1. Locations

Rookmore

City: Population 17,710 (32% dwarves, 20% gnomes, 16% humans, 32% other)

Government: Lady Ideleno "Ide" Perrin

Defense: The Sentinels, guard force specific to Rookmore

Commerce: Any metal or stone equipment made in a forge or smiths (armor, weapons, tools), numerous agreements and alliances between smiths (rotating hosting of The Crucible), criminal presence (Vaakbonds, mafia types), low magic learning but proficient in excellent craftsmanship and bolstering martial equipment, supplies foreign goods and materials (magic items, food, literature) via Port Ghamd

Organizations: Domarail, Beskem, Vertos, Migneus, Vaakbonds (vacated), minor The Turn presence, Perrin family, numerous smiths - stone, metal, jewelers

 

 

History

In the Arrival, the Irdus Bluffs is the original arrival site of the Grace Marshal. Their first steps on Al'tehrun formed the Steppes of Grace - a number of stone plateaus at the peak of the region. A temple to Beskem was established here, on the western edge of the Steppes. During the Cabbalum, a fortress emerged from the devout of Domarail - the region's natural cliff perimeter and long incline to the mainland were ideal for the battle-minded warriors of Domarail. They built up a mighty fortress of steel and stone was built, known as Cliffkeep. During the Cataclysm, Domarail's stronghold atop the Irdus Bluffs fell, and Cliffkeep was mostly destroyed. Near the end of the conflict, Beskem returned to the region. They retraced their first steps in the region and protected what remained - they buried their first temple beneath the surface of the Steppes and struck the land below with their sword. A 100 mile-long chasm formed in the ocean below, known now as the Greater Sheathe Gulf. This action also spawned the Colosseaux Pines atop the Steppes - several miles of several hundred-foot tall pine trees that stand guard of this land sacred to both Beskem and Domarail.

During the Gait, dwarves observed plentiful veins and minerals  on the eastern Irdus Bluffs. They settled on the Steppes and over time, the city of Rookmore was created. Castle Cliffkeep was built on the remains of the stronghold, retaining its name and continuing its legacy of protecting the people and land atop the Steppes.

 

Today, Rookmore is a hub of mining and invention. The people of Rookmore mine down the eastern Irdus Bluffs, often digging out and making trails up the exterior of the bluffs to provide easier travel up, down, and out of the mines. From afar, especially at night with lanterns lit, the bluffs and working miners look akin to an anthill. Above, the city has expanded south and west of Castle Cliffkeep, made entirely of thin stone brick units arranged along gridded streets. Despite being made of sturdy stone bricks, the houses, taverns, and stores all widely vary in design. Engravings, paintings, and carvings show the individuality of every unit - taverns show welcoming firelight and drinks, blacksmiths and tinkerers display their creations on the walls, and homes are decorated with the passions and interests of whoever lives within. This explosion of individuality and crafting has lent to a boom of worship among two more gods - Migneus and Vertos.

 

Government

For generations, Rookmore's royal seat has been occupied by the Perrin family matriarch.

Leader: Lady Ideleno "Ide" Perrin, the half-elf female inventor resides in Castle Cliffkeep

 

Mother, Lady Evangeline "Eve" Perrin, was the previous ruler of Rookmore. Kind, empathetic, and outgoing. Died in 1108 GE to Underdark Decay, shortly before the arrival of the Vaakbonds. At the time, it was concluded that she died unexpectedly from a sudden unknown illness. Interred at the family crypt in the depths of Castle Cliffkeep.

 

Father, Lord Gabriel Perrin. After the death of his wife, Gabriel was thrown from the northern Irdus cliffs - magically influenced by Dismalaravas to walk off himself. He survived the fall, landing in the Boreal Channel and washing up on the shore east of the Irdus Bluffs. He snuck back into the city and has been hiding from the Vaakbonds and Dismalaravas ever since, looking for any chance to free his daughter Ide from their influence and take his city back.

 

City was established under Domarail worship, adopted widespread worship Vertos and Migneus among the people. It has been lost to history that this is the original site of the Grace Marshal, where they first walked on Al'tehrun (Steppes of Grace). Temples of all 4 of these deities are found at the Crossroads of the Cloth.

 

Defense

Rookmore is defended by an order of warriors known as Sentinels. The guarding force is loyal first to the royal family of Rookmore, the Perrins. Led by Watchman Aguilon, the Sentinels wield spears and buckler shields. Unlike most military or guard forces, the Sentinels' weaponry, armor, and gear vary greatly in design due to the sourcing of this equipment from the dozens of smiths within Rookmore. This also mirrors the design of the city - individuality is apparent in every person and vestibule.

 

Another position of note within the Sentinels is the Crystalguard, a veteran warrior loyal to the Lady of Rookmore whose sole duty is to protect them. The current Crystalguard, who was the sworn protector of Lady Eve and has retained the position for the current Lady Ide, is Amanda Diamant

 

Points of Interest

The Stone Hearth Inn. A large, low, stone-brick building near the main gate earns the title of the busiest tavern and inn in Rookmore. Some gnomish bodyguards and Tessel, the goliath barkeep, keep the business running day to day. From their elevated corner booth, a group of 5 duergar Vaakbonds typically smoked and talked throughout most days. The Vaakbonds owned the Stone Hearth and were the final say on all decisions made in the firelight of their hearths before being run out of town. Now, Tessel regained full ownership of the inn.

 

The Cozy Camper. A 2-story wood cabin inn run by Lacie and Alice Needlewind (halfling man and wood elf woman) on the western edge of Rookmore, across from the Colosseaux Pines. Lacie patrols the Pines and tends to the flora in the region while Alice runs the day to day operations of the inn (front desk, tending to guests)

 

The Steaming Pot. Across from the Stone Hearth is a thin dining establishment, with stools crowded around a close counter.

 

Crossroads of the Cloth


Colosseaux Pines, patrolled by Lacie Needlewind

 

The Crucible : Barristan Rustystep, gnome bartender and bookie

  • The Crucible is a single floor stone brick building with chalkboards on the front exterior wall which advertises the coming fights and sponsors. The interior is a tavern with stools at a counter which lines the entire wall. In the middle of the establishment is a sand pit - a 20 foot diameter hole in the floor which hosts fights. The back wall is the bar along with another large blackboard which Barristan uses to track the splits for each fight along with the bets on each fighter
  • The following fighters are regulars at the Crucible:
    • Champion: Gideon Fellspear, built high elf with the stats of an Immortal Lotus Monk (typically does not use the prone ability of the Force Strikes)
    • Cachette Stray, rogue enforcer of the Turn, runner-up for champion
    • Grai, bronze dragonborn monk
    • Thax, half-orc brawler
    • Nesdin, kobold wannabe knight

Molten Metalworks: Mathan Moltenmiter

Hammer and Anvil Smithy

Steel Symphony: Darcy Mithrilstring

The Blade Brothers

Elemental Forges

Flamesmiths

 

Rusty Bucket Antique Store: Sariel Kestralcrest

  • Sells common magic items

 

The Dragon's Breath Apothecary: Grai

  • Keeps a supply of Grafitilis, sources it from the Underdark
  • Sells herbalism/alchemists/healers kits, sells potions, keeps a surplus of healing potions for the Sentinels

 

Threads by Peche: Peche

  • High-end clothing store run by Peche, the confidant, three-piece suit wearing, 7'2" firbolg
    • Seductive, low voiced individual who is completely confident in the quality of their work and the power of the right outfit
  • Sells enchanted clothing and cloaks, and well as top of the line formal wear
  • Has a changing room of all mirrors, in which your reflections all take on slightly varied poses in Peche's clothes

 

AI GENERATED, SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Rookmore is a bustling city nestled in the heart of the mountains, surrounded by towering peaks that loom over the landscape. The city is famous for its metalworking and mining industries, and the streets are filled with the sound of hammers striking anvils and the rumble of carts filled with ore.

The architecture of Rookmore is dominated by sturdy stone bricks, crafted from the very mountains that surround the city. The buildings are built to withstand the harsh climate of the region and the occasional tremors that shake the ground.

Innovation and experimentation are the lifeblood of Rookmore. The city is home to some of the most brilliant minds in the world, and they are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Rookmore was one of the first cities to experiment with creating alloys, and their skilled craftsmen can create weapons and armor that are unmatched in strength and durability.

The people of Rookmore are also pioneers in the field of engines, and they have been experimenting with steam power for some time now. The streets are occasionally filled with the roar of experimental engines as inventors test their latest creations.

Another area where Rookmore leads the way is the use of black powder. While it is still in the early stages of development, the people of Rookmore have already discovered many uses for this powerful substance. They use it to blast through the toughest rock, and some have even experimented with using it in weapons.

Despite their innovation and experimentation, the people of Rookmore are still deeply connected to their roots. They honor their ancestors who first settled in these mountains, and they continue to mine the rich veins of ore that have sustained them for generations. The city is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people who call it home.

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Crime

Crime

In 1108 GE, Lady Evangeline Perrin was quietly assassinated with a magic-resistant strain of Underdark Decay, prepared and transmitted by the Mind Flayer Psion Dismalaravas. Quickly thereafter, Dismalaravas enchanted the Lord Regent Gabriel Perrin Dismalaravas and influenced him to walk off the northern cliff of Castle Cliffkeep (believed to be his death, however Gabriel survived due to a boon from Wolbreuk). then enchanted the new Lady of Rookmore, Ideleno Perrin. Dismalaravas then went to work to solidify their influence: using Ideleno, This allowed Dismalaravas' duergar followers, the Vaakbonds, to then infiltrate the city en masse and ingratiate themselves with the local community and businesses.

 

Vaakbonds: Circle of Duergar Spies who secretly run the town - influencing Rookmore to take it over for the forces in the Underdark

  • Names, all Blue color themed: Blu, Laz, Cere, Digo (DEE-go) (dead), Aquain, Nav, Oshe, Azure, Turq, Marin, Sky, Vil, Sapphy, Balt (dead)
    • Digo: enamored with Aoife, fat and gross, generally incompetent. Dead
    • Balt: regular Vaakbond goon, throat slit by Calliope after interrogation. Dead
    • Turq: 4'1" bodyman for Don Tristurro, built
  • Leader: Don Tristurro
  • Act like the mob - similar Italian accents and builds (Godfather character descriptions). The Vaakbonds hold sway over many popular institutions, collecting gold and favors from the Stone Hearth, the Crucible, the mining guilds, and everywhere else in the city they have influence over. The Crossroads of the Cloth, Laci, and ousted lord Gabriel Perrin hide in plain sight and are the most opposed individuals to the Vaakbond's recent power over their city.

Dismalaravas: A Mind Flayer Psion disguised as a drow, Dismalaravas has inserted himself as the Regent to Lady Ide, operating as an advisor since the death of Lady Eve. He influences her with his mind-controlling abilities and spells, as well as speaking telepathically to and through her, as he exerts his will upon Rookmore. Dismalaravas aims to enslave enough of the workers within Rookmore to create a permanent and direct path from the Underdark to the surface, and use it to funnel people down towards his colony. Dismalaravas serves the Elder Brain deep below the Irdus Bluffs and serves it and his colony before all other masters or allegiances.

  • Replace Dominate Monster with Geas: 3/day and 1 action to cast, use to get PC to fight against their allies

On the 15th of Duratus 1113 GE, Dismalaravas absconded from the city and the Vaakbonds surrendered to the Bill's Bimbos and the Sentinels. The surviving Vaakbonds, led by Don Tristurro and Turq, returned to the Umbradeep via the tunnel they had dug up into the food storage of Castle Cliffkeep