Strangehaven

The city of Strangehaven rests in the far northern reaches of Terrinoth, a den of outcasts and eccentrics outside of any barony. Far from the reach of the law, Strangehaven is a community in the loosest sense of the word. It’s a place where just about anything can be found if one has the gold to pay for it and doesn’t care to ask too many questions. Without the protection of the Daqan Lords, or even an official militia or watch, the residents would seem vulnerable to the predations of the horrors of the Mistlands. Yet, despite the occasional Fog Runner who tracks an undead target to the town, Strangehaven has so far been unharmed.

Strangehaven was originally known for its mining and quarrying, and used the stone to produce strong walls (many of which were enhanced with protective magical wards) and buildings, some of which reached high into the sky. The largest of these was the massive Cathedral of the 16 Gods. The inhabitants of the City believed that, between the strength of its walls and the power of its faith, it would never be breached by any force.

So, when the Mistlands expanded, swamping the city with clouds of fog, many inhabitants were caught off-guard. Some fled, packing as many of their belongings as they could and fleeing south, while others barricaded themselves inside their fortified manors and towers and tried to hold out until the mists withdrew. Still others remained and took their chances, such as they were.

When the mists did, eventually withdraw, those who came to investigate discovered a largely empty city. Some who had remained had become 'The Lost', shambling hollow-eyed, mindless and voiceless about the silent streets, others had grown mad in their barricaded sanctuaries, unable to block out the terrors they could hear beyond the walls day and night.

But where some saw old horrors, others saw opportunity. Here was a place with no governing body and no law. Many of the mines and almost all of the buildings were still intact and someone brave, resourceful and lucky enough could make their fortune. Over the decades, a new, largely ramshackle city grew up, growing out from the walls of what was now referred to as Old Town.

**Map of Strangehaven**

**Region:** Northern Terrinoth, Bordering Cailn and Dhernas Baronies.

**Close to:** Shadow Peaks, Woods of Woe. The Mistlands.

**Status:** Free City

**Population:** Approx. 25 000, (59% Human, 12% Orc, 11% Dwarf, 9% Catfolk, 6% Elf, 3% gnome. though It is difficult to gauge exact numbers, as Strangehaven has a high transient population and conducts no official census).

**Produce:** Magic Items, mercenary services, meat and animal products, Mining and Quarrying. Almost anything can be found in Strangehaven, legal or otherwise, if you know who to ask, and are willing to pay the price.

**Known for**: Operating outside governmental/baronial oversight, proximity to the Mistlands, dangers arcane and mundane.

**Government:** Strangehaven has no official government, however, there are a number of unofficial power structures within the city. Those residing in the fortified Balbock Estate have gold enough to ensure that their operations and property are protected. In addition, several gangs operate territorial protection operations. defending their neighbourhoods from rival gangs while preying on their own. The largest of these gangs is The Butcher Boys, who operate out of a massive slaughterhouse/abattoir complex called 'The Works'. They recently executed a series of extraordinarily bloody attacks on their rivals, wiping out several gangs entirely and effectively crushing the resistance of many others.

**Features:**

* Cursed Old Town Region
* Lawless Sprawl of Narrow Alleys

**Locations**

* Fort Strange
* Old Town Cathedral (Towering, Cavernous Cathedral dedicated to the 16 Gods)
* Unchained Tower (Tower headquarters of the magical Unchained Order)
* Fortune's Wheel (Gambling House operated by The Hammer)
* Elysium Market
* Overlook Inn
* Sanctuary
* Balbock Estate
* Twisted Eel (Drinking Establishment in the Bankside District)
* Thistle Tower
* Castle Trivial
* Temple of Nordros
* The Works (Abattoir and Slaughterhouse, Base of Operations of 'The Butcher Boys'
* Fallen Gate Inn

**People**

* The Hammer (owns a gambling house)
* Idzald (Gambler)
* Nyahduke (Catfolk Acloyte of Umbra/Luminous)

**Organizations**

* The Butcher Boys (Gang)
* The Blood Knives (Gang)
* The Unchained Order (Magical Order)