The Slums
The Slums occupy a network of natural caverns in a remote mountain peak above the View, where Phoenix Brighton sends those who fall from his favor. Wide cave chambers house ramshackle slum dwellings that cling to the stone walls above the flood lines, positioned high enough to survive the snowmelt that periodically fills the lower passages. The caverns were originally thought to be Lascarian-made, though their true origin remains uncertain. What is certain is that no one comes here by choice.
Life in the Slums operates on a currency of deprivation. Goods from the View arrive at exorbitant prices that most residents cannot afford, the remote location offered as justification for the markup. No formal leadership from the View reaches this far. A deep attachment to Nuclear Family faith among the majority has produced local neighborhood leaders who attempt to organize something resembling society, but resources are scarce and hope is scarcer.
The Eddings family built most of the Slums' infrastructure after they were cast out from the View, using their remaining wealth, ingenuity, and hard work to create the foundations of the community. They have not forgotten why they were sent here. Neither has Adiron, the disgraced son of Phoenix Brighton himself, who serves as the de facto leader of the Slums. Exiled for offenses no one will specify, Adiron has never forgiven his father. He plans an inevitable rise back to power, possibly by allying with the raiders and monsters in Crush Valley below. The avalanche he intends to start may bury everyone in its path.
Life in the Slums operates on a currency of deprivation. Goods from the View arrive at exorbitant prices that most residents cannot afford, the remote location offered as justification for the markup. No formal leadership from the View reaches this far. A deep attachment to Nuclear Family faith among the majority has produced local neighborhood leaders who attempt to organize something resembling society, but resources are scarce and hope is scarcer.
The Eddings family built most of the Slums' infrastructure after they were cast out from the View, using their remaining wealth, ingenuity, and hard work to create the foundations of the community. They have not forgotten why they were sent here. Neither has Adiron, the disgraced son of Phoenix Brighton himself, who serves as the de facto leader of the Slums. Exiled for offenses no one will specify, Adiron has never forgiven his father. He plans an inevitable rise back to power, possibly by allying with the raiders and monsters in Crush Valley below. The avalanche he intends to start may bury everyone in its path.
History
The Slums were created when the Eddings family was cast out from the View by Governor Phoenix Brighton. Using their remaining wealth, ingenuity, and hard work, the Eddings built most of the settlement's infrastructure from nothing within the natural caverns. As Brighton continued to exile those who displeased him, the population grew. The most significant exile was Adiron, Brighton's own son, cast into the Slums for offenses no one will name. Adiron has since become the de facto leader of the community, quietly building alliances and planning a return to power that may involve forces from Crush Valley below.
Geography
The Slums occupy wide natural caverns deep within a remote mountain peak above the View in Progress, Deserter. Ramshackle houses cling to the cave walls above the flood lines to avoid snowmelt flooding. The caverns were originally thought to be Lascarian-made. The settlement is cut off from the private shipments that supply the View, receiving only hand-me-down goods at inflated prices. Crush Valley lies below, accessible from the mountain peaks.
