Editing Basilisk Hill Breakdown (section)

==The Start==

Liwil is an ancient city, dating back to the start of the 11th Cycle and the founding of the Skeldrene Empire, and has been the seat of the Order of the Basilisk Knights since its founding. The Skeldrene Empire was short-lived, begins to crumble during the Nadir of the 13th Cycle when the last true emperor, Zaphisdreal the Magnificent, dies, and the death of the empire is a long, drawn-out affair that, at the start of the 16th Cycle, leaves Liwil as one of the last surviving remnants of the greatness that was the Skeldrene Dynasty.

Liwil has seen a boom recently with the discovery of gold in the hills south; prospectors from the mining community of Dry Gulch to the southwest have been making their way along the remnants of the Old Road, and the domains to the east -- Hob, Deepwater, and the Scarlet Principalities -- as well as the city-states of the Zelaian Confederacy, are turning their attention to this newl found wealth. With the discovery of gold comes the interest of brigands, as well; the adventurers that passed through Dry Gulch likely encountered the Redfoot Gang, who run the town with an iron fist, and there are whispers that the Dispossessed, a vicious gang to the north, are beginning to look greedily to Liwil. 


In the third year of the Sixteenth Cycle the adventurers find themselves in Liwil, drawn from across central Absalom, intent on finding their fortune. It is the Firstday of the Thirdmonth, and winter has finally ended. The adventurers find themselves in the Knight and Stone Tavern, plotting their next moves. Their factor Mr. Hand, whom they have retained to look after their interests while adventuring, lays a map on the table.

"This is a map from the last Cycle," he says, "and I cannot attest to its accuracy. It is the best we have, however." He begins to trace out areas of interest.

*The remnants of the old road run eastward from Liwil, then cut north to intersect with the Long Road that runs to Junction -- in the Scarlet Principalities -- and Rocky Peak, to the north. There was once a village along the route, but travelers report it is abandoned and ill-omened. Were it to be reclaimed and settled it would put those in control in an advantageous position.
*The primary concern of the Basilisk Knights are twofold: a gang of troglodytes inhabits an old keep to the north, about nine miles north of Liwil, and a village of orcs to the northwest. An uneasy detente exists between the orcs and villagers, but the troglodytes have proved resistant to reason or steel.

*The Basilisk Knights seek an artifact, a medallion, that was stolen by a wayward knight. They do not know where it is, but will pay handsomely for its return.

*Tales tell of a young dragon that dwells in the woods to the north of Liwil. Whoever slays such a beast will no doubt gain great renown.

*All know of the Darkwoods, a haunted forest that lies between the Basilisk Hills and the riches of the Scarlet Principality. There's a village called Sin nestled in the woods, inhabited by all manner of miscreants and wastrels, including brigands who raid Hob and the surrounding territories.

*West of Liwil is a small plateau that is rumored to be cursed, and none who have ventured to the top have ever returned. It is said that at one point a conclave of evil druids once conducted dark rites atop the plateau. Those brave enough to venture into its shadow tell stories of an enormous, three-horned beast that roams the hills at the base of the plateau.