Shadycreek Run
Beyond the northern outposts of Dwendalian territory lies a ragged string of shantytowns and ramshackle hovels that obstruct the pathway into the dense forest of Savalirwood.
Originally formed by a motley collection of destitute communities ruled by heartless slumlords, this squalid settlement is now notoriously known as Shadycreek Run – a lawless hub of illicit activities and unfettered brutality. Here, the lowest of the low in society find opportunity to pursue infamy and power without restraint. Debates often descend into violent brawls, and most brawls inevitably result in bloodshed. It is a place where morality is scarce and survival of the fittest is the only rule.
Shadycreek Run is home to those who seek to evade fates that await them within the Dwendalian Empire, while others are drawn to the lawless lifestyle and lack of moral constraints. The settlement's denizens include a diverse array of individuals ranging from artisans, craftsmen, and farmers, to mercenaries and entertainers. However, it is the band of thieves, hunters, and scavengers who brave the perilous Savalirwood and the ruins of Molaesmyr who reap the greatest profits. The beasts that they hunt yield valuable meat and furs, while recovered relics and lost magics fetch high prices in distant markets. The fierce competition over these resources often results in violent confrontations, as the Tribes (including the Mardoon, Uttolot, Trebain, and Jagenoth crime families) and the Greytrader Union clash for control over these trades, while also facing off against the people of Uthodurn who seek to reclaim their heritage and lost belongings.
Due to the lack of a central government or laws, the city operates under a loose code of conduct based on "live and let live," though it is frequently disrupted by outbursts of violence and theft. In cases where the violence escalates, the Taskers of the Grudge Gang intervene and brutally beat all those involved. It is not unusual for those who are reckless or careless to end up dead in a frigid alley, stripped of their belongings and left to be devoured by hungry dogs. Residents of Shadycreek Run quickly learn to be vigilant and to carry weapons at all times. They are constantly on guard, ready to defend themselves from any potential threats.
Shadycreek Run is located at the border of the Greying Wildlands and Zemni fields giving it a climate that experiences all seasons of the year. While Shadycreek is usually rather dreary year-round, it does see autumns and winters bringing it varying weathers from season to season. (As usual, the full-resolution versions can be downloaded at the bottom of this post.)
One thing that does not change with the seasons is the fact that lax enforcement of laws and the prospect of quick profits lure numerous opportunistic individuals to these perilous streets.
