City of Mystery

Neptaris is a strange city, indeed, filled with brigands and ne’er-do-wells. But it seems to also have an odd habit of avoiding the aggressions of its neighbors. For more years than time can count, the city has remained an independent city-state, despite the glares of avarice that it must suffer under from time to time. Some would tell you that this is because Neptaris is a city blessed by the gods; one merely need to tread the Maze for a moment to question that theory. Others would suggest that strong walls have kept back barbarian and Empire alike; but even the strongest walls must eventually fall. Yet others would say that it is due to the freedoms they enjoy as a democratic state; those people have never observed the Grand Assembly in the heights of inaction. The opinion of this author is that Neptaris has remained free because the riches that can be found within do not outweigh the darkness that can sometimes be found on its streets: other nations know it is wiser to keep wickedness at arm’s length than to rule it.

That being said, Neptaris is not evil in and of itself. Most of its inhabitants live out their lives in relative bliss. The Assembly honors Betshaba, the Wavequeen, above all other gods, but no one god is forced on the citizenry at the expense of others. Commerce is encouraged and success applauded. Personal freedom and justice for all citizens is assured by the government. Laws are just, if loose, and the governing fathers have even seen fit to set aside part of town for those who wish to ignore those laws.

Neptaris is truly a City of Mystery. Few know what the bowels of Lowtown hold or what occurs in the shadows of the marbled halls of government. Great adventures can be had and riches can be found, but so also can be found death and despair. This author has seen orcs eating the brains of their enemies and towering ice palaces in mountains so high even air is reluctant to remain. But few sights have impressed me so much as the sprawling City of Mystery in all its glory…and darkness.

Abelard de Montagne,

Exporations of the Northlands