The Ruins of Emberholde

Emberholde City is a place with four factions taking residence within it. The four factions are called the Arcane Seraphim Circle, the Sylvan Bloom Circle, the Phoenix Wing Circle, and the Black Lotus Circle. It was built originally without factions and in unity before The Split. When the first Emberholde settlers came to find this land full of trees and rivers and lakes they saw it was prosperous and decided to settle. After some time of terraforming to make space for housing a giant ruined building was found. These remnants of ancient civilization created discord amongst the people, some wanted to explore it, others said it was too dangerous, some thought it contained magical artifacts, and some wanted to mine it out for its material worth. After much debate it was decided that a small group would go and explore this crumbled building. Four went in together to go explore, after three days of them inside with no word people began to worry. On the fifth day the group returned to the settlers and refused to talk about what happened. Their personalities had changed too and they refused to speak with one another. One stayed with the original group and preached the advancement of arts magic and connection with the divine (Arcane Seraphim Circle). The other three left each taking with them small groups from the original settlers. One brought their group to a glistening magical pond and preached about the importance of nature and connection to it (Sylvan Bloom Circle). One brought their group to a split river-bend and preached the importance of strength, courage, bravery and battle (Phoenix Wing Circle). One brought their group to a hidden small lake far from the original settlement and taught their group to be ruthless, stealthy, sly and cunning. (Black Lotus Circle) Thus, The Split occurred and these four groups eventually became what are known as the Four Circle Factions in Emberholde City today. All four factions paranoid about the affects of the ancient ruins agreed to never step food near it again.

Emberholde City is a clearing surrounded by woods, caves and mountains. There are giant circular ruins of a tower on the south end of the city. The four factions are north of these ruins and go West to East as follows. The Arcane Seraphim Circle is the most advanced of the four factions in Emberholde City. With its guild for mages, its chapel, its guild of artists, its theater, its library, its adventuring guild, and its fishing and farming market. It’s centered around Lake Luminara. The circles focus is prosperity and it’s led by Thelianar Starsong. The Sylvan Bloom Circle of Emberholde City prides itself on being the most peaceful faction. They believe that herbalism and druidism should be held as the most highly regarded paths. They celebrate nature, the seasons, flora and fauna. They try to always make others feel welcome and accepted and walk the path of pacifism. The head of this circle is an Elf woman named Willow Lightfoot. Willow is highly respected and embodies the values of peace and the love of nature. Her wisdom and nurturing presence guide the faction's members in their pursuit of harmony and connection with the natural world. The Phoenix Wing Circle in Emberholde City puts value in honor, bravery, and strength. Instead of using voting or experience to decide a leader, this faction is led by whomever is the strongest combatant. If someone wishes to challenge the leader to try and take over it is custom that a fight in front of the faction must take place. Whomever knocks their opponent unconscious first is declared the winner and new leader of the Phoenix Wing Circle. These fights can be as frequent or infrequent as desired by any challenger. It’s current leader is Feng Battleforger a 23 year old male Half-Orc. The Black Lotus Circle faction in Emberholde City is a place of criminals, thieves and mercenaries. The area can be ruthless to newcomers but there are a few spaces where outsiders are encouraged to come. It’s a circle with a code but not necessarily a moral compass. It includes a thieves guild, some gambling rings, brothels, and many abandoned houses. There’s no leader necessarily, however there’s a few boss type people that it wouldn’t be wise to mess with.

The Arcane Seraphim Circle is made up mostly of Humans, Elves and Genasi Elementals with some Dragonborn and Teiflings scattered about. The Sylvan Bloom Circle has a multitude of inhabitants mostly Fey or beings with Fey Ancestry as well as Halflings. The Phoenix Wing CIrcle has many Orcs, Half Orcs, Dragonborn, Leonen, Dwarves and other beings known for physical strength. The Black Lotus Circle has a grand mix from Teiflings, Tabaxi, Cobolds, Goblins, and any beings with stigma surrounding their race or appearance.

The leader of the Arcane Seraphim circle is Thelianar Starsong. He is a 228 year old High Elf who is a strong visionary, but sometimes egotistical. He thinks his plans for the circle are the best and no one else could handle it the way that he does. Thelianar has long silver hair cascading down his back, piercing blue eyes, and elegantly pointed ears. He wears regal robes adorned with celestial patterns. His goal is to create unity and peace between the factions and elevate Emberholde into a world renowned center or arts, magic and religion, but ultimately he wants to make the Arcane Seraphim as prosperous as possible. He secretly wants to use the strength of his circle to take control and establish dominance over the other circles and take them as lesser citizens. He has held power for 10 years so far and his last political opponent was a female human named Crysina Locke. Willow Lightfoot the 150 year old Wood Elf is in charge of organization in the Sylvan Bloom Circle, she has deep empathy and is overly idealistic. Willow has flowing chestnut hair that reaches her waist. Her emerald green eyes hold a gentle warmth, and her features are marked by a serene and tranquil expression. She often adorns herself with intricate leaf-shaped jewelry and wears robes made of natural fibers, blending harmoniously with her surroundings. Willow is a peacekeeper in the faction and she is in charge of helping settle all disputes and facilitates group meetings. Serving in the hierarchy under willow are three dominion holders. The dominions they’re in charge of are; the dominion of retrieval, the dominion of communication, and the dominion of health. The dominion of retrieval is in charge of hunting and gathering food, farming, and gathering water. The dominion of communication is in charge of exploration of territory, relations with other factions within the city, and facilitating marriages between people in concord with Madra the deity of peace and relationships. The dominion of health is in charge of what resources are used for, building structures, and giving out physical mental and spiritual help for the unhealthy. Feng Battleforger, presiding over the Phoenix Wing Circle, is a formidable figure, standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall with a muscular build that speaks of his strength and combat prowess. His skin bears the characteristic greenish hue of his Half-Orc heritage, and his short, dark hair is adorned with braids and intricate metal ornaments. His piercing amber eyes radiate an intense focus, and his face is marked with tribal tattoos that symbolize his achievements in battle. Feng's body is covered in scars, testaments to his many victorious fights. Feng possesses an indomitable spirit and unwavering determination, refusing to back down in the face of adversity. He inspires his fellow warriors with his unyielding resolve and serves as a symbol of strength within the Phoenix Wing Circle. Feng's impulsive nature can sometimes cloud his judgment, causing him to rush headlong into battle without careful consideration. While his bravery is admirable, it can also lead to unnecessary risks and disregard for the potential consequences. Feng has a collection of small charms and talismans that he carries with him at all times. He believes in various superstitions and rituals, performing them before important battles or decisions. While some may consider it eccentric, Feng attributes his success in combat to these rituals, and they serve as a source of comfort and confidence for him. Feng's motivation stems from a deep desire to protect and honor the Phoenix Wing Circle. He feels a strong sense of responsibility towards his faction and the warriors under his leadership. Feng is driven by a need to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Phoenix Wing Circle, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to defend its principles and ideals. Feng's primary goal is to lead the Phoenix Wing Circle to become the most renowned and respected faction in Emberholde City. He strives to strengthen the combat prowess of his fellow warriors, fostering a culture of honor, bravery, and discipline within the faction. Feng's ultimate aim is to create an unyielding force that can protect the Phoenix Wing Circle from any threats and maintain its reputation as a symbol of strength and valor in the city. The Bosses of The Black Lotus Circle are as folllows. Name: Vex Night Race: Tiefling Gender: Male Age: 40 Positive Trait: Charismatic Leader - Vex possesses a natural charm and charisma that allows him to command respect and loyalty from his underlings. His silver tongue and persuasive skills make him an influential figure within the Black Lotus Circle. Negative Traits: Ruthless, Cunning - Vex has a reputation for being ruthless in his pursuit of power and wealth. He is willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals, often resorting to cunning and deception to gain the upper hand. Motivation: Power and Influence - Vex seeks to expand his control over the criminal underworld of Emberholde City. He desires to amass wealth, establish dominance, and solidify his position as the most influential figure within the Black Lotus Circle. Goal: To eliminate rival criminal bosses and establish a monopoly on illegal activities within Emberholde City. Physical Description: Vex is a tall and imposing Tiefling with midnight-black skin and glowing red eyes. His devilish features are accentuated by his neatly trimmed goatee and a pair of small, curved horns that protrude from his forehead. He dresses in fine, tailored clothing adorned with intricate patterns and carries a wickedly sharp dagger at his side. Name: Scarra Shadowsong Race: Human Gender: Female Age: 32 Positive Trait: Tactical Genius - Scarra possesses an exceptional strategic mind and is known for her tactical brilliance. She can anticipate her opponents' moves and devise ingenious plans to outwit them. Negative Traits: Cold, Merciless - Scarra is known for her cold demeanor and lack of empathy. She shows little mercy to her enemies and is willing to sacrifice anyone or anything for the sake of her own interests. Motivation: Wealth and Control - Scarra seeks to amass wealth and power through her criminal enterprises. She desires to control the underground networks and expand her influence within the Black Lotus Circle. Goal: To establish a vast network of criminal activities, including smuggling, extortion, and illicit trade, expanding her reach beyond Emberholde City. Physical Description: Scarra is a slender and elegant woman with jet-black hair that’s cut off just above her chin. Her piercing blue eyes gleam with a calculating intelligence. She dresses in dark, form-fitting attire that allows her freedom of movement. A concealed blade is always within reach, hidden among the folds of her clothing. Name: Grimgar Skullsplitter Race: Half-Orc Gender: Male Age: 45 Positive Trait: Fearless Warrior - Grimgar is a fearsome and battle-hardened warrior. He fearlessly leads his underlings into combat and is respected for his martial prowess and strength. Negative Traits: Hot-tempered, Impatient - Grimgar has a short fuse and a quick temper. He is easily provoked and has little patience for incompetence or disobedience. Motivation: Dominance and Respect - Grimgar seeks to establish his dominance and gain the respect of his fellow criminals. He craves recognition for his skills as a warrior and desires to be seen as the most formidable figure within the Black Lotus Circle. Goal: To become the undisputed champion of the underground fighting pits and enforce his authority through physical strength. Physical Description: Grimgar is a hulking Half-Orc with a heavily scarred and muscular physique. His bald head is adorned with tribal tattoos that signify his achievements in combat. He wears a mixture of crude armor and tattered clothing, with various trophies from past battles hanging from his belt. His intense gaze and intimidating presence make him a formidable figure among the criminals of Emberholde City.

Magic works the same as DND 5E rules with any mage class being able to use it as well as anyone in possession of one of the main Magic Artifacts in each of the circles in Emberholde City. The Arcane Seraphim Circle has a staff that allows its user to connect with any deity of their choosing and grants arcane knowledge. The Sylvan Bloom Circle has a crown that allows its user +2 to nature as well as granting Speak with Animals, and a healing spell. The Phoenix Wing Circle has gauntlets that give the user +2 strength and a bonus attack once per combat. The Black Lotus Circle has boots of stealth that grant the user Pass Without Trace and a +2 to stealth and slight of hand checks. The Arcane Seraphim Circle work closely with the Goddess of Light Llana. The Sylvan Bloom Circle work closely with the Goddess of the wild Natia. The Phoenix Wing Circle believe in the God of War Thundrax. The Black Lotus Circle pray to the God of Night Eko. The Twin Gods Eembe (of awareness) and Gukah (of Oblivion) are unknown now to the people but they we're the original Gods that created the city and the Split. Gukah was forever trapped in the ruins by Eembe who used all of her power to do so.

not usually any planar influences.

It has been 500 years since the Split

Gold Silver and Copper Pieces. The faction circles trade albeit reluctantly with each other to maintain the city.

Each faction has their own justice, most welcome adventurers as long as they abide by the rules of the circle they are in.

Gukah haunts the ruins and is gaining power to return to cause destruction to Emberholde City.