The City
No one knows who planted them or if they decided on their own, but pumpkins are taking over RhyDin. Vines have sprouted anywhere they can take root including the middle of yards, window boxes, and between the bricks of the streets. The plants are growing at an alarming rate. A full harvest is expected to be ready by mid-October.Red Dragon Inn
Rhydin's busiest Inn has seen its share of death, violence and sorrow. Souls that met their untimely ends wander the fabled halls of the establishment and linger in the common room. For the most part, the spirits leave the patrons alone, content to lurk in the rafters or shadows as they often did in life. Still, the afterlife is long and boring, and one of the spirits has decided to take a job. Beware of being served by the elderly man in the violet crushed velvet leisure suit. He calls himself Chance, and there is a chance your drink won't be what you ordered.
Golden Perch Inn
On the southern shore of Little Kaiju Lake is a shipwreck. The vessel is too large to have sailed through any of the small channels that cut through The Wilds. Local legends abound concerning the origins of the wreck. But those looking to learn more may be better served starting at the weathered and rotten rowboat that has been pulled up to the Mermaid Statue across from the Golden Perch Inn. Wet footprints that refuse to dry lead from it to the first table on the right. Voices of sailors can be heard if you sit at the table, although no one can be seen.
Streets of Rhydin
The shadows in Rhydin are deeper than other places, especially at night. With two moons to light the sky, the shade in the alleys and doorways is pitch black. Travelers on those late night streets may catch glimpses of flickering eyes in the shadows. From some of the alleys, shambling footsteps drag towards the main thoroughfare. Those brave enough to investigate may come away with tales of abominations, wraiths, or nothing but noise.
Books and Brews
The fifth floor of the bookshop is infamous for its powerful knowledge. In the dark of the restricted section, it's not unusual to hear unseen shoppers rifling through the stacks. But it's less common to encounter mystery shoppers on the other levels. On the third floor in particular, someone has decided to make book shopping more interesting. An indistinct form has been caught rummaging through the shelves. Where they visit, dust jackets have been switched. Be sure to check your purchases or you may get something the bookstore chose for you.
The Solarium
The residents of Rhydin have a long memory. The city's is longer. The ground it is built on is timeless. Some of those memories have found a new home in The Solarium. Creatures that lived and died before the city came to be have come back to the bit of nature that has been reclaimed and expertly tended. Visitors to the garden paths will likely find themselves sharing them with the spectres of wildlife that hasn't been invited, ranging from exotic birds to bears, musk oxen, and elk. The animals cannot be hunted as they are not fully corporeal, but they are curious and willing to give those who sit quietly a sniff or cuddle.
The Outback
The home of unarmed combat welcomes fighters to try their skill in both standard and considerably more difficult rings. For spectators, the random assignment of one of those rings can spice up an already exciting night of combat. And for spectres who have anchored themselves to The Outback, it's a way to break up eternity. They've started nudging the Outback to spice things up, even when the ring name doesn't match. Don't be surprised if you step into a standard ring and find yourself facing a special ring's challenges.
The Arena
In the fabled Arena, home to armed combat, anyone is welcome to try their hand in the ring. To make it even more accessible, racks of loaner weapons lean against several walls. Lately though, something has been lurking around them. Those who approach to borrow a weapon could find the loaner choosing them instead. Someone has been watching and thinks you should try something new.
The Arcade
Down below the Arena lies the Arcade. With its banks of video games, mini golf and go carts, it is rarely quiet. Spirits here need to make themselves known through louder means. An alliance appears to have been made between those interested in the games and those interested in the fights. Duelers run the risk of their matches turning into games. If you hear the DDR music start, watch out for the lights on the ground and try to keep up.
Cadentia Bazaar
The bazaar in Cadentia is the perfect place to find rare and wonderful items. Fabrics, foods, and trinkets are available under brightly colored canopies, offered to visitors for reasonable prices. Enchantments are not rare at the market, but they are usually intentional. Not so when the ghosts of merchants revisit. If you buy from one of the stalls at the end of the row, out where the noise of the crowd is quieter and the stall owners don't yell but just watch, there's a chance your selection will only be sand by the time you get it home.
Seaside Beach
Not long ago, as RhyDin measures, certainly more recently than the beginning of existence, there was a temple near the shores of Seaside Beach. Only crumbled remains of the structure stand now, enough to spark imagination and lure in brave beach goers who slip the notice of the lifeguards. The worshippers who never left have noticed the activity and started lighting bonfires within the ruined temple at night, attempting to draw visitors near for unknown purposes.
The Wilds
The Wilds react to the change in seasons with more enthusiasm than the city proper. As the weather cools and the veil thins, the faerie circles have re-emerged. Just as with Beltane, there is a chance of finding yourself waking up in a fae court should you wander in. But something else is using them this time as well. Travelers in the wilds have reported seeing skeletal footsteps leaving the circles. They appear to be primarily canine, likely wolves, although mountain lion, boar, and bear have also been spotted. Those walking the trails, and especially those straying from them, should remain aware of threats from both creatures and faeries.
Twilight Isle
All of RhyDin is tempting to spirits, but possible none moreso than Twilight Isle where the magic is strong enough that they may come close to life again. The already popular dueling venue has become even more crowded with the addition of unseen visitors haunting the rings. They're exercising their influence by nudging casters off course. A fireball may appear instead as a snowball or a meteor storm as an earthquake. Those engaged in the sports will need to be able to adjust to their own magic as well as their opponent's.
In addition, roaming ghosts of patrons past are often seen in Twilight Market, will they aid you in your search for magical purchases or play a trick or two on a doe eyed caster? Out in the waters surrounding the Isle a ghost ship is often seen, but watch out! Sometimes spectral cannonballs are shot out towards spectators.
((All ghost encounters are opt-in and player led. Duels won’t be impacted by hauntings unless the fighters choose to modify the style and setting accordingly.
Get spooky!))
