Rhoden

Located at the foot of the Krell Mountains, this city is a trading hub that is used by caravans who want protection from Hiverock Night and more mundane threats that lurk in the sparsely patrolled areas to the south and north of the city. With a fluctuating population of around 5000 residents and moderate walls that have been enchanted to disallow certain types of magic it provides a save heaven from threats in the area. Recent advancement of the rearing techniques that allow for the domestication of carnivorous Feasting Goats has helped improve the quality of patrols by reducing the amount of Vorthids that can slip by them.

## **Recent History**

Rhoden is a city that has recently found itself in political turmoil.

Founded by the Council of Merchants, in the year 495 P.L, the city's purpose was that of a trading hub. That, combined with the exploitation of the mines in the outskirts of the Krell mountain range, trade with the Downbelow and taxing passing merchant caravans that distributed goods all over the region to build a robust economy.

Over the years, efforts have been made by the High Clans and other agents to take control of the city to no avail. Still, as civilization progressed and Clan Colinfer announced they would found a new grand city in the southern Redwood, the ruling body of the city realized they would face a constant and prolonged contact with High Clan culture that could, in time, overwhelm them. The first nail in the coffin was when the construction of a new road that would cross canyons and previously untamed lands to more effectively link northen and southern Skyhope, Its existence would allow for goods to travel in relative safety from the North which would, in time, end Rhoden's uncontested monopoly.

The road was completed in 567 P.L and pressure started mounting for the council, who found themselves hounded financially and progressively more cornered as more and more troops were moved southwards. Accidents, often of a violent nature, started occurring to both them and their estates and they soon realized they would lose an extended conflict, a realization that pushed them to compromise. They would accept High Clan rulership if they were allowed to maintain an honorary councilmember status to better represent their constituents as well as maintain access to their remaining bussiness assets.

In the end, a young Clanswoman was chosen as the one to represent the interests of the Clans. Esperia Lotharin and her loyal retainers were assigned to Rhoden and have been ruling it ever since. She has brought many Clan policies to the city and has done her best to excise the corruption and the crime that ran rampant in the area. Unfortunately the new governess has faced hurdles and sabotage from the surviving councilmembers who hope to disprove clan sovereignty by tarnishing her reputation and public image.

## **Districts and Locations**

### Crossroads District:

All trade passes from here. Home to the administrative branches of the city, Inns, taverns and restaurants. A lot of its residents wealthy merchants who want to stay close to their business and travelers who are catching a break from their journeys.

#### Buildings:

The Dozing Swine:

A small tavern ran by

### Lightfoot District:

Poorer area. Whilst not quite slum-like, this district is still relatively dangerous as no guards patrol its streets. Instead, the currently ruling crime lord makes sure that the different malcontents stay off of each-other's throats whilst they rake in a profit. Travel lightly and remain vigilant

#### *Notable Npcs:*

Semperyon Tover:

A well dressed Aasimar man working out of an extravagant office that is guarded by at least two bodyguards at all times. A seemingly unaligned informant who seems to known a bit about everything. He was first recommended by Feollen as someone who could help with reviving Tabitha but his questionable information and high prices dissuaded the party from working with him.

Kosto Geller:

Member of the Brotherhood of Serendipitous Meetings and its current chief representative in Rhoden. Like most Brothers he is dressed in quacker-like garb with a fitting hat. His countenance is as solemn as his clothes, seemingly untouched by the filth of the district. He has taken charge of a small office from which he commands mostly street youth who act as informants for him.

He is currently in conflict with the Gray Lady, the city's criminal underbelly's current leader.

Amber:

A roguish man with a well trimmed bear wearing a suit flattop hat. His uniform is wreathed in daggers and he seems to have an uncanny way of camouflaging himself. Seems to be working under Kosto Geller and to also be a member of the Brotherhood.

The Gray Lady:

Little is known by the Player Characters about her, besides the fact that she organized a raid on the field hospital built during the Fires of Rhoden, an attack that was rebuffed by the Brotherhood members who were in town.

### Shell District:

Middle Class area in which most artisan workshops can be found. This is a relatively safe area with regular patrols in which most regular shoppers can find the mundane goods the city can provide

#### Notable Npcs:

Ceria Goldenquill:

A middle aged, fair skinned Half-Elf with blonde hair. Her bearing and choice of clothes hints at a wealthy background. She and her husband seem to own a book-binding bussiness that caters to the upper classes of the city. She is the only one to survive a baptism of the force that started the recent fires but she was left scarred with thick tar-like tendrils that snake and have burned their way all over her body.

Currently in custody to determine if she could prove dangerous.

##### Yorrel Ironside:

Current leader of the armed forces of Rhoden but seems to have more authority than expected. He wears a massive two-legged therianthrope body and is garbed in and iron armor. His weapon of choice seems to be a large iron-spiked club.

He recently led an armed force to destroy a Bloodfeast Raider stronghold after paying the Party for providing information in regards to it. Has taken upon himself the task of providing a cover story and new name for Follean who betrayed his formed associates in an attempt to turn a new leaf in life.