SURROUNDINGS
Valgamma’s Ruin holds a great number of varying terrains within its mysterious borders, and people often expect the town of Omen to be built in the middle of a lush and bountiful paradise of green, glistening grasslands. At the risk of disappointing you, the first myth to be dispelled is that the city rests in a flat, dusty, rather featureless terrain more akin to a desert as opposed to anything resembling an Edenic landscape. As you might expect, Dust Lung is a constant concern in the dry, dusty locale.
Why found a city in such a featureless place, you ask? The answer is as pragmatic as the world is eternal: Safety. There are indeed lush forests, nigh-magically bountiful farmland, majestic mountain ranges, twinkling lakes and natural sights possessing such beauty that even the most stone-hearted among us would fight back tears to gaze upon them, but this comes at a high price. In The Ruin, these precious resources are counterbalanced by extreme dangers, and the flat, dusty, unappealing land where Omen rests is the safest place to found a settlement, acting as a hub of trade for those willing to brave the dangers that abound the further from the town one wanders.
A RUINOUS REALITY
One must remember that this place is not chained by the laws of reality. Attempts to map out the terrain specifically always fail, with the distance between landmarks and areas in The Ruin seemingly changing with each day. As a result, time and space flow a bit differently here, and one wishing to find a spot in Valgamma’s Ruin have to settle for vague, foggy directions. “Looking for that old, haunted mine? It’s about that direction. You’ll find it eventually...if it’s still there, that is.” is about as precise as one can hope to get. The Ruin is not obligated to follow the common laws of physics, you see. For this reason, a solid map of the region is impossible to pen, as features and landmarks sometimes decide to play fast and loose with reality.
RESUPPLY AND TRADE
Due to the barren landscape surrounding Omen, supplies and trade goods are brought in from the neighboring Hayseed Hills, which has undoubtedly boosted the economy of that simple region. As you might expect, these supply lines are heavily defended (and often assaulted) and those with martial leanings can find good pay guarding the endless stream of supplies that are Omen’s lifeblood.
Outside of the dusty borders lies a veritable paradise of lush land just waiting to be settled, but thus far, all attempts to do so have failed miserably. More than one ambitious farmer has attempted to stake their claim and build a farm beyond Omen’s relative safety, and those that are found are rarely encountered in one piece, having fallen prey to monster attacks or some other worse fate. Smaller encampments seem to work better, and some have found success mining the outlining area and trying to not draw too much attention to themselves.
Progress is slow, but one cannot cultivate a wild paradise immediately. We have the relative safety of Omen, and it stands proudly as the last (somewhat) civil place before the boundless wilds welcome those with glowing eyes and slashing claw. Given the primal mystery of the landscape, it is a miracle in itself that we have come this far!
THE CURSED RAIL
Despite these ruinous setbacks, there is no doubt in my mind that the rail will be realized, making travel from the “Civilized” world to Omen a very real possibility. As the saying accurately relays: One never loses their stake betting on Dwarven ingenuity!
THE TOWN PROPER
Each day, a new influx of fortune-seekers pours into Omen, swelling its populace and adding even more boisterous color to an already outrageous painting. New buildings and businesses seem to sprout like dusty, gritty weeds here, and the streets grow more crowded with each sunrise. Cultures meld and integrate in a way unseen in all of living memory, with each lending their own particular skills to the overall betterment of Omen’s plight.
As such, lines of culture and Species blur somewhat, and we all become citizens of Omen, struggling to survive and brave a puzzling land overflowing with reward for those with enough mettle to stride into the unknown. We are an unharmonious melting pot, to be sure, but this level of cooperation would have been thought impossible a scant decade ago before the Great Spiral was quelled.
Gristle Street
Omen’s layout is rather simple, with a main road dividing the town in two ever-expanding sides. Without much in the way of district planning, businesses and homes sprout in a chaotic fashion and on a first come, first serve basis. Nobody has time to plot and plan town districts and neighborhoods, and buildings arise where they may, when they may. It certainly adds an unfocused allure to the town, but anything less would be against its rowdy, spirited nature.
Affectionately named, the main road in Omen is called Gristle Street. The first structures built on the land were the most vital, and so, Gristle Street flows with activity for most of the day.
Government
Many believe Omen to be a lawless town, but that is far from the case. Surprisingly, the town does have a figurehead: the flamboyant and affable Orc Mayor Thadius Dublet (Doo-BLAY). To say the mayor rules with a light touch is quite the understatement, and the wily Orc knows that Omen teeters on the brink of extinction every single day, and trying to bring law and order to a chaotic landscape is a hopeless undertaking. That being said, nothing gets done in a ravenous, frenzied wasteland, and some manner of order must be maintained. Mayor Dublet rules through allowing the citizens of Omen to revel in their freedom, only bringing his authority to bear when serious matters arise, such as murder or acts of grievous harm. There is a tenuous balance that is palpable on the streets of Omen. Rowdiness is expected, but callous disregard for safety or outright banditry benefits no one. In many ways, the strange brotherhood that bonds most denizens of Omen is enough to keep the balance of peace relatively stable.
Besides this unwritten social contract, the Orc in charge is infinitely likeable, and his popularity soars with the common citizenry. Rarely has such a silver tongue gleamed brighter, and the mayor’s charisma has won him more allegiance with his subjects than any iron fisted autocrat could ever hope to instill.
The Law
Unfortunately, sometimes a tusked smile and honeyed words are not enough, and blood must be shed to maintain the safety of the town. This is where the imposing Settler Sheriff Tobias Ballard steps in to bring blistering firepower to bear. He is never seen without loyal Elf Deputy Long Crow, and the pair are an effective deterrent for bandits and criminals seeking to prey upon the citizenry at large.
As faithful agents of Mayor Dublet, the Sheriff and his Deputy only intervene when matters turn potentially fatal, and common saloon brawls and enthusiastic debauchery are left relatively unadmonished unless the health of the populace is endangered. The people feel safe, but free to enjoy a very lenient manner of freedom. This adds to the delicate balance that makes Omen a very special place, indeed.
There is no courtroom in Omen, and justice is meted out by Mayor Dublet and his agents, who will bring out the suspect in front of the town proper, holding a mass vote to determine the fate of the offender. Unfortunately, those found guilty are either sentenced to execution by hanging, or banishment from the town. Both sentences effectively equal death.
Information
The official newspaper of the town of Omen is The Daily Harbinger, bringing up-to-the-minute news to the citizens. Gnomish editor/reporter Alejandro Flores Barrera does an enviable job in informing the citizenry of Omen about all current events. While I personally think that the paper has an unbalanced focus towards the morbid and macabre stories about mysterious disappearances and unfathomable horrors, I cannot argue that salacious and terrifying stories make far more interesting reads (and far more lucrative sales) than more benevolent subject matter. As a chronicler of all things myself, I believe Editor Barrera performs his functions adequately, if not a bit overly enthusiastic when it comes to censorious details.
Entertainment
While Omen overflows with all manner of frontier town amenities, there is one unanimous past time that always proves to draw a large crowd. The sweet science of Boxing is the unofficial sport of Omen, and clashes between hulking pugilists are commonly displayed to the rousing delight of the bloodthirsty crowd, who always crave action and entertainment. The current champion is the lumbering Settler slugger heavyweight Henry “Hammerhead” Crubbins, who astonishes and amazes with his ability to endure direct cranial trauma over extended periods of time. The champion will bravely take on all comers, and has yet to taste the bitter flavor of defeat.
COMMERCE AND TRADE
New businesses pop up and flourish every day as Omen expands and floods with more and more people, but some of the more notable places to spend one's fortune are listed below.
Bloutner’s Forge: The strapping and hardworking Blacksmith of Omen is the lovable brute Gabriel Bloutner, who uses his hulking might to hammer out indispensible items that help build Omen larger and larger by the day. Kind and helpful, Mister Bloutner is always willing to lend his astonishing strength to aid any of his fellow residents.
Pharmacy & Funerals: This morbidly named establishment sees to the mending (and disposal of) the mortal form, and is run by the capable, yet exceedingly creepy Gnomish Doctor Hector Esparza Montero, who seems a little bit too enthusiastic about poking around gunshot wounds and other gory delights. Equally comfortable around living being or corpse alike, few can get through even a cursory examination by Doctor Montero without getting rather creeped out by the good Doctor’s morbid bedside manner, but those skilled in the medicinal arts are few and far between, so Omen must make do with the talents available. Those who seek treatment from Doctor Montero and do not survive the encounter receive a 10% discount on all funerary services. From his medical practice (conveniently located right next to the cemetery), the Doctor also sells concoctions, herbs, and other medicinal supplies.
Chewy Tom’s General Store: How such a varied stock of goods can fit in such a tiny shop is truly baffling, and the dismally unintelligent Settler affectionately known as “Chewy” Tom Fulch specializes in just about every common item one could want. Outside of weaponry, just about everything an adventurous soul could hope for can be found for sale in the crowded, disorganized shelves of the General Store.
Henzler’s Smithy: A simple sign plainly stating “Gunsmith” adorns the shop of a true artiste in the manner of firearms. It is here that Dwarven Gunsmith Floy Henzler plies her most elegant craft, offering peerless quality firearms and modifications for those who can meet the high price to match her gifted talents. While I know little about the finer points of pistoleering, even a layman like myself can recognize quality craftsmanship when I see it. I would expect nothing less from a fellow Dwarf, and Miz Henzler’s wares are worth every Bit spent. In a place where gunplay is an unfortunate eventuality, arming yourself with the best is never a poor decision. Floy Henzler and her brother Hagen share the same building, with each sibling running their own business.
The Counting House Casino: For the distinguished gambler who desires more than just a crude poker game on a sticky saloon tabletop, might I recommend the Counting House Casino. Proprietor Hagen Henzler runs a top-notch establishment with fair games and esteemed company for those with higher standards in their games of chance. Mister Henzler is a numerical wizard and his love of mathematics and odds shines through in his running of this rather lucrative business.
The Merrytree Restaurant: The Merrytree family are a delightful brood of good-natured Settlers who have recently fallen on hard times. Mr. And Mrs. Merrytree were both taken by sudden illness months apart of each other, leaving the truly talented Settler cook Tawny Merrytree in charge of running the business, as well as tending to the kitchen. The overloaded young girl is a far better cook than businesswoman, and even a novice economist can see financial ruin in the future of this once-successful business. A true shame.
Bug’s Bunkhouse: The bulbous Settler Bubba “Bug” Cottle is the owner and proprietor of this large, rather spartan hotel, which prioritizes quantity over quality when it comes to the aesthetic appeal of the place. Visitors can expect little more than a bed and four walls when they check in, but the prices are most certainly affordable.
The Wolf’s Lodge Livery: The Elf known as Wolfcaller uses his primal mastery to tend to the beasts and horses of Omen, making the best of his uncanny Tribal ability to communicate effortlessly with animals of all stripe. As a member of the Wildmaw tribe, it is no stretch to see what career path this proud brave would take.
Telegram Office: Relentless town gossip and insatiable snoop, the Orc Caliste Breville makes her business knowing everyone else’s, and she is a font of information for those willing to part with some coin to pry some of her expensive secrets from her clawed grasp. Those willing to ensure secrecy in their telegrams are advised to pay an extra “Security Fee” to Miz Breville to assure that sensitive word doesn’t accidentally leak out...
The Ghost Rose Saloon: The most famous building in all of Omen is undoubtedly the Ghost Rose. Housing all manner of sensory delights, from a fully stocked bar to games (and women) of chance, there is little desire that cannot be drowned here. Run by the ever-social Gnome Madame Giancarla Diaz, this boisterous center of debauchery is named after Senorita Diaz’s habit of wearing a ghostly white flower in her hair. Lively and energetic, the owner of the Ghost Rose has been a fixture in Omen since its inception.
The Abandoned Mission: A few miles away from Omen is a dusty, strange structure whose origin is a true mystery. Chickens cluck and strut around the lonesome exterior (and interior) of this eerie place, and the interior contains little but a set of dusty pews and large effigy of La Dama de Huesa, the enigmatic Gnomish patron mother goddess of death. A lone Gnomish girl known only as Sister Beatriz resides here, offering counsel and respite to those that seek it. For some reason, the Mission is a safe place from the rampant terrors of Valgamma’s Ruin. Rumors abound that the soft-spoken Sister is actually a practicing Bone Mage, but the truth of these claims is dubious at best. Whatever the case, few can doubt the sister’s devotion to the Lady of Bone.
The Goldstrand Theater: A catch-all venue for all manner of entertainment, the Goldstrand houses any and all public events in Omen, from bawdy stage shows to impassioned debates to crowd-pleasing boxing matches, the town’s slavering appetite for entertainment is glutted here. The Orc only known as Calvis lends his flamboyant talents to coax audiences to any show taking place at the Goldstrand. Equal parts proprietor, event promotor and hype-man, Calvis is one of the more colorful characters in town, and can always be seen advertising for the next upcoming event.
The Bank of Omen: Matters of Commerce are not usually associated with the Elven people, and those walking into the Bank of Omen for the first time are often gobsmacked to find an Elf patiently standing behind the counter. Silverfeather is the operator of Omen’s financial hub, and his talent with numbers is only rivaled by his personal honor. I am told that the Stoneword tribe of Elf is a highly respected brood known for their fair dealings and honesty, and one does indeed require a sterling reputation to house the assembled wealth of a boomtown like Omen. Like most other Stoneword Elves, Silverfeather’s word and reputation are above reproach.
In this modern era, one might think travel to The Ruin is a simple and safe affair. Ho, just take the rail and roll on in! If only things were so simple. The brilliant Dwarven industrialist Ophelia Argent and her mighty Argent Railroad Company have invested several small fortunes in attempting to link Omen with the rest of civilized Spurth. The track is indeed nearly halfway complete, but construction is constantly paused by marauding Monster attacks and other mysterious unnatural disasters. This venture has become Miss Argent’s obsession, and she will spend her last Bit to see her dream come to fruition. Many others would surely have given up this dream in the face of such chaotic adversity, but those weak-willed sorts do not have the stone-solid drive of the Dwarven people.
Valgamma’s Ruin holds a great number of varying terrains within its mysterious borders, and people often expect the town of Omen to be built in the middle of a lush and bountiful paradise of green, glistening grasslands. At the risk of disappointing you, the first myth to be dispelled is that the city rests in a flat, dusty, rather featureless terrain more akin to a desert as opposed to anything resembling an Edenic landscape. As you might expect, Dust Lung is a constant concern in the dry, dusty locale.
Why found a city in such a featureless place, you ask? The answer is as pragmatic as the world is eternal: Safety. There are indeed lush forests, nigh-magically bountiful farmland, majestic mountain ranges, twinkling lakes and natural sights possessing such beauty that even the most stone-hearted among us would fight back tears to gaze upon them, but this comes at a high price. In The Ruin, these precious resources are counterbalanced by extreme dangers, and the flat, dusty, unappealing land where Omen rests is the safest place to found a settlement, acting as a hub of trade for those willing to brave the dangers that abound the further from the town one wanders.
A RUINOUS REALITY
One must remember that this place is not chained by the laws of reality. Attempts to map out the terrain specifically always fail, with the distance between landmarks and areas in The Ruin seemingly changing with each day. As a result, time and space flow a bit differently here, and one wishing to find a spot in Valgamma’s Ruin have to settle for vague, foggy directions. “Looking for that old, haunted mine? It’s about that direction. You’ll find it eventually...if it’s still there, that is.” is about as precise as one can hope to get. The Ruin is not obligated to follow the common laws of physics, you see. For this reason, a solid map of the region is impossible to pen, as features and landmarks sometimes decide to play fast and loose with reality.
RESUPPLY AND TRADE
Due to the barren landscape surrounding Omen, supplies and trade goods are brought in from the neighboring Hayseed Hills, which has undoubtedly boosted the economy of that simple region. As you might expect, these supply lines are heavily defended (and often assaulted) and those with martial leanings can find good pay guarding the endless stream of supplies that are Omen’s lifeblood.
Outside of the dusty borders lies a veritable paradise of lush land just waiting to be settled, but thus far, all attempts to do so have failed miserably. More than one ambitious farmer has attempted to stake their claim and build a farm beyond Omen’s relative safety, and those that are found are rarely encountered in one piece, having fallen prey to monster attacks or some other worse fate. Smaller encampments seem to work better, and some have found success mining the outlining area and trying to not draw too much attention to themselves.
Progress is slow, but one cannot cultivate a wild paradise immediately. We have the relative safety of Omen, and it stands proudly as the last (somewhat) civil place before the boundless wilds welcome those with glowing eyes and slashing claw. Given the primal mystery of the landscape, it is a miracle in itself that we have come this far!
THE CURSED RAIL
Despite these ruinous setbacks, there is no doubt in my mind that the rail will be realized, making travel from the “Civilized” world to Omen a very real possibility. As the saying accurately relays: One never loses their stake betting on Dwarven ingenuity!
THE TOWN PROPER
Each day, a new influx of fortune-seekers pours into Omen, swelling its populace and adding even more boisterous color to an already outrageous painting. New buildings and businesses seem to sprout like dusty, gritty weeds here, and the streets grow more crowded with each sunrise. Cultures meld and integrate in a way unseen in all of living memory, with each lending their own particular skills to the overall betterment of Omen’s plight.
As such, lines of culture and Species blur somewhat, and we all become citizens of Omen, struggling to survive and brave a puzzling land overflowing with reward for those with enough mettle to stride into the unknown. We are an unharmonious melting pot, to be sure, but this level of cooperation would have been thought impossible a scant decade ago before the Great Spiral was quelled.
Gristle Street
Omen’s layout is rather simple, with a main road dividing the town in two ever-expanding sides. Without much in the way of district planning, businesses and homes sprout in a chaotic fashion and on a first come, first serve basis. Nobody has time to plot and plan town districts and neighborhoods, and buildings arise where they may, when they may. It certainly adds an unfocused allure to the town, but anything less would be against its rowdy, spirited nature.
Affectionately named, the main road in Omen is called Gristle Street. The first structures built on the land were the most vital, and so, Gristle Street flows with activity for most of the day.
Government
Many believe Omen to be a lawless town, but that is far from the case. Surprisingly, the town does have a figurehead: the flamboyant and affable Orc Mayor Thadius Dublet (Doo-BLAY). To say the mayor rules with a light touch is quite the understatement, and the wily Orc knows that Omen teeters on the brink of extinction every single day, and trying to bring law and order to a chaotic landscape is a hopeless undertaking. That being said, nothing gets done in a ravenous, frenzied wasteland, and some manner of order must be maintained. Mayor Dublet rules through allowing the citizens of Omen to revel in their freedom, only bringing his authority to bear when serious matters arise, such as murder or acts of grievous harm. There is a tenuous balance that is palpable on the streets of Omen. Rowdiness is expected, but callous disregard for safety or outright banditry benefits no one. In many ways, the strange brotherhood that bonds most denizens of Omen is enough to keep the balance of peace relatively stable.
Besides this unwritten social contract, the Orc in charge is infinitely likeable, and his popularity soars with the common citizenry. Rarely has such a silver tongue gleamed brighter, and the mayor’s charisma has won him more allegiance with his subjects than any iron fisted autocrat could ever hope to instill.
The Law
Unfortunately, sometimes a tusked smile and honeyed words are not enough, and blood must be shed to maintain the safety of the town. This is where the imposing Settler Sheriff Tobias Ballard steps in to bring blistering firepower to bear. He is never seen without loyal Elf Deputy Long Crow, and the pair are an effective deterrent for bandits and criminals seeking to prey upon the citizenry at large.
As faithful agents of Mayor Dublet, the Sheriff and his Deputy only intervene when matters turn potentially fatal, and common saloon brawls and enthusiastic debauchery are left relatively unadmonished unless the health of the populace is endangered. The people feel safe, but free to enjoy a very lenient manner of freedom. This adds to the delicate balance that makes Omen a very special place, indeed.
There is no courtroom in Omen, and justice is meted out by Mayor Dublet and his agents, who will bring out the suspect in front of the town proper, holding a mass vote to determine the fate of the offender. Unfortunately, those found guilty are either sentenced to execution by hanging, or banishment from the town. Both sentences effectively equal death.
Information
The official newspaper of the town of Omen is The Daily Harbinger, bringing up-to-the-minute news to the citizens. Gnomish editor/reporter Alejandro Flores Barrera does an enviable job in informing the citizenry of Omen about all current events. While I personally think that the paper has an unbalanced focus towards the morbid and macabre stories about mysterious disappearances and unfathomable horrors, I cannot argue that salacious and terrifying stories make far more interesting reads (and far more lucrative sales) than more benevolent subject matter. As a chronicler of all things myself, I believe Editor Barrera performs his functions adequately, if not a bit overly enthusiastic when it comes to censorious details.
Entertainment
While Omen overflows with all manner of frontier town amenities, there is one unanimous past time that always proves to draw a large crowd. The sweet science of Boxing is the unofficial sport of Omen, and clashes between hulking pugilists are commonly displayed to the rousing delight of the bloodthirsty crowd, who always crave action and entertainment. The current champion is the lumbering Settler slugger heavyweight Henry “Hammerhead” Crubbins, who astonishes and amazes with his ability to endure direct cranial trauma over extended periods of time. The champion will bravely take on all comers, and has yet to taste the bitter flavor of defeat.
COMMERCE AND TRADE
New businesses pop up and flourish every day as Omen expands and floods with more and more people, but some of the more notable places to spend one's fortune are listed below.
Bloutner’s Forge: The strapping and hardworking Blacksmith of Omen is the lovable brute Gabriel Bloutner, who uses his hulking might to hammer out indispensible items that help build Omen larger and larger by the day. Kind and helpful, Mister Bloutner is always willing to lend his astonishing strength to aid any of his fellow residents.
Pharmacy & Funerals: This morbidly named establishment sees to the mending (and disposal of) the mortal form, and is run by the capable, yet exceedingly creepy Gnomish Doctor Hector Esparza Montero, who seems a little bit too enthusiastic about poking around gunshot wounds and other gory delights. Equally comfortable around living being or corpse alike, few can get through even a cursory examination by Doctor Montero without getting rather creeped out by the good Doctor’s morbid bedside manner, but those skilled in the medicinal arts are few and far between, so Omen must make do with the talents available. Those who seek treatment from Doctor Montero and do not survive the encounter receive a 10% discount on all funerary services. From his medical practice (conveniently located right next to the cemetery), the Doctor also sells concoctions, herbs, and other medicinal supplies.
Chewy Tom’s General Store: How such a varied stock of goods can fit in such a tiny shop is truly baffling, and the dismally unintelligent Settler affectionately known as “Chewy” Tom Fulch specializes in just about every common item one could want. Outside of weaponry, just about everything an adventurous soul could hope for can be found for sale in the crowded, disorganized shelves of the General Store.
Henzler’s Smithy: A simple sign plainly stating “Gunsmith” adorns the shop of a true artiste in the manner of firearms. It is here that Dwarven Gunsmith Floy Henzler plies her most elegant craft, offering peerless quality firearms and modifications for those who can meet the high price to match her gifted talents. While I know little about the finer points of pistoleering, even a layman like myself can recognize quality craftsmanship when I see it. I would expect nothing less from a fellow Dwarf, and Miz Henzler’s wares are worth every Bit spent. In a place where gunplay is an unfortunate eventuality, arming yourself with the best is never a poor decision. Floy Henzler and her brother Hagen share the same building, with each sibling running their own business.
The Counting House Casino: For the distinguished gambler who desires more than just a crude poker game on a sticky saloon tabletop, might I recommend the Counting House Casino. Proprietor Hagen Henzler runs a top-notch establishment with fair games and esteemed company for those with higher standards in their games of chance. Mister Henzler is a numerical wizard and his love of mathematics and odds shines through in his running of this rather lucrative business.
The Merrytree Restaurant: The Merrytree family are a delightful brood of good-natured Settlers who have recently fallen on hard times. Mr. And Mrs. Merrytree were both taken by sudden illness months apart of each other, leaving the truly talented Settler cook Tawny Merrytree in charge of running the business, as well as tending to the kitchen. The overloaded young girl is a far better cook than businesswoman, and even a novice economist can see financial ruin in the future of this once-successful business. A true shame.
Bug’s Bunkhouse: The bulbous Settler Bubba “Bug” Cottle is the owner and proprietor of this large, rather spartan hotel, which prioritizes quantity over quality when it comes to the aesthetic appeal of the place. Visitors can expect little more than a bed and four walls when they check in, but the prices are most certainly affordable.
The Wolf’s Lodge Livery: The Elf known as Wolfcaller uses his primal mastery to tend to the beasts and horses of Omen, making the best of his uncanny Tribal ability to communicate effortlessly with animals of all stripe. As a member of the Wildmaw tribe, it is no stretch to see what career path this proud brave would take.
Telegram Office: Relentless town gossip and insatiable snoop, the Orc Caliste Breville makes her business knowing everyone else’s, and she is a font of information for those willing to part with some coin to pry some of her expensive secrets from her clawed grasp. Those willing to ensure secrecy in their telegrams are advised to pay an extra “Security Fee” to Miz Breville to assure that sensitive word doesn’t accidentally leak out...
The Ghost Rose Saloon: The most famous building in all of Omen is undoubtedly the Ghost Rose. Housing all manner of sensory delights, from a fully stocked bar to games (and women) of chance, there is little desire that cannot be drowned here. Run by the ever-social Gnome Madame Giancarla Diaz, this boisterous center of debauchery is named after Senorita Diaz’s habit of wearing a ghostly white flower in her hair. Lively and energetic, the owner of the Ghost Rose has been a fixture in Omen since its inception.
The Abandoned Mission: A few miles away from Omen is a dusty, strange structure whose origin is a true mystery. Chickens cluck and strut around the lonesome exterior (and interior) of this eerie place, and the interior contains little but a set of dusty pews and large effigy of La Dama de Huesa, the enigmatic Gnomish patron mother goddess of death. A lone Gnomish girl known only as Sister Beatriz resides here, offering counsel and respite to those that seek it. For some reason, the Mission is a safe place from the rampant terrors of Valgamma’s Ruin. Rumors abound that the soft-spoken Sister is actually a practicing Bone Mage, but the truth of these claims is dubious at best. Whatever the case, few can doubt the sister’s devotion to the Lady of Bone.
The Goldstrand Theater: A catch-all venue for all manner of entertainment, the Goldstrand houses any and all public events in Omen, from bawdy stage shows to impassioned debates to crowd-pleasing boxing matches, the town’s slavering appetite for entertainment is glutted here. The Orc only known as Calvis lends his flamboyant talents to coax audiences to any show taking place at the Goldstrand. Equal parts proprietor, event promotor and hype-man, Calvis is one of the more colorful characters in town, and can always be seen advertising for the next upcoming event.
The Bank of Omen: Matters of Commerce are not usually associated with the Elven people, and those walking into the Bank of Omen for the first time are often gobsmacked to find an Elf patiently standing behind the counter. Silverfeather is the operator of Omen’s financial hub, and his talent with numbers is only rivaled by his personal honor. I am told that the Stoneword tribe of Elf is a highly respected brood known for their fair dealings and honesty, and one does indeed require a sterling reputation to house the assembled wealth of a boomtown like Omen. Like most other Stoneword Elves, Silverfeather’s word and reputation are above reproach.
In this modern era, one might think travel to The Ruin is a simple and safe affair. Ho, just take the rail and roll on in! If only things were so simple. The brilliant Dwarven industrialist Ophelia Argent and her mighty Argent Railroad Company have invested several small fortunes in attempting to link Omen with the rest of civilized Spurth. The track is indeed nearly halfway complete, but construction is constantly paused by marauding Monster attacks and other mysterious unnatural disasters. This venture has become Miss Argent’s obsession, and she will spend her last Bit to see her dream come to fruition. Many others would surely have given up this dream in the face of such chaotic adversity, but those weak-willed sorts do not have the stone-solid drive of the Dwarven people.
Britches Get Stitches: The Outfitter shop of Omen is run by the devout (some would say prudish) Settler Maureen Dowley, whose skill as a seamstress is second only to her devotion to Father Cactus. Deeply religious and obsessed with matters of decency, Miz Dowley’s wares come in modest styles of the utmost quality.
