Strance (City)

A costal city located at the tip of the Erimos Dipla and part of the Tristeadian Empire. Natural rock formations form a series of sheltered coves for incoming ships. While the city itself has no natural beaches, a mile-long stretch of white sand sits just south of the city.

The city is divided into three distinct districts. The west district takes up the majority of the city space and is home to most of the residents. The Newend is to the east, sitting up atop a large hill and compromises the city's government buildings. The docks sits along the shoreline and is subsequently divided in half by the Rullende River. A stone wall lines the Newend, starting near the shoreline and curving around to end at the riverbank; on the other side, the wall becomes one of wood.

## Districts

### The West District

Located on the west side of the Rullende River, the West District primarily consists of residential neighborhoods. Most shops and taverns in this area can be found clustered around the Nightbridge or along the South Docks. The wall surrounding this portion of the city has a stone base one foot high, but everything above that is wood, rotten in some areas; the wall, hastily constructed during concerns of the Blight spilling forth in 1055, has been left to rot in the two hundred years of peace at the border.

### Newend

The newest and most built-up portion of the city. Newend is located at the highest point in the city, a winding, wind-worn bluff that overlooks the Great Docks. The wall here surrounding this portion of the city is stone, over ten feet tall, pitted and mossy with age. The most stunning feature of this part of town is Ayla's Temple, a large parthenon-like structure that sits at the cliff face; it and the large marble statue of the goddess overlooking the city below.

Down the street from the temple stands the prison/courthouse, a three story stone structure with a red clay roof, and just beyond that, elevated ever so slightly above the main winding street, sits the magistrate's home, the overseer of justice within Strance and the representative of the city to the greater governance of the Tristeadian Empire.

### The Docks

The Docks make up the lowermost part of Strance and is divided into three separate sections. The Great Docks, east of the Rullende River, and the South Docks, west, are very similar in design and function; both are ports for incoming trade ships and fishing vessels, and as such is home to a variety of markets and shops. It is here among this narrow and winding streets that the annual festival to Zorya, the goddess of the dawn and of good fortune, is held.

## Shops and Stores

### Alchemist

**The Wright Solution**: Located in the Upper Docks. A stucco-style building located on the western side of the [Ayla's Arm]. Passing under the outer wall (through an arch) takes one into an open courtyard, full of potted herbs and vertical gardens. A windchime hangs in the corner, composed of slender metal rods. The interior is bright yet crowded. Large windows let in the sunlight and provide a good view of the [Arm]. Shelves are packed with

The owner is Hamill Wright, an older halfling with a big nose that hold equally big glasses.

### Inn

**The Rainbow Wrasse**: A local tavern located in the Great Docks. Two storied, white stone, with the same red-clay roof seen on most building in the city. The interior is brightly lit with large windows opening up to the cove. Above the bar - a large, polished piece of driftwood - hangs an aboleth skull. The innkeeper is a man named Norel Denne, the dish of the day is roasted shellfish and bitter cheese (11cp).

## Notable NPCs

Hamill Wright: An older halfling with a big nose that holds equally big glasses.

Norel Denne: A red-haired man with a hooked man and a deep laugh. He is an ex-adventurer (fighter) who, past his prime, has settled down with his wealth to open an inn. As such, he always has a story about his adventurers ready, is a good source of information about the world, and is generally very welcoming and charismatic. He walks with a slight limp,