Amdaeng nods in agreement, " Well......so Blacksand.....even growing up in Fang I heard of how dangerous Blacksand was.....this could get interesting...."
There are many rumors about Port Blacksand. Most of them are around people disappearing, pirates, pickpockets, being taken advantage of, fake magic items, and the lawlessness of the place.
Some "facts" the group knows and can learn from the Mayor before retiring for the evening.
1. Port Blacksand is a Free City—But Only in Name
Despite being called a “free city,” Port Blacksand is ruled by Lord Azzur, an authoritarian tyrant who maintains order through intimidation and ruthless policing. The city is not part of any kingdom or empire, making it a haven for outlaws, exiles, and fugitives.
2. It Was Once a Prosperous Port—Now It’s a Den of Vice
Port Blacksand was originally built as a legitimate trading port, strategically located on the western coast. Over time, as lawlessness and corruption festered, it devolved into a hub of piracy, smuggling, and criminal enterprise. Today, honest traders avoid it, and adventurers are warned to enter at their own risk.
3. The City is Divided into Lawless Districts
Port Blacksand is a patchwork of dangerous, self-governed districts, each with its own gangs, rules, and dangers. Some are controlled by thieves' guilds or dark cults; others are simply ruled by whoever has the most muscle that week. No one—not even Lord Azzur—has total control over all areas.
4. The City Guard Enforces Brutal “Order”
The City Guard wear black armor with silver trim and are known for arbitrary punishments, cruelty, and corruption. They answer directly to Lord Azzur and serve more as enforcers than protectors. Many use their power to extort, imprison, or execute at will.
5. Nicodemus the Wizard Lives in the City’s Slums
One of the few beacons of hope (or mystery) in Port Blacksand is the reclusive and powerful wizard Nicodemus. Though retired, he holds ancient knowledge and is sought after by those desperate enough to brave the city’s madness.
The gnome healer smiles at you. "Doing what Owen asks and doing what you can to help our town, or what is left of it, would certainly be payment enough."
Lev's frown deepens as the mayor rushes in and addresses them as friends before listing out his town's problems. Is there someone among them who this man knows? Why else would he come running to them for help... or are they just the first group of outsiders to come since this ordeal began. Sighing, Lev pushes away the first thoughts that came to mind. It doesn't really matter why the mayor singled them out, after all this has to do with the cult they are currently working against so its kind of their responsibility to help however they can.
"No one should be asked to sacrifice a family member," he says quietly. "We will do what we can."
His fist tightens at the mention of Blacksand, but he doesn't say anything even in response to Amdaeng's comment about the city. Everyone knew how dangerous the place was, and there were possibilities he'd rather not consider at the moment.
Well, they might have to worry about people going missing in the night, but at least Amdaeng and Iolinder got the healing they needed. Perhaps tomorrow Lev could bring up his questions. Maybe. After putting it off for so long he wasn't sure there would ever be a good time to ask. He isn't even sure how to ask anymore, or what to ask for that matter.
Finally retiring to his room, he finds it difficult to get to sleep at first. Once sleep took him though he slept like a rock only to jolt awake in the morning, shivering and panting before fingering and eventually staring at his amulet. He stares wide eyed for a moment, fist slowly closing around the cold metal as his mind wanders.
(The mayor can answer some questions you might have before retiring for the night, and you can choose to interact with some of the others in the Inn if you so choose.)
The mayor gives you a few additional things, which may or may not help you:
-A Merchants License
-Bribe money:100 gold
-A letter authorizing entry into the city as emissaries of Silverton.
He is not sure if any of these will work, as each group of guards works differently daily.
Lira watches Lev quietly as the mayor finishes, her gaze lingering on the hard line of his jaw. She understands that kind of tension, that mix of dread and determination gnawing at the edge of your thoughts. When the mayor hands them the bribe and the papers, she raises an eyebrow but says nothing at first.
“We’ll have to read the room when we reach the gates. Guards like these usually care more about how you carry yourself than what's written on paper. Still, better to have a variety of options.”
She doesn’t mention how familiar the politics of entry, bribery, and shifting allegiances feel. Or how the idea of going to Blacksand makes her stomach twist with unease. Instead, she rests a hand briefly on Lev’s arm as she passes. “We’ll figure it out. And we’ll make sure no one else ends up a sacrifice.”
Amdaeng nods in agreement, " Well......so Blacksand.....even growing up in Fang I heard of how dangerous Blacksand was.....this could get interesting...."
There are many rumors about Port Blacksand. Most of them are around people disappearing, pirates, pickpockets, being taken advantage of, fake magic items, and the lawlessness of the place.
Some "facts" the group knows and can learn from the Mayor before retiring for the evening.
1. Port Blacksand is a Free City—But Only in Name
Despite being called a “free city,” Port Blacksand is ruled by Lord Azzur, an authoritarian tyrant who maintains order through intimidation and ruthless policing. The city is not part of any kingdom or empire, making it a haven for outlaws, exiles, and fugitives.
2. It Was Once a Prosperous Port—Now It’s a Den of Vice
Port Blacksand was originally built as a legitimate trading port, strategically located on the western coast. Over time, as lawlessness and corruption festered, it devolved into a hub of piracy, smuggling, and criminal enterprise. Today, honest traders avoid it, and adventurers are warned to enter at their own risk.
3. The City is Divided into Lawless Districts
Port Blacksand is a patchwork of dangerous, self-governed districts, each with its own gangs, rules, and dangers. Some are controlled by thieves' guilds or dark cults; others are simply ruled by whoever has the most muscle that week. No one—not even Lord Azzur—has total control over all areas.
4. The City Guard Enforces Brutal “Order”
The City Guard wear black armor with silver trim and are known for arbitrary punishments, cruelty, and corruption. They answer directly to Lord Azzur and serve more as enforcers than protectors. Many use their power to extort, imprison, or execute at will.
5. Nicodemus the Wizard Lives in the City’s Slums
One of the few beacons of hope (or mystery) in Port Blacksand is the reclusive and powerful wizard Nicodemus. Though retired, he holds ancient knowledge and is sought after by those desperate enough to brave the city’s madness.
The gnome healer smiles at you. "Doing what Owen asks and doing what you can to help our town, or what is left of it, would certainly be payment enough."
Lev's frown deepens as the mayor rushes in and addresses them as friends before listing out his town's problems. Is there someone among them who this man knows? Why else would he come running to them for help... or are they just the first group of outsiders to come since this ordeal began. Sighing, Lev pushes away the first thoughts that came to mind. It doesn't really matter why the mayor singled them out, after all this has to do with the cult they are currently working against so its kind of their responsibility to help however they can.
"No one should be asked to sacrifice a family member," he says quietly. "We will do what we can."
His fist tightens at the mention of Blacksand, but he doesn't say anything even in response to Amdaeng's comment about the city. Everyone knew how dangerous the place was, and there were possibilities he'd rather not consider at the moment.
Well, they might have to worry about people going missing in the night, but at least Amdaeng and Iolinder got the healing they needed. Perhaps tomorrow Lev could bring up his questions. Maybe. After putting it off for so long he wasn't sure there would ever be a good time to ask. He isn't even sure how to ask anymore, or what to ask for that matter.
Finally retiring to his room, he finds it difficult to get to sleep at first. Once sleep took him though he slept like a rock only to jolt awake in the morning, shivering and panting before fingering and eventually staring at his amulet. He stares wide eyed for a moment, fist slowly closing around the cold metal as his mind wanders.
(The mayor can answer some questions you might have before retiring for the night, and you can choose to interact with some of the others in the Inn if you so choose.)
The mayor gives you a few additional things, which may or may not help you:
-A Merchants License
-Bribe money:100 gold
-A letter authorizing entry into the city as emissaries of Silverton.
He is not sure if any of these will work, as each group of guards works differently daily.
Lira watches Lev quietly as the mayor finishes, her gaze lingering on the hard line of his jaw. She understands that kind of tension, that mix of dread and determination gnawing at the edge of your thoughts. When the mayor hands them the bribe and the papers, she raises an eyebrow but says nothing at first.
“We’ll have to read the room when we reach the gates. Guards like these usually care more about how you carry yourself than what's written on paper. Still, better to have a variety of options.”
She doesn’t mention how familiar the politics of entry, bribery, and shifting allegiances feel. Or how the idea of going to Blacksand makes her stomach twist with unease. Instead, she rests a hand briefly on Lev’s arm as she passes. “We’ll figure it out. And we’ll make sure no one else ends up a sacrifice.”