| DisturbedGM |
"Thrown into chaos after the death of the god Aroden, Cheliax found a new spiritual guide to help tame the resulting lawlessness and destruction—Asmodeus. Dominated today by the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, Cheliax is a land of inflexible order, like a rigid steel blade tempered in the fires of Hell. It is a land where nobility and virtue take second place to a ruthlessly imposed harmony. It is a place where talks of past glories are only whispered in the dark, where heroic ambitions are kept to oneself, and where normal people strive to blend into the safe anonymity of the crowd."
This is Westcrown, former capital of Cheliax. Now abandoned and left on its own it has survived by acknowledging the laws of hell. A town whose day is ruled by the strong hand of this law, forcing members of society to succumb to its rule or face punishment at the sword, no matter how corrupt the wielder of the 'sword' may be; while its night is ruled by the Shadowbeasts. Fowl beasts that care not if you are a traitor or supporter...to them you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is your home.....
Upon leaving the Bruised Eel, the place where you entertained last night, you are approached by a plainly dressed woman. “Good day sirs,” she says with a slight bow. As she raises her head you notice she is of Tian descent and one of the most beautiful women you have ever seen, “I see that you are entertainers and, although the style of music you play I do not quite recognize, the sound is exquisite.” The next statement she says comes out as a hushed tone, “I have heard in your music the desire for adventure and a change to the lifestyle in Westcrown. Changes back to the way things were before.” She hands you a card before she leaves, “You are not alone!!”
It is early morning as you leave the Trivardum, once again you are approached by scores of men and women wanting to introduce their daughters to you in hopes that it pays off. One of the men approaches you and says, “Good day sir, my name is Tony, owner of the Glitter Palace, over in Rego Aerum. I’m sure you have heard of it, we sell the finest jewelry this side of the Dhaenflow. Why just look at this fine ring?”,at that Tony pulls out a ruby ring with exquisite brilliance. “A fine thing it is, isn’t it? As fine as it is, it pales in comparison to my daughter Tarvi here.” He pulls a woman up from behind him and quickly shoves her in front of you. “Isn’t she lovely? I told you she is a fine catch....and she’s smart. Perfect hips for bearing children, don’t you agree??”
“Father!!” she says as she gives her father an irate look. “I’m sorry” she says, “my name is Tarvi.” She whispers...”We know why you are here”, she hands you a card.”You are not alone!!” At this she leaves, blending into the crowd, her father’s words trailing off behind her.
The morning sun warms you as you find yourself in the Bruised Eel. You remember coming in late last night, just before the darkness hit in an effort to avoid the danger that is the streets of Westcrown at night. Night time use to be your time of night, but the run in’s with the shadow beasts has stopped that, now it takes just as much to survive the night as the day. Especially when you have to move around with your face covered to avoid any up front confrontation from the dotarri. Your race isn’t very popular in this town, but it’s something you have put up with your whole life, no sense drawing any more attention than necessary. You look up from the table, and see a gnome cleaning up the bar. “Another rough night, huh??” she says as she spits into a mug and wipes it clean. “It’s a shame you have to hide who you are when it’s the town that creates who you are, but don’t worry...you’re not alone.” She hands you a card and speaks softly, “We can change this town back to what it should be....”
As you make your way through the crowded streets, you are approached by a halfling. “Iomedae bless you good sir, I have a message.” She hands you a card.
You begin this day much as the others, looking for work to provide a means to your existence. As you pass the blacksmith to your right, a voice breaks the ringing from the anvil. “Good day sir!” A massively muscled man steps toward you from the shop. You notice he has a limp, something you can exploit as a weakness if necessary. “Excuse me, I have something for you,” he reaches in his pocket and pulls out a card. Whispering he says, “This town can be reforged into what it once was, you are not alone!”