Situated in southeast Dornig near the Ironcrag Cantons where the Bone Road emerges from the blasted lands of the Great Wastes, Salzbach was once the home of a fourth major branch of the Imperatrix’s family tree. The Salzbachs of the Red Tower were wiped out to the last individual in a single large incursion of abominations out of the Great Waste some 160 years ago. The area around the city of Salzbach was devastated, and despite the incursion being driven back, monstrosities still inhabit the deeper caves and darker woods of the region. The city survived a massive siege by the creatures of darkness only through the actions of its townsfolk, who held out until relief forces arrived bringing Reywald mages and Hirschberg swords.
The fall of the house of Salzbach immediately created friction between the other houses as they sought to claim the Salzbach holdings. Rather than endure civil dissension, the crown claimed all the Salzbach lands, which they in turn distributed in bits and pieces as the years passed. Salzbach itself was awarded to the people who stopped the abominations in their tracks.
As a result, Salzbach is considered a Free City in Dornig, largely independent of the various houses and owing fealty only to the crown. Its various guilds elect a lord guildmaster who reports to the Imperial Court. No member of a noble household can be made guildmaster, and the lord guildmaster is held personally responsible for what happens in Salzbach. The position of lord guildmaster is usually taken by an individual seeking to improve the city, or a scoundrel seeking to grab as much as he or she can before being caught.
There have been seven lord guildmasters in the past 10 years. Three died mysteriously in office, two were found guilty of corruption and executed, one married into nobility and thereby had to step down, and one was last seen heading for Zobeck with several bags of embezzled jewels
Rydney Blynth .
The current office-holder,
Michoda Swanne , was once the leader of the Company of Lorekeepers, little more than a thieves’ guild that traffics in old artifacts. She is a twisted old spider of a woman who puts on airs of civility, but who keeps information about everyone and anyone who trades in Salzbach.
Salzbach is an open city where the hand of the Imperatrix rests lightly. Dirty deals are made here and dark secrets are kept. Because of the Company of Lorekeepers, Salzbach is under continual observation by agents of the Lords Arcane, who wish to know what goes where (and perhaps take it for themselves). Sudden deaths and mysterious disappearances are common, and
anyone of note keeps a house outside the heavy city walls and a handful of capable and well-paid mercenaries to act as bodyguards. Visitors to the city are advised to keep a careful eye on their belongings, their investments, and their relatives when in town.
10,000 humans
1,500 elfmarked
500 dwarf
Salt, antiquities from the Great Waste and Arbonesse, precious metals, grain, beer
