Sasserine: Shadowshore (Old City / the Slums)
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Shadowshore is a poor, rat-infested district of Sasserine, commonly known as the Old City and the Slums. Although relatively small, Shadowshore is the poorest and most notorious city district. This strip of land nestled in the shadow of Champions District used to be in far better condition during the days when the city was a colony of Kendar.

However, since the Uprising, Shadowshore has become a haven for thieves, thugs, and criminals of every stripe. Generally, the only people who live here are those poor enough that their homes hold no attraction to thieves, or those who can ably protect their property with either wits or muscle. The city watch has all but given up on Shadowshore, and as long as nothing particularly destructive arises, such as fires or riots, they generally leave it to govern itself.

The self-proclaimed "leader" of this district and its representative on the Dawn Council is Emil Dracktus; a nefarious local figure.

The Black Market


While Sasserine’s markets and shops feature a wide range of goods and services, some are not offered in the light of day. Those seeking hard drugs, dangerous animals, evil magic, slaves, or cheap stolen goods won’t find them for sale in sight of the city watch. Yet this does not mean these goods and services aren’t for sale. Sasserine has a strong black market, with venues located in all seven districts.

In order to gain access to the black market, a character must first make a DC 20 Gather Information check to learn the current location of that district’s black market. In Azure District and Shadowshore, this is only a DC 15 Gather Information check, while in Champion’s or Noble District, it’s a DC 25 check. The black market is all but suppressed in Cudgel District—it’s a DC 30 Gather Information check to find an outlet there. Failing this check by 5 or more indicates that the district watch hears of the character’s interests in obtaining illegal goods and services; the results of this failure depend upon the nature of that district’s watch.

Although the black market has no restrictions on the type of its goods or services, it is still bound by Sasserine’s gold piece limit of 40,000. A character who wishes to buy something in excess of this value must either travel to a larger city or enlist the aid of an agent or importer to have the item purchased and delivered from elsewhere. An agent typically charges a 5% finder’s fee for such services.

Thieves’ Guilds


During the period when the city was ruled by the Republic of Kendar, aggressive law enforcement made Thieves’ Guilds virtually impossible to operate. But now that Sasserine has regained its independence, the city is seeing a renaissance of organized crime.

At this point, there are several small gangs active here, but most seem more interested in fighting each other for dominance. The city watch keeps a wary eye on the activities of these various gangs but does little to intervene; as long as they don’t endanger innocent citizens.

It is Sasserine's worst-kept secret that all criminal activity in Shadowshore comes under the control of Emil Dracktus, who takes a generous cut of all black market profits. Draktus is the closest thing the city has in the way of a "crime-boss," but his influence in underworld activities is quite deep.

Word on the street, however, is that a new group called the "Lotus Dragons" has recently established itself as a force to be reckoned with. While the Lotus Dragons have yet to make their presence known to the city watch of Sasserine, the fact that minor organized crime activity has been tapering off over the last year lends validity to these rumors.

City Watch


The true slums of Sasserine, Shadowshore is where the desperate come to hide or die. The smallest of the districts, it is easy for citizens of other districts to look the other way from the trouble that commonly brews here. Members of the City Guard who prove unruly or insubordinate are often re-assigned to Shadowshore; more as a punishment than anything else.

Corruption is rife among the Shadowshore Watch—most of its officers are known to be in the pocket of Draktus and his black market accomplices. Only the most blatant of crimes, such as murder, arson, public assaults, and other highly-visible offenses, are acted upon. This lawlessness makes Shadowshore a haven for Sasserine's nastiest criminal elements. The City Watch barely manages 20 guardsmen in this district, giving its streets an empty and lawless feel.

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Citizens


Shadowshore is where the dregs of Sasserine seep down into. Most residents who grew up here are so wretchedly poor they cannot afford to live anywhere else in the city. If you grew up in Shadowshore, then you have certainly seen your fair share of dead bodies — they often turn up in dark alleys or floating in the harbor.

If you're not the thuggish type, then you have probably developed a knack for hiding and fighting dirty. You may have worked for one of the few legitimate businesses located here, but most likely you are a true child of the streets. Faith is hard to come by in Shadowshore, but if you are a cleric, then you probably worship S'Thar, and you hope and pray that the Goddess of Thieves watches over you at night on the dangerous streets of this part of town.

Notable NPCs:


Emil Dracktus, Viggo Deveran

SHADOWSHORE BONUS FEAT


Child of the Shadow [General] You were raised in the streets and back alleys of Shadowshore and have refined several talents and tricks valuable to survival in this neighborhood.

Benefit: You know Sasserine’s black market quite well, and need not make checks to locate its outlets. Further, in other cities, you have a knack for rooting out the underground markets. You gain a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks made to learn about a city’s black markets. Growing up on the filthy streets of Shadowshore has also taught you with several tricks you can use to ensure survival. You gain a +2 bonus on Initiative checks in urban environments. You are also adept at fighting in confined areas, such as narrow city alleyways or crowded taprooms. Enemies cannot gain cover from you if they are in your reach; you can thus attack someone around a corner without penalty. A creature with total cover from you still receives all benefits of his cover