WEALTHY RESIDENTIAL

Social Class: Upper.

Power Center: Often—magical (spellcasters) or nonstandard (plutocrats).

Buildings: Fine residences (85%), average residences (13%).

Description: These neighborhoods are less opulent than noble estates, but not by much. Some sites sport ornate houses and gardens that rival those of the nobility. Other buildings serve as large townhouses or apartments, which are far more spacious and luxurious than most private dwellings elsewhere in the city. In cities where the nobility is weak and the merchants hold true power, these neighborhoods might be more opulent than those of the nobles. Sights and sounds resemble those of the noble estates, but the servants here are less likely to sport their masters’ insignia, and patrols of private guards are encountered as often as the city watch is.

Plot Hook: Several young upper-class citizens are experimenting with summoning magic and dark pacts. So far, they have unleashed a few minor fiends into the city and have sacrificed several commoners as part of their rites. Nobody has been able to discover the source of the problems plaguing the city—and even if the youths are found out, their families might have sufficient influence to avoid their being prosecuted in any city court.