Captain Kerkhoff was challenged to untie an old knot. Instead of laboriously untangling the scraggly mess as expected, he dramatically cut through the old knot with his sword, thus exercising his sort of mental genius. It is thus used as the metaphor for the Old Knot District. Seemingly intractable problem can be solved by exercising brute force, both within the district and from outside. Old Knot is order is enforced by its unruly residents. Many early riots, insurrections, and uprisings were handled with the Iron Guard. The population is too large nowadays for an iron hand and new methods need to employed.
The Old Knot District
Like many cities, the slums tend to appear unplanned, outside the expected zone of the city proper. Old Knot is like this. Even shortly after founding, some people wanted to be across the river from The Greycaps who used to live on the land. They remember The Time of Sadness and wanted a fresh start. They also wanted to be farther away from authority. That's when Old Knot was created, ad hoc. The city eventually built the wall to encompass Old Knot, but they are lax in maintaining the wall on THAT side of the Lula River.
The Old Knot District is a dilapidated, neglected area of Seregon located across the Lula from the more affluent parts of the city. It is characterized by its run-down state, crime-ridden streets, and makeshift homes. The district is a stark contrast to the nearby more prosperous areas, a clear social divide.
Geography and Layout:
- Location: Situated across the Lula River from the Harbour District and connected by bridges from both the Harbour District and Starfire Hill District. To the north lies Kerkhof Ferry District.
- Architecture: The district features homes primarily constructed from bamboo and thatch, adding to the overall rundown appearance of the area. Three ancient ziggurats, now covered in vines and in various states of disrepair, serve as prominent landmarks amidst the cluttered streets. The ziggurats were there long before The Greycaps, it's said.
Control and Influence:
Criminal Leadership
The Old Knot District is controlled by the Seven Sins, which wield significant influence over the local population. These leaders exert control through financial debts, blackmail, favors, and the use of enforcers. Despite their lack of formal authority, their power is deeply felt throughout the district and beyond.
The Stone Court
Between the Ziggurat of Shub-Niggurath and the Ziggurat of Zo-Kalar (Thieves Guild) is an ancient ball court, now used for serving justice. Convicted criminals can choose to fight their way out of the Stone Court, rather than the more gruesome option of exile. Gladiatorial combat has arisen as both a form of justice and paid entertainment.
Grand Bazaar
The largest market in Seregon is not afraid to offend the locals with its offerings. Everything listed in chapter 5 of the Player's Handbook can be purchased here, along with:
Black Market
Not a place, but a concept.There are limits to what can be acquired in the Grand Bazaar, and for that there is the Black Market. A thriving black market operates within the district. Engaging with the black market is relatively straightforward; finding buyers or sellers typically involves asking the right people and tracking down a new contact within a half day. The black market deals in a range of illicit goods and services.
Defense and Threats
- Outer Walls: The district's outer walls are in poor condition, offering minimal protection against external threats.
- Attacks: The Old Knot District is vulnerable to attacks from jungle monsters, including Jungle Zombie, pterafolk, and grungs. These creatures frequently pose a threat due to the district's proximity to untamed jungle areas.
- Emergency Protocol: In the event of an attack, a horn is sounded to alert residents. The usual response is to either retreat to the protective walls or seek refuge in the Temple of Set, a local sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of fertility, love, and trickery.
Key Features:
- Ziggurat of Zo-Kalar (Thieves Guild) Headquarters for the Seven Sins.
- Ziggurat of Shub-Niggurath: Home of the Temple of Set, offering a place of refuge during emergencies. It's a community center as well.
Atmosphere: The Old Knot District is characterized by its chaotic and dangerous environment. The crumbling infrastructure, dense vegetation, and prevalent crime create a sense of constant tension. Despite the challenges, the district is also a place of resilience, with its residents finding ways to survive and navigate the hardships of their daily lives.