Tourism
For visitors with lots of coin and the willingness to spend it, a stay in Ramshackle can actually be quite luxurious. There are plenty of high-end establishments catering to the wealthy, particularly in the East Ward. Additionally, Ramshackle is such a cultural melting pot that a tourist can try exotic experiences from many far-flung corners of the world, all in one convenient place. The relaxed laws of the city also allow a guest to partake in experiences that would be considered illegal or morally reprehensible in their homeland.
Unsurprisingly then, Ramshackle is never short of visitors, not a few of whom become so enamoured with the city they ultimately apply for citizenship.
The following are just some of the places a person might visit while in Ramshackle.
The Bellhouses
Ramshackle’s three so-called “bellhouses” are among its most unique landmarks, each combining a bell tower and a lighthouse in one building. Each bellhouse stands alone in the middle of an artificial lagoon, atop a stone column that descends to the ocean floor. Long, narrow footbridges of stone connect each to one or two neighbouring districts.
Every thirty minutes, a period of time known as a “bell”, the bellhouse keepers chime the great sonorous bells. The sound can be heard across the city and for some distance across the surrounding water, particularly on a clear day. During the day, alchemical fuel is delivered to the each bellhouse, where it is taken up to the top of the tower via a water pump-powered elevator.
As dusk falls, the keepers fill the huge brazier at the top of the bellhouse with the fuel and set it alight. These great flames help sailors navigate toward the city at night, yet also serve as a warning: Once the light of the bellhouses is seen, a ship’s captain knows they can’t sail much further before they must cast anchor and hold position until dawn. During the hours of darkness, no visiting ship is permitted to approach within 3 nautical miles (approximately 3 and a half miles) of the city. Indeed, doing so is considered an act of espionage under the city’s laws.
The Blissfull Lilly
The most distinguished and reputable house of assignation in all of Ramshackle, the Blissful Lilly caters to almost every want and need. Whether a person wants company, entertainment, straightforward lust, or to satisfy a particular and unusual kink, the courtesans of the Blissful Lilly go out of their way to accommodate. Provided the guest can afford the expense, of course; and provided they remain safe.
The proprietor of the establishment is a intergender turtlefolk named Nulka. On any given visit to their establishment customers may meet Nulka’s feminine or masculine side.. On feminine days they wear extravagant makeup and glittering arm bangles, accept both feminine and gender-neutral pronouns, and like to be called Mama Nulka. On masculine days, they wear silk scarves and fine hats, accept both masculine and gender-neutral pronouns, and like to be referred to as Papa Nulka. Nulka is a former adventurer, and quite capable of enforcing the rules of their own establishment. They treat their employees well, and defends them fiercely—with a berserker fury, if necessary.
The Blissful Lilly’s most popular (and therefore most expensive) courtesans are gorgeous water-planetouched twins named Jared and Lora Nytar. Both will see all kinds of clients, though never together.
The Coral Palace
The coral palace is always worth a visit, though tourists aren't allowed inside. Constructed to serve as a home for the ambassadorial contingent from the neighbouring triton nation, the palace was a joint effort between Ramshackle and triton craftsmen. Above the surface, the coral palace appears to be a tower, which causes some confusion among first-time visitors. Nevertheless, it is one of the grandest edifices of the city and one of relatively few buildings with walls built from stone. From bottom to top the tower's walls are lined with iridescent shells. This part of the palace is the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, for the majority of the embassy is actually below the waterline. The underwater portion of the coral palace is formed from living coral, its growth accelerated and guided by triton druids. For 3 silver pieces, a tourist can take one of six seats in a bathysphere provided to the city by the House of Hermetics and descend below the waves to see the coral palace from below. Descents occur every 20 minutes, and last ten minutes each.
The Deep One's Shrine
It’s a well-publicised fact that the shrine on the island at Ramshackle’s heart is just the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of years ago, Firemane found a secret way down into labyrinthine tunnels below. She has never said exactly what she found down there, but she definitely found something. Something powerful and magical. How else could a human have lived so long, and displayed such strange new powers as she has subsequently demonstrated? Some speculate Fireman found the Deep One itself, or a conduit through which she spoke to it. Others guess that she found an artefact or relic of some kind.
Adventurers have sought to replicate Firemane’s journey below the shrine many times over the passing years. Technically there’s no rule prohibiting a visit to Shrine Island, nor exploring underneath. Firemane doesn’t seem to care if anyone follows in her footsteps. In practice getting to the island in the first place a bit of a trial, because the city bans all vessels from entering the Kraken’s Eye except for special events. Anyone wishing to explore there must arrive at the island by an alternative means: swimming the distance, perhaps, or magically conveying themselves through the water or the sky.
Most who venture to the island are unable to find the entrance to the Deep Shrine and leave disappointed. Other more capable adventurers are assumed to have found the entrance. Assumptions are all anyone can make, however, since no one but Firemane has ever returned from the Deep Shrine once they entered.
Still, this only means that whatever treasures await down there are still ready for the taking, along with the magical possessions of adventurers who’ve gone before! Adventurers visiting Ramshackle may be very tempted by the prospects of the Deep Shrine, in spite of the clear risks.
The Deepwalk
One of Ramshackle's most famous marvels, the Deepwalk is an underwater tunnel that passes between the West and East Wards. Its construction was a combined effort between artificers of the House of Hermetics and wizards from Veilbreaker's Lodge.
The Deepwalk is a series of rounded clear glass panels that form a tube between East and West Ward. These are held together by strong girders and rivets. Pedestrians walk along a wrought iron walkway suspended in the middle of the tunnel, and can enjoy an unparalleled view of the teeming aquatic world below the city, the Iron Tangle, and the occasional Coralcoat Manta patrolling the waters.
Visitors must pass a tollbooth at either end of the Deepwalk to enter, but the toll is minimal. Entrance to the walk costs 1 copper piece per person.
The Filleted Fish
This tavern is joint-owned by a pair of half-brothers, Emon (a human) and Randall (a half-orc) Brunt. Many years ago, the two brothers had a very public falling out and in a fit of childish fury Emon painted a line across the taproom using lime wash. The Filleted Fish became an overnight sensation, packed every day following with customers eager to see what drama would play out next.
The brothers’ feud goes on to this very day, although in truth it has evolved into theatre. The pair realised their famous rivalry was the tavern’s unique selling point, and have kept it up in public. These days the bisected taproom has two separate bars and entirely different wait staff. The two owners shout across to their brother’s customers, trying to poach them with discounts. For this reason the Filleted Fish is a very competitively priced establishment, but the Brunt brothers make up for any losses through sheer foot traffic.
Greenbeard's Colosseum
Retiring from piracy with considerable riches, the firbolg Greenbeard had no intention of simply settling down. Instead, he petitioned Ramshackle’s ruling council for permission to establish a Colosseum. For the last twenty-one years, the Colosseum has been providing thrilling entertainment to the city’s populace. Colosseum matches are intended to be nonlethal, though accidents do occur. All participants are given an iron amulet shaped like a shield. These reusable charms draw on the wearer’s own strength to protect them: each can create magical shields that absorb hit points equal to half the wearer’s normal maximum. The gladiator still experiences physical feedback, but the pain is significantly reduced to nothing more than an electric tingle. Once a charm’s capacity is absorbed, it goes black and the wearer has lost.
The Colosseum floats to the North-West of Gull District, and can only be reached by boat. It is separated from the rest of the District to ensure that the dangerous beasts kept for the games can’t escape into the city. The Colosseum operates twice weekly, between the 5th and 6th watches.
Also located within the Colosseum are two shrines: one each for the God of Battle and the God of Games. The priests who oversee these shrines are on standby during the games to deal with any injury.
The House of Hermetics
Located in the Gull District of North Ward, the House of Hermetics is a guild of artificers, alchemists, and other dabblers in pseudo-magical sciences. House members have contributed to many of the city’s wonders. Several such wonders are found at the House itself:
A prototype 80 ft.-long dirigible sits on the roof of the House. Visiting VIPs are sometimes taken up into the sky to show off the prototype and an enviable view over Ramshackle.
For 5 silver pieces, a member of the public can join an hour-long tour of the House’s Museum of Marvels.
For 5 gold pieces per half-hour (to a maximum of four hours), a party of up to six people can take advantage of one of the House’s five bathyspheres. These are large spherical submersible devices with a viewport on four sides. Comfortably furnished with a table in the centre surrounded by a round, sumptious settee, the bathyspheres are perfect for enjoying the view of the ocean and Iron tangle below Ramshackle. They’re also perfect for holding completely private meetings.
If Wishes Were Fishes
Rumours tell of a strange shop hidden down a dead-end alley somewhere in the Skaa District. There is no signage: just the curious phrase “If Wishes Were Fishes” painted above the door.The door is locked (and if any curious rogue picks the lock, they find the two room building beyond is utterly empty and latered with dust.
According to the rumours, a person can push an offering through the letterbox and whisper a wish to the slot. If the offering is considered valuable enough to whatever mysterious force is listening, the person’s wish will come true.
The Regal
When the wealthiest elites pay a visit to Ramshackle, the Regal is their preferred home away from home. This hotel, located on the marina’s edge overlooking the Kraken’s Eye, offers the height of luxury. One of the Regal’s many draws is its innovative system of plumbing, installed at astronomical expense with the help of cunning artificers from the House of Hermetics. The water supply draws water from the ocean below but by means of magical contrivance converts the water into hot, fresh water suitable for bathing in the princely tub in each guest’s room.
The Regal also has a restaurant on the ground floor which primarily serves Viandr cuisine (our world’s equivalent would be French cuisine). Non-guests are able to dine there, but will be turned away at the door if they lack cleanliness and class.
Rum Bouillon
A tavern a stone’s throw away from the Halls of Polity, Rum Bouillon is frequented by city officials and wealthy residents from the Dolphin District. It has earned its reputation as one of the most exclusive places to dine thanks to its focus on high quality meat and vegetable dishes. They use only the highest grade supplies, imported to the city on ice. Rumour has it that there is even a secret even-more-premium menu, from which a diner can order exotic monster meats. Supposedly, Chef Kanda was exiled from her original home for shouting at her former monarch when they over-salted her perfectly prepared dish.
A More Righteous Ramshackle?
Ramshackle's relaxed laws mean that a number of things are considered acceptable in the city that places with stricter morals and laws might frown upon. This includes violent blood sports and the oldest profession. These things are touched upon in the guide, but it's up to you whether to include them in your personal version of the floating city, and how.
You should feel absolutely free to remove aspects of the city that are unsuitable for your group, or fade them into the background so that they exist but are never part of your story. You can also leave them in but turn the morality dial upward. For instance, establishments like the Blissful Lilly may offer companionship and entertainment, but nothing else.
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