Publisher: Troll Lord Games
Introduction
If you are looking for a new and exciting setting for your Castles & Crusades fantasy role-playing game, you might want to check out the Free City of Eskadia. This supplement, published by Troll Lord Games, is part of the Haunted Highlands campaign world, and provides a detailed and immersive description of a bustling and dangerous metropolis where trade, politics, and crime are intertwined. The book also includes a serial adventure, The Jack of Lies, that takes the characters through the intrigues and perils of the city.
The City of Eskadia
The book is well-written and illustrated, with maps of the city and various locations of interest. The city is divided into districts, each with its own flavor and history. You will find the wealthy and powerful in the Upper City, the merchants and artisans in the Middle City, and the poor and downtrodden in the Lower City. You will also encounter the mysterious Undercity, where ancient secrets and dark forces lurk.
The book introduces new monsters, a new race (the changeling), and several factions and organizations that operate in the city. Some of these include the Thieves’ Guild, the Merchant’s League, the Church of the One True God, the Cult of the Black Hand, and the Order of the Silver Star. The book gives plenty of hooks and ideas for creating urban adventures and campaigns in Eskadia.
The Jack of Lies
The Jack of Lies is a six-part adventure that involves the characters in a web of deception and corruption, as they are hired by a mysterious patron to find a missing person. Along the way, they will encounter rival factions, cults, assassins, and secrets that could shake the foundations of the city. The adventure is designed for characters of levels 4-6, and can be played as a standalone or as part of the Haunted Highlands campaign.
The adventure is well-paced and challenging, with a mix of combat, exploration, investigation, and social interaction. The characters will have to use their wits and skills to survive and succeed in their mission. The adventure also has several twists and surprises that will keep the players on their toes.
What are the most interesting locations
The Free City of Eskadia is a fascinating place to explore, with many interesting locations that offer adventure, intrigue, and mystery. Some of the most interesting locations in the city are:
- The Undercity: This is a hidden network of tunnels, catacombs, and ruins that lies beneath the city. It is home to many secrets, dangers, and treasures. The Undercity is also the domain of the changelings, a new race of shapeshifters that can assume the appearance of anyone they touch. The Undercity is a place of mystery and peril, where anything can happen.
- The Temple of the One True God: This is a massive and imposing structure that dominates the Upper City. It is the headquarters of the Church of the One True God, a powerful and influential religious organization that claims to have the only true faith in the world. The Temple is also a fortress, with high walls, guards, and traps. The Temple holds many secrets and mysteries, such as the origin and nature of the One True God, and the hidden agenda of the Church.
- The Black Market: This is a secret and illegal marketplace that operates in the Lower City. It is where one can find anything from exotic goods, rare items, forbidden magic, and illicit services. The Black Market is run by the Thieves’ Guild, a notorious and ruthless criminal organization that controls most of the underworld activities in the city. The Black Market is a place of opportunity and danger, where one can make a fortune or lose everything.
- The Silver Star Academy: This is a prestigious and renowned school of magic that is located in the Middle City. It is where aspiring mages learn the arts and secrets of magic, under the guidance of experienced and skilled instructors. The Academy is also a member of the Order of the Silver Star, a secretive and mysterious society of mages that seeks to protect and advance the cause of magic in the world. The Academy is a place of learning and discovery, where one can uncover the wonders and mysteries of magic.
- The Jack’s Den: This is a popular and lively tavern that is located in the Middle City. It is where adventurers, travelers, merchants, and locals gather to drink, eat, gamble, and socialize. The Jack’s Den is also the base of operations for The Jack of Lies, a mysterious and charismatic figure who hires adventurers for various missions and quests. The Jack’s Den is a place of fun and adventure, where one can find new friends, enemies, and opportunities.
Conclusion
Castles & Crusades Free City of Eskadia is a great addition to the Castles & Crusades line, and offers a rich and vibrant setting for urban adventures. Fans of the game and the genre will enjoy exploring the Free City of Eskadia and its many mysteries. The book is available in hardcover or PDF format from Troll Lord Games or Amazon. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy role-playing games.
Castles & Crusades Free City of Eskadia on DrivethruRpg
