Den
Large Town
Territory 3000 square miles
Population 3224 (20% Saurian, 10% Half-Orc, 20% Nezumi, 5% Halfling, 5% Tiefling, 10% Gnoll, 10% Human, 10% Killoren, 10% Other)
History
Although the town of Den is relatively new, there has been some form of settlement near the Southern Coil Cascade, where the Flame-wall River joins the Southern Serpent-run River. Even during the time of the Fomorian Empire, the location held a small city with a defensible fortress.
The fall of the Fomorian Empire saw the city abandoned and in only a few decades the jungles of the Verdant Reach reclaimed the area, rotting away all woodwork and cracking the mighty stones used in its construction. Unlike many other locations, those who resettled the area later had no idea the location had already been inhabited before.
Throughout the following centuries, the location would be resettled many times. Fishing towns, hunter’s camps and tribal villages sprang up and disappeared, mostly after wars or natural disasters.
The town now known as Den was initially settled by refugees from both Amon and Azul. Most were slaves from Amon, looking for a free and peaceful life and lesser merchants from Azul trying to escape politics, intrigue and personal debt. The location is rich in resources and lies at a natural crossroads for trade between various city states. Den quickly grew into an influential and rich town and was on its way to becoming another powerful city state. This changed when a river pirate named Zeph Draegan attacked and conquered Den. In just a few years the town changed from a bustling trade port into a den of thieves and cutthroats most merchants tried to avoid. Captain Draegan was eventually hung by his own men after which the town dissolved into anarchy even further.
Architecture
Den mostly consists of small wooden buildings, positioned ramshackle throughout the settlement. Streets are narrow and dirty. The largest buildings are the numerous inns, brothels and gambling halls for which Den is famous.
Den is built in a large depression next to the Southern Serpent-run River. In the rainy season the town often floods, so most buildings are built on stilts, with the entrance a few feet above street level. Most buildings also have a roof access and when flooded buildings will be connected through wooden planks on each roof. This is often referred to as taking the high road.
Den has no wall to protect it. The jungle runs up to the edge of the depression in which the town is built.
Culture
Den is home to outlaws, thieves, bandits and runaway slaves. There is no authority or law in Den. Those few merchants and artisans that dare to live in Den hire mercenaries to guard their stores and homes. Similarly, the taverns, brothels and gambling halls have several bouncers to keep their customers in line.
Crime of all sorts is common in Den and only a visitor’s strength, cunning and reputation can keep him safe.
Den is famous for its nightlife. Drinking and gambling are a way of life in the town. It is said that whatever your pleasure may be, Den is the place to find it.
Religion
There is no official religion in Den. There are no official shrines or temples. The religions practiced are as varied as the people that live here.
Army
Den has no army or city guards. While there are always mercenary companies, pirate crews and bandit gangs present in the city, they would require a lot of gold to come to the towns defense. Most would just flee if the town ever came under attack.
Relationships
Most other cities see Den as a nuisance, a place where their fugitives go to disappear. Many known pirate crews and bandit gangs operate from the town, which further antagonizes those in power in other cities. So far, these inconveniences have not yet surpassed the cost of permanently dealing with the town.
Raids from Amon, Akek and even Azul have happened in the past, but have mostly been ineffective. As soon as the raid began the town emptied into the jungle, with no-one even attempting to resist. While the town was burned down several times, it was rebuilt in no-time after the raiders left.
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