Widely viewed as one of the most established harbors in the realm, island city of Egjora has grown over the centuries from a simple collection of fishing villages and lumber mills to a powerful metropolis that in power rivals that of Adeluna.

Most of the city is beautiful and clean for its districts are split clearly between the elites and the poor. In the higher districts, luxury manors and buildings are knitted closely together, constructed from the mighty oaks that surround the rest of the island. Its taverns and inns focus more on cleanliness and lack the usual appeal that most around the world are infamous as a result. The docks are always looking for those that need work, many of which come from the lower districts. The buildings there were among the first ones to stand when the city had been constructed and ever since the powerful had left those roots in favor of creating the perfect homes for themselves, the downtrodden were left with the seemingly less appealing sides of Egjora. Due to this, however, it is rare to find beggars or the homeless for they at the very least have a refuge.

At face value, one would think of this place as a slice of paradise; citizens on the streets with smiles plastered on their faces and are as polite as one can be, ships from all over come regularly with supplies and goods to be traded and bought and the profits made continue to help expand the gorgeous city and a sense of freedom from any sort of criminal intent taking place.

But like the rest of the world, there is a dark side.

Egjora is ruled by a powerful network of merchant families, descendants of those that had helped to create the city centuries ago and have since become wealthy and financially powerful behemoths. At the head of these families is the Gyndnegle, the wealthiest of the group. And behind those families is the Byen Statskassen, the bank which is the true power of Egjora. As the world sees their city as the crowning jewel of the seas, they are devoted in retaining that reputation no matter what must be done. To go against them would mean certain death as they have the power to make the unsavory disappear without a trace.

Punishment for even the slightest of crimes is severe. Many that have face such fates are those that go on with their lives without fingers, thumbs or hands intact. Such abuse is common among the punishment, but are far from the worst that offenders have ever faced. Others are branded and forced to work at the docks with occupations that require them to be away from the public eye, a tactic cleverly used to maintain the facade of a peaceful city. Those guilty of worse crimes are sentenced to death, typically by being hanged deep in the remaining wooded areas are taken out to sea and being thrown overboard. In either case, Egjora remains cleansed of their fates and can continue on with daily life.

Egjora is indeed a wonderful city, but it’s also a state where the upper class has an iron rule over all others, using the brutality of the guards to keep their paradise steady and their citizens in line. The question is what will you see it as?

The glowing candle that marks the sign of the Beryl Moon Guesthouse is regarded as the signal that will mark a pleasant evening spent in the company of fellow travelers and locals alike. The Guesthouse has a reputation for clean rooms, good service, and a calm atmosphere. Step inside, where the well-kept oil lamps light the inside of the room with a warm amber glow. Prominent in this room is the fireplace, made of limestone with a bronze guard. The man standing behind the bar eyes all who enter with a wary gaze, directing the barmaids with a stern tone. Many of the employees resemble him, as the guesthouse is run by a large family. Oak benches, tables and chairs, made from the island's grand forests, are scattered about the large room, worn smooth by the many patrons over the years. Later in the evening, chairs are often pulled together into a circle for rounds of storytelling and laughter. The drunken fights and lewd singing common to other establishments are conspicuously absent from this guesthouse. Upstairs, the rooms are clean and well maintained, with each door having a lock to ensure privacy. There are also a number of meeting rooms towards the back of the guesthouse, and these rooms have complete privacy from any prying eyes.

Linger downstairs, and it becomes clear why the Egjoran Guard is not officially present within the guesthouse, unlike many other establishments in the city. Several of the Guard members have married into the family, evidenced by the warm looks directed at particular barmaids. The Guard crest on the wall over the fireplace is evidence that the current owner is a retired member of the Guard, and the Beryl Moon Guesthouse has become a popular place for them to come and relax in their off-duty hours. As a result, the mercantile families that run the city often turn a blind eye to the goings-on within.