Aussahan

# Location: Aasuhan

A town of remarkable normality, Aasunhan tends to avoid the dramatics of alchemy or warrior life. Nestled in a forest, the tiny town is bordered by sprawling, snowy mountains to the south. Aasunhan lies in the shadow of several floating islands consisting of slime-engrossed trees and lakes. While the few residents of Aasunhan shroud themselves in the conventions of every day, they have managed to settle just on the edge of the enigmatic peculiarities that inhabit EverReign. Should one of the town’s residence choose to seek out glory, they could venture off to the trove of the Fire Dragon that lies just to the west of the town. However, even mention of such a quest is simple silliness. Citizens routinely make a night of watching the mighty beast patrol the skies around its treasure; they do not disturb the dragon, and the dragon leaves them in peace.

The origins of Aasunhan are a bit murky, and while multiple stories exist as to how the town began, there is one recollection that seems to hold a common harmony. A settler known as Igoros Vala first arrived at the area just short of two hundred years ago. Igoros found appreciation in the area’s access to easy resources, both within the forest in which he chose to settle and with the adjacent mountain range. Igoros founded the small village of Aasunhan, and he chose to bring in those who seemed to have lost their way in regards to the more major settlements in the immediate region. Within a couple of years, Igoros had built a tight, close community that had an integral focus on mutual trust and support. After establishing security and self-sufficiency in Aasunhan, Igoros decided it was time to start making contact with other nearby communities.

Igoros set out to try and establish trade routes, which would provide resources for his people not easily accessible, but it would also build relationships with other settlements that could be beneficial to all involved. At least, this was the leading hope. While Igoros was successful in establishing trade, he also made his newfound settlement known to those around the area. Some saw the small, growing settlement as an opportunity to acquire for their gain. Igoros’s town became subject to raids and attacks, both bypassing bandit tribes as well as hostile towns. Many of Aasunhan’s first settlers were killed shortly after the town was established. Igoros attempted to make a stand and protect his people, but he only had so many resources. Igoros found himself executed amid a particularly bloody raid on Aasunhan.

In the wake of Igoros’s death, the few remaining settlers of Aasunhan were left with little option. Do they continue to try and rebuild their lives, subject to the brutality of those around them, or do they relocate and try to start over elsewhere? As a hostile town prepared to wipe out the remaining citizens of Aasunhan, the universe intervened. A mighty dragon intercepted the attackers on their route, killing them all and leaving Aasunhan safe from harm. Stories have been passed down through generations regarding this dragon as a deity, coming to them in their darkest hour to give them the hope they needed to persevere. Some have attempted to locate this dragon if nothing else than to express gratitude, but the dragon was never seen again.

In the modern-day, Aasunhan stands rebuilt, its denizens striving for peace and security. Following their history of violence at the hands of neighbors, the leaders of the town feel little desire to communicate with outsiders for fear of further warfare. Because of this, Aasunhan remains isolated from the surrounding communities, and very little interaction with outsiders takes place. While the citizens of Aasunhan do tend to find themselves in states of disparity because of this, a certain reluctance for trade or inter-relationships that has been acquired over centuries keeps them firm in their decisions to remain independent. The small town doesn’t even see representation in the Capital City, and they see no need to fix this.

# Characters:

## The Helping Hand

A man who keeps his identity a secret. While he makes no efforts to conceal his appearance, the Helping Hand has never introduced himself to anyone. People see him regularly in his interactions at the Aasunhan market, but they have never seen him come to a residence within the boundaries of the town. Citizens have even attempted to surreptitiously pursue him to wherever he lives, but the Helping Hand always seems to slip out of their sight. Thus, the common consensus in Aasunhan is that the Helping Hand hails from lands afar. But why does he come here? What does Aasunhan provide him that he would travel such a distance for, and on such a routine basis? People have tried to build a relationship with this mystery of a man, but he never allows anyone past the small, concrete-like smile with which he regards the general populace.

## Nevara Jos

Nevara’s role in Aasunhan hasn’t exactly been made clear. She conducts herself as though she believes she is a great prophet for the people. She continues to talk about a great conspiracy that has befallen the town. While she blankly refuses to elaborate on what exactly this conspiracy entails, Nevara swears that she has committed herself to uncover the truth. Admittedly, the things she says, upon close inspection, begin to make sense. The way certain villagers react to the environment around them. It’s different, almost unnatural. These particular villagers seem to have a natural tendency to avoid certain environments or materials. Nevara has not yet been able to provide a clear explanation as to why this might be, however she is insistent that there is a great revelation to be had in this subject. What is the truth? Is Nevara simply a victim of age and substance-induced psychosis? Or is there something different about a certain sect of settlers?

## Gorgos Hilthry

An infamous bandit leader. Gorgos and his men roam the surrounding area, looking for alone and weary travelers who believe their possessions are safe. While these bandits will allow a victim to forfeit their goods without accosting, Gorgos’s men have no compunction towards violence. Many have found themselves stranded far from any shelter at the hands of Gorgos’s men, and many of them die horrific deaths, be it from the elements or the terrifying creatures that inhabit the lands. Anyone who travels between towns, be it on trade runs or exploratory purposes, must heed the warnings given to them by those who have fallen victim to the bandits.