Darromar: Things to do, people to see, places to go

[Carthrat]

A great walled city standing where the desert meets more hospitable land, Darromar towers above the surrounding landscape, a giant bustle of mankind. Huge flags bearing Tethyrian hearldry are hoisted outside the front gate, as you walk in, and there's a significant military presence there, as well- though, you can't help but notice how fresh and green most of these troops look.

It's not Waterdeep, but it's still pretty big.

There's no shortage of interesting things here for the enterprising traveller, and most of the things you'd expect exist here as well.

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You can buy any mundane item here at regular price, including masterwork equipment. Even stuff like lockpicks and spyglasses.

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Temples: An entire distrct of the city houses the temples of the place, which has lead the area around that location to be one of the most remarkably violent in town. Just outside the area is a bar called 'Atheist's Rest', a place built up to look like a section of the Wall of the Faithless. A powerful arcane enchantment on the bar makes the casting of divine magic impossible within, making it the place of choice for people of different faiths to do business.

The big players here are-

Mystra- The first thing you heard when you entered the city was that the Sub-Magister of Mystra's temple (the nominal head of any given branch) let out a great scream a short time ago and fell into a coma, out of which nothing can bring him. The temple is concerned and worried, but notably cagey when dealing with outsiders. One of their number, however, has been proposition adventurers to take on some task.. one that most refuse on the spot.

The temple is probably the most beautiful of all in the district, though- magic has allowed the construction of impossible arches, great floating glowing balls of light, and the animated spirits of dead wizards.

Azuth- Existing in Mystra's shadow, the temple of Azuth is virtually a part of it in this town, though most people are directed back to the temple of Mystra. It also contains a small room that's dediated to Savras (which nobody has visited in a long time.)

Tempus (yaaaaaargh!) - Tempus' temple in Darromar is part-church, part-armoury, and part-arena. The clang of iron from within never stops, and hearty warrior-priests are constantly going in and out, exhorting people to take up arms and fight 'for the cause'. When asked what this cause is, they tend to reply 'any!'

Cyric - Actually existing openly with all the other churches, the temple of Cyric is constantly under investigation. Because the brave detectives who take on the job tend to die horribly in their beds, no evidence has been found linking this temple to any crime.

Obviously, nobody really believes that, and more than a few people out there wouldn't mind it struck off the list of deities in the area.

A smattering of other temples exist; Lathander, Tyr, Helm, Waukeen, and Sune are all represented, but an entire street is dedicated to shrines, encompassing every god that stands in Faerun (and a few that don't).

Pretty much every church wants something 'done'- most are quite interested in securing the services of mercenary types, to do things in a clandestine manner. The trick is presenting yourselves properly.

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The Arcane Tower of Wizardry Most Puissant - has fallen into disrepair, ancient spells that kept in intact only maintained by the temple of Mystra more than the mages who reside within. As the only official mage guild in town, it maintains a stock of scroll and books nonetheless.. and offers some unusual opportunities for work, should one be willing to seek an audience with the self-proclaimed 'Archmagus' within.

It costs 50gp to join the so-called guild, after which scrolls of 1st to 3rd level can be bought at the usual price.

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The Hall - Titled as such in glowing magical letters, all day, and all night, The Hall is essentially a giant ballroom, a great dome that dominates the noble quarter of the city. Some dance or event is held there quite frequently- why, there's one tomorrow. Nobles and the well-to-do frequently attend, making it a good spot to rub noses with the elite.

The Den - And across the other side of the city stands the opposite place, a wretched hive of scum and villany. If high society doesn't interest you, try low society- everyone here carries a knife, and most wear sneers from the moment they wake up to the second they collapse into bed with a half-bit whore.

The Arrogant Arms - A more respectable middle-class tavern, the arrogant arms is actually run by a sorcerer who gave up his adventuring days in order to maintain this place. A large forge sits in the back, made apparently of gold, and the sorcerer claims that he can forge 'any magic weapon possible!'- for the right price, of course. Somehow, he manages to do a brisk trade.. in ale, if not weapons.

The Wanted List - Sitting outside the guardhouse is a list of objects or beings who have erred. Of interest (and perhaps worth) to the party...

-"Arvoltanain, terror of the sands; a young adult  blue dragon that terrorizes merchants and travellers all over. His head brings you glory, and ten-thousand pieces of gold."

-"Ardandamus, rogue invoker. Bring his spellbook as proof of the deed- he lairs somewhere on the coast, in a forgotten tower. Beware his deadly traps and potent magic! Payment in money or scrolls."

-"The head of any demon, or demon-kin, when brought before Jartan of Kale, will be gifted with a sum corresponding to their power. Charlatans beware!"

-"The Redcloak bandits gather in larger numbers- to any who brings the head of their leader, Stephen Mindai, a powerful weapon awaits!"

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Feel free to catch me anytime I'm around. I promise that anywhere you decide to go won't be boring.

[Carthrat]

Addendum: I defiantely want to do solo stuff this week, for at least one session or the like, so even if one person wants to do something and can't find time except on the Saturday, they'll get to do it, most likely.

I'll just run 'stuff' if you don't have any particular things you want to do, but, um, yeah.