High City

Set upon the Svart’s northern bank, High City rises above the stink and muck of the rest of Languard by dint of a series of bluffs rising from the river’s waters. Here dwell the great and the good (or perhaps just the wealthy) of Languard.

 

In High City, the streets are cleaner and broader, the houses are of stone and slate, and the folk are wealthier and healthier. The concentration of so much wealth and power should attract thieves and other near-do-wells. However, given the large numbers of men-at-arms, bodyguards and other armed personages serving the folk dwelling here it is a brave, stupid or superlatively skilled burglar who works in High City.

All Ashlar’s noble families maintain townhouses in High City for when family members must visit the city on business (or pleasure). Such places are staffed permanently by trusted servants and a small garrison of men-at-arms to discourage theft.

Abbey Road

Fringed by ancient oaks planted long ago, Abbey Road runs in the shadow of the city’s north wall. It leads directly to Watcher’s Spire and by local ordinance must be kept clear of rubbish, debris and stalls so that the abbey’s garrison can move quickly and freely to Duke’s Gate and Vonya’s Span.

Broad Street

Running passed High City’s docks, Broad Street is a bustling centre of commerce for business grown too successful for High Market. Here, shops and workshops catering to the residents’ expensive tastes crowd closely together.

Market Street

Like many of Languard’s streets and roads, Market Street is imaginatively named—for it leads directly to High Market. Market Street is one of the few roads in the High City where businesses may display their wares on the street. Consequently, many porches or capacious awnings shelter tables, display cases and the like crammed with items for sale. Children and apprentices work hard to lure potential buyers into examining the goods therein.

Hooks

Although it is a relatively safe place, adventure can still be found in High City.

  • As they wander High City’s streets, the party (literally) bump into Jorma Outila, trusted servant of Wido Gall (the ruler of Dulwich), and his bodyguard. Jorma is imperious and demands an apology. If such is not readily forthcoming, he demands to know their names. In the future, he revels in any opportunity to repay their slight.
  • A town cryer wanders the streets calling out news of import and making ducal proclamations. Chief amongst these are increasingly severe punishments for those caught stealing in High City. (This is also a good way for the PCs to hear of adventuring opportunities or rumours the GM specifically wishes them to learn.)

Languard

Languard is the capital city of Ashlar and closest settlement of note to Gloamhold’s benighted halls. This is a first look at the location, which will appear in its final form in Town Backdrop: Languard which will be published by Raging Swan Press in early 2018.

For more Languard, check out the city’s main page!

 

Published by

Creighton

Creighton is the publisher at Raging Swan Press and the designer of the award winning adventure Madness at Gardmore Abbey. He has designed many critically acclaimed modules such as Retribution and Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands and worked with Wizards of the Coast, Paizo, Expeditious Retreat Press, Rite Publishing and Kobold Press.