The Slum Quarter

The Slum Quarter

The western arch of the Old City, running along the city walls, is notably more run-down than the Thieves’ Quarter. Few businesses of any worth are located here; the buildings are in poor repair, many held by absent landlords or criminal gangs. Unlike the River or Thieves’ Quarters, the Slum Quarter does not lie on a trade route into the city, so little wealth enters this area. Beggars are common, disease is everywhere, and many homeless persons sleep out in the open under trees, in crates, and against the sides of buildings. The Slum Quarter is dominated by the Beggars’ Union, set almost against the Black Wall. It is rumored that the notorious Guild of Assassins has its secret headquarters here, too, but if the locals know anything about it, they aren’t talking.

City Watch patrols are rarely encountered here, except in groups of two. Only Assassins End, Cross Street, and Old Lane are patrolled; all else is ignored because of the danger of ambush. The Nightwatchmen similarly don’t go here, but only because no one can afford their services. The only authority anyone respects is the word of the Beggarmaster, but even he does not have a far reach.