Shadebourne

Shadebourne is a tiered city, built into a mountain range called the Kashani, or Ashencrest Peaks, in the North of Caldera. Shadebourne is one of the oldest cities of Caldera, built in a classical Dwarven style. It is renowned for it's architecture and is home to many notorious and prestigious mercenary companies.

## **Geography**

Backed into the Kashani mountain range in the North of Caldera, the walls of Shadebourne are constructed from the same stone as the mountains, a tough black granite. As it is built into the mountain, the city receives very litle direct sunlight, giving it the name.

Shadebourne is home to the largest entrance to the subterranean continent of Kehrago, The Underdark. A large archway leads into the mountain and tunnels down, to the border town of Ketz below. Many residents of The Underdark travel to Shadebourne and vice versa.

Being in the North of Caldera, Shadebourne has a cool climate, with mild summers and snowy winters.

## **Governance**

The city of Shadebourne is overseen by an appointed governor, who presides over a council of forty-nine representatives from the city districts. Several centuries ago, the Regal Family abdicated their power, after much pressure from the citizenry. Although they hold no offical power, they still reside in the top tier of the city.

## **Locations**

Shadebourne is a unique city in that it is separated into seven tiers, marked by high granite walls which cannot be crossed. The only way to pass upwards through the city are through towering gatehouses, manned by several of the city guard. A distinct increase in quality of life can be seen moving up through the tiers. The lower tiers are in squallid condition, with several slums and shanty-houses, whilst the upper tiers boast impressive architecture and much wealth flaunted about. Movement through the tiers is heavily controlled, with access beyond certain tiers limited to those who are existing residents or invited as a guest.

#### **Barracks**

Shadebourne is home to many companies of sellswords and mercenaries, who keep barracks in the city as a home base. The barracks are spread across the tiers and vary in quality and reputation, depending on who controls them. Known Mercenary Companies who occupy barracks in the city are The Weeping Eye, The Shroud, The Velvet Teeth, The Keepers of the Plains and Maglubiyets Legions.

#### **The Charnel House**

The Charnel House is a barracks on the first tier, base of The Weeping Eye. The barracks are backed up against the tier wall and surrounded by a palisade wall. It appears to consist of a handful of smaller buildings and a hyena pen. The Charnel House and it's occupants appear to have a bad reputation in the city.

#### **The Anvilhold**

The Anvilhold is a district on the fourth tier, surrounding The Overforge, a Temple of Moradin. The district consists of many forges and smithies, as well as residential areas and barracks, such as the one The Party have rented from the city.

## **People**

Known residents of Shadebourne include:

* The Weeping Eye, a mercenary company comprised mostly of Gnolls
* The Endigni, a mercenary company identifiable by their robes and scalemail masks, who have also been seen in Sanskra and Fang