Ambraxaran is a major Drow city located under the southern end of The Rift.

Colors

Each House has their own individual colors. There is no standard to represent the city as a whole.

• House Vanirys: Sword in a 5-pointed star on blue
• House Da’Reth: Double-bladed axe with an hourglass on yellow
• House Baer’n: Winged wyrm on red
• House Illithys: Centipede curled about red gemstone on orange
• House Xunaeryd: Black naga on green

Stat Block

CE Large City
Corruption +1
Crime +2
Economy +2
Law +1
Lore +1
Society +3
Qualities: (5)Holy Site, Insular, Pious, Racially Intolerant (non-drow), Rumormongering Citizens
Danger: +10
Government: Council (Noble Houses)
Population: 23,560 (77% drow, 6% duergar, 5% troglodyte, 3% dark folk, 3% ghoul, 2% tielfing, 2% derro, 2% other)

Notable NPCs:

• House Vanirys; Zonvenia Vaniyrs (Matron)
• House Da’Reth; Mezaria Da’Reth (Matron), Jazeera Da’Reth (1st Daughter, Demonic Champion), Eredril Da’Reth (2nd Daughter, Priest), Syrrann Elprazza (Consort), Vasurra K’lani (Governess), Nalimar T’yl (Steward), Captain Gw’lyss (Guard Captain)
• House Baer’n: Vitranages Baer’n (Matron)
• House Illithys: Berithrian Illithys (Matron), Imrith Illithys (1st Daughter, Demonic Champion), Berg’inyon Illithys (2nd Daughter, Poisoner), Zszlaunim Kilep (1st Consort), Quevnyl Waeglykur (2nd Consort).
• House Xunaeryd: Slithizen Xunaeryd (Matron), Thraele Xunaeryd (1st Daughter)

Base Value: 8000 gp
Purchase Limit: 50,000 gp
Spellcasting: 10th
Minor: 4d4; Medium: 3d4; Major: 2d4

Taxes and Duties

Racially Intolerant

Purchases by non-Drow may be marked up by as much as 150%.

Money Changing

Agents may change coin into any denomination for a fee of 2%. Members of a bank or trade guild or House Da’Reth may avoid this fee.

Government

The city of Ambraxaran is ruled by a council made up of the Matrons of the five Greater Houses. The council appoints all of the major positions in the city save those of the clergy.

Each of the Houses handle various aspects of city government and jockey for position and influence over it. For example, House Vanirys currently handles matters requiring law enforcement. If the council feels that her House isn’t up to the task, then that job will be taken from her. House Baer’n handles much of the food production for the city. HouseI llithys now handles city records and bureaucracy. House Xunaeryd handles matters of diplomacy with other cities and House Da’Reth now handles the treasury.

After a recent scandal, House illithys has largely fallen out of favor in Ambraxaran and is scheming to find their way back up from the shame of having their stronghold broken into by outsiders.

Points of Interest

The topmost layer of the city, on the high-plateau of Xuxianabar, houses the upper classes of the population and the powerful non-nobles, artisans, and performers. It also houses the Obsidian Spire, the seat of power for the ruling council. Another point of interest is the Amethyst Circle, an exclusive club/salon that the elite use as a gathering place during the day. Also, there is the House of the Red Thorns, an exclusive brothel (secretly owned by House Xunaeryd) that entertains guests with exotic companions of any race, sex, or desire. It is run with a velvet fist by Matron Solennida Hel’varr.

The next layer is known as Arinanoc, the market district, and is home to most of the city’s drow population.

The lowest layer of the city is known as Hrenivoc, or The Pits. This is the home of the outcasts of drow society and most of the non-drow population.

Food and Lodging

Inns

The Jagged Spire: A modest inn that caters to travelers of all sorts.
The Crimson Stain: A mean inn in the Pits district catering to rough folk of all races.
The Spider’s Web: A comfortable inn near the market district in the Pits.
The Drider’s Smile: A modest inn near the city’s south gate.
The Steel Slurk: Modest inn near the city’s eastern gate that caters to travelers.
Abyssal Delight: Fancy inn near the city’s center. It is comprised of a multi-story tower with a basement containing the bathhouse. A supercilious Drow male named Bemril runs the inn. The 2nd floor comprises the common area. The bathhouse is frequented by a staff of companions comprised of both Drow and Tieflings.

Taverns

The Silver Bolt: A modest tavern near the city’s center.
The Goblin’s Garrote: A dive bar in the Pits run by a former mercenary.
The Naga’s Scales: A modest tavern near the city’s southwest gates.
The Blue Flame: A modest bar near the city’s eastern gate.
The Jeweled Duergar: A small, common bar near the market.
The Spire’s Shadow: A well-to-do establishment near the Spire.