Life in the Reaches Life in the Reaches POINTS OF LIGHT The Western Reaches is a "points of light" setting where there are small pockets of fragile civilization, usually in the form of self-governed towns and citystates. Most places outside these areas are dangerous and lawless. MIGHT MAKES RIGHT When there is no overall rule of law, street justice prevails. Bandits, monsters, thieves, and worse roam the wilds of the Western Reaches, often acting with impunity against the weak. Adventurers will have to defend themselves, make allies, and act wisely if they hope to survive outside the safety of civilization. The wilds will eventually wear down even the toughest adventurers. Characters will need to retreat back to town on a regular basis to rest, restock, and recount their exploits in a carousing celebration! ANCESTRIES Humans are by far the most common ancestry in the Western Reaches, but there are a wide scattering of other peoples and civilizations. Dwarves, elves, and halflings are uncommon. Half-orcs, half-elves, goblins, and kobolds are rare. Population. Optionally, players can roll on the below chart for their characters' ancestries if they want the party to align with the average population percentages in the Reaches. d100 Ancestry 01-54 Human 55-64 Elf 65-74 Dwarf 75-84 Halfling 85-89 Goblin 90-94 Half-elf 95-99 Half-orc 00 Kobold ANCESTRY

SOCIAL STRUCTURE Most people in the Western Reaches come from humble means and get by working in a trade or craft. If they live in a city-state or its nearby lands, they pledge loyalty to its overlord and serve as vassals in exchange for the overlord's protection. In most parts of the Reaches, there is no overlord. Many towns and villages have no other authority than their own and must protect themselves from outside dangers. There is no universal set of laws, governance, or culture across the Western Reaches. A knight from the Duchy of Montmar would not be recognized or treated as a noble by the lawless bandit lords who roam the Djurum Desert. A visitor in the City of Masks might unknowingly break one of the Duke's laws. In Alkesh, the very same "crime" might be perfectly legal, or perhaps it is punished even more harshly. CIVILIZATIONS Most people who dwell in the Western Reaches have at least heard of the other centers of power in the region and know a few facts about them. City of Masks. The Duke reigns over this romantic city of high culture, art, and danger. It's the biggest city-state in all the Western Reaches. Alkesh. A princess called the Shar rules Alkesh. The city is a mysterious, bright oasis in the desert where you can buy anything for the right price. Stonehall. A dwarf king as old as three men presides over a vast hall under the mountains. The dwarves of Stonehall are the best crafters in all the land. Kyzian Steppes. Wild tribes of horseback riders roam across the plains like a moving army. Their queen is a feared warrior. Lydonia. An aloof elf king rules over a shining citadel deep in the forest. His rangers and knights watch from behind every tree and blade of grass.