DM
posted... World of Golarion
on Sat 16 Aug 2008 @ 5:41 PM (PBW Time)
Modern Varisia is a region of conflict, a strip of frontier laid against the Storval Rise - a land of barbarians and giants to the northeast. Although no central government controls Varisia, three city-states - Korvosa, Magnimar and Riddleport - have emerged, each of which could some day claim control over the region. While dozens of smaller towns and villages dot the lowlands of Varisia, the majority of them see one of these three cities as their protectors.
The oldest and largest of these cities is Korvosa, a city of Chelish loyalists ruled by a monarchy but cleaving close to Cheliax in a bid to be reabsorbed into the empire. Korvosa is a haven for merchants and tradesmen, and functions as a gateway for trade throughout all of the region. It is in this city that our campaign starts.
DM
posted... SE Varisia
on Sat 16 Aug 2008 @ 6:14 PM (PBW Time)
KORVOSA'S NEIGHBOURS
Janderhoff: The dwarves of Janderhoff quarry the dark surfaces of the Mindspin Mountains to extract prized black marble and veins of valuable ores. Every pebble of black marble and every gram of silver are exported to Korvosa, while goods worked by the dwarves from iron and copper ores are sold to whomever can afford their prices. Mithral the dwarves keep for themselves. This trade partnership extends to Janderhoff acting as a middleman between Korvosa and the Shoanti of the Storval Rise, who traditionally hate each other.
Kaer Maga: Located along the edge of the Storval Plateau, the walled-in city of Kaer Maga has existed in an increasingly cooperative state of peace with Korvosa since the Treaty of Sirathu ended the siege of Kaer Maga in 4663 and ceded all of that city's holdings to Korvosa. Trade (mostly illicit) between the two cities has been growing with each passing year.
KORVOSA'S HOLDINGS
Korvosa exerts direct control over much of southeastern Varisia. Its power stretches as far west as the Fenwall Mountains and Ashwood Forest, and as far north as the Storval Rise. Only Kaer Maga has resisted falling under the city's control.
Abken: Founded as a commune by peace-loving riff raff, Abken’s existence continues to baffle and chafe at Korvosa’s strict and militaristic leadership. The “family” who lives within the walled compound of Abken occasionally pays taxes to Korvosa, in the form of a variety of quite tasty foods and the occasional shipment of illegal cabble-weed and flayleaf. These payments usually occur when the town is reminded, such as when the leader of the nearby garrison of Korvosan Guards is in a bad mood.
Biston: The unusual fishermen and farmers of Biston reside in a series of caves within a stone cliff abutting Lake Syrantula. Founded by the Korvosa-born adventurer Jhenni Biston, the town of Biston has long held a strong sense of independence. This independent streak resulted in conflict in 4658, when a group of separatists led by Jhenni’s grandson, Randas, attempted to break free of Korvosa’s rule. It ended in martial law for the community, which has only recently been lifted.
Baslwief: Founded by Jayden Baslwief in 4563, the village focuses mainly on mining. The metals extracted here supplements the flow out of Janderhoff, and the competition keeps prices relatively low in Korvosa.
Harse: Founded by Sarwin Harse in 4536 at the confluence of the Sarwin and Falcon rivers, Harse quickly became an important stopping place for dwarven merchants heading for Palin's Cove and Veldraine. More importantly, it serves as a gateway to Korvosa's other inland holdings.
Melfesh: Korvosa’s largest inland holding, Melfesh controls the Runtash River with its massive drawbridge. The town charges tolls for ships to pass, partnering in trade with Janderhoff which receives a cut of the tax. As a result of a few heated exchanges arising from the tolls, Melfesh is also the most heavily defended inland Korvosan holding, providing military support to Biston and Baslwief.
Palin's Cove: For roughly the first century of its existence, the strategically vital Palin’s Cove survived as little more than a military outpost, proving its worth in more than a dozen sieges laid (and lost) by the Shoanti. The town bristles with catapults, ballistae and trebuchets, which also comprise its primary exports, although modern Palin’s Cove is an industrial marvel with forges, refineries, smelters and a plethora of other manufacturing concerns pouring black smoke into the sky.
Sirathu: Poorest of Korvosa’s holdings, Sirathu only recently came under the city’s control when Korvosa wrested it from Kaer Maga with the Treaty of Sirathu in 4663. A dirty community without hope, the village recently gained a bit of fame when rumors spread of a young girl there blessed with a minor gift of Pharasma.
Veldraine: The second oldest Chelaxian settlement in Varisia, Veldraine has long depended on Korvosa for trade and support, even as Korvosa has relied on it for the defense of Conqueror’s Bay. Veldraine’s ships act as Korvosa’s navy and its small but prestigious naval academy trains the best sailors and ship captains in Varisia. In addition to its powerful navy, Veldraine guards the bay with a massive chain, an impressive feat of engineering miles long anchored deep within a basalt shelf opposite the town, which can be raised to block ships in time of need.
DM
posted... City of Korvosa
on Sat 16 Aug 2008 @ 7:09 PM (PBW Time)
KORVOSAMOTTO Trosker ep Styrk
(ancient Taldane for 'Fidelity and Strength')
LARGE CITY conventional (king); AL LN
Demographics
Population 18,486
Type isolated (90% human, 4% dwarf, 2% elf, 2% halfling,
1% half-elf, 1% other races)
Authority Figures
Queen Illeosa Arabasti, young wife of king
Seneschal Neolandus Kalepopolis, keeper of Castle Korvosa
Field Marshall Cressida Kroft, leader of the Korvosa Guard
Commandant Marcus Thalassinus Endrin, leader of the Sable Company
Lictor Severs DiVri, leader of the Order of the Nail
Lord Glorio Arkona, de facto leader of Old Korvosa
Toff Ornelos, Acadamae headmaster
Five landmarks give Korvosa a distinctive skyline. Three of these exist on a truly colossal scale and have survived for millennia: the massive, flat-topped pyramid that Castle Korvosa stands upon; the Pillar Wall, which stretches across most of the southern end of Citadel Hill, a 100-foot-tall remainder of what once must have been a magnificent barrier; and, just beyond the western terminus of the Pillar Wall, the Gatefoot, which obviously originally formed a part of the wall and likely served as a gateway of some kind. The other two landmarks - the Great Tower, rising 270 ft from the northernmost poitn of the Merciless Cliffs, and the Hall of Summoning, centre of operations for the Acadamae - while impressive, do not come close to the size or grandeur of the ruins.
Besides its impressive landmarks, Korvosa’s other famed manmade features include its walls (ruined and otherwise), beautiful bridges and famed Vaults. These it points to with pride, but not all of its distinctive features attract the attention of potential visitors and residents. Chief among its shameful features is the rooftop area of the city known as the Shingles, which serves as both a highway for bandits and a refuge for monsters, thieves and other undesirables.
For a more in-depth look at Korvosa, the focus of our campaign, refer to the Curse of the Crimson Throne Player's Guide.
DM
posted... District: Old Korvosa
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 6:00 AM (PBW Time)
Dominating the northwest corner of the island is the imposing black-marble Palace Arkona. This massive manor houses Old Korvosa's de facto ruling family, the inscrutable but feared House Arkona.
O1 - Palace Arkona
O2 - Old City Hall
O3 - Orisini Academy
O4 - Endrin Military Academy
O5 - Reefclaw Run Market
O6 - Sticky Mermaid (tavern)
O7 - Jeggare's Jug (pub)
O8 - Copper-Beater Hall
O9 - Eel's End (gambling hall, brothel, drug den, flophouse)
O10 - Exemplary Execrables (dark, twisted theater)
O11 - Temple of Aroden
O12 - The Travelling Man (tavern)
O13 - Hessim, Newby and Sage Paint Manufactory
O14 - The Ironworks
DM
posted... District: North Point
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 6:06 AM (PBW Time)
N1 - Laughing Wave Inn
N2 - The Dock Trade (market of questionable legality)
N3 - Whitecaps (inn)
N4 - Longacre Building (courthouse, prison and execution venue)
N5 - City Hall
N6 - Bank of Abadar
N7 - Three Rings Tavern
N8 - Sanctuary of Shelyn
N9 - Avenue of Arms (127 bizarre stone arms, some holding rusted weapons)
N10 - Posh and Turtle (finest inn and tavern in Korvosa)
DM
posted... District: The Heights
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 6:07 AM (PBW Time)
The centrepiece of the city, Castle Korvosa rises high above Citadel Hill at the junction of all three wards, towering over every other building in the city. Only the king, his immediate family, the seneschal of the castle, and his family may live in Castle Korvosa. Either man can invite long-term guests (such as the king’s small harem), but the other can evict these guests at any time (except during times of war).
H1 - Great Tower (Sable Company base)
H2 - Upslope House (bed & breakfast)
H3 - The Frisky Unicorn (bed & breakfast)
H4 - Temple of Asmodeus
H5 - Gilded Orrery (shop of magical wares and arcane books)
H6 - Jittery Quill (ale and coffee place)
H7 - Jeggare Museum
H8 - University of Korvosa
H9 - The Wise Dragon Inn
H10 - Tenna's (small bed & breakfast)
H11 - Marbledome (opera house)
H12 - Kendall Amphitheater
H13 - Crested Falcon (expensive, elite restaurant)
H14 - Temple of Sarenrae
H15 - The Overlook (tavern)
DM
posted... District: Midland
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 6:08 AM (PBW Time)
As the home district of both the Korvosan Guard and Sable Company, Midland has the fewest gangs and gang battles in the city. Despite that, the thieves' guild does a brisk trade in the district thanks to the disproportionately high number of merchants, banks and other commercial and financial concerns.
Citadel Volshyenek (HQ of Korvosan Guard)
M1 - Bookmaker (Korvosa's largest bookstore)
M2 - Bailer's Retreat (rough tavern)
M3 - Gold Market (Korvosa's largest market, open-air)
M4 - Eodred's Walk (14 different shops)
M6 - Creaky Hammock (tavern and inn with nautical theme)
M8 - Pestico's Dolls and Figurines
DM
posted... District: East Shore
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 6:09 AM (PBW Time)
E1 - Theumanexus College (small wizard school)
a - Geezlebottle Hall
b - Toryr Hall
c - Verso Hall (school's nerve center)
E2 - Leftover's (inn)
E3 - Horse Shop (fairest prices in town)
E4 - Shoreline Drinkhall (tavern)
DM
posted... District: South Shore
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 6:13 AM (PBW Time)
Notable locations in the district include a small enclave built specifically as an embassy for Mierani elves, and the Pantheon of Many - a massive temple housing shrines to 17 of the 20 main deities of Golarion (excepting only Gorum, Lamashtu and Rovagug).
S1 - Orkatto's Feathers and Fur (shop of exotic pets or oddities)
S2 - Green Market (small, fully enclosed market)
S3 - Bard's End (Korvosa's largest inn)
S4 - Jade Circle (elite teahouse)
S5 - Pantheon of Many
DM
posted... District: Gray
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 6:14 AM (PBW Time)
G1 - Great Tomb of Leadership
G2 - Grand Cathedral of Pharasma
DM
posted... The Shingles
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 8:47 PM (PBW Time)
No accurate map of the Shingles exists, as almost by definition the neighborhood is in a constant state of flux. The layout in Bridgefront, especially, constantly changes as the rickety structures that comprise the ward's Shingles collapse or shift. As a result, exact directions to a particular residence or shop defy description.
Humans don’t live alone on the roofs of their fair city; an assortment of nasty surprises await unwary fools traversing the Shingles. Everything from imps and stirges to shingle spiders and chokers hunt above the city, ready at any moment to snatch inattentive prey. Parents in the parts of the city under the Shingles frequently threaten unruly children with visits “from the chokers that live on the roof”. Unfortunately, much truth exists in this threat.
DM
posted... Speaking Korvosan
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 8:47 PM (PBW Time)
Chel Mildly derogatory term for people of Chelish descent. Widely used as a contemptuous dismissal in the rest of the world. In Korvosa, the word has evolved into a hate-filled ethnic slur. Use of this word constitutes a grave affront in the city, and using it on the wrong target likely finds the offender beaten, lynched, or killed.
Dancer Cutpurse, pickpocket or other thief who works crowds. Comes from the belief that most thieves are Varisians and most Varisians like to dance. Actual dancing performers are called “performers”.
Empty A beggar, vagrant or homeless person. Most Korvosans consider an empty to be someone without meaning or purpose, whose existence doesn’t matter and whose life and death occur without mention.
Fronter Someone who lives in Bridgefront or is otherwise poor. Not a polite term and frequently used as a mild (sometimes playful) insult among younger aristocrats and nobles. Connotes dirtiness.
Gater Someone who lives in Northgate. Common term even used by Gaters themselves.
Horser Highly inflammatory term for a Shoanti or other savage primitive. Holds strong connotations of bestiality.
Imper A young student of the Acadamae. Older students respectfully receive no nickname, as they wield the power to kill those who insult them.
Moth A full-blooded Varisian. Because so much of the population in Korvosa descends at least partially from Varisian stock, most people don’t consider it an insult, using it as a nickname for the nomadic people. Full-blooded Varisians differ on their acceptance of the term - some use it themselves while others bristle at its connotations.
Pincher Someone very poor who scrapes by on only a few copper pinch a month.
Sails One or more ships.
Solly Someone who wishes to unionize or form a guild. Short for “solidarity”. A dire insult in Korvosa (even if the recipient does support the formation of guilds), sometimes considered the foulest thing to call a Korvosan.
Solly Slop Rubbish, excrement. At one time, this referred to the bland porridge of unskilled laborers (the most common agitators for unionizing in the city). Today, Korvosans consider the phrase vulgar and not to be used in public.
DM
posted... Numismatics
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 8:48 PM (PBW Time)
Copper Pinch: Usually referred to as simply a pinch (plural and singular), dropping “copper”. Calling multiple copper coins “pinches” elicits laughs and painful tweaks on the arm or backside.
Silver Shield: Frequently called by its full name to differentiate it from the shields used for protection.
Gold Sail: Always called by its full name to differentiate it from the similar term “sails” (see the Speaking Korvosan post above).
Platinum Crown: Occasionally referred to as simply a crown, dropping “platinum”.
DM
posted... Festivals and Holidays
on Thu 21 Aug 2008 @ 9:14 PM (PBW Time)
1. King Eodred II’s Birthday, 16 Calistril: By royal dictate, the city marks the aging king’s birthday with scantily clad girls and women dancing and serving free wine to celebrants.
2. Sable Company Founding Day, 6 Pharast: A formal celebration marked by a parade and displays of martial prowess, this somber holiday is one of few that precludes alcohol.
3. Breaching Festival, last Sunday of Desnus: Every year, the dean of abjuration at the Acadamae sends out a dozen invitations to the top student from each of the seven other schools and the leaders of the thieves’ guild and four other known gangs chosen at random. From sunrise till sunset, the invitees attempt to penetrate the defenses of the Hall of Wards and set foot anywhere within it, for a snowballing prize rumoured to exceed the yearly budget of most noble houses, that no one has claimed in 156 years. In addition to the invited participants, the annual event draws hundreds of spectators who fill the Acadamae's grounds to stare in wonder at the secretive college's otherwise closed campus, turning the normally staid and infernal wizarding college to something more like a carnival.
4. Day of Destiny, 3 Sarenith: Held to be the day Emperor Halleck IV signed the charter that eventually became Korvosa, celebrants of this holiday toast the city’s health with cheap but abundant liquor.
5. Riverwind Festival, 22 Sarenith: At the start of summer, the prevailing winds shift for a few weeks, bringing a cool breeze down from the Mindspin Mountains. This break from the heat is celebrated in the traditional way (i.e. drinking to excess).
6. Founding Festival, 14 Erastus: The wildest parties and festivities occur on the anniversary of the city’s founding. Alcohol, fireworks and extravagant displays of magical prowess light the city into the wee hours of the following morning.
7. Saint Alika’s Birthday, 31 Arodus: (Leap Day) More a time of reflection than an excuse to party, this small festival is celebrated with red and white flowers and platefuls of raw Alikan oysters.
8. Crabfest, first Wealday of Rova: As winter approaches, crabs that had migrated to the cooler waters of the Jeggare River return to the bay. Many end up as dinner at feasts.
9. Great Fire Remembrance, 13 Neth: Somber and quiet, this holiday shuts down the city. Most people stay at home and, by tradition, no one lights a fire from dawn on the 13th until sunrise on the 14th.
10. Pseudodragon Festival, 7 Kuthona: The last wild (alcohol-fueled) celebration of the year occurs to mark the migration of wild pseudodragons from their warm-weather homes in the Mindspin Mountains to their wintering habitats along the bay. The city’s tame and domesticated pseudodragons take to the sky and greet their cousins, often spending most of the day frolicking above the city.
DM
posted... Korvosan Delicacies
on Mon 25 Aug 2008 @ 7:27 PM (PBW Time)
1. Alikan Oyster: Nothing more than a soft-boiled oyster harvested from the Narrows of Saint Alika. Six oysters sell for 2 gs.
2. Hillcake: Essentially heavily spiced hardtack. Popular with Sable Company marines. Two pounds of hillcake sell for 1 gs.
3. Jigsaw Fin Mahktasha: The deep-fried dorsal fin of a jigsaw shark, typically doused in a mixture of Vudran spices. One fin sells for 7 ss.
4. Lem: A thin hummus cut with goat’s milk and heavily spiced. Usually served with strips of deep-fried clam meat called “lemchum”. A jar sells for 8 ss.
5. Maxmax: A Shoanti treat made from pickled moose fat dipped in powdered sugar. One maxmax sells for 1 ss.
6. Oliphant Ear: Butter-rich flat-bread pastries fried on the backs of tower shields. Can easily feed three fullgrown men. One ear sells for 5 ss.
7. Pullers: Tiny, chewy sweets made of sugar, honey, and maple syrup held together with caramel and wheat flour. A dozen pullers sell for 4 gs.
8. Reed Crackers: River reeds and duck eggs made into bitter and mildly hallucinogenic crackers. One pound sells for 4 gs.
9. Reefclaw Pasty: A deep-fried ball of mashed reefclaw claw meat best eaten with a thileu-bark dipping sauce. Four pasties costs 1 ss, with the proper amount of sauce costing 6 ss.
10. Thileu Bark: The most popular spice in Korvosa. It tastes like a cross of cinnamon, nutmeg and mint. Only Varisians know how to harvest the bark. They sell it for 100 gs per pound.
DM
posted... Crime and Punishment
on Mon 25 Aug 2008 @ 7:30 PM (PBW Time)
CRIME| PUNISHMENT | Treason | Torture, death; no appeal | Murder | Torture, death; no appeal | Rape | Torture and castration, imprisonment (10–20 years), death; no appeal | Armed Robbery | Pay restitution or lose a hand, imprisonment (10–20 years) | Arson | Pay restitution or branding, imprisonment (10+ years); plus murder charge if fire kills | Unionizing | Branding, imprisonment (5–10 years); no appeal | Accidental Death | Pay restitution or torture, imprisonment (5–8 years) | Robbery | Pay restitution or lose a hand, imprisonment (2–10 years) | Drug Use | Imprisonment (4–6 months pre-trial, plus 2–3 years if guilty) | Burglary | Pay restitution, imprisonment (1–2 years) | |
DM
posted... Korvosan Guard
on Mon 25 Aug 2008 @ 7:31 PM (PBW Time)
The Korvosan Guard serves the city of Korvosa first, the city’s leader second, and the Church of Abadar third.Descended from the regular army troops brought to Endrin Isle by founder Field Marshal Korvosa of Cheliax, the Korvosan Guard possesses a long and proud history of serving the city and its leaders. Supported and augmented by the Church of Abadar, the Guard counts among its officers paladins and priests of the God of Cities. The Guard works closely with both the Order of the Nail and Sable Company, coordinating efforts among all three and relying on the Hellknights to muster Acadamae wizards when necessary to protect the city.
Currently, Field Marshal Cressida Kroft leads the nearly 700 soldiers of the Korvosan Guard, almost all of whom are human of Chelaxian descent. Despite an ever increasing integration of non-Chelaxians into its ranks, the Korvosan Guard remains steadfastly tied to its Chelaxian traditions. Only full-blooded Chelaxian humans can become generals or the field marshal, while only those with at least half-Chelaxian blood (including half-elves) can achieve a rank higher than captain.
DM
posted... Sable Company
on Mon 25 Aug 2008 @ 7:31 PM (PBW Time)
First by tradition, and later by an addendum to the city’s charter, the Sable Company does not answer to the leader of Korvosa, regardless of the leader’s title. Instead, the commandant of the Sable Company reports directly to the Seneschal of Castle Korvosa who, as also decreed by charter amendment, cannot have less than three generations of separation between common ancestors with the city’s leader. With each new leader, the commandant pledges the company’s loyalty — usually within a few days, but in the past this has taken up to a year and once did not happen at all.The Sable Company was formed by Waydon Endrin from the remnants of the marines who fought to hold the land now known as Endrin Isle. The Company works closely with the Korvosan Guard and relies on its ties with that group to coordinate efforts with the Hellknights and Acadamae (neither of which it gets along with).
Currently, Commandant Marcus Thalassinus Endrin leads his hippogriff-mounted marines in defense of the skies and waters of Korvosa. Shipboard raids and airborne threats fall under the jurisdiction of the black-clad Sable Company, and its members offer aerial and amphibious support to Korvosan Guard operations.
The Sable Company is a little more integrated than the Korvosan Guard, allowing any human member to rise as high as general of the company and any other member to gain the rank of major. To date, all leaders have been pureblood Chelaxians from noble families, but in theory any general can receive the promotion to Commandant.
DM
posted... Order of the Nail
on Mon 25 Aug 2008 @ 7:32 PM (PBW Time)
Some 15 miles south of Korvosa stands Citadel Vraid, the black-iron fortress of the Hellknight Order of the Nail. From its grim fastness, this autonomous legion of law-bringers seeks to enforce its own harsh vision of order upon Varisia, meting out law with blade and iron-shod boot. Unconcerned with the petty trivialities of morality, Hellknights are fanatics of law, adhering only to their harsh, Cheliax-born vision of order and their own unyielding vision of honor.One of the original seven orders of Hellknights, the Order of the Nail is among the farthest removed from their home in Cheliax, having been coaxed to Varisia in 4682 by Korvosa’s then Queen Domina. Strong martial traditions, strength, force and intimidation are the primary virtues of the order, well represented by their distinctive horned helms and demon-maw breastplates. The order is currently commanded by Lictor Severs “Boneclaw” DiVri, with Mistress of Blades Maidrayne Vox presiding over its martial forces and Paravicar Acillmar directing the order’s signifiers.
The Korvosan Guard sometimes bristles at the occasional unrequested aid of these harsh-minded knights, but it begrudgingly accepts their results and acknowledges their effectiveness. The city's monarchy, however, holds a decades-old grudge dating back to the order’s refusal to obey the Korvosan crown upon relocating to the region. This sentiment is shared by the people, who fear, despise and misunderstand the knights — often referred to as “Domina’s Devils” — though none dare speak openly against them, fearing the carte blanche with which they enforce the laws of Cheliax.
DM
posted... Church of Pharasma
on Mon 25 Aug 2008 @ 7:32 PM (PBW Time)
PHARASMALady of Graves
Goddess of fate, death, prophecy and birth
Alignment: N
Domains: Death, Healing, Knowledge, Repose, Water
Favored Weapon: Dagger
Pharasma’s Boneyard awaits all mortals. Once there, they stand in a great line, waiting to be judged and sent to their final reward. Legends claim that Pharasma knew the death of Aroden was fast approaching and even judged him, but did nothing to warn her followers, many of whom were driven mad by the event.
Pharasma is depicted as the midwife, mad prophet or reaper of the dead, depending upon her role. Pregnant women often carry small tokens of her likeness on long necklaces to protect the unborn and to grant it a good life. Her followers are midwives, expectant mothers, morticians, and (less so since Aroden’s death) diviners.
Pharasma's temples are gothic cathedrals, usually located near a town's graveyard, although a single bleak stone in an empty field or graveyeard can serve as a shrine. Her faithful dress in funeral clothes for religious ceremonies, always black and accented with silver and tiny vials of holy water. They despise the undead as abominations to the natural order. Her holy book is The Bones Land in a Spiral, much of it written long ago by a prophet, with many of its predictions so vague that there is much debate over what events they foretell or if the events have already passed. Other sections added later deal with safe childbirth, disposal of the dead to prevent undeath, proper ways to perform auguries, and so on.
Pharasma manifests her favor through the use of scarab beetles and whippoorwills, both of which function as psychopomps and serve to guide recently departed spirits to the Boneyard. Black roses are thought to bring good luck, especially if the rose’s stem sports no thorns. Pharasma will also sometimes allow the spirit of someone who died under mysterious conditions to transmit short messages to their living kin to comfort them, to expose a murderer, or even to haunt an enemy. Her displeasure is often signified by cold chills down the spine, bleeding from under the fingernails, an unexplained taste of rich soil, the discovery of a dead whippoorwill, and the feeling that something important has been forgotten.
Within Korvosa, the church of Pharasma patrols and controls the Gray district. The Grand Cathedral of Pharasma, located in the Sepulcher ward, is both office and home to Bishop Keppira d’Bear and a retinue of lower-ranking clerics and faithful warriors, acting as barracks, temple and keep. Its high black-marble walls contain few windows, more on the second floor than the first, but even those are mostly just arrow slits.
The cathedral has served as a secure location multiple times in Korvosa's past, and despite a half-dozen sieges by undead, it has yet to fall. More commonly, the cathedral acts as a strongpoint and place of rest during the reverse sieges that occasionally plague Gray - when formerly interred residents rise and attempt to escape beyond the district's walls. In such an event, the clerics of Pharasma form a living wall around the perimeter of Gray, performing coordinated turnings to force the undead back toward the center of the district and the destructive defenses of the Grand Cathedral.
For its service in Gray, the Korvosan government and many of its wealthiest families donate generously to the church of Pharasma. The church has a close working relationship with that of Abadar, and may call upon the latter for assistance, either in the form of clerics or troop support from the Korvosan Guard.
In Pharasma's role as goddess of birth, those clerics less inclined toward battle frequently become midwives who then work closely with clerics of Erastil (who focus on family), as well as healers of Sarenrae.
