Hallsheadt

**Hallsheadt**

Chaotic Neutral Small Town (West)

Corruption 0; Crime +1; Economy +1; Law +2; Lore +1; Society -2

Qualities Prosperous, Rule of Might

Danger 0

Government Autocracy

Population 700 (420 Human, 80 elf, 200 half-elf)

Notable NPCs

**Lord Bain Laxath** CN Male Human Fighter 9

**Proprietoress Jinsyla Vehrheart** TN Female Half-Elf Bard 10

**Sindley Calvers** CN Female Human Rogue 7

**Marcie Nahuney** CG Female Half-Elf Alchemist 8

**Turshin Burkalos** NE Male Human Cleric of Arkatos 7

Marketplace

Base Value 1300 gp; Purchase Limit 7500 gp; Spellcasting 4th

Minor Items 3d4; Medium Items 1d6; Major Items --

Hallsheadt is a small but prosperous town in the Varlshad province of
 the Darwish Empire. Situated not far from the Blue Knight's Road, traders often make the detour here to partake in Hallsheadt's
offerings... many of which are less than legal in the empire. A generous
 helping of bribes has kept the empire out of Hallsheadt's affairs and
allowed it to become a hub of "entertainment" in the region.

One of the largest attractions in Hallsheadt is the Bloodstained Monastery. The "worship" that goes on here are gladiator matches,
administered by Thurshin Burkalos. Most of the gladiators are slaves
made to battle, but Thurshin also allows for locals to challenge each
other to honor duels here. Entry fees vary depending on the quality of
the fighters, and free fighters of particular skill can earn a
commission.

Others come to visit one of the inns on the red lamp street. Unlike
the inns in the other parts of town, these ones offer a very different
kind of service. The largest of these taverns is the Broken Heart, owned
 by Jinsyla Vehrheart. She is notable not only for the large number of
men and women in her employ, but also those indebted to her. Despite her
 ill repute, she is responsible for cleaning up this particular
"profession" in Hallsheadt. Children no longer ply the trade, and those
who find themselves deeply in debt can find more choices than just the
gladiator pits or the red lamp street inns to pay them off. However, she
 is still a businesswoman first and foremost and always ensures she gets
 her dues.

Another prominent business owner is Marcie Nahuney, who operates an
apothecary and makes a good living providing treatment for intimate
afflictions that are common on the red lamp street. Turshin Burkalos is
another frequent customer, as he likes to stay well-stocked on
curatives. Marcie has no love of Turshin, and not the least because of
her disapproval of his activities. Turshin uses his leverage in town to
pressure her into giving him special discounts on her wares, which he
then resells for a profit. Those who buy potions from the monastery are
really just getting Marcie's work and giving a cut to Turshin.

Sindley Calvers runs a team of pickpockets that targets travelers
that are wandering through. When particularly juicy marks arrive she
will often stake them out personally, staging elaborate distractions as
she makes her move for particularly noteworthy valuables. She dabbles in
 virtually any kind of crime, but avoids violence whenever it's
possible.

The rancorous town is difficult to keep any semblance of order in,
but nothing works better than a good sword hand. The hereditary Barony
has been vacant for decades now, and the "Lord" is whoever can maintain
the respect of the various different powerbrokers in town. That
currently is Bain Laxath, a former gladiator who won his freedom and
then the town as a whole. Though not particularly bright, he knows not
to upset a good thing. He acts only if the status-quo is being upset,
and collects money to pay the town's taxes and bribes that are necessary
 to avoid scrutiny. He otherwise lets the locals do as they wish. Talk
of late is that Laxath is getting soft in his 'old age', but as yet none
 have sought to challenge him.