A panorama of Deadgate[1d]
The shantytown of Deadgate is a settlement that grew outside the gates of the ruined Dwarf hold of Karak Azgal, filled with cutthroats and adventurers of many different races looking to make their fortune deep in the monster-infested dungeons of the Dragon Crag.[1a]
Over time, the Dwarfs of the hold encouraged the development of this town in an effort to keep some of the riff-raff of the Old World out of Skalf's Hold. The result was the formation of a rough-and-tumble place at the foot of the hill leading up to the hold. Consisting of wooden buildings, most poorly constructed and hastily built, it is the first stop for those arriving in Karak Azgal.[1a]
Deadgate is home to many vices. Travellers come to Karak Azgal just to indulge themselves in the city's many diversions. Given the constant influx of immigrants and the wealth recovered from the ruins of the hold, opportunists have devised many ways for adventurers to spend their hard-earned coin. [1b]
A map of the settlement of Deadgate established outside the ruins of Karak Azgal to service the myriad adventurers who come to exploit the ruins.[1e]
Gambling, naturally, is everywhere, from card and dice games, to bets on pit-fighting and dead pools -- bets placed on groups of adventurers entering the ruins to see who will die first. Alcohol flows freely, from stout Dwarfen ales to the finest Elf wines (though these are taxed), and many academics and wizards come to this place to sample illicit potions and draughts that promise to expand their minds. [1b]
For those of a sinister bent, the most dangerous poisons can be found in the shadowy alleys and in the back rooms of taverns and even temples. But Karak Azgal offers finery as well. Excellent apparel, jewellery, weapons, and armour are available to those who can meet their high prices. Karak Azgal has everything a hard-bitten adventurer could want, and far more.[1b]
Geography[]
7. The Birdcage Theatre[]
A huge 5-foot-wide by 15-foot-tall sign on the front of this building depicts a colourful bird in a gold cage. Rodrigo Jose Eusebio from Estalia opened the Birdcage Theatre here 10 years ago. Since then, it has become a popular spot for gamblers and entertainment lovers alike. The theatre itself is a rounded room with a stage in the centre and seats all around. Cages hang from above holding a variety of colourful birds. During the day, Rodrigo treats customers to a variety of shows ranging from dancing girls to snake charmers. Tickets sell for 5 pence. The bar serves ale, but also has the best wine list in the city. Estalian, Tilean, and Bretonnian wine can sell here for up to 1 gc (gold crown) a glass. At night, the Birdcage takes on another face as the stage is replaced with a gilded cage and the entertainment is cockfighting. Known for their ferocity and action, Rodrigo offers the best fights in the city. Bookmakers in the theatre take bets from the customers and the action and the odds are shown on a big chalkboard.[1c]