Starting Date: Wealday, 11th of Pharast (March), AR 4711, The Age of Lost Omens
Starting Location: Mana Wastes, Grand Duchy of Alkenstar, Megalopolis of Alkenstar
Common Languages: Dwarven, Kelish, Osiriani
Religions: Abadar, Erastil, Irori, Torag
Ethnicity: Garundi, Kelishite, Dwarven
Monetary System: Duchy (pp), Musket (gp), Shield (sp), Link (cp) (Hollow Coins).
General Description:
Locked between the two most powerful magical kingdoms of Golarion, (Nex & Geb) the Mana Wastes is a scarred wasteland rent asunder by generations of magical warfare. This has made the flora & fauna twisted and mutated beyond recognition. Consequently the human inhabitants of this area take refuge in fortified megalopolitan locations. At dawn the gates are opened on the conduits & rivers to allow the free flow of commerce and travelers. Once the curtain of night begins to fall, the people rush to safety, desperate to get inside before the portcullis comes down the gates are locked and the river chains are raised to protect its inhabitants from the horrors that own the night.
Inside the cyclopian walls, constant plumes of smoke mask the dome of the sky night & day. A cacophony of sound pollutes the air and the incessant vibration of massive machinery shakes the ground below your feet.
Everything is covered by layers of soot. There are people here from all the realms of Golarion, but you could not decipher that by observation alone. The vibrant colored raiment that represents the varied cultures around the globe are muted black or gray, people cover their nose & mouths with cloth or wear goggles or veils to protect themselves from the very air they breath, caustic at times depending on what fumes are being exhausted from the underground workshops. Although the circumstances of day to day existence may seem bleak...that is not the case.
The demeanor of its residents are in sharp contrast to the surroundings. Although private business thrives here the Grand Duchy of Alkenstar is by far the largest and most lucrative employer. Having complete control of the manufacturing and distribution of fire arms, gunpowder and various engines of warfare. Working for the Duchy in any capacity guarantees a life of financial security. Good pay, free public services and a substantial pension at retirement.
The wonders that are manufactured under your feet and in the towering structures around you are in high demand, from the comfort of the Inner Sea Region to Avistan & Garund to the cresting Crown of the World to the far flung Tian-Xia.
If one has an industrious spirit they can attain great wealth and notoriety in the Duchy both in private business and in the government that has the potential to bring the wealthy and influential of the world to you doorstep. The demand is high for people of all skills in the iron hold of the Duchy.
