The Oppidan Tension

X Worldbuilders:

GM James R

THE OPPIDAN TENSION

What do you know about the conflicts that are causing disharmony in the Oppidan Peninsula?

By Anema E. Core

The Oppidan peninsula has been active for a very long time and has a pervasive history. Over 100 decades ago, the peninsula was stark and empty. There were only a few nomadic tribes and groups passing through, but not many established civilizations.

Back then, it was not common to build a city in the open air for fear of attacks that frequently occurred during the time of Tiamat’s dragons. However, after some time, Jewel Spar emerged, founded by Arch-Mage Nimz, who remains the leader of Oppidan’s oldest city and is said to be over 1,000 years old.

There have been instances where Nimz left Jewel Spar for decades at a time. Because of this, many believe the Mage is multiple generations of the Nimz lineage. Others think Nimz found the boon of immortality years ago — but that is a discussion for another article.

The second city to find its home in Oppidan was the Dwarvin city of Dardin. Dardin also existed during the age of dragons, but the dwarves lived entirely underground for protection. About 800 years ago, they emerged to form a surface city.

About a century later, Lunas was founded. Its people began as a traveling market, but settled permanently due to proximity to Jewel Spar and Dardin.

Nothing changed for 500 years, until Rwendia was established as a port town. Only 80 years ago, Granite was born, becoming the "baby" of Oppidan.

Problems and Secrets Within the Cities

Lunas

Lunas has a crippling economy that has created a vast class gap between the "haves" and "have-nots." There is almost no middle class, and the poor are so heavily marginalized that they are sent to a hidden part of the city not even marked on maps.

Anyone born into the impoverished community of South Lunas has practically no chance of improving their financial situation. One major issue is the banking system:

• Banks charge you to keep your money.
• This inflates the economy and excludes those who cannot afford bank fees, forcing them to remain without financial security.

Rwendia

A little over a year ago, the dragon orcs attacked Rwendia, leading to a city-wide quarantine. Many citizens fled, and when the quarantine lifted, new settlers had populated the city.

Upon returning, the original residents found:

• Large sections of the city covered in a poisonous green fog, called "dragon scale."
• All visitors required to purchase a 25gp gas mask.
• Officials claimed the fog came with the dragon orcs, though many battle survivors (myself included) do not recall any such fog.

The fog supposedly alters memory, but skeptics — and this author — suspect it may be part of a ploy by the new Duke of Rwendia, following the death of the previous Duke.

Dardin and the Slave Controversy

Dardin has a long history of institutional racism toward Elves. When Granite was founded, Dardin implemented the "lackey system":

• Lifelong prisoners, mostly Elves, were forced into servitude.
• Lackeys were sent first on dangerous missions to reduce risks to adventurers.
• Over time, "lackey" was replaced with "slave."

A deal between Dardin and Granite allowed Dardin to supply lackeys (slaves) for Granite’s expeditions. This was profitable for both cities:

• Dardin gained revenue.
• Granite paid adventurers less due to decreased danger.

The system faced major opposition from Benny the Bard, leader of The Cliff Edge Guild's top adventuring group, Competence. Benny refused to use slaves, putting his team at a disadvantage compared to groups who did.

Public opinion shifted, and now many in Granite oppose the practice.

However, troubling facts remain:

• 82% of Dardin's lifelong prisoners are Elves.
• Dardin requires Elves to wear a special necklace just to enter the city.

How are so many Elves being imprisoned? Where are they coming from?

My Opinions

Dardin is desperate to align Granite against Jewel Spar and seeks for Granite to resume using slave labor.

The citizens of Granite must decide:

• Dardin's slaves might help the economy.
• But whom are they exploiting — and does it matter?

My opinion is this: All cities in Oppidan need to solve their internal injustices first. Justice for all must be the goal. If cities cannot achieve peace within their own walls, how can there ever be peace across the peninsula?

About the Author

Anema E. Core is an adventurer based out of Sneerwell. He has extensive experience navigating both dangerous and diplomatic situations, often creating peace and understanding across the peninsula.

Anema is also an accomplished bard. You may see him performing at taverns across the region, or find him contributing to the Oppidan Exposé.