Raven moor

Nestled between the treacherous Bog of the Fallen to the south and the ever-menacing Blackwood Forest to the north, Raven Moor stands as a dark, gritty metropolis with a shadowy past. This small metropolis thrives on the central location it holds, a hub of trade and commerce in the region.
The city is a labyrinthine network of narrow, winding streets and alleys, with buildings rarely stretching beyond two stories. The air hangs heavy with a perpetual smoky haze that rises from a thousand hearths and chimneys, casting a dim, gloomy pall over the city. The bricks and cobbles of the streets, often slick with rain or mud, are stained black by centuries of soot, bearing silent witness to the toil and struggle of its denizens.
Raven Moor is governed by House Ravenswood, a once-prominent noble family that has fallen from grace because of it's relationship to organized crime, and their rule has become increasingly tyrannical and harsh as they grasp for a tenuous hold on power. The city's inhabitants navigate the intricate webs of politics, crime, and intrigue that permeate every darkened alley and marketplace.
The economy of Raven Moor revolves around trade, as caravans and ships from all corners of the realm converge upon its bustling docks and markets. Exotic goods, rare commodities, and illicit wares change hands beneath the constant cover of shadows. Thieves, spies, and cutthroats lurk in the recesses, making it a dangerous place for those unfamiliar with its dangers.
Raven Moor is a city where secrets are as plentiful as cobblestones, and one's allegiance may shift with the changing tides. Here, the promise of prosperity beckons amidst the shadows, and the metropolis stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of power, no matter the cost.

Demographics

Human: 65%
Halfling: 10%
Ratfolk: 5%
Other: 20%

Defences

Geographical Advantage: Encircled by Deepwaters Lake to the east, the treacherous Bog of the Fallen to the south, and the menacing Blackwood Forest to the north, the city's geography itself acts as its first line of defense. The natural barriers serve as formidable deterrents against large-scale attacks.
Guard Towers: Within the city, a network of watchtowers stands tall, both within and on the outskirts. These watchtowers offer commanding views of the surrounding lands and the winding streets, they are equipped with vigilant archers from The Snipers , signal beacons and warning bells. They serve as Raven Moor's early warning system, ready to raise the alarm against any approaching threats or dangers within.
Citizen Militia: The city maintains a citizen militia, comprised of individuals willing to take up arms to protect their homes and their caravans when needed. These determined residents are well-prepared to repel raiders and invaders using their intimate knowledge of Raven Moor's layout: a labyrinth of twisting, narrow streets and cramped buildings. This complex urban design can easily disorient and deter unfamiliar attackers, transforming any invasion into a nightmarish struggle to navigate the dark alleys.
Ravensguard: House Ravenswood, despite its waning influence, maintains its own private guards known as the Ravensguard. These loyal soldiers are highly trained and act as protectors of the noble family's interests, ensuring the city's inner core remains well-defended.
Raven Moor may lack traditional defenses such as imposing walls or vast armies, but its geographical advantages, cunning city layout, and unwavering citizens make it a formidable place to breach. Those who dare to assail the city must contend with the city's intricate design, tough inhabitants, cut-throat mercenaries and the hostile wilderness that surrounds it.

Industry & Trade

Timber Trade: The towering Shadowtop trees of the Blackwood provide a rich source of timber that forms the backbone of Raven Moor's economy. Logging guilds venture into the dark and forbidding woods, braving the threats of the forest to harvest the valuable lumber. This timber is sometimes used for construction within the city but is mostly exported to neighboring regions like Cliffsgard .
Fisheries: Deepwaters Lake offers bountiful fishing opportunities. The city's numerous docks and harbors host a thriving fishing industry. Fresh catches of fish, eels, and other aquatic creatures are processed and distributed to meet the demands of Raven Moor's populace and are a valuable export.
Caravan Trade: Raven Moor's central location makes it a common stop for caravans and merchant groups traversing the realm. These traders bring exotic goods, rare resources, and unique wares to the city, fueling a vibrant merchant quarter. It's here that caravans rent rooms in the various inns lining the streets, and goods from far-flung regions exchange hands.
Commerce Hub: The city's strategic position has made it a center for commerce. As goods pass through Raven Moor on their way to other destinations, traders benefit from the city's markets and infrastructure. The merchants who reside in the metropolis enjoy a steady flow of commerce, making it a thriving hub for economic activity.
Guilds and Workshops: Work Guilds are prevalent in Raven Moor, each specializing in a particular trade or craft. Many of them stricly regulate the quality of products and maintain the traditions and standards that have been honed for generations, but many more are corrupt organizations seeking only profit.
Smuggling: The city's dark and gritty character has attracted less savory elements. Smugglers often use Raven Moor as a base for illicit operations, capitalizing on its proximity to the secretive Blackwood Forest and the many hidden underground areas under the city. The criminal underground is a significant and clandestine part of the city's economy.

Districts

Dock District:

The heart of trade in Raven Moor, the Dock District is a bustling hive of activity. Its stone piers jut out into Deepwaters Lake, welcoming a continuous flow of merchant ships, fishing boats, and passenger vessels. This district is home to rows of warehouses storing valuable goods from near and far. Dilapidated taverns and brothels cater to sailors and traders seeking respite, and the sounds of haggling and commerce fill the air.

The Fens:

Adjacent to the city's southern limits, the Fens are a stark contrast to the wealth and activity of the Dock District. Here, dilapidated shanties and squalid hovels huddle together amidst the muck and reeds of the Bog of the Fallen and the city's sewers that empty out into it. This is where the city's poorest live, for the most part bastards and beastmen trying to eke out a grim existence. Disease and crime run rampant, and the streets are often flooded or mired in mud. Few lanterns pierce the gloom in this forsaken quarter, making it a perilous place, especially after nightfall.

Merchant Quarter:

Located at the heart of the city, the Merchant Quarter is a maze of narrow streets lined with shops, inns, and trading posts. Well-dressed merchants from far-flung lands barter and trade exotic wares. Inns and taverns are plentiful, as travelers and caravans often rent rooms here. The Merchant Quarter is a place of contrasts, where prosperity and desperation are separated by mere steps. At the same time, it is a hotbed of intrigue and cutthroat competition among the city's merchant elite.

Ravenswood Keep:

The ancestral home of House Ravenswood, the keep stands as a brooding fortress at the city's center. Although once a symbol of noble authority, it has now become a symbol of oppressive rule. Intricate, blackened spires and shadowed ramparts loom over the city, where political machinations and secrets are concealed within its ancient stone walls.

The Under Market:

A clandestine district hidden beneath the city, the Under Market is an underground bazaar where all manner of illicit goods and services are peddled. This is where the city's large Ratfolk population live, the deep tunnels and crypt-like chambers offering everything from housing and protection to food and water. It's a wet place where whispered deals and concealed agendas are the order of the day. Rumors speak of secret underground tunnels that date back a thousand years or more, snaking even deeper than the Under Market. These now flooded passages are believed to be old escape routes for the nobility.

Artisan's Row:

Here, skilled craftsmen and artisans toil to create everything from dark, ornate furniture made from the Shadowtop trees of the Blackwood to intricately crafted trinkets. This district is an enclave of artistry, and its cobblestone streets are lined with shops and workshops where artists can be heard plying their crafts all day and night. The workmanship is impressive, but the price is often more in gold than silver.

Causeway Park:

The city's only respite from the gloom, Causeway Park is a shadowed, overgrown park filled with statues and fountains. For a city as grim as Raven Moor, this park serves as a vital escape from the darkness, offering its residents a moment of reflection and solitude. It's long wooden bridges span over many creeks and rivelets flowing south.

Guilds and Factions

The Consortium: In Raven Moor, the power and influence of guilds are paramount. The city boasts hundreds of workmen guilds, each specializing in a specific trade or craft. These guilds collectively form what is known as the Consortium, a council composed of representatives from each guild. The Consortium is responsible for regulating trade, resolving disputes, and maintaining the city's intricate system of standards and quality control. They hold major sway with Lord Ravenswood and his government.
The Crimson Serpent Syndicate: Beneath the bustling facade of legitimate trade and craftsmanship, the Crimson Serpent is a shadowy and dangerous presence, it holds sway over most of Raven Moor's underworld. The guild is known for its ruthless tactics and its leader, The King of Hearts "Lucius The Serpent", is rumored to be an old friend of Lord Ravenswood, the city's nominal ruler. The Crimson Serpent has extended its influence throughout the city, successfully corrupting numerous guards, officials, and other key figures to maintain their grip on power. Fear and coercion are the trademarks of this sinister faction, making it a force to be reckoned with.
The Fanged Rat Slavers: Deep beneath the already shadowy streets of Raven Moor lies the sinister Undermarket District. This is where The Jack of Clubs "Razziel", the notorious Ratfolk slaver, operates a clandestine and brutal slaving ring. Those unlucky enough to cross paths with Razziel or his nefarious gang often find themselves abducted and enslaved. The Undermarket District's twisted and oppressive environment is the ideal setting for Razziel's illicit enterprise. His operations have persisted largely unchallenged, except for the Disciples of Resilience, as few dare to venture into the hidden depths of this flooded subterranean criminal underworld. Raven Moor's authorities remain blind or indifferent to his activities, leaving Razziel's victims to suffer in silence and obscurity.
The Disciples of Resilience: In the heart of the dark and gritty city of Raven Moor, the prevailing faith is the Ilmatari sect known as "The Disciples of Resilience." These devout followers of the Old God Ilmater are a stark contrast to the city's overall atmosphere. Embracing suffering and hardship, they see it as a means of spiritual growth and connection with their god. Led by the compassionate Archsufferer Elowen, The Disciples of Resilience actively engage in acts of charity within the city's downtrodden districts, providing solace and relief to the suffering. They run hospices, offering medical aid to the wounded and needy, and administer food to the hungry. They also actively oppose the Fanged Rat Slavers guild at every opportunity and attempt to free their slaves. The Ilmatari willingly undergo physical ordeals and daily self-flagellation to demonstrate their devotion, believing that through shared suffering, they can help others find the strength to overcome their challenges.

Natural Resources

Fur

Leather

Timber

Fish

Iron Ore

Type

Metropolis

Population

12,000

Characters in Location

• The Jack of Clubs "Razziel"
• The King of Hearts "Lucius The Serpent"