Aranthaes Overview

The City of Aranthaes

Welcome to the ancient city of Aranthaes! The glittering capital of an island where trade and the creation of wealth are the key tenets of it’s religion, a place who’s divine origins are felt in every aspect of it’s deeply religious society, and a domain who’s own success could be the makings of it’s imminent destruction.
 
Nestled at the foot of a sacred mountain, and surrounded by richly productive farmland, Aranthaes is a merchant city of untold wealth. It’s three vast terraces each protected by mighty walls separate the city into distinct cities within a city: the cramped Aranthaes Wynds a warren of narrow streets and tall twisted buildings; the bustling Aranthaes City, epicenter of Aranthaen trade where elegant boulevards are home to thriving businesses; and the sacred top terrace, High Aranthaes, home to the city’s elite and the great temple built in honor of the city’s benevolent deity and founder, Lady Bune.
 

 
A city of such wealth is of course protected by formidable forces, including the city guard, made up of well-paid, well-equipped, soldiers charged with defending the city from invaders and criminals. The city’s merchant police forces, sponsored by the wealthiest families in the city, ensure that business interests are protected, and the religious police force, the Defenders of the Mother, ensure the teachings of the city’s draconic goddess are held high above all else and help ensure the city’s wealth reaches all who call Aranthaes home.
 

 
The politics of the city are complex and fraught, with powerful families and the church vying to maintain control of the hearts and minds of it’s rapidly growing population – a constant struggle between religious teachings of generosity and benevolence and the greed and avarice of the city’s wealthy merchant classes.
 

 
As you prepare to set off on your adventure, the possibilities in Aranthaes seem endless. Will you seek out the life-changing wealth and opportunities available, making your fortune among the city’s elite merchant class, or will you fight to level the playing field and promote equality for all citizens?
 

Getting Started in Aranthaes

For players looking to join an adventure in the great golden city, it is recommended to start by reading the Aranthaes Players Handbook before setting off on any quest.

A DM may choose any of a number of adventures based on the island and city, or run campaigns based on recommended campaign paths – but whatever route is taken, every adventurer will eventually end up at the gates of Aranthaes.

Here’s but a taste of what is waiting at the entrance to this vast city, featuring hundreds of detailed locations and encounters…

After entering through the city gate, registering and being granted visitor papers, most adventurers head straight into Aranthaes Wynds – famed for it’s inns and taverns, supply shops and magical emporiums. This densely populated and thriving area can be an overpowering attack on the senses – but for the adventurous and willing, every visit is worthwhile!
 

 

 
For a more detailed overview of the city and island – without spoilers – please see the Aranthaes Players Handbook