Starshine City

**Beneath the mystical forests of Athawin Shallows, lies ruins of the underdark for that region. However, amidst the vast underground network, contains an ancient drow city that has changed drastically overtime. What was once a place no different than the rest of the Drow settlements, has evolved into a city blessed by Sarenrae, thanks to the hardships and trials that forged the Drow of Athawin into the force they are today.... not as enemies to the rest of the world, but as allies. This city stands as a beacon to all, that will help guide heroes and adventurers alike through the darkness ahead, illuminating their path with the grace of starlight and violet flames.**

## Starshine City

### Population

Approximately 10,000♦ Drow (50%)

♦ Fey (15%)

♦ Elves (20%)

♦ Humans (5%)

♦ Half-Elves (5%)

♦ Other (5%)

## History

**Starshine City** was once the capital for Drow who dwelled in the underdark beneath Athawin Shallows. It used to be called **Yehnora**, city of darkness. However, with the constant threat of aberrations and blight harassing the drow denizens over the years, this problem escalated to the point that the Drow could not handle the persistent interference from these dangers. The blight grew ever stronger, and the city grew weaker. Overtime, more and more typical drow customs had to be set aside in order to focus on the aberration and blight threats. This caused a drastic shift in drow society overtime, as they were losing more and more of their lands beneath Athawin Shallows. Many settlements were set in ruins, lands became fractured, and the city was to be destroyed by the forces of blight corruption. As things became desperate, drow seers, scholars and priests would attempt to reach out to the cosmos for answers, having been changed of heart over the years of constant strife, and losing so much in the process. In return, they found their answers in Sarenrae, and the path of redemption.

In a final ditch effort to save and preserve the city from utter destruction, they beseeched Sarenrae to bless their home and their people, and promised that one day they will push back against the twisted forces of aberrations, blight and evils beyond. It was that vow that shifted drow culture into that of rebirth, centered around noble heroism. As they gained Sarenrae's blessing, the city was warded from the aberrations and blight while the city's name was changed in its evolution. However, her followers received the message from Sarenrae's heavenly servants that the drow would need additional aid from the surface in order to secure their ancient lands. This protection however, required that the city needed to be locked down until then, so the Drow had to evacuate.

As such, the Drow, while driven out of the underdark beneath Athawin, emerged to the surface as renewed souls, free of the evils of their old drow culture and customs, and now focused on the singular mission to stop the forces of corruption, wherever they may be. The war against the blight had changed their hearts, and the Fey Council on the surface of Athawin saw this. Knowing that the blight can pose a significant threat to not only the surface, but also the First World, the drow of Athawin were welcomed with open arms, to join forces with the Fey Council and mortal residents of the land to fight back against the blight corruption. With their combined might, they were able to drive back the threat before it could bleed onto the surface proper, but it led into another issue...

Several druids of the Green Faith were appalled by the inclusion of Drow to surface society. To these people, their racism and hatred of drow consumed them, deeming such an acceptance for these folk as blasphemy. They claimed the Fey Council and all who supported the inclusion of Drow as utter fools, and echoes of the blight took notice of these furious souls. With subtle deception, the echoes of the blight would influence these druids, luring them into the ruins of the underdark beneath Athawin for a way to quench their hatred, though it was a trap. Instead, it led these Ex-Druids to embrace the blight willingly while they were consumed by hatred and were unable to see reason or logic. This resulted in them transforming into the dreaded Siabrae, and thus, another war began against all life itself.

Thanks to the aid of several adventurers however, the forces of Athawin were able to gradually push back against the Siabrae threat, until finally, they were able to reach Starshine City, and unlock its access. With the now redeemed Drow standing side by side with other races and the Fey Council, Starshine City stands as a beacon of hope, instead of that of darkness and misery.

#### **POST-WAR**

Thanks to the combined efforts of Athawin's forces, Starshine City's restoration and militia, and adventurers from across the world, the Siabrae threat is at long last destroyed. The blight corruption has been completely reversed, and peace has returned to the land. The native Drow have re-established Starshine City as a safe haven for all. It has joined the Fey Council in regards to protection of the region, the ley lines, and the First World's access points in the area. The underdark beneath Athawin has been restored to its former identity, being the 'Starshine Wilds'.

## Culture

Starshine City appears to be a mix of Fey and Elven customs with a Drow aesthetic and style. Magic is rich in this place, as the city's atmosphere seems to faintly phase between planes, though it is still strongly rooted in the prime material plane. The worship of Sarenrae is especially prominent here, with the main statues upon entering the city depicting two drow priestesses, and a visage of Sarenrae, all lifting magical scimitars of violet flames. The city's alignment as such, is **Neutral Good**.

As the city serves as a bastion of hope, it acts as a hub for all of an adventurer's needs, while it provides extraplanar travel to other planes if needed. While most of the population of the city are indeed Drow, others exist, such as Elves, Fey, Humans and so forth.

## Points of Interest

* **The Violet Hearth** : This area serves as a tavern, inn, and hub for adventurers. It is located on the western side of the city.
* **Starshine Arena :** This location serves as the city's own arena and practice grounds, primarily to host tournaments. This is located at the south east area of the city.
* **The Grand Promenade :** This area includes a temple of Sarenrae at the very center of the city, and is also a social marketplace outside of it.
* **The Council Tower :** Located at the north of the city, this is where the city's leaders gather to discuss various decisions involving city affairs.