Grotish
Grotish, situated on the western edge of the Grotish Desert and nestled at the foothills of the imposing Grotish Mountains, is a city of distinct districts, each with its own character and purpose.
Grotish, with its blend of wealth, vice, and moral ambiguity, is a city teetering on the edge of chaos. While it offers economic opportunities and a home for those who thrive in its shadows, it also stands as a symbol of moral degradation and the darker side of commerce within the empire.
Grotish's reputation as a city where one can indulge in their most depraved and immoral desires is well-earned. The city is a haven for various vices and underground activities, catering to a wide range of tastes and inclinations.
Government
Corrupt Government: Grotish's government is infamous for its corruption. Officials in key positions often turn a blind eye to illegal activities, as long as they receive their share of the profits. This has made the city a breeding ground for corruption, attracting individuals and organizations with morally ambiguous agendas.
Shady Organizations: Grotish's reputation as a haven for corruption and illicit activities has made it a magnet for various questionable organizations. These groups operate in secrecy, taking advantage of the city's lax enforcement and thriving underworld.
Industry & Trade
The city of Grotish's reputation as a hub for the open trade of slaves, along with its flourishing economy in spices, rare minerals, and black-market goods, has given it a rather complex and infamous character.
Slave Trade: Grotish's willingness to openly engage in the trade of slaves has made it a destination for those seeking to buy or sell individuals as commodities. The city's lax regulations and the involvement of corrupt officials have allowed this dark practice to persist, attracting slave traders and buyers from various regions.
The slave trade in Grotish is a dark and lucrative business, driven by demand for cheap labor, domestic servants, and even more sinister desires.
Main Traders:
The Black Chain Syndicate: The most notorious and influential slave traders in Grotish, The Black Chain Syndicate is known for its ruthless methods and extensive network. They control the majority of the city's slave trade and have connections with other criminal organizations across the empire.
The Silver Collar Traders: A rival faction to The Black Chain Syndicate, The Silver Collar Traders specialize in procuring exotic and high-value slaves. They often deal in skilled laborers, entertainers, and individuals with unique abilities.
Prices:
The price of a slave varies widely depending on factors such as age, skills, physical condition, and rarity. Common laborers may sell for as little as a few gold pieces, while highly skilled or exotic slaves can fetch thousands of gold coins.
Obtaining Slaves:
Slaves in Grotish are typically obtained through a variety of means:
Captive Warfare: Many slaves are prisoners of war, captured during conflicts in the empire or from neighboring regions.
Debt Bondage: Some individuals are forced into slavery due to insurmountable debts, often incurred through gambling or loans from unscrupulous lenders.
Criminal Punishment: Minor criminals may be sentenced to servitude as an alternative to imprisonment.
Abduction: Criminal organizations and unscrupulous individuals occasionally abduct unsuspecting victims to be sold into slavery.
Main Buyers:
Wealthy Aristocrats: Members of the city's elite often purchase slaves for household chores, entertainment, or as a status symbol.
Business Owners: Some business owners use slave labor to cut costs and maximize profits.
Criminal Enterprises: Criminal organizations may employ slaves for various illicit activities, including smuggling, theft, and espionage.
Most Common Types of Slaves:
Laborers: Unskilled laborers make up a significant portion of the slave population, used for tasks such as construction, mining, and agriculture.
Domestic Servants: Slaves are commonly used for household chores, cooking, cleaning, and childcare.
Entertainers: Talented individuals, such as musicians, dancers, and gladiators, may be forced into slavery to perform for the entertainment of others.
Treatment of Slaves:
Slaves in Grotish often endure harsh and degrading conditions. They are considered property and have no legal rights. Treatment varies widely, with some owners providing basic care while others subject slaves to physical abuse, deprivation, and cruelty. Slaves who attempt to escape or rebel face severe punishment, including torture or death.
While there are some abolitionist movements and individuals who oppose slavery in Grotish, they operate clandestinely due to the powerful and influential slave trade interests. Slavery remains deeply entrenched in the city's culture, and the fight for emancipation is a dangerous and difficult one.
Economic Pillars:
Spices: Grotish benefits from its strategic location near the Grotish Desert, which is home to unique spices coveted across the empire. The spice trade contributes significantly to the city's economic prosperity.
Rare Minerals: The nearby Grotish Mountains are a rich source of rare minerals, including precious gems and valuable ores. Mining operations in these mountains generate substantial wealth for the city.
Black Market: Grotish's reputation for corruption extends to its thriving black market. Here, all sorts of illicit goods, from forbidden magical artifacts to stolen treasures, change hands in the shadows. This underworld has attracted various clandestine organizations and black-market dealers.
Districts
The Ridges: This sprawling district stretches southward from the city's main road, lying entirely outside the city walls. The Ridges are known for their vastness and are home to a diverse population. Here, you'll find a mix of residential areas, markets, and various businesses catering to the needs of both locals and travelers.
Red Gate: Positioned just inside the southern city wall, Red Gate gets its name from the iconic red gate that serves as the primary entrance to the city. This district boasts a bustling main market square, the city's formidable citadel, and several notable shops, making it a hub of activity and commerce.
Bright Court: Located in the western part of the city within the protective walls, Bright Court is synonymous with luxury. It's primarily composed of upper-class residential housing, featuring elegant homes and well-maintained streets that showcase the city's affluence.
Winehook: Situated in the eastern portion of the walled city, Winehook is predominantly inhabited by the city's middle-class residents. It offers a mix of residential areas, small businesses, and local amenities that cater to the needs of its diverse populace.
The Crown: Nestled in the northernmost section within the city walls, The Crown is the enclave of the elite. This district is home to the city's wealthiest residents, and it exudes opulence and grandeur. Lavish mansions, extravagant gardens, and high society gatherings are common sights in this prestigious area.
Old Town: At the heart of the walled city lies Old Town, a district that holds historical significance. It's home to the serene Darkgreen Park, a respite for the city's inhabitants, as well as the revered Temple of Bane, which plays a vital role in the city's spiritual life.
Two Rocks: Situated outside the city's eastern wall, Two Rocks is a small development characterized by its simple charm. Named after the two large rocks that sit alongside the city wall, this area consists of a handful of houses and a guard post, serving as a buffer between the city and the surrounding wilderness.
Grotish's unique districts create a rich tapestry of culture, commerce, and history, making it a vibrant and diverse city at the crossroads of the desert and the mountains.
Guilds and Factions
In the city of Grotish, two prominent guilds, four major criminal organizations hold significant sway in the underworld:
Guilds:
The Thieves' Guild: This secretive organization is comprised of skilled burglars, pickpockets, and thieves who specialize in theft, espionage, and covert operations. They maintain a code of silence and are known for their strict hierarchy. The Thieves' Guild controls much of the city's illegal acquisitions and fencing of stolen goods.
The Alchemists' Consortium: While not inherently a criminal organization, the Alchemists' Consortium operates in a morally gray area. They produce and distribute various potions, elixirs, and substances, including some that may be considered illegal in other parts of the empire. They hold considerable influence due to their control over the city's drug trade.
Criminal Organizations:
The Crimson Blades: A ruthless and highly organized criminal syndicate, The Crimson Blades are known for their brutality and their focus on racketeering, extortion, and loan-sharking. They have a tight grip on Grotish's gambling dens, brothels, and protection rackets. The Crimson Blades are feared for their swift and brutal retribution against those who cross them.
The Nightshade Cartel: This enigmatic criminal organization specializes in the distribution of illicit substances, including narcotics, poisons, and magical concoctions. The Nightshade Cartel operates in the shadows, using a network of smugglers and dealers to maintain their stranglehold on Grotish's drug trade. Their true leaders are shrouded in mystery, and they are skilled at eluding law enforcement.
The Black Chain Syndicate: The most notorious and influential slave traders in Grotish, The Black Chain Syndicate is known for its ruthless methods and extensive network. They control the majority of the city's slave trade and have connections with other criminal organizations across the empire.
The Silver Collar Traders: A rival faction to The Black Chain Syndicate, The Silver Collar Traders specialize in procuring exotic and high-value slaves. They often deal in skilled laborers, entertainers, and individuals with unique abilities.
These guilds and criminal organizations have established a delicate balance of power in Grotish, each carving out their own niche in the city's underworld. Their activities thrive in the shadows, hidden from the prying eyes of law enforcement and the general populace.
Points of interest
The most prominent brothel in Grotish is known as the "Crimson Delights." It is a luxurious and opulent establishment that caters to the city's elite and those with a taste for extravagance. The Crimson Delights is renowned for its exquisite decor, impeccable service, and a wide selection of companions to suit various tastes and preferences.
The most prominent drug den in Grotish is known as the "Serpent's Lair." It's located in the heart of the Red Gate district, close to the city's main market square. The Serpent's Lair is infamous for being a hub of illicit substances and vices in the city.
The most prominent tavern in Grotish is "The Crimson Chalice." It's known as a place where people from all walks of life gather, making it a unique and diverse establishment within the city.
The most prominent Guild-House in Grotish is known as the "Shadowed Spire." This secretive and influential guild is renowned for its covert operations, espionage, and discreet services.
Tourism
Brothels: Grotish boasts some of the empire's most opulent and discreet brothels. Whether seeking companionship, exotic experiences, or forbidden pleasures, these establishments offer a variety of services to cater to all desires.
Drug Dens: The city is rife with establishments where one can acquire and partake in illicit substances. From mind-altering potions to exotic narcotics, Grotish's drug dens provide an escape from reality for those willing to indulge.
Taverns: Grotish's taverns are known for more than just their drinks. Many serve as fronts for various underground activities, from illegal gambling to secret meetings among criminal organizations. These establishments are often frequented by individuals with dubious intentions.
Guild-Houses: Beneath the surface of legitimate guilds and trade organizations lies a network of shadowy guild-houses catering to thieves, assassins, and other unsavory characters. These guilds offer services ranging from theft and espionage to contract killings.
Criminal Organizations: Grotish is home to a web of criminal organizations, each with its own specialty and agenda. These groups often clash in covert power struggles, seeking dominance over the city's illicit activities.
For those seeking to explore their darkest desires or engage in morally questionable pursuits, Grotish provides a setting where discretion and secrecy are paramount. However, it's important to remember that the city's underbelly is a dangerous place, where alliances are fragile, and betrayal is common. Visitors must tread carefully if they wish to navigate this world of vice and temptation.
Type
Large city
Inhabitant Demonym
Grotisian
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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