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Overview
Beldrin's Bluff, now known as the Precipice Quarter, was once one of the most beautiful and vibrant districts in Absalom. The quarter was famous for its ancient magical towers, brightly colored homes, and a resplendent fairground. However, a catastrophic earthquake two decades ago nearly destroyed the district, leaving it in ruins and abandoned to undead and strange magic. Recent efforts have been made to reclaim and rebuild the area.
Historical Context
- Origins: The district was named after the mysterious wizard Beldrin, who constructed his tower on the southern shore of the Starstone Isle. Beldrin's stronghold, with its three ivory spires, became a beacon of creativity and innovation, attracting students and artists.
- Earthquake of 4698 AR: The disaster struck without warning, causing significant destruction. High-end restaurants, playhouses, and noble houses collapsed into the sea, and two of Beldrin’s three spires fell into the ocean. The earthquake also unleashed destructive spirits and malign magic, leading to chaos, violent mobs, and death cults. The area was subsequently renamed the Precipice Quarter and barricaded off from the rest of Absalom.
Current State
- Barterfall: After the earthquake, the more affluent survivors abandoned the district. The remaining residents live in Barterfall, a precarious neighborhood characterized by a barter economy and crumbling tenements. The community faces constant threats of violence and disease.
- Boneglutton Pit: This pit was used as an emergency dumping ground for corpses and rubble after the earthquake. It became infested with ghouls who constructed structures from the debris. An Urgathoan cult now uses the pit for their grisly worship rituals.
Points of Interest
- Tower of the Horn: This tower is partially submerged and remains dangerous due to tidal pressures and strong currents. Though partially mapped, it poses significant hazards to adventurers.
- Tower of the Broken Shield: The only tower still standing above water, it is occupied by undead and cultists. Despite its dangers, it continues to attract adventurers seeking glory and treasure.
- Spiral Shrine: Pharasma’s temple, rebuilt after the earthquake, serves as a graveyard for those whose remains were never recovered. It is a haven for divine magic and is defended by duskwalkers who patrol the Precipice Quarter.
Notable Incidents
- Post-Earthquake Unrest: The immediate aftermath of the earthquake saw violent mobs and the rise of death cults, exacerbated by the release of destructive spirits and malign magic. The chaos forced the district to be sealed off from the rest of Absalom.
Reclamation Efforts
Recent initiatives have aimed at taming and rebuilding the ruins of Beldrin's Bluff. These efforts focus on clearing out the undead, restoring safety, and encouraging resettlement and economic revitalization.
Summary
Beldrin's Bluff, now known as the Precipice Quarter, is a district marked by its tragic fall from grace. Once a hub of beauty and innovation, it now struggles with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The district remains a place of peril and intrigue, drawing adventurers and reclaimers alike as efforts continue to restore its former glory.