Page 172 - Eberron -Rising from the Last War_Neat

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NOR H E D G E Shae Lias is arguably the most remarkable district of
Upper Northedge. Its population is largely composed of
The Northedge residential area is the quietest quarter elves, and it is a bastion of Aereni culture and traditions.
of Sham. At first glance there's little to attract adventur­ The heart of Shae Lias is the Gates of Passage, a grand
ous sorts, unless someone is interested in purchasing structure that is both the Aereni embassy and a temple
top-quality real estate. At the same time, you never to the Undying Court. The priests of the Undying Court
know when this charming and innocuous area could be don't share this information with outsiders, but many
the site of a nefarious cult or a devilish plot. residents believe that an actual member of the Court­
an ancient undead elf possessing vast knowledge and
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UPPER NOR H E D G E divine power-resides in the temple.
Upper Northedge is the perfect place for the noble who Other points of interest in Shae Lias include the Oaks,
can afford a manor in the clouds but wants to avoid the one of the finest restaurants in Sham, which serves
bustle of Upper Central. The districts of Crystal Bridge food of the highest quality (and priced accordingly).
and Oak Towers are filled with spire-topped manors and The Veil of Flesh specializes in Aereni body art, in the
grand estates. A host of rooftop parks and gardens pro­ form of both traditional tattoos and temporary illusions
vide lovely spaces to sit and reflect. woven directly into the skin. The business known as
Nightshade might be the most unusual watering hole
in Sham, doubling as apothecary and tavern; the house
specialty is beverages tainted with weak poisons, de­
-- THE -- signed to take the imbiber to the very edge of death.
S M � � n � n o � � S � J � W � M I DDLE N OR H E D G E
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ENI G M A O F T H E This ward caters to the middle class of Sham, offering
a wide range of comfortable housing. Dwarves make up
most of the population, with the highest concentration
D I A M O N D VOI C E in the district of Holdfast. In contrast to the residents of
Highhold in Upper Dura, the dwarves of Holdfast have
deep roots in Sham and feel no strong connection to the
Mror Holds or its traditions.
I challenge anyone to leave a performance of The Broken High Hope is a temple district; although the city's
Sword with dry eyes. I believe that even a warforged most impressive churches and shrines are located
would be moved to tears by this unflinching look at the in Upper Central, it's commonly known that if you're
spiritual cost of war. It's brutal, painful, and true-which looking for a truly devoted priest, you should go to High
is why it was all the more shocking when it first opened Hope. The most notable feature of the district is Daca's
at the Diamond Theater. The Downstairs district of Watch. Twelve feet high, this pillar is thought to have
Lower Menthis is mainly known for its bawdy enter­
tainment and base comedy, not cutting-edge political once held a statue or monument. Over a century ago,
commentary. Thus, we critics assumed that this dra­ a gnome named Daca climbed atop the pedastal. She
matic work was a singular event, until a new play titled has remained there ever since, and shouts advice to
Fallen Angels exceeded our every expectation. Month after anyone who passes by. Although Daca doesn't claim to
month in recent times, the Diamond has struck us to the be a priest, the people of the community say that she's
quick with emotional works about the Last War and the blessed by the god Boldrei and speaks with the Sover­
psychic wounds we're still struggling with. eign's voice. True or not, Daca's advice has proven to be
Who is the playwright of the Diamond Theater re­ remarkably sound, and she and her pillar have become a
sponsible for these stirring stories? Her name is Luca tourist attraction.
Syara, but beyond that, she's an enigma. There's no such
person on the rolls of the bardic colleges of Breland, LOWER NoRTH D G E
E
and House Phiarlan and House Thuranni claim to know
nothing about her. Syara shuns the spotlight and refuses Although it's poverty-stricken, Lower Northedge is a
all interviews. While her works are being debated and significant step up from the slums of Lower Dura. The
celebrated in classrooms and taverns, the artist spends people of Lower Northedge don't look for trouble, and
her days in the dingy back rooms of the Diamond The­ they don't like it coming to their doorstep. North Mar­
ater. This seclusion has led to a number of fanciful ru­ ket is one of the largest markets in Sham, though in
mors. Some say Syara fought in the Last War and that
she was in Metro! on the Day of Mourning. A wilder ru­ contrast to the Bazaar of Dura it mostly offers simple,
mor maintains that she is an exile from the Faerie Court everyday goods.
ofThelanis, an archfey bound to human form. Lower Northedge has a significant shifter population.
While we wait for answers to this mystery, we encour­ The Rat's Nest is a tavern that caters to shifters, and the
age you to sample Syara's latest work. Five Lives is a gut­ Bear's Rest is an inn run by a family of shifters. Tooth
wrenching tragedy that forces us to look at our darkest & Nail is an apothecary specializing in the care of fangs
hours, and to consider the suffering of our enemies and and claws. Particularly in the districts of North Market
the common threads that unite us all. If you're looking and Stoneyard, shifter children play hrazhak in the
to forget your troubles, by all means, go see Facade or The streets; this flamboyant sport involves making dramatic
Late Count. But if you want to take in a performance that leaps and scaling walls.
might make you a better person, do whatever it takes to
get tickets to Five Lives.

CHAPTER 3 I SHARN, CITY OF TOWERS
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