Population:
14,300,000
Demographics: Main
Race: Human. Other Common Races: Cat, Medusa, Stumpies, Ty-wara,
Ungo, but the city is so vast that just about any race can be found somewhere.
Along the Niger Delta, crisscrossing the many tributaries
is a massive city that quite unlike just about anywhere on the Continent. Built on the back of refugees and strong
leadership, it is now the city which dominates the finances and technology and
is often where people hole up after they lost much to the Void Covenant.
This shining jewel of the Zephonara Dominion has become
the metropolitan city of the continent.
In fact many come to this city with the hopes of starting over.
History
Nigeria has always been a place of contradictions. It was the economic powerhouse of West
Africa, yet its melding of multiple cultures always made it feel like it was
bursting at the seams.
This
was the building that the Hodgepocalypse demolished. As the Void Covenant Forces spilled over onto
the continent, refugees fled. One of the
many points that people congregated was along the Niger Delta. The mixed of locals combined with refugees
created a giant refugee camp that caused the remaining Nigerian government to
clamp down on violence, but honestly, it was pretty much done, and it was only
a matter of time before it fell.
When it finally was destroyed between rival factions, the
question is what would replace it?
The answer came recently from a most unusual, but amazing
individual.
The Coming of King Zephania Afolayan
There
are many tales that concern the King’s past.
Some talk about how he was a small child that was separated by his
parents and survived by his wits. Others
say he was an exile that was thrown out of his tribe because of his
mutation. He has been called everything
from saint to the devil with all things in-between.
What
is known is that the King is a mutant Elephant man that returned with weapons,
mercenaries, spell casters and robot allies that showed up 10 years ago. Over a five-year period, the King used
diplomacy and force of arms to mold the place to his will. While might made right, he also laid down a
code of legitimacy to ensure that they would be able to hold off the onslaught
of their enemies. In fact, it was the
King’s ability to fight off the Void Covenant with his forces that caused him
to become King of the area.
Government
The
King rules with absolute power. He makes
decrees involving the military, major public works, holidays and taxes. However, he can’t do it all, so he has broken
the city and the region into 9 districts that are ruled each by prominent
families.
Daily Life
While the law can be harsh, it is generally is fair for
most. Family is important and each
family ends up allying themselves to a great family and their district. These affiliations are important, and this
pecking order often causes conflict between individuals.
Education is important.
The King has setup several “national schools” so the next generation can
learn the fundamentals of literacy and mathematics. It is also a place where the kids are
indoctrinated to be loyal to the king and the kingdom in that order. This also includes magical testing to see if
any of the various children are “special.”
So, they can be trained to best serve their King and Country.
Technology and Magic
The overall technology of the kingdom is that of late 20th
century earth. It uses its vast oil
reserves to provide power and electricity for most of the people (roughly
60%). This also includes a sizable water
works. One of the things the Zephonara
Dominion prides itself on is their salvaging of the past.
They also have descent manufacturing capabilities for
plastics, building materials, clothing, and circuitry.
They are also thee place for magic on the continent. People come far and wide to petition to the
skilled elders of District 8 (for more details see below).
Trade and Finances
Dakaguére is a major trading hub. Like many cities, it receives raw materials
that it turns into trade goods that are transported throughout the
continent. Most of the trading occurs within
the kingdom itself, but trade missions from other parts show up from time to
time.
Imports: Fruits,
Furs and Hides, Rough Gems, Gold, Ivory, Livestock, Steel, Oil, Wood
Exports: Arms, Clothing, Culture, Dyes, Oil and Related
Products, Magic Items.
The Military
Each District is expected to raise its own militia in
order to defend their interests. They
come across as glorified gangsters within their district, but they swear an
oath of loyalty to the King and are expected to provide troops in times of
turmoil.
In contrast, the King’s army is well trained, and
independent of the Inter-district conflicts.
It covers about 400,000 personal that are known as the ZDF (Zephonara Defense
Force). They show the King’s color
(Green and White) on their uniforms and drive around in police pickups for day
to day affairs.
Whosewho
The King
King Zephania Afolayan: For the last 10 years, the king
has transformed the city and the kingdom through sheer force of will.
History: What about the man? Well he’s a bit of a mystery. He never talks about his past, and often
winces when the words family is mentioned.
Description: He is a large (9 foot) elephant man. He usually dresses in suits but will wear the
royal trappings in ceremonies. He almost
always wears a simple golden crown to show his position in the realm. He is almost always covered up as much as he
can to hide the scars of a hard life.
Disposition: What little is known he picks his words
carefully and is even tempered in his approach.
But when he does lose his temper, it is what you expect from a monstrous
mutant Elephant Man: filled with sound and fury.
He is
a warrior that has been forced to become the diplomat. It is his will that holds the city and the
kingdom together. There is a good chance
that everything would fall apart if something would happen to him.
Plot Hook: The
King has done a lot of things, good and bad, to get to the position he is
now. It’s only a matter of time before
something from his past comes to haunt his city and reveals his secrets.
District 1 – Defense Sector Head
Nia Akuchi:
History: She is a regular
rag to riches story and is a self-made woman.
She was a street rat that rose through the ranks of the defenses. While in charge of defending the northern
lines, she returns to court and treats it yet another battle.
Description: This
Tall Lithe Ebony Serpent of a human woman that has a Maroon Skull tattoo
covering half her face that seems to highlight her deep brown eyes. She is usually dressed in military fatigues.
Disposition: She
is sober in temperament and a skeptic that insists on being hands on to ensure
everything runs like a well-oiled machine.
Plot hooks: With
the Void Covenant being somewhat at peace as late, Nia has relaxed somewhat in
her patrol’s and defenses. She has had
her budget slashed due to political need and it’s possible that this budget
reduction may have created a hole in their defenses that requires “outside
contractors.”
District 2 – Arts Sector Head
Chioma Zuberi
History: Being the
oldest of 5 (3 younger sisters and a younger brother), the family of Zuberi has
a history of acting as bandits until they were overpowered by the king. His father died in the fighting and he took
up the mantle and immediately pledged his allegiance to the man who had his
father killed. He has never forgotten
this. While he doesn’t actively plot
against the King, he wouldn’t be averse to helping out any whom would, provided
it didn’t come back to haunt him.
Description: He is and older man, overweight, a bit too
muscular, and bald. He tries to always
think ahead before acting but can act on passion.
Disposition: He
is Loquacious and has a story for just about every occasion.
Plot hooks: Chioma
has already a liberal view on what the arts sector entails. This overreach often causes contention within
the city itself. He is likely to hire
adventurers for “undercover work” to enhance his own power.
District 3 – Rail Sector Head
Ngozi Dubaku
History: She was a
feral outsider that joined up early under the banner of the King. She became his personal body guard. When the tribes were pacified, the King
appointed her in charge of the Rail District.
Description: She
is a middle age lady whose body reflects the hard life she had to deal with
before she met the king. Her blotchy
skin looks almost like a leopard pattern.
She is known for squinting her left eye as if deciding if whom she
observes is predator or prey.
Disposition: What happens when an outsider becomes a
member of society? Despite almost 10 years in civilized society, Ngozi has
still a crude sense of humor and a graveyard humor that unnerves many. She has changed her predatory nature to
ensuring good commerce and logistics in her Sector and she’s been known for
ambushing her minions with surprise inspections.
Plot Hooks: If she
hears about anything new, she often hires contractors to know about it. She also sends out expeditions for mapping
and the retrieval of artifacts that puts her at odds with the head of district
4.
District 4 – Raider Sector Head
Sizwe Ayomide
History: The King
Found Sizwe as a slave to one of the many warlords that used to control the
west coast. He provided help at a time
when the King was down on his luck. He
was hand selected to control the Raider Sector namely because he was the cool
head needed to control the rowdiness of his minions.
Description: He is
a Medusa who’s based on the King Cobra in coloration who is also short and
stooped. He likes gold and often wears
gold chains as if he’s a big-time gangster.
Disposition: He is somewhat skittish, but surprisingly
kindly. Make no mistakes; he will do what’s necessary to ensure he keeps his
position. He has worked to ensure he is
self-sufficient in case things go sour.
He firmly believes that it’s only a matter of time before this life of
abundance falls apart.
Plot Hooks: Sizwe
is a bookkeeper turned gangster and it’s not exactly a good fit. He’s been involved in fetch quests lately to
try to appear more masculine. He might
hire the party to cover his back while being manly. He also has been involved in a quiet turf war
with the head of District 3 that often runs ruff shot over his jurisdiction and
might hire a few mercenaries to remind them that.
District 5 – Intelligence Sector Head
Kirabo Akachi
History: It is
believed she comes from the Times before Revelations. She died long ago in some long ago mini-mall
but arose from the grave and dug her way out.
While she cannot procreate, she has “adopted” a family and has
controlled them for generations. She was
one of the first to switch sides and turned her considerable resources to his
victory. It is why she has been
installed as the head of Intelligence of the realm.
Description: She
is dead, a Kamidaver. She takes care of
herself and is remarkably preserved for her age. She dresses in colorful attire that ranges
from a power suit to a little black dress in more social situations.
Disposition: She is introverted and even-tempered. She often runs his minions ragged over
seemingly inconsequential things that only become clear later.
Plot Hooks: She is
always looking for a nugget or two of information. She has recently heard of powerful magic
that may return her to life and she’s curious to see whether it is real or not.
District 6 – Market Sector Head
Erykah Anandi
History: Erykah was raised in an orphanage, a relative
rarity in the close bond families of the city.
Her family was killed by the Void Covenant and somehow managed to
survive long enough to reach the city.
She had to wheel and deal her way to survive and was known for her
confidence games and playing the various warlords that originally controlled
the city. When the King showed up, she
saw a winner and immediately focused her attention on winning his
affection. While it wasn’t a successful
seduction, the King did put her in charge of The Market Sector. She’s not quite sure why, but not willing to
let an opportunity lie.
Description: This is a well-formed lady whom has worked
seriously hard to look younger than her actual age. There are rumors that she has sought out both
technology and magical infusions to do this, but it is unproven at this
time. She tries to dress in the latest
fashions, and often is responsible for making them for the entire continent.
Disposition:
Erykah is a Manic-Depressive. She
goes from hyper focusing on a pet project for days on end, but also has long
periods where she reclines to her own mansion for days on end. She has hand-picked minions to cover for this
flaw, but she’s often spending excess finances on what appear to be fool’s
errands.
When she is in a good mood, she
is very charming, abet a tad Tactless, Flippant, Suspicious, and Greedy.
Plot Hooks: Erykah
could send you just about anywhere for anything. They range from vanity projects to
consolidation of power. However, a
persistent rumor is that she is still looking for what happened to her family
and more importantly, who were they?
District 7 – Science Sector Head
Unathi Otieno
History: In
another era, Unathi would have been head hunted by the most powerful
corporations in the world to improve their bottom line. He always had a way with building machines
and asking a ton of questions that often got him in trouble with his
family. All that changed one day when he
discovered a cache of lost technology.
He immediately presented it as his own inventions, while secretly studying
the technology in order to duplicate it.
It was this charade that brought him to the eye of the King and got him
to be a leader of the new science sector.
Description: He is a human male, somewhat squat and
corpulent, and is slightly less then genial.
He loves the trappings of scientists and often shows up at court events
in a lab coat and goggles. He also has a
grey tweed suit that he wears when he must.
Disposition: Unathi suffers from imposter syndrome. He believes he is a charlatan because he
managed to present to the world that he is one of the greatest scientists in
the world, when all he had was a bit a luck and a lot of dedication. However, what he hasn’t realized is he has
earned it 100-fold by being an excellent manager and by listening to his
experts to create effective policy for his sector. It doesn’t hurt that he has excellent
communication skills that most scientists and scavengers seem to forget
about. His sense of humor crossed with
his logical mind that only breaks for his romantic views on science.
Plot Hook: Besides his interest in any forms of
technology, he has a soft spot towards the head of District 6. While she doesn’t reciprocate the feelings
yet, he believes he can charm her with the right act of affection. The PCs could be involved in this attempt or
in the aftermath (good or bad).
District 8 – Magic Sector
Chima Kefilwe
History: A long time ago, there was a gangster that
controlled a sizable chunk of the city.
Heartless and Cruel, when he was defeated by the king, his forces were
completely routed.
Shortly
afterwards a mysterious woman showed up with immense magical knowledge. After passing the trials that the King setup,
she was given control of the Magic sector of the City.
This
person is one in the same. It feels like
a lifetime ago for Chima and in many ways it has been.
Description: Chima is a true transgender: a man that has
become woman. She hasn’t quite embraced
her change and often dresses a lot less ladylike then is expected. She has a passion for 80’s power suits: the
brighter, the better.
Disposition: She has always been angry and short tempered
but has taken steps to moderate it with long term thinking.
Plot Hook: Very few people know of her secret and even
fewer know how she gained her mystical powers.
How this occurred is up to the G.M.
Additionally, nobody is sure whether she has truly forgiven the king, or
is simply plotting her revenge.
District 9 – the Low Life Sector
Ejiroghene Ssanyu
History: A mutant was borne to the world. Exiled from his family, the young Ejiroghene
Ssanyu was abandoned and was found by the Void Covenant. They intended to use him as a weapon against
the mammals and so he was sent to the city to act as a spy to the city. Somehow the infiltrator was found almost
immediately. Instead of death or
punishment, the King instead gave him dominion over District 9: the low lives
and degenerates that have not been able to integrate into other parts of the
city.
Description: He is a mutant human that is very
misshapen. They are a lumpy misshapen
mass of a being with three reptilian eyes, covered in bizarre cysts and a set
of feather wings. He usually takes to a
simple hooded robe to cut down the overt stares.
Disposition: He is
cowardly and whose knee jerk response is to lie when things go sour. However, getting the position of “lord of the
freaks” has really given him a new found confidence that is slowly changing
this mentality.
Plot Hook: It is unknown why the King chose him. Is it
because of a common bond? Is it because
of some yet unknown secret? Is Ejiroghen
loyal to the king now, acting as a double agent, or managed to pull the wool
over the King’s eyes?
Areas of Note
The original plan of the king was to build a system of
districts. Each dedicated to a different
need, with the Royal Circle in the center.
Unfortunately, real life caused these neat sections to spill over into
each other. This is further deformed as
they slowly, but surely change the outside ruins into habitual living space.
Royal Circle
The main hub of the city is a one giant traffic
circle. This was to make it easier for
his troops to be deployed as needed as well to level the playing field of his
people.
Civil Disobedience Square
This simple square was setup by the King to act as a
release valve for his people. This is a
place where polite discourse can occur.
While the Military forces are always on standby , they will not
intervene as long as it’s peaceful.
Adventure Ideas Civil
unrest is brewing in the city, and the party is hired by a group of concerned
citizens to help maintain peace during a large protest in Civil Disobedience
Square. As tensions rise, they must navigate the complexities of political
demonstrations, uncover the motives of agitators, and ensure that violence
doesn't erupt in the heart of the city.
King’s Apartments
This set of Brown and Red luxury Condos are used for
V.I.P.s, district head’s and the King’s guests.
It is an affluent place with an adjoining tennis course, swimming pools
and meeting rooms for day to day activities.
Adventure Ideas
A valuable artifact goes missing from
one of the King's apartments in this affluent area. The party is hired to
discreetly recover the artifact, but they quickly discover that the luxury
condos hold many secrets and hidden rivalries. To solve the case, they must
navigate a web of deceit among the city's elite while avoiding attracting too
much attention.
The Royal Palace and Adjoining Grounds
This opulent palace was made on behalf of the king. This Yellow palace covers 12,000 square
meters, and has several basements, an entrance floor and a residential
floor. It has adjoining buildings
including a servants’ house and an entry pavilion used by the security
guards. It had the former ruins removed
and is surrounded by a vast green space.
The road to the palace has 2 rows of palm trees running parallel.
Adventure Ideas The
Royal Palace is rumored to hide a hidden passage leading to a forgotten
treasure trove or a long-lost secret of the kingdom's history. The party is
tasked with exploring the palace's mysteries, which include solving puzzles,
deciphering ancient texts, and dealing with supernatural guardians. Their
discoveries could change the course of the kingdom's future.
The Royal Orchids
This quarantined orchard is maintained upon special contract
from the Arts Sector. It produces
luxurious fruit trees ostensibly for the king’s family, is also given out as
favors and as rewards. There is rumors
of an orange monster that is used to protect the orchard.
Adventure Ideas A group of thieves has set their sights on
the rare and valuable fruits of the Royal Orchids. The party is hired to
protect the orchard from these intruders and discover who's behind the theft
attempts. As they guard the orchard, they must also uncover the truth about the
rumored orange monster that supposedly protects the fruits.
Zephonara National Council
This very secure building is the meeting room for the
sectors heads to meet with the king. If
they cannot make it personally, they either send an envoy or teleconference in
(with varying degrees of success)
Adventure Ideas A
heated debate is scheduled to take place at the Yala National Council, and
tensions between the sector heads have reached a breaking point. The party is
hired as security to ensure the meeting remains peaceful. However, when an
assassination attempt is thwarted, they must investigate a web of political
intrigue and betrayal that could shake the foundations of the kingdom.
Zephonara Historical Museum
This round building has artifacts ranging from long from
before the time of revelations and beforehand.
It is fastidiously kept under lock and key but does do guided tours to
explain the kingdom’s past. It has a
huge basement of offices where the real work is done. Some have argued that the King has made it
into a propaganda museum as a lot of the history was reinterpreted when he came
to power. Others say it was because it
was left in ruins and it was only the King’s philanthropy that brought it back
to life.
Adventure Ideas A
valuable artifact is stolen from the Zephonara Historical Museum, and the party
is hired to track down the thieves and recover the item. Their investigation
leads them to question the authenticity of some of the kingdom's history, and
they must decide whether to expose the truth or protect the King's version of
events.
Royal Army Barracks and War Center
Located on the Southern end of the Royal Circle, It is a
massive military installation that provides rapid response throughout the city
to outside threats. They also double as
a police department when the Sector leader’s get out of line.
Adventure Ideas The Royal Army Barracks and War Center is
under siege by an external threat, and the party is called upon to defend it.
As they help the military fend off the attackers, they discover that the threat
may have inside help and must identify the traitors before the kingdom falls to
its enemies.
University of Zephonara
The King started this university within 4 months of his
consolidation. He has put considerable
resources into it. He routinely sends
out his envoys into all the districts to test children to young adults to see
if they are worthy. If they are, they
are recruited into the university where all fees are paid, and the family gets
a small stipend.
The
university is as much a vessel of enculturation as it is education. The King believes that if he can get his
beliefs in a greater kingdom and raise the leaders of tomorrow in his vision,
they will preserve his legacy. More
importantly, they will reach greater heights and maybe even act more as a wall
against the Void Covenant.
Adventure Ideas A series of mysterious disappearances
has plagued the University of Zephonara, with students and professors vanishing
without a trace. The party is hired to investigate these incidents, uncovering
a hidden world of academic rivalries, forbidden experiments, and dark magic
that threatens the very fabric of the university.
District 1 – Defense Sector
This District feels more like a military camp then a
city. Most of the people involved here
are involved in the defense sector as well as providing the logistics to the
northern territory where they run into the Void Covenant Forces. It has decided to use Granite walls with
check points and is the most even of the districts because of it.
Housing Reclamation Force main Office
The refugee situation is out of control. Desperate times come to desperate plans. King Zephania Afolayan has setup a Housing
Reclamation Force. They are hired by the
crown to clean out old apartments in the ruins of interlopers and then
safeguard them for construction staff to come in, repair the apartment and then
guide families into the house so they can live their new lives. The dangers range from insect infestations to
entities, to monsters of all sort.
While
they do good work, there are complaints that they keep contracting out their
forces from the refugee camps instead of using local talent whom need better
housing.
Adventure Ideas The
Housing Reclamation Force has been accused of forcibly evicting residents and
stealing their belongings under the guise of "reclamation." The party
is hired to investigate these claims and must decide whether the accusations
are true or part of a smear campaign. As they dig deeper, they may uncover
corruption and conspiracies within the organization.
District 2 – Arts Sector
If the Art Sector can be described by one word, it would
be colorful. Artists from throughout the
land and beyond congregate here and practice their craft. It is a maze of huts, apartments and even
tents that can be difficult to navigate.
The Auction Block
This Metal and Glass building is knowx`x`n for selling the
next greatest thing to the masses. Run
by the brother of the Sector head, he claims to have the pulse of the continent
and it is his decision what becomes popular.
Truth be told, the art sold here ranges from the boring to the
experimental.
Adventure Ideas A famous artist's masterpiece has been
stolen from the Auction Block, and the party is tasked with tracking down the
thieves and recovering the artwork. Their investigation takes them into the
competitive and cutthroat world of art dealers, forgers, and collectors, where
nothing is as it seems.
The Clocktower
This large tower is shaped like a torch and acts like a
land lighthouse as much to tell the time.
It also has a rotating restaurant at the top that is run by the older
sister of the sector head.
Adventure Ideas The Clocktower's magical timekeeping
mechanisms have malfunctioned, causing time itself to warp within the Arts
Sector. The party is hired to investigate the tower's inner workings and
restore time to its proper flow. Along the way, they may encounter temporal
anomalies and unexpected challenges.
The Gem Cutter Guild
Within the confines of this marble building, behind its
ebony doors lies the Gem Cutter Guild.
They send their agents and are always looking for talent. Their work is top notch, but there are
chronic rumors that they have hired mercenaries, and worse to ensure they keep
a monopoly within the country, and in some cases beyond.
Adventure Ideas The
Gem Cutter Guild faces accusations of foul play and monopolistic practices. The
party is hired to uncover the truth behind these allegations and must navigate
the secretive world of gem cutting and trading, where rival factions and hidden
agendas abound.
Glorious Communications
This spire has a monopoly on radio communications and
often travelers hear this signal before they even see anything of the kingdom
of the city. It was appointed to the
Sock Clan: A community of cats. Misty, an older female tuxedo cat, runs a
surprisingly tight ship, mainly because they often outsource personal. They run a lot of Pre-Revelations media, the
King’s speeches, and a crap ton of cat videos.
They have a digital feed locally, but also have a standard am/fm radio
feed so the message will be received by all.
Adventure Ideas Glorious
Communications' radio broadcasts have been disrupted by a mysterious
interference, and the party is hired to investigate the source of the problem.
As they delve into the world of broadcasting and technology, they may uncover a
plot to control information and manipulate public perception.
Hanging Gardens
The Head of the Art Sector has claimed knowledge of
plants as art and has setup this massive multistory garden as a testimony of
this. It is rumored that he has one of
every plant, and while that is most likely an exaggeration, it’s not by
much. The plants snake around the
concrete and steel building making it look more like a giant plant then a
building. Inside, there are many
different plant showcases that change based on the mood of the art curator, a
vibrant medusa known as Johnny “Grass” Jaja.
Behind
the Hanging garden are a few green houses where they ruthlessly catalog every
plant that they discover. They have also
a seed bank in case tragedy occurs.
Adventure Ideas The Hanging Gardens, an awe-inspiring
testament to the fusion of nature and art curated by the eccentric Johnny
"Grass" Jaja, have recently faced a mysterious affliction causing the
once-vibrant plants to wither. The desperate art curator seeks a diverse group
of adventurers to embark on a quest to uncover the cause, venturing into the
depths of the city's greenhouses and the enigmatic Seed Bank to find a cure
before the heart of the Hanging Gardens succumbs to decay.
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Golden Arch Circle
This open air market is known for its jewelry. While they deal primarily with gold, they
also work in pretty much any rare metal.
They even have a “special deal” with the Gem Cutter’s Guild, allowing
them to undercut most freelancers.
While
it technically no leader, the more powerful members of the community often
dictate policy and whose allowed to sell their wares.
Adventure Ideas In
the heart of the bustling Golden Arch Circle, a renowned gemcutter has
disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a cryptic message
etched into a rare gemstone. As tensions rise among the jewelers and traders, a
group of adventurers is hired to unravel the mystery, navigating the intricate
politics of the market to uncover the truth about the missing artisan, the
secret dealings of the Gem Cutter's Guild, and the hidden power struggles
within the Golden Arch Circle.
Paradise Theatre
This was a joint effort between the King and the Sector
head in order to preserve the culture.
It is run by the middle sister of the Sector Head whom considers herself
an excellent actor but is a significantly better bureaucrat. This is a place where ancient and newly
crafted plays are shown on its rather large stage. If the event is big enough,
it also transmits it out to Glorious Communications.
Adventure Ideas The Paradise Theatre, a cultural haven in
the city, faces a crisis as its leading actors suddenly lose their ability to
perform. The middle sister of the Sector Head, torn between her bureaucratic
duties and her passion for acting, seeks a group of resourceful individuals to
delve into the arcane forces affecting the performers. As the boundaries
between ancient and modern plays blur, the adventurers must navigate the realm
of dreams and reality to restore the artistic soul of Paradise Theatre.
District 3 – Rail Sector
A rough and tumble part of the city, this district is
industry personified.
The Brickyard
Run by a small family of trolls, they provide the mud
bricks that are used throughout the city
Adventure Ideas The
trolls of the Brickyard family are on the verge of a feud with a rival
brick-making clan, and their unique mud bricks, vital for the city's
construction, are at risk. The adventurers are hired to negotiate a delicate
peace or, if diplomacy fails, to secure the secrets of the rival's innovative
brick-making techniques by any means necessary.
The Cattle Queen
A clan of Ty-wara run the cattle queen, thee stockyard of
the city. People come from far and wide
and bring their cattle to sell to be processed.
It is a place of stink. However,
it is surprisingly quiet for a place where cattle are slaughtered. Gina, the youngest daughter of the Chief
head, while heavily autistic, has almost intuitive cow sense and was
responsible in designing the building for the cows to be in relative comfort
before becoming food and hide related products.
Adventure Ideas Amidst the stench and serenity of the
Cattle Queen, Gina's extraordinary abilities to communicate with the cattle
have drawn the attention of a mysterious group seeking to exploit her talents
for their gain. The adventurers must protect Gina and uncover the motives
behind this secretive organization, navigating the intricate world of the
city's Ty-wara clans.
The Railyard
This massive rail yard is the central hub for the Kingdom
of Yalta. While passenger trains travel
this rail network, its main use is for freight and to move troops requested by
the King.
Adventure Ideas As tensions rise between different
factions within the Railyard, sabotage threatens to disrupt the crucial rail
network. The adventurers are enlisted to investigate the attacks, discovering a
web of betrayal and corporate espionage that could jeopardize the kingdom's
transportation lifeline.
Oil Refinery
This area is the end of the various pipelines to the oil
wells that are scattered across the continent.
This is a major moneymaker and fuel is one of the big exports to the
outside world. It’s a good place to get
employment as they are always looking for workers, but it is dangerous
work. This area has patrols and has
somewhat good security as the Sector Head will make an example for
failure.
Adventure Ideas A string of accidents in the perilous oil
refinery has caught the attention of a radical environmentalist group
determined to expose the dangers of the industry. The adventurers must balance
the interests of security, the environment, and the discontented workers while
uncovering the truth behind the accidents and preventing a catastrophe that
could tarnish the kingdom's reputation.
District 4 – Raider Sector
This has become one of the most coveted sectors to be
resettled in. The Sector head is big
into urban planning and has been reshaping the sector into what can best be
described as “urban suburbia”. The
housing is mostly communal and has a lot of green space and has stable power
and water. It’s also designed in such a
way that if outside raids occur, it’s easy to button down the area by
retracting bridges, locking gates and the like.
Culturally, it feels like an army base. There are few men in this area as they are
usually out in the field. Most families
consist of women and children.
Training Ground
This fenced off forest has been grown in the middle of
the Sector and it’s treated as a controlled place to train new raiders.
Adventure Ideas The
tranquil facade of the "urban suburbia" hides a darker secret as a
series of mysterious disappearances among the trainees in the forest training
ground disrupt the Sector's facade. The adventurers must navigate the highly
disciplined and regimented society, uncovering a series of covert experiments
aimed at creating the perfect raider and preventing a potential uprising within
the seemingly idyllic sector.
District 5 – Intelligence Sector
The Sector head is the Living Dead and the Sector
reflects it. Most Intelligence
operatives are known as spooks and it often applies in more ways than one. The sizable population is crammed into
cramped apartments that cover the basics but are spartan.
Central Intelligence Building
This red brick building is bean counter central. Most information gathering is more
bureaucratic then glamourous and most of the people here sift through data
received from sources to determine its authenticity.
Adventure Ideas As
rumors of a shadowy group manipulating information swirl through the Central
Intelligence Building, the adventurers are hired to investigate a series of
disappearances among the diligent data sifters. Delving into the labyrinthine
corridors and secret archives, they uncover a clandestine operation aiming to
control the city's narrative, testing the limits of truth and deception in the
heart of intelligence.
The Courts of Justice
A side effect of the intelligence is that the King was
convinced by the Sector head that their intelligence covers legal codes as
well. This white building with pillars
has a statue of a skeleton holding a scale in its front. While most districts handle their own
justice, if they get a letter from a magistrate, it is considered to override
local law.
Law is processed by the legal
magistrate, legal experts that are often little more than a skull on a
pillow. However, most take their legal
actions fairly, unless given orders specifically by a superior.
Adventure Ideas When a legal magistrate mysteriously
disappears, the adventurers are summoned to unravel a complex web of corruption
within the Courts of Justice. As they navigate the skeletal halls and face the
enigmatic legal experts, they discover a plot to subvert the legal system,
challenging the balance between justice and political influence.
The Graveyard
This graveyard is a place where “the interrogated dead”
are sent. Looking like a white mortuary,
magic and modern forensic is used to determine as much as they can before a
report is sent to the Central Intelligence Building
Adventure Ideas The city's ominous graveyard, reserved for
the "interrogated dead," becomes the focal point of a series of
spectral disturbances. Tasked with investigating the unnatural occurrences, the
adventurers must navigate the eerie halls of the graveyard, where the spirits
of the deceased hold valuable information and secrets that could shake the
foundations of the Central Intelligence Building.
Tomb Alley
This is habitat for the living dead population. Looking suspiciously like a cluster of
vertical coffins next to personal lockers and rents cheap to those that need to
rest.
Adventure Ideas In
the heart of Tomb Alley, a living dead settlement, the adventurers find
themselves entangled in a conspiracy as unusual mutations plague the community.
Unraveling the mystery behind the unexplained transformations, they navigate
the labyrinthine passages of vertical coffins and personal lockers, facing both
the living and the undead in their quest for answers.
District 6 – Market Sector
It can be argued that this Sector is the heart of the
city. People trade just about everything
here. While there has been worked to
make things more systematic, it is a mess of a place as people are willing to
setup shop just about anywhere and get out before the tax collector shows up.
The Acquisition Club
This is the elite club of the Sector. With the backdrop that can best be described
as an old school hunting club, these prominent movers and shakers of the
community make deals that move huge amounts of wealth. While owned by the Sector head, the current
club president is Baobab Joe, a stumpy that, while still grumpy, has a serious
head for business.
Adventure Ideas As
tensions rise within the exclusive Acquisition Club, the adventurers are hired
to negotiate a delicate deal gone awry, uncovering the intricate power
struggles among the city's elite. Navigating the opulent backdrop of the club,
they must decipher the cryptic dealings of Baobab Joe and prevent a potentially
catastrophic fallout that could disrupt the delicate balance of wealth.
The Marketplace
This opened air bazaar is where you go if you want the
more common items. It is also where it
can be very dangerous not because of crime or clients, but from the vendors
themselves. There is a simmering cold
war happening in the market place that is known as the Fruit Wars. Rival families try to undercut each other to
sell the best products, which usually includes fresh fruit from the outskirts. The quality is amazing, but fights break out
in a regular basis.
Adventure Ideas Amidst the chaotic Fruit Wars in the
bustling Marketplace, the adventurers are tasked with mediating a violent
dispute between rival families vying for dominance. Faced with the challenge of
maintaining peace among the feuding vendors, they must navigate the lively
marketplace where fresh fruit and bitter rivalries collide.
Mysterious Public Steam bath
Created by a family refugees from the northern edge of the
continent, it has become a popular place.
Separated by gender, it has become a place of social interaction and in
some cases intrigue.
Adventure Ideas The serene Mysterious Public Steam Bath
becomes a hub of intrigue as the adventurers are drawn into a web of political
machinations and clandestine dealings. Navigating the gender-segregated waters,
they uncover a secret society within the steamy confines, blurring the lines
between relaxation and covert operations.
Red Bus Fleet
This is the main bus terminal for the entire city and a
bit of pride for the sector. These
brightly colored buses are kept in good repair and the bus drivers are
exhaustingly trained to navigate the city to the point that it’s a matter of
pride to get their passengers on time.
Adventure Ideas When a series of mysterious disruptions
plague the Red Bus Fleet, the adventurers are hired to ensure the punctuality
and safety of the city's vibrant transportation network. Racing against time,
they navigate the colorful buses and face unexpected challenges, discovering a
plot that could derail the pride of the Market Sector.
District 7 – Science Sector
This is the most southern sector in the city and is where
most of the tributaries that flow into the river to take place. When it was first assigned into the Sector’s
head, he immediately started rebuilding the area into his own image. It even stretches over onto the ocean, where
the technology involved has created an artificial lagoon. Its overall feel is not unlike Silicon
Valley, where huge amounts of nerds live in relative luxury. It also uses massive solar panels for power
generation purposes
Digital Scribes
This small building is known for trying to figure out a
technological means for building customized items. They use Digital printing, holograms and
other high-tech options to duplicate and customize. They are expensive, but the work is top
notch.
Adventure Ideas The
Digital Scribes face a technological crisis as their cutting-edge printing
techniques malfunction, threatening to disrupt the city's industry. Tasked with
troubleshooting the high-tech dilemma, the adventurers delve into the realm of
digital craftsmanship, uncovering a conspiracy that challenges the very
foundations of customized manufacturing.
Ruined Observatory
While its official name is the Royal Observatory,
everybody knows it by its nickname: the ruined observatory. It is a repurposed business building that has
been hallowed out and setup with top of the line equipment available. Besides the big dish, it uses a series of
radio telescopes to try to chart the info.
While they have a free hand on what they observe and record, the king’s
censors must sign off on any info that is revealed to the public.
Adventure Ideas Amidst
the enigmatic Ruined Observatory, the adventurers are drawn into a cosmic
mystery as the celestial charts reveal a pattern that defies explanation.
Navigating the repurposed business building and facing cosmic forces, they
uncover the hidden truths about the celestial observations that the king's
censors seek to keep in the shadows.
District 8 – Magic Sector
Compared to other Sectors, this district looks laughingly
primitive. Raised Straw huts dot the
area and it’s easily has the lowest population density of the city. However, looks are deceiving. The paths
branch out following mystical conduits and stable ley line that can be observed
by the gifted (or failing that, the proper detection equipment). It also uses ironwood bushes to keep district
9 and 7 out, but they seem to keep growing in unusual shapes which causes
contention.
Hut of Purity
This small thatched hut has managed to create a conduit
to a dimensional gauntlet composed entirely of fresh water. It dishes out this water that it claims has
magical properties after being enchanted.
Adventure Ideas The
tranquil Hut of Purity becomes a center of mystical intrigue as the adventurers
investigate the sudden disappearance of enchanted water with magical
properties. Facing the challenges of spiritual purification, they navigate the
mystical conduits and ironwood bushes, uncovering a plot that threatens the
delicate balance between magical districts.
The Monolith
This large black Monolith has been imported from Duat and
is easily the tallest object in the square.
While it is often used as a ritual focus, often, it is used to sell
tourist related items and is a huge money maker.
Adventure Ideas The
imposing black Monolith in the Magic Sector becomes a focal point of adventure
as the adventurers discover its potential as a conduit to otherworldly realms.
Navigating the arcane rituals and tourist trinkets, they uncover a hidden
market of magical artifacts, facing both mystical wonders and the allure of
forbidden knowledge.
The Wall of Gates
This wall is composed completely of Doors of all sorts
salvaged from the time before Revelations.
Besides an exciting example of modern art, it is used as a conduit to
access Dimensional Gauntlets across the globe.
It is relatively reliable, but it’s a one-way trip.
Adventure Ideas The
Wall of Gates, composed of salvaged doors from the time before Revelations,
becomes a gateway to dimensional mysteries. Tasked with investigating anomalies
within the wall, the adventurers navigate the surreal landscape of doors,
uncovering a conspiracy that challenges the boundaries between dimensions and
the secrets hidden within.
District 9 – the Low Life Sector
The slums of District 9 are easily the worst place to
live in the city. It is flooded with
refugees and is more contained then inhabited.
It is often used as cheap labor for the rest of the city. Its mud brick streets are riddled with crime
and squalor. Gangs roam the street. It is also rumored that there are Void
Covenant Sympathizers that instigate riots that are used to soften the defenses
of the city.
The
King has often considered this a thorn in his side and has started
“rehabilitation efforts” to try to turn it into a more productive part of the
community. He also recently started
restructuring the area to hopefully improve the lives of those in the
district.
It has
also managed to take over most of the coastline of the city and has become
prominent in the role of bringing goods from afar. It is also the most likely place to be hired
for a job: no questions asked.
The Angry Ostrich Boarding House
This
flop house is almost always cramped as it is one of the safer boarding houses
in the District. Owned by Madam Viper,
the cutest little Medusa elderly woman you ever set eyes on. She is supported by her family and several
hired Ungo mercenaries as muscle. She
has a statue garden that she claims is just a passion, but rumor persists that
people that are too “rowdy” join her collection.
Adventure Ideas Madam Viper's Angry Ostrich Boarding
House becomes a haven in the chaotic slums of District 9, drawing the
adventurers into a world of cramped quarters and secretive collections. Tasked
with protecting the residents from both internal strife and external threats,
they navigate the treacherous mud brick streets, uncovering the secrets that
Madam Viper guards with a watchful eye.
The Ebony Mug
This Underground tavern is known for two things. Awesome
cheese bread and pit fights. Its
proprietor, a Red Ungo named Slim, likes it’s busy and loud and is always
looking for new talent to throw into the pit.
Adventure Ideas The
Underground tavern known for its cheese bread and pit fights, The Ebony Mug,
becomes the battleground for a brewing gang war. As the adventurers navigate
the rowdy establishment, they must mediate the conflict, facing both culinary
delights and the violent allure of the pit fights.
Guns 4U
This hole in the wall of a shop is one of the few places
where firearms can be sold in the city.
Managed by Mike Magoro, a recent convert to the Cybercult, he often
hands out pamphlets while he sells his wares.
Adventure Ideas In the clandestine shop of Guns 4U,
the adventurers are drawn into a world of illegal firearms and ideological
fervor. Tasked with navigating the narrow confines of the shop, they uncover a
conspiracy that involves the Cybercult, balancing the allure of forbidden
weaponry with the dangers of radical ideology.
The Naval Yard
Just off the coast of District 9, the largest of the Junk
Islands has been repurposed into the main naval base. While the fleet is small,
it is well trained and more often used for river support.
Adventure Ideas The Naval Yard, situated on the largest
Junk Island off the coast of District 9, becomes a strategic point of interest
as the adventurers delve into naval intrigue. Navigating the warehouses and
abandoned lairs, they uncover a plot that could disrupt the city's maritime
defenses, facing the challenges of the turbulent waters that surround the Junk
Islands.
The Watchtower
Found along the apex of the river is a large
lighthouse. Made from black marble and
believe created with a fusion of both technological and magical techniques, its
sheer surface is slippery as all heck.
Owned by Madame Fury, a rare middle aged Harlowe that swears like a
sailor, but often takes a fancy to people.
What that means varies to what she wants.
Adventure Ideas Perched atop the river apex, the Black
Marble Lighthouse known as The Watchtower becomes a beacon of mystery. Tasked
with exploring the slippery surface and facing the salty language of Madame
Fury, the adventurers uncover the secrets of the lighthouse, balancing the
risks of maritime navigation with the enigmatic allure of the rare Harlowe
proprietor.
The Wharf
One of
the few areas kept in descent condition is the wharf. What little ocean traffic that occurs on the
western African continent. It is
surrounded by warehouses (some abandoned and not so abandoned warehouses), that
often are used as lairs by just about anybody: good and bad.
Adventure Ideas As tensions rise among the diverse
inhabitants of The Wharf, a mysterious artifact washes ashore, drawing the
attention of pirates, smugglers, and ambitious adventurers alike. Tasked with
navigating the labyrinthine warehouses and uncovering the artifact's origin,
the adventurers become entangled in a race against time, facing both maritime
dangers and the cutthroat competition for the mysterious object.
The Zephonara Dominion
There are a few key features within a kingdom as a whole:
Bronze Statues
There are several gargantuan bronze statues that are placed
at choke points throughout the kingdom.
They are magical statues that will animate by their commander when they
are needed.
Defensive Forts
The outside perimeter has a series of defensive forts. Usually made of metal and concrete, they are
barracks that include radar as well as radios for quick detection in case of an
invasion.
Faces of Anger
In the North West corner, there is a set of unusual rock
formations that resemble a face. It is
rumored to be an area of great magical power.
Junk Island
This island chain that’s off the coast are made of
pre-revelation’s clutter and other junk.
It is a place of pirates, refugees and strange creatures. The Navy is prepping to do a raid on the
islands and soon to reduce its negative effects on district 9. They will most likely hire adventurers to
deal with the riff-raff.
Minefields
The northern perimeter has a huge mine field to act as a
deterrent to invasion. While it is
theoretically a closely guarded secret, there are “local guides” that will guide
“refugees” for a fee.
Refugee Camps
While setup as a temporary measure while everybody gets
processed, these refugee camps have been around for as long as the king has
been active. There are three Camps: A,
B, and C. All of them are patrolled by regular patrols to stem down
violence. Unfortunately, many have
gotten fed up with sitting put, and have fled to the city to seek their
fortune. It usually doesn’t end well,
but there are enough success stories to keep people tempted.
Oil Wells
Oil Wells are found throughout the kingdom and even a
little outside the official borders.
This oil is either transported back by pipeline or by oil truck back to
the refinery in the city.
Trading Outpost
This tall three-story blue building is found on the
western border of the kingdom, it is owned by the Ngige family, a human family
that’s owned it for generations. They
consider themselves in the hospitality industry and act as a hotel where they
try to sell you whatever they can.
Adventure Ideas:
The Zephonara Dominion, with its Bronze Statues, becomes the focus of a magical
awakening as the statues unexpectedly animate, disrupting the kingdom's
harmony. The adventurers are hired to investigate the mystical anomaly,
navigating defensive forts, uncovering the secrets of Faces of Anger, and
eventually braving the perilous Junk Islands, where the fate of the kingdom
hangs in the balance.
