I often write boxed text for new in-game events and locations. I find it easier to think through the sights, smells, and other sensations during GM prep and write them out, rather than improv’ing when I’m trying to write a game. Here’s one such moment.
From a criminal contact in Helgard:
Rissimo is built into the Damycian Mountains, taking advantage of some of its natural resources for its forges. The foothills are steep, and I’d bet you anything the Empire thinks of that as a natural defense. It’ll be a bit of a climb, which means you’re probably on foot both in and out.
The Empire’s not stupid though, they’ll probably be patrolling the ridges. I would bet it’s a light patrol though–they can stop you from getting out more easily than they can stop you from getting in. Do a little recon before you go in. Make sure they don’t start shooting, or you’ll pull the whole 57th down on top of you.
From a mage at the Wizards Conclave in Helgard:
Rissimo is a bit like an iceberg; the tip that’s above ground isn’t all there is. There are passages into a cave system deep within the Damycian Mountains, where magma is used for metals and techniques that take extreme amounts of heat. Odds are you’re not going to find an entrance to that cave system anywhere nearby, so I’d rule that out.
There’s another interesting natural feature–under the old workshop, the big stone building at the north of the plaza, there’s a mana well, drawing from a naturally occurring spring of aether somewhere beneath it. It’s one of the reasons Rissimo is so prized for its craftsmanship.
I’ve heard talk that, in one of the mountain hollows, there are caves that might get you in there. We might even have some old notes in various survey journals that could point you in the right direction.
I’d be careful poking around that far away from the Westwood Road, though–I hear tales of various druidic tribes living off on their own back there, maybe people who wouldn’t be happy to have you trampling on their turf.
From the Tomekeeper at the temple of Timmit (the god of knowledge) in Helgard:
Rissimo’s locked down these days, so it’s highly dependent upon Helgard and Turo to get what it needs. I have no knowledge of Turo, but they seem to favor Helgard, as there’s less competition over supply lines and people–the Wizards Conclave are all bookish sorts, right up to their leadership, where the University in Turo is a bit more ambitious and has the needs to match. Lumber, fish, fur, herbs, and stone in some places deeper in the Damycians. Helgard doesn’t quite have the selection you can get from Turo’s port, but what we do have is dependable and reasonably priced.
It’s not uncommon to see a lot of Imperials doing business or spending leave here. Sometimes in uniform, sometimes not–just a matter of whether they want to pull rank or be left alone. You might ask around there, but I’d be careful. The 57th keeps an eye on things here, and it’s going to be a red flag if they keep hearing tales of travelers in Helgard asking pointed questions.