A town carved into the very cliffs of the Rift Canyon, its buildings clinging precariously to the steep slopes, its defenses hewn from the unforgiving rock. A double-walled fortress, bristling with towers, ballistae, and catapults, a defiant fist raised against the unforgiving landscape and the ever-present threat of invasion.
Once a haven for bandits and outlaws, Riftcrag has known many masters. It has been ruled by orcs, gnolls, bugbears, and humans, each leaving their mark upon its history. Now, it cowers under the dominion of Iuz, the Old One, its people forced to serve his dark will.
Yet, even under the yoke of oppression, the spirit of Riftcrag endures. Its inhabitants are survivors, hardened by the harsh environment and the constant threat of danger. They are resourceful, cunning, and fiercely independent, their loyalty forged in the fires of conflict.
The town itself is a labyrinth of narrow streets and winding alleys, its buildings a patchwork of styles and eras. Taverns overflow with rough-edged adventurers and weary travelers, their tales weaving a tapestry of danger and intrigue. The markets bustle with trade, both legal and illicit, as merchants hawk their wares and thieves ply their trade in the shadows.
Beneath the town, a network of tunnels and caverns delve deep into the earth. Some are ancient mines, their veins of silver long since exhausted. Others are hidden lairs, home to monstrous creatures and forgotten cults. And still others are rumored to lead to the Underdark, that vast and shadowy realm beneath the surface world.
The town is ruled by Magistrate Cranzer, a cunning and ruthless short middle aged human who seized power in the aftermath of Iuz’s conquest. He maintains a tenuous grip on the town, balancing the demands of his Iuzian overlords with the needs of his people. His rule is one of iron, but not without a sense of pragmatism. He understands that Riftcrag’s survival depends on its ability to adapt and thrive, even under the shadow of the Old One.
Cranzer’s right hand is Xarthis, a human mage of considerable power. Xarthis serves as both advisor and enforcer, his arcane talents bolstering Cranzer’s authority and ensuring the loyalty of the populace. Xarthis is a master of illusion and enchantment, his spells weaving a web of control that few can resist.
The military strength of Riftcrag is a reflection of its precarious position. The town guard, numbering around 200, is a mix of orcs, goblins, and humans, their loyalty to Cranzer ensured through a combination of fear and reward. They are well-equipped, their armor and weapons bearing the mark of Iuzian craftsmanship. But their true strength lies in their knowledge of the terrain and their willingness to defend their home against any threat.
The population of Riftcrag is a diverse mix, numbering around 15,000 souls. Humans (Less than 2,000), orcs, goblins, and even a smattering of other races coexist within its walls, their differences overshadowed by a shared sense of survival. Merchants, artisans, laborers, and adventurers mingle in the town’s bustling markets and taverns, their lives intertwined in the tapestry of Riftcrag’s existence.