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Slew

Overview​

Slew — the Fragrant City — is one of the three great cities of the Greenwold, alongside Grayhaven and Stonefast. Built in the largest harbor in the Greenwold, Slew is a literal floating city: its numerous neighborhoods and wards are divided by canals, kept above water level by omnipresent magic runestones. It sits at the confluence where the mighty Green River turns brackish as it mingles with the Starless Mire at the edge of the Great Sea.

No city in the realm matches Slew for culture, food, and music — and none matches it for greed or corruption.

Atmosphere​

Smell overwhelms all other senses as you step off the rocking gondola onto the city streets. The rot of the swamp and smell of bog water mingles with the most fashionable perfumes, a dozen exotic spices, and the smell of frying food.

The sound of community bands on street corners, the slap of boat paddles, and the incessant chorus of swamp life drifts across the open waterways.

A barge rocks underfoot as you step off. A masked reveler invites you to join a riotous street festival. Sweltering humidity and watchful eyes makes the sweat drip down the back of your neck.

Notable Features​

  • The Canals: The city's neighborhoods float on canals, kept above water level by magic runestones. Navigation is by gondola and boat.
  • The Frozen Swamp (Winter): The wetlands surrounding Slew freeze solid in winter, creating stable trade roads where none would otherwise exist. The city's northern commerce depends on these seasonal routes remaining passable.
  • The Merchant Princes: Wealthy oligarchs — the unofficial governing power of the city — who keep themselves in power through port fees and commerce taxes. Individual Princes control specific routes and contracts.
  • The Talismonger Trade: Mystics from the surrounding swamps congregate in Slew, fueling a robust trade in talismans and folk magic.
  • The Music and Art Scene: Troubadours from all corners of the Greenwold fill the drinking halls and dining tents. The variety of cultures creates a vibrant blend of art and music — revelry is always the order of the day.

Notable Figures​

Connections​

  • One of the three great cities of the Greenwold, alongside Grayhaven and Stonefast
  • Starting location for the Keys of Wonder campaign (Session 000)
  • Sits at the confluence of the Green River and the Starless Mire, at the edge of the Great Sea
  • Northern trade routes lead to unnamed gem-trading villages
  • Road runs east from Slew through Fort Pratchett, Fort Prefect, and Fort Ohmu along the southern border
  • Site of The Catch Your Breath Inn

Recent Developments​

A string of organized crime has gripped the city, with hijackings of merchant ships and murders of prominent wealthy leaders. Rumors of an assassins guild circulate. Swamp-dwelling druids point a blaming finger at the corruption of the Merchant Princes; the governing council blames the magical underhandedness of witches.

Bounty hunters have also flocked to Slew following rumors of a deposed noble from the distant Elven lands hiding in the city under a new identity. His younger sister offers a fortune for his forced return.