would leave a priest second-guessing his god, she is sex incarnate. This is fitting since Dahlia is first and foremost a cleric of the Goddess of Sex and Lust. She embraces her task at the brothel with both body and soul.
Ana and Ada, the Twins
Lithe and exotic looking, Ana and Ada are identical feykin twins who specialize in fulfilling threesomes. Originally acrobats in a traveling circus, the girls left the venue after it caught fire one night, burning down the main tent, killing half of the spectators as well as most of the cast and crew. Long the personal toys of the barker and ringmaster, stepping into the brothel meant they got paid for their services and gained a staggering amount of free time to lounge about, play games, and read old books. They dream of living on a farm with animals, but are wise enough to know that such a dream is unlikely for exotic beauties such as themselves. Still they laugh and dream of finding a man who would marry them both and take them away to raise birds and long eared goats.
Regan, the Red
A pale skinned woman with hair the color of flame, Regan hails from Bryony and is a spellborn. Most of her clients are drawn to either her fiery red hair, or her aura of magic.
Greenlord Brewery
Though they make various local ales and beers, they are most famous for their Honey Cream Stout. They gained the recipe from Lady Crimson, who takes half of the profit for sharing her recipe.
ARCHGATE
Archgate is the scholarly district of Nevahlah, many alchemists, thinkers, scholars and even mages live in this district in presentable homes, flats and cottages. It's businesses include private libraries, book binders, alchemists, herbalists, makers of glassware and copper tubing, and other artisans that cater to these fields. It is a small district, just inside the Lower Gate.
The Scented Lark
Perfumes.
Turtle's Pipeweed and Herbs
HAGSWYLD
While there are amazing wealthy districts in Navahla, there are also a few poor districts, though slums can be found throughout the city in various places. One of the major poor districts is named Hagswyld, a place of markets, stolen goods, street prostitutes and dark operations. It is the hotbed for subversive groups. It is a combination of old, rotted buildings and shanties built out of whatever could be found, along a portion of Pincer Lake.
Hagswyld Market
The black market is alive and well and you need go no further than the many open stalls and dark lean-to's of the Hagswyld Market.
CANTERLEY LOWS
Another area of poverty and filth is called Canterley Lows, or simply "the Cant". Shanty homes line the streets, garbage is tossed out daily, and the stench is nearly unbearable. Seedy taverns fill with drunkards on a nightly basis, and there is murder and mayhem going on constantly in this area. This area is northwest of the Market District.
Blind Beggar Tavern
A seedy tavern of ill repute on the main street through the Cant.
Canterley Lows Gambling House
Mama Kayla Brothel
Mama K runs a popular lower class brothel, that goes by her name. Mama K refuses to become a member of the Ivory Lily, having her own ideas and protection. Mama K herself is not to be trifled with and protective of her "girls". All of Mama K's girls are tattooed on the palm with a cursive "K" and are known to be protected by the Flyeal Gang. Mama K's girls come in every age, price range and size and they are usually average looking girls wearing a lot of makeup. Basically if you aren't beautiful enough to work at the Torch uptown or seeing a bit of coin to buy your next fix, you find a job here. Those who decide to leave the life of the brothel, find it very difficult to remove the "brand" without anything less than a Wish spell, so they elect to wear gloves at all times in public - and even in private! More than one Kayla Girl has married into middle or even high-class and hidden her marking even from her husband!Nashaly, the Depraved
Nashaly has demon blood flowing through her, but in her heart, in her tainted blood, in her smoldering loins, Nashaly knows she is different. Nothing is to perverted or sadistic for this woman. No act is taboo, in fact the more depraved or debased an act is, the more she enjoys it in the moment and the more she loathes it afterwards. This tiefling is ruled by her basest of desires and her financial assets are substantial enough that she could easily quit and open her own business. It’s hard to quit a job that you love so viscerally.
Dagmar, the Barbarian
Once a noble and proud woman from one of the nomad tribes of Rumeria, Dagmar was isolated in the area and unable to return to her tribe. Her skills, once valuable to the tribe, are worthless to the settled folk of the town and she was forced into the one profession where no skill was required, just the proper equipment and submission. Bowed by years of humiliation and hard usage, she is showing more than her years. She is a capable fighter barehanded and with a bow, but barely speaks the common language and knows that she can work from her back or beg on the streets. Mama K only charges half-price for Dagmar’s services.
Tamara, the Pale
Unlike the other prostitutes, Tamara died years ago. Less than a century in the blood, Tamara is a young vampire plying her supernatural sensuality as well as her natural sexuality. Like flies drawn to a spider, her clients come to feel the deadly rapture of a vampire’s bite, but with the gold bought promise of their own safety but the bleeding edge thrill of embracing one of the undead willingly.
"You cannot stop a whore, not even with a hundred horses." -- Sarkotos Proverb
(Secret) Temple of Exquisite Pain
This temple, found only by the faithful, is hidden behind a simple junk shop. Reached through a secret door, the screams of those inside are never heard outside.
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT
Warehouses, fishermen, and the like work in this area making a profit off the lake. It is a sizable area, with a few taverns and shops but mostly warehouses and such.
THE RAMBLES
This area of fine homes and wealthy manors is located outside of the walls of Navahla.
THE SEWERS OF NAVAHLA
Despite the name, "the sewers" refers to the entire complex of tunnels under the city, including those which carry water to wells from underground springs, and the many which are no longer used (and likely not even known). There are various entrances into the underground of the city, in nearly every section of town. Some are actual doors, usually locked; some entrances are grates or hidden holes. Many of the dwarves of the city have entrances in their shops or homes to the underground. The dwarven areas of the sewer are often lit by softly glowing mage-lights.
It is advised to avoid those tunnels which actually carry sewerage. Apart from the obvious danger of sickness, such places are rumoured to be visited by vile demons. The tunnels which carry water to wells are relatively safe. The flow of water is usually regular, so there is little danger of flooding. The water is even generally safe to drink; unlike the Romans, Sarkotos built in stone and not lead. The tunnels which drain away water during storms are usually very large. However one may always find oneself in a smaller tunnel which floods completely during a storm.
Criminal organizations of Sarkotos are rumoured to meet in an unused part of the sewers, and some shops have "underground" areas of their shops only reached through the sewers. Ordinary criminals are also said to be frequently seen in the sewers. It is a way of getting from one place to another without being seen, and for the worst a convenient place to hide bodies. The sewers also serve as temple for those cultists whose gods may not be worshipped openly.
One may find knights at times patrolling the sewers. An assignment to patrol the sewers is usually a punishment. Packs of wild dogs and feral cats are frequent. They are popularly believed to be pets that were dropped into the privy. There are also packs of albino rats, blind and diseased; as well as many other creatures that roam these dark tunnels.
The adventurer should be aware that the sewer system was not built all at once, but added to over the centuries. No one knows the full extent of it, and it is rumored to connect to such things as forgotten tombs, parts of the city abandoned and built over, and even the underworld, the domain of monsters and other perils.
OTHER IMPORTANT TOWNS
BUTTER HOLLOW
A sleepy alpine hamlet in the mountains. The buildings in this town are made of marble, with thatched roofs.
Hollow's Rest
The only inn within this hamlet.
Snake Charmer Poisons
Royden Darkly runs this small poison-making operation.
Graydown Mine
Graydown Mine is an open mine on the side of the mountain where marble is mined.
MOUNTMEND
This city is home to dwarves, elves, and half-elves. Its economy is based on woodcutting, woodworking, and mining. The elves rule the community and the dwarf population concentrates on mining the unusually pure veins of gold that honeycomb the earth nearby. It is one of the few areas outside of Kir'viir to boast a large elven population, and is situated nestled in the forest, protected by the Ballari Ridgeback Mountains.
THE CROSSROADS
The Crossroads isn't really a town at all, instead it is a perfect crossroads where those who wish to make deals with the devils and demons come. It is said that every new moon, a demon or two walks the Crossroads waiting for those he or she can assist in various ways, for their soul or other payment.
BEDIM MINE
Bedim Mine itself is a mining village, and some say a gateway to the Underdark. It is also the only place in the world that the plant "kalamanthis" grows.
Bedim Monastery
The Bedim Monastery clings to the side of the mountains near Bedim Mine, and within the crevices and cracks the monks grow kalamanthis. Parts of the plant can be prepared and used in three different ways - 1) the raw root can be chewed, 2) the leaf can be dried and smoked, 3) the sap can be boiled into a concentrated paste and injected.
Nearly 40 monks live in the monastery, and their chanting begins at twilight and the sonorous chanting can often be heard in town with the right wind. The Lady of the Monastery is a masked combatant thought to be the wisest person in the hills. Many seek her counsel but few are actually ever allowed to see her. None bother her wagons of kalamanthis for they fear the masked warriors under her command.
The Rocking Stone
The Rocking Stone, lying half a mile above the village, is said to rotate of its own volition at the end of each year. Although a child can turn the 20-ft.-wide stone, no one has ever been able to make it topple. Stories say that if it falls from the cliff, it becomes a stone golem bent on vengeance.
KIERL HEIGHTS
Kierl Heights is a band of wide, rocky mountains in Sarkotos, this region is inhabited by small groups of military-minded goblins, gnolls, orcs, and evil humans, all of which are referred to as "kierl raiders."
Sunreach Monastery
The Sunreach Monastery is hidden high in the mountains. Here, the order of tattooed monks train newcomers while seeking personal enlightenment. The monks are ascetic in their outlook, preferring quiet solitude to the complex life of the outside world. To join, one must display devotion to achieving enlightenment while avoiding temptation during a three-day ritual. Those who would delve deeper into the mysteries of the monastery must take part in more stringent rituals. The Monastery is a repository of religious lore from around the world.
BROKEN SHIELD
The village changed its name from Fob’s Barrow many years ago to hide its grizzly past. They say the whole place is built on the graves of the dead, and it’s true that plows occasionally turn up corpses from a battle centuries ago. Some say that two local farmers jealously guard objects they have dug from the earth, treasures that talk or sing as though calling.
The Madam of Golems
Maire, a female gnome, is well known for her creation of servant golems. What is not as well known is that she has a relationship with a black market purveyor of body parts and has at least three flesh golems behind closed doors in her cellar. She has created some with yuan-ti parts which she cherishes above the others. She charges 20,000 for each human based flesh golem, and 25,000 for yuan-ti golems.
The Raven Tree
The Raven Tree, which stands by the main track out of town, has never had less than 100 raven’s nests in it. If the number of birds drops below that figure, dire calamities will occur.
KNIFEDGE
Knifedge is the location of The Arena as it is simply called, and this city is located on the Willow Weed River.
Knifedge Gallows Inn
The gallows of Knifedge are used often, and this inn is near the city center where the gallows are located. It is also within walking distance of the Arena, which pulls in many spectators and warriors when tournaments are going on.
The Knifedge Arena
The Arena is the sporting arena for all of Sarkotos, where warriors and champions are put to the test as a spectacle for all to witness. Many meet their death here, as sponsors from around the known world send their champions here to win prestige for their names. Some sponsors are so vile that they are careful to arrange "accidental" deaths for rivals.
Manor of Alcott
Five miles north of Knifedge, in plain view of the Willow Weed River, stands one of the most deceptively inviting ruins in the area. Unlike many haunted estates, Alcott's Manor still looks like a splendid and stately home, albeit the home of a warlord, judging from the relief carvings of mounted knights covering the outside of the manor. Indeed, the outer gardens and environs of Alcott's Manor are safe enough to serve as the site of many a Knifedge Festival. The manor's interior is another matter. It's certain that the manse is haunted, but the wraiths do not disturb everyone who comes in.
FELD
A town on the trade route, known for having guides to the Maze House, though it is illegal. It is also known for it's kirk.
The Raven & Imp
The most popular inne and tavern in the Feld area. Also, the best place to find out who you can buy the illegal guids to the Maze House.
Feld Kirk
A graveyard that has been rumored to have crypts and graves that lead down to the Underdark and under the mountains.
Temple of the Shadow's Gaze
This temple monastery is off the beaten path, where the monks who worship the Six practice mental and physical mastery.
MAZE HOUSE
This odd manor is located off the beaten path halfway between Feld and Deepwood, and Sarkotos officials try very hard to keep this place hidden. It is illegal to sell maps to Maze House in every region of Sarkotos. This house is a maze of ever changing walls and passages, once the home of a mad, chaotic sorcerer who built on to it in such chaos with doors that lead no where, stairs that end in walls, and rooms that dangle on their side. Many of the passages and doorways (of varying sizes I might add) are actually portals to various locations throughout the known realms. Runix is rumored to play deadly games of hide-and-seek with those they mark for death here. There are no maps of the Maze House itself - and in the words of a Mage, "It has doors that do not always open into the same rooms they did the last time you opened them - even if that last time was a mere breath ago."
FARWATER VILLAGE
A much more laid-back, fishing and farming village.
Six Fish Inn
This small inn serves a menu featuring six different fish and various other seafood fished from the sea.
Six Fish Inn is fabled throughout the lands for its warm hospitality, fine ales, and disturbing ghost cat called Wake-Me-Not. This spectral cat curls up beside those it takes a fancy to and spends the night in bed with them. Waking the cat is said to risk death at the hands of an avenging cat monster known as the Feaster with Teeth.
Sweetwater Spring
When the tide is out at Farwater Village, a series of reef walkways lead to a small circular reef of bright colors. In the center is a fresh water spring that pools during low tide and creates the odd but beautiful reef.
WESTWEND
Westwend is the merging of the old and new, with the old docks, known as the Old City Quarter, a chaotic weave of buildings built right next to one another with small cobbled streets and alleys common features. The city outside of the old, partially destroyed walls are open plan, with wide expanses of parks and wooded areas, exquisite ornate fountains and the buildings and streets clean and well built. The Great Gates of Westwend, which are part of the old city walls, are maintained in good order and are a symbol of the city's freedom as they resisted many forces of monsters and drow coming from Kierl Heights.
Greaves Cove
This secluded coastal cove south of Westwend is an easily overlooked but inviting place for a ship to put in for the night. The cove is however permanently occupied. There are a number of pirate ships, and a small pirate town in the cove. The leader of the cove is a giant of a man, Bartholomew Greaves. But he is not the real power behind the cove, just the human liaison. The real master of the cove is a massive squid like horror that lives in a cave under the cove. The creature has mind controlled a number of men, and in exchange for the bounty of the cove, it demands regular homage in the form of human sacrifice and certain treasures.
SCOURCONE FOREST
This forest was long abandoned by the elves to humankind. With little undergrowth, a wealth of wildlife, and a high canopy, the Scourcone Forest is entirely the property of the crown of Sarkotos and used to be a pleasant place to ride and a favorite destination for hunting. Now, however, it is inhabited by orcs and other nasty critters that tend to attack Deepwood and Feld far too often these days. The pines that grow in this forest produce a robust variety of cones remarkable for their strength. They are often gathered and used as grinding tools. The nuts of these pines, although difficult to reap, are highly nutritious.
Erhine's Cottage
The cottage is home to Erhine, a graybeard with a nose for exotic herbs and esoteric knowledge. In his secluded cottage, Erhine studies old tomes and maintains a far-flung network of contacts that spans the world and the planes beyond. Messengers come and go frequently, and visitors with new facts to impart often stay a week or two. There's no telling whom or what Erhine may be entertaining on any given day. The old man makes ends meet by selling rare herbs and by serving as a sage and teacher. He's a stern taskmaster when it comes to learning, so much so that some of his less eager students readily agree that the little cottage is a dreadful place.
DEEPWOOD
Deepwood is within the depths of Scourcone Forest.
Druid's Grove
A place of great power, these standing stones within the forest is sacred to druids of all types. Druids often meet among the ancient menhirs here to conduct rituals to increase the strength of the forests. It is said these stones hold secrets that none have revealed as of yet.
CLAY PILLARS
Peeking from the desolate area of Clay Pillars are several dozen standing stones, each spaced a score of feet apart and jutting at odd angles. Near the tops of these rounded outcroppings are holes, some large and some tiny that produce haunting sounds as the wind passes through them. On the pillars are carved a polyglot of ancient runes and pictographs from multiple time periods. Eirchaic letters can be found overwritten with dwarven, as well as obscure writings similar to cuneiform. The few legible writings speak of "souls" and "resurrection" but not much more can be gleaned at casual inspection.
The magiken know that these pillars were erected in primordial human times as a gateway to send lost souls to the afterlife. The stones act as a sort of lightning rod for spirits, channeling them into the great beyond. What is not known is that the stones have ceased to function - the lost souls stored within the rocks are imprisoned. The spiritual energy here is so great, in fact, that it has overloaded from the stones and spilled into the area. Some of the stones house many hundreds of souls and are leaking bits of ectoplasm. Howling winds are common in this area as well as wild magical storms.
MAGIKEN LEYPOINT RUINS
BALLARI RIDGEBACKS
These mountains rise high enough to claim snow capped peaks in winter and form a natural boundary with Bryony. The peaks of this mountain range are the home of a tribe of short-tempered stone giants who live in rock mansions on remote peaks. They trade gems for seafood, and for wine.
Ballari S'sem Ruins
This massive ruined city of the serpentfolk lays in a lush valley in the mountains named after it. It is a difficult task to get to this city, but those who have done so claim it has untold riches yet to be discovered. There is a portal in the Frigid Bluffs of Rumeria guarded by a spirit naga that opens outside these ruins.
The crypts of this ruined city are especially dangerous, and more than half of the tombs remain undiscovered. Lurking within are sword-wielding, spell-hurling mummies that practice the ancient traditions of serpentfolk battlemages. The ophidians that still live in the mountains have linked the lower levels of most plundered tombs to the network of Twisted Tunnels that extends beneath the hills. Although each tomb is thought to contain at least one portal, most of them remain undiscovered, even in tombs that have already been plundered.
Hidden City of Sosio
Ophidian laborers have constructed a host of gardens, chapels, and shrines on the spiraling terrace that winds its way up the hidden mountain, making seven full revolutions before reaching the top. At the peak lies a sprawling temple complex, shaped like a massive serpent head. The yuan-ti and ophidian clerics who rule the city live here, and the rest of the inhabitants live within the twisting tunnels and chambers that honeycomb the mountain. This city connects to the Twisted Tunnels, and at the heart of the city lies a two-way portal to the Elemental Plane of Earth where ophidian miners move through each day, mining the gems on the other side of the portal.
Twisted Tunnels
A subterranean network of tunnels links the serpentfolk ruins with the underground network of tunnels under Bryony, into Doxenia and throughout Rumeria. The serpentfolk carved the walls of the tunnels to resemble the digestive tract of a massive snake. This disturbing image is reinforced by the faint acidic tang that clings to the air, making breathing uncomfortable for creatures unused to this environment. It is also a way into the Underdark.
Bent Elbow Pass
This pass through the Ballari Ridgebacks Mountains connects Sarkotos with Bryony. The pass is big enough for two wagons to pass beside each other. Rocky slopes rose up each side, and landslides are not uncommon. Nor are attacks from the ornery stone giants who live nearby. This pass is also the grave of an entire orc horde, slaughtered in desperate battle long years ago by the dwarves of Ballari. It is haunted by the ghosts of that battle - and still holds the means by which the dwarves won the battle: an underground stronghold that let dwarven warriors burst forth to charge the orcs from all sides. It's said beholders and gargoyles infest these treasure-rich chambers now.
