Ashgloom

Nestled deep within Shadowfell, upon the coast of the Sea of Despair, is the foreboding city of Ashgloom. It lies like a forgotten memory shrouded in mist, its silhouette emerges from the desolate landscape, capturing the essence of despair and desolation. Surrounding the city to the east, south, and west is a barren marsh marked with the bones of humanoids and other creatures and stalked by undead giants.

Architecture and Atmosphere

The cityscape of Ashgloom is a haunting testament to a bygone era. Towering spires, cloaked in crumbling stone and adorned with intricate carvings, reach toward the darkened skies. Their twisted, gothic forms pierce through the oppressive mist, casting eerie shadows that seem to dance and writhe with a life of their own.
Streets paved with worn cobblestones wind through the city, their surfaces cracked and weathered by the passage of time. Buildings lean precariously, their facades reflecting the scars of forgotten battles and an everlasting struggle against decay. The air is thick with an otherworldly chill, the very breath of the Shadowfell seeping into every crevice and alleyway.

Inhabitants and Culture

Within Ashgloom's borders, a diverse populace can be found, each individual seemingly touched by the city's enigmatic aura. Shadowed figures, garbed in tattered cloaks, wander the streets with an air of weariness, their faces etched with sorrow and secrets. A palpable sense of unease lingers in the air, as if the residents exist on the precipice of a collective sorrow, ever aware of the city's dark history.
The denizens of Ashgloom are a resourceful lot, adept at surviving the harsh realities of their environment. They navigate the twisted alleyways and crumbling architecture with an almost preternatural familiarity, their survival instincts honed by generations spent in this sombre realm. While the city may be perceived as inhospitable to outsiders, those who manage to earn the trust of its inhabitants will find allies capable of enduring the most dire of circumstances.
The population itself is made up of the various mortal races found throughout Runetalras, either themselves lost to Shadowfell or descended from those who were; however, the majority of the population are stranger creatures made of shadow and the entropic forces of the Shadowfell itself. More recently new denizens have emerged to take residence within Ashgloom, strange clockwork creatures birthed by the mysterious Endless Workshop.

Landmarks

Deathless Palace Rising high above the city, the Deathless Palace is a formidable structure that serves as the seat of power for Prince Roland, the enigmatic ruler of Ashgloom. Its obsidian walls seem to defy gravity, and the palace exudes an aura of authority and somber majesty. Within its halls, intricate stained glass windows depict scenes of forgotten battles and fallen heroes, reminding visitors of the city's tumultuous past.
Shadowspire Cathedral Standing as a testament to the city's complex relationship with the divine, Shadowspire Cathedral is a gothic masterpiece nestled within the heart of Ashgloom. Its towering spires pierce the darkened skies, seemingly reaching toward realms beyond the mortal coil. The cathedral is dedicated to the worship of shadow deities and serves as a gathering place for the city's devout, who find solace in their sombre faith.
The Mourning Gardens A serene yet melancholic oasis amidst the gloom, the Mourning Gardens offer a respite from the city's desolate atmosphere. Here, carefully manicured flora thrives in the shadow's embrace, their petals and leaves bearing hues of grey and muted purples. The gardens are a place of reflection and remembrance, where the inhabitants of Ashgloom pay tribute to lost loved ones and find solace amidst the pervasive sorrow.
Ebonreach Observatory Perched on the outskirts of the city, atop a jagged cliff, the Ebonreach Observatory is a place of astronomical wonder and arcane inquiry. Within its dome, scholars and mystics gaze upon the starry tapestry of the Shadowfell, seeking to unlock the secrets of the cosmos and understand the cosmic forces that shape their desolate realm. The observatory also serves as a beacon of hope, as its observations sometimes offer glimpses of celestial phenomena that transcend the darkness.
The Veil Market While not a traditional landmark, the Veil Market is a clandestine and elusive hub of commerce and intrigue. Hidden within the depths of Ashgloom, this shadowy marketplace thrives beneath the watchful gaze of secretive figures. It is a place where rare and mystical artefacts, whispered secrets, and forbidden knowledge change hands. Navigating its twisted alleys and hidden stalls requires a keen eye and a cautious step, as the Veil Market holds treasures and dangers in equal measure.
Endless Workshop Located in a dimly lit corner of Ashgloom, the Endless Workshop a strange location which sprang forth in 532:Contempt. The Workshop itself is enormous, it has no windows and one massive double door, the sound of metalwork and smoke emanate from the Workshop at every point of the day. Occasionally, the doors of the Workshop open birth clockwork creatures, some humanoid while others are very different looking more akin to vehicles than anything else. These creatures have taken up residence within Ashgloom, and while some are capable of talking none will talk about the Endless Workshop. It does not appear the regular denizens of Ashgloom work within Workshop, although some clockwork creatures do return to it; all others who have entered the workshop have never returned.
Plaza of Gargoyles The Plaza of Gargoyles is a captivating landmark located in the heart of Ashgloom. This grand plaza is named after the numerous gargoyles that adorn its surroundings, which also animate to serve as the guards of the city. The plaza itself is an expansive open space, paved with smooth cobblestones and bordered by intricately carved stone archways. It serves as a central gathering point for the people of Ashgloom, bustling with activity throughout the day. At the centre of the Plaza of Gargoyles stands an impressive fountain, featuring a towering statue of a fearsome four armed gargoyle.

Government

Prince Rolan is the current ruler of Ashgloom he is a charismatic and strategic mind, although he has little interest in the minutia of ruling preferring to talk a broad strokes approach. Prince Rolan has ruled since 213:Contempt, despite him being a Human and appearing not older than a man in their late 20s to early 30s. Prince Rolan owns the Scepter of Shadows, which among other things allows him to control the gargoyles of the city.
Cressida is the right hand of Prince Rolan, she is a celestial and her presence in Ashgloom and service to Prince Rolan is a mystery. She appears as a female humanoid, beautiful, long legs, full lips, pale almost grey skin, white eyes devoid of pupils, with wings much larger than her body that seem to fade between a radiant light and a dark glow. Although it is only known to a select few, Cressida has long been searching for her missing sister.

Type

Large city

Location under

Shadowfell