Midgard is vast and filled with different peoples, each one a potential heritage for your adventuring party members. Consider this your invitation to gaze to the southern horizon, keep your bow at the ready, and embrace the stalwart resilience of the Magdar people! While they may lack the democratic pluck of their cousins in Zobeck, or those gearforging innovations, this region offers many proud and valiant heritiges.
Runkelstad
Nearly twice the size of Zobeck, the city of Runkelstad thrives along the north-central border of the kingdom. Mundane trade routes bring barges along the rivers, and wagon caravans bear trade goods from every point on the compass. Traders attempting the hard northern routes or rolling south towards Rumela use its professional ferry guild, and the Riverside Dockworkers’ Guild loads and unloads holds with renowned efficiency. They would never say it loudly, but residents feel their home has a stronger claim on the title “Crossroads City” than their clockwork cousin to the northwest.
Refined and Elegant
Runkelstad lounges at the convergence of the Argent and Cirkno rivers, beneath the vigilant towers of the Three Brothers, the hilltop citadels looming on the northern bank. Nestled in the joint of the currents, on a fortified island, is the College of Wands. This arcane academy forges reputedly dapper and capable royal battle-wizards, wearing distinct crimson jackets trimmed in white and gold and holstered ebony wands.
Rising over the skyline, at the summit of the largest hill in the city, is Duchess Baretta’s regular home and Queen Dorytta’s summer residence, the Rose Palace. Its manicured floral gardens host spring and summer parties that mark the start and end of the social season. These elegant affairs draw noble house members, aspiring merchants’ sons and daughters, polished knights, and students from the College. All who come seek alliances, intrigue, knowledge, and marriage partners during a hundred days of dinners, literary readings, musical performances, dances, tournaments, and competitions.
Less formal than the Dornitian court or the Imperatrix’s Movable Feast, and definitely less cutthroat than the Courts of the Shadow Fey, the aspiring Magdar rising classes often have packed calendars with a city full of artisans, merchants, and willing laborers to support it. Were Cronepisht ever to fall to Mharoti aggression (Khors forbid!), Runkelstad would take the capital crown with a casual and ready ease.
Cosmopolitan and Worldly
The city hosts active temples to both Sarastra and Thoth-Hermes. The city’s shadow road, the aptly named Black Road, crosses the Cloudwalls to the north and connects with the path ending at the Wolfmark’s borders. These places of worship mean Shadow fey and Nurians maintain enclaves interested in city affairs.
A prominent rookery of ravenfolk from Vidim has grown, nearly rivaling the size of the fey population. These sights, combined with commanderies of the Order of the Undying Sun, and the Order of the Storm, visiting emissaries from Dornig, Perunalia, and the Septime lands, skulking agents of the Blood Kingdom, the Mharoti, and Niemheim infernalists, create a heady environment that is equal parts bucolic, intimate, and cultured.
THe city’s almost completely human citizenry revel in this situation. Fads from distant realms occasionally overtake social circles as travelers return with unusual foods or goods which prompt waves of adventures to brave the many shadow portals on rushed quests. Still, goods like traditional rosewater perfume or honeyed fruits remain constant favorites.
Runkelstad hosts more beekeepers than any other place south of Björnrike. Five generations ago, the queen sent twenty locals to learn the secrets of the bearfolk apiarists of the old king of Bjeornheim and they brought back secrets aplenty. No one ever reported what they took with them in exchange for those secrets.
Runkelstad Heritage
You count the City of Wands and Roses as your home. Love it or hate it, you know all about its social elements and various circles. You might have spent time serving party guests meals, bussing tables as the well-to-do nattered nearby, or even attended as a guest, a family participant, or unwilling entourage member. Regardless, you have the fine stitching of this city incorporated into your fabric. Your manner and skills reflect it.
College Try. The College of Wands looms large in the everyday life of Runkelstad’s people. You’ve learned of magic and its quirks, even if you lack spellcasting ability. You are proficient with the Arcana skill and double your PB on checks regarding wizards and enchantment effects.
Social Adept. Surrounded by the machinations of Runkelstad’s social season, you either participated, serving as staff to events, or went as an attendee. Choose one of these skills: Deception, Insight, or Persuasion. You are proficient with it, reflecting your regular interactions listening or weaving your words. Double your PB when using your chosen skill at a party.
Languages. You know Common and one additional language of your choice. Typical Runkelstad heritage members choose Dwarvish, Draconic, or Kariv, representing the most common minorities in Magdar. You might also know Elvish, Nurian, or Huginn’s Speech, as folks have regular interactions with those enclaves in Runkelstad.
Story Seed: Flames That Never Die
The family of a PC’s former lover has grown wealthy through trade. When the PC and companions return to Runkelstad just before the start of the social season, the character receives a heartfelt invitation to the Duchess’s Opening Gala and multiple events hosted by the old love interest’s family.
However, the scion of this rising merchant clan is the anointed chosen of the season, facing a wave of interests and suitors, all of whom see the characters as threats, rivals, and unpolished bumpkin rat catchers.
Parts of the PC’s own family still live in Runkelstad, and so the character cannot simply opt out. The damage this would do to the clan’s social standing would be incalculable. Will the PC respond to the former flame’s affections, arrange a suitable substitute, or possibly end up with blood on their hands before the summer ends?
The trees are always watching in The Old Margreve! This detailed sourcebook
tells of the dangers and adventure awaiting in the ancient magical forest.
It includes a complete adventure story path from levels 1–10!
Read more at this site