Introduction

Black Rose: Being a Scoundrels and Scofflaws campaign to be run in and around the ancient and most foul city of Murgulmuir, known to many as the Wheel - not a fit place for any but the most fearless, cunning and resolute. To be executed employing the Fifth Edition of the venerable and much beloved Dungeons and Dragons system. The Wheel is a place of high magic and bold adventure where death lurks always at your back, ready to claim any who falter but offering rich rewards to those who survive long enough to claim it. Fortune and Glory or an ignominious but spectacular death await.

The Black Rose campaign is based in the City State of Murgulmuir. Some adventures will take you out of the city but most of what you will do will happen in or near the city. Players should be familiar with the basic layout of the city and how it functions.

Murgulmuir was built near the ruins of the original city just off the shore of a bay at the inlet of a major river. It is split between the buildings on the upper level and those on the lower level. These buildings were originally laid out along roads whose pattern resembled a ships wheel. Because of this, these older buildings are often referred to as "the Wheel" or because the layout is split between the upper and lower levels the "Broken Wheel".

There is a partial wall protecting the Wheel on the upper level. There is also a cluster of buildings at the heart of that area with is own wall known as the "Inner Wheel".

The split site was chosen because the section on the upper level is easier to defend and the lower level has easy access to the docks where a steady stream of boats and shops move trade goods of various kinds from across Kael. Most come in from the sea, down the river and across the bay. Because of Murgulmuir's central position and reputation for trade friendly policies it has become a hub.

To move from the Upper Wheel to the Lower Wheel you can use one of two massive stairs cut into the bluff, one at the southwest edge and the other at the northeast edge. There is also a gnomish elevator that runs directly from the Inner Wheel to the Lower Wheel but the operators charge for every ride so only the wealthy use it. There is another larger elevator from the area of the merchant ward used to move large cargo loads more quickly than lugging them up the stair or going the long way up the shore.

Over the years the city expanded beyond the limits of the Wheel. Most of this expansion happened on the upper level outside the wall in the area that has become known as the Sprawl. As the Lower Wheel expanded, the Downside Warrens emerged and became home to dock workers and other laborers. The Wheel alone is the size of a large city. When the Sprawl and the Warrens are taken into account it is one of the largest cities in the known world.

Those living in the city are forever under the shadow of the Overkeep, a massive island that floats above the Wheel. The ruins of the old city, about half of the sprawl and the docks are outside the shadow. Everywhere else the brightest it ever gets is the equivalent of twilight and even that idly because of reflected ambient light. It is a city forever in darkness.

The city is run by a Council of Masters and their appointed Magistrates. Many of the Masters are halfling guild leaders. Law is enforced by the Inspector General, the High Sheriff and the Investigators, Guard and Sheriffs they command. Despite all of this, the city is corrupt. Nothing is done about it because it benefits those in power. Crime of all kinds is commonplace. The trick to living in Murgulmuir is knowing what you can get away with. Those that earn to work the system can  profit but those who overstep will be undone.

A lot of the adventures in Black Rose involve criminal activity but there is also a place for those who want to do heir best to fight the good fight against abuse and injustice. It is a tough and relentless struggle but there are those in need everywhere you turn. Even the most hardened scoundrel will find themselves moved to action from time to time.

The City State of Murgulmuir is massive and ancient. There are endless opportunities. Do what you will but try to get yourself killed and if you can make peace with the fact that the gears will eventually grind you down, make the most of the time you have.