Sunmaw

In another age, a forgotten civilization built a grand colosseum, using it for a variety of festivals and events. No records exist of what became of its creators, as the arena is the only piece of their culture that survived. Its remote location and the canyon’s arid climate made the arena nothing more than a talking point for centuries, until 32 years ago when a group of exiled criminals found themselves on its doorstep. Fortunate enough to have procured a source of water, tools, and trade materials, the outlaws set up Sunmaw’s first shacks in the shadow of this arena. Within time, the site attracted the eyes of other unsavory characters, tempted by the freedom of laws and lawmen. They would make the trip through the canyon to construct homes of their own there as well. Today, Sunmaw has grown to a respectable size, with its own unique businesses, residents, and culture. It can be a welcome site to those traveling through the relentless heat of the canyon, though as many travelers do not stop to there as those that do. Sunmaw knows no walls, no laws, and no remorse.

Government

While it’s lauded that Sunmaw has no formal laws or government, its not entirely without order. In general, peace is maintained by a certain honor among thieves. While an occasional tavern brawl or fleeced traveler may be overlooked, blatant theft, murder, or other misdeeds don’t fair well with Sunmaw’s established residents. Egregious offenders find themselves at the mercy of an angry mob.The closest thing the town has to a ruler is the half-orc Thorn Twicemaul. Thorn is a wanted criminal himself, always seen with a pair of daggers at his sides and his half-giant bodyguards in tow. The half-orc operates with ruthless efficiency, and the town’s populace usual adheres to what he says during pivotal decisions. Upon Thorn’s word, those that cause too much chaos in town are sentenced to Sunmaw’s arena to fight for their lives.

Defences

Sunmaw is poorly equipped to defend itself. It has no walls, no army, and no scouts to alert it should an enemy approach. Its best defense is its location far from other civilized lands, in the center of an inhospitable canyon, although these factors wouldn’t stop a determined force from overtaking it. Should such a force appear on the horizon, its residents would be more likely to flee to safety than they would be to stand and defend the town.

Industry & Trade

Nothing is taboo to sell, say, or do in Sunmaw. Here travelers can indulge in its gaming houses, openly purchase weapons, poisons, and slaves, enjoy the company of prostitutes, or bet their coins on the lives of prisoners forced into the arena. Ironically, it can be quite difficult to procure some of the most mundane items of daily life here, given Sunmaw’s location. Water is at the top of that list. A cup of water currently costs 1 electrum piece, a price that has more than doubled during harsh droughts.

Type

Village

Population

960