Asvelgoth Lore 1

 

• Number of Families: There are twelve prominent noble families in Asvelgoth, each with its own history and influence.
• Responsibilities: The council advises the Archon, helps draft laws, and manages different aspects of the city’s governance, such as trade, defense, and public works.
• Intrigues and Rivalries: Noble families often engage in power struggles and form temporary alliances to push their agendas. These dynamics add a layer of intrigue to the city’s politics.

History

Ancient City and Catacombs

• Beacon of Knowledge: Millennia ago, Asvelgoth was known as a center of learning and innovation, attracting scholars and sages from distant lands.
• Religious Zealots: The city was besieged by religious zealots who believed the scholars' discoveries were blasphemous. The conflict culminated in a 100-day magical siege.
• Epic Spell: Facing imminent defeat, the arch-wizard cast a powerful spell that buried the entire city along with its inhabitants, creating the catacombs. The current city was built on top of these ancient ruins.

Society and Culture

Noble Families in order of power

• House Aurelian: Known for their military prowess and leadership in the city's defense.
  
  Bastion Aurelian. A skilled leader chosen by the council, known for their wisdom and diplomatic prowess. 
  
  
• House Valerica: Renowned for their wealth and influence in trade and commerce.
• House Corvinus: Esteemed scholars and mages, preserving the city's intellectual heritage.
  

  Linxora Corvinus: Head of House Corvinus and powerful wizard. An influential and formidable figure in Asvelgoth, Linxora Corvinus is known for her exceptional magical prowess and stern leadership. She had a close, possibly romantic, relationship with Maester Eustakius Sephiral and is deeply affected by his death.
  
  

  Lady Iovahana Corvinus: Granddaughter of Archwizard Linxora Corvinus. A young and knowledgeable member of House Corvinus, Iovahana provides the Protectors with insights into Maester Sephiral’s life and the tensions within the Academy. She later informs them about the freeing of Alacian’s soul and the displeasure of her grandmother.

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• House Daniels: In charge of casinos and alcohol.
  
• House Luxsor: Known for trading with luxury goods. Importations and crafting.
  
• House Silvara: 
  
• House Cornell:
  
• House Bostoro:
  
• House Alvguard: 
  
• Permadon:
  
• Falaria: Elves
• Esotera:
  
• Merinoct:
• Menhaden
  

Lesser houses

• Salarius
• Sephiral

 

Common Folk

• Daily Life: Citizens of Asvelgoth despite crime and corruption the common folk engage in various trades, crafts, and services. The city is known for its bustling markets and skilled artisans.
• Festivals and Traditions: The city celebrates numerous festivals, often with origins tracing back to the ancient city. These include the Festival of Lights, commemorating the city's resilience and knowledge.

The law

• High Marshal: Jordan Bostoro, Human Fighter 2/ Rogue Inquisitive 6
  A stern and authoritative figure, High Marshal Bostoro is dedicated to maintaining order and justice in Asvelgoth. Provides the PCs with crucial information and  resources for their missions.
• Captain of the Guard: Commands a specific district or section of the city, reporting directly to the High Marshal.
• Lieutenant: Assists the Captain of the Guard and oversees smaller units or specific operations within a district.
• Sergeant: Leads patrols and squads of city guards, responsible for the day-to-day enforcement of law and order. 
• Watch Commander: Oversees the night watch or specific shifts, ensuring that the city is protected at all times.
• Inspector: Investigates major crimes and coordinates with other law enforcement officers to solve complex cases.
• Constable: An officer responsible for maintaining public order, often assigned to specific neighborhoods or beats.
  

Entire City

• High Marshal: 1

Each District

• Captain of the Guard: 1
• Lieutenant: 2-3
• Watch Commander: 2-4
• Sergeant: 5-10
• Inspector: 3-5
• Inquisitor: 1-2
• Constable: 20-50
• Judicator: 1-2

Key Locations

The Great Hall

• Function: The center of governance, where the Archon and the council of nobles meet. It also serves as a place for public gatherings and significant events.
• Architecture: A grand structure adorned with intricate carvings and ancient symbols, reflecting the city's storied past.

The Catacombs

• Layout: A labyrinth of tunnels and chambers beneath the city, filled with remnants of the ancient city, traps, and magical anomalies.
• Secrets: The catacombs hold many secrets, including ancient artifacts, lost knowledge, and lingering spirits of the past inhabitants.

The Docks

• Trade Hub: The docks are a vital part of Asvelgoth's economy, facilitating trade with distant lands. They are always bustling with activity.
• Security: Given the docks' importance, they are heavily guarded and patrolled to prevent smuggling and ensure safe commerce.

The Old Cathedral

• History: Once a place of worship in the ancient city, the old cathedral now stands abandoned. It is often the site of clandestine meetings and dark rituals.
• Mystery: The cathedral is believed to be connected to the catacombs, with hidden passages and forgotten chambers.

The slumbs

• Lucia Many Eyes: Halfling rogue and underworld informant. A resourceful and well-connected informant, Lucia operates within the shadows of Asvelgoth's criminal underworld. She provides Rojan with valuable information about Lady Vulture and other leads related to the murders.
• Lady Vulture: Black market dealer. A mysterious and dangerous figure with a human body and a vulture head, Lady Vulture deals in rare and illegal magical items. She provides the Protectors with crucial information about the masked man’s activities and purchases.

The High Marshal’s Office

    Description: The central command for the city guard, led by High Marshal Bostoro. This is where the Protectors often receive their missions and report their findings. It is a fortified and well-guarded building, symbolizing law and order in Asvelgoth.

Professor Salarius’s House

    Description: A luxurious residence in the wealthy district of Asvelgoth. The house features a secret subterranean laboratory where Professor Salarius conducted his transmutation research. The site of his murder, it holds clues to the masked assassin’s methods.

The Park (Scene of Maester Sephiral’s Murder)

    Description: A large, scenic park in the rich district, known for its beautiful landscapes and serene atmosphere. It became a crime scene after Maester Sephiral was ambushed and killed here. Residual magical auras and a threatening message were discovered at this location.

House Corvinus

    Description: The grand estate of the powerful Corvinus family, located in an affluent area of Asvelgoth. The house is filled with ancient tomes, magical artifacts, and opulent decor. The library within is where Zeera Ibanez learned about Maester Sephiral and the dark artifact.

Lady Vulture’s Hideout

    Description: Located under the old clockwork factory in the old district, this hideout serves as the base of operations for Lady Vulture’s black market dealings. It is filled with crates and boxes of illegal magical items and guarded by her vulture-headed minions.

The Blue Diamond Hotel

    Description: The most luxurious hotel in Asvelgoth, known for its opulence and high-end clientele. The grand lobby has a tall domed ceiling, often bustling with activity. It becomes a battleground when the masked man, revealed to be a blue dragon, fights high-level wizards from House Corvinus. The penthouse where the masked man stayed holds critical clues to his plans.

The Penthouse at The Blue Diamond

    Description: The lavish suite where the masked man stayed. It contains valuable items and critical evidence, including magical wands, scrolls, potions, and the artifact resembling a clock that holds the trapped souls of the murdered wizards.

The Catacombs Below the Old Cathedral

    Description: Ancient tunnels beneath the city, steeped in dark history and filled with secrets. These catacombs serve as a secret meeting place for the High Marshal and the Protectors, away from prying eyes.

The Temple for the Resurrection Ritual

    Description: A sacred place where powerful clerics perform rituals, including the resurrection of fallen heroes. It is here that the Protectors bring Alacian Loc back to life, symbolizing hope and renewal amid their dark journey.

Key Figures

Current Archon: Bastion Aurelian. A skilled leader chosen by the council, known for their wisdom and diplomatic prowess.  

Heads of Noble Families: Influential figures who play significant roles in the city's politics and governance.  

Renowned Scholars: Individuals dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the catacombs and preserving the city's intellectual heritage.

Antagonists

• Ouika cult: Father Ouika, Cleric, leader. Seeks dark knowledge and power.
  
• Blade of Wispers: Is a ghost that is looking to poses a fit body to excerpt his vengeance on the current Archon. He was framed for a murder and condemned to die.
  
• Rage for justice: Leader Grondell. Fighting social injustice using violent guerrilla tactics.
  
• Ekleipsis: An Half-elf Half-Dragon sorcerer. Wizard's assassin. Thinks it's unnatural for people to learn magic from books. A powerful and enigmatic figure capable of transforming into a blue dragon. The masked man harbors a deep hatred for wizards, believing only naturally gifted arcane casters should wield magic. His attacks on the wizards of Asvelgoth drive the main conflict of the adventure.
• Gaia Twins: Namrica and Samrica, 
• Dagger Waltz: Constansa Melora, Bard.
• Lady Vulture: Powerful witch, replaces victims heads with vulture heads. The subjects obey her without questioning.
• The protectors guild: Not an official guild but a mob group who offers protection for a high percentage of earnings to small traders, merchants and businesses. They run whorehouses and illegal bets like animals, monsters and other creature fight pits. The truth is it's the illegal and secret arm of House Valeria.