The Rookwood world illustration - Victorian Era theme
Victorian Era

The Rookwood

F
Fox_

Birmingham burns as the French vie for war, witness it all in this Dark Victorian Narrative-RPG.


Author's Note: - 46 unique locations, 8 bosses, and 22 characters. - A city bogged down by industrialisation. - A royal conspiracy that threatens the fate of England. - Engage in tense gameplay as a betrayed noble turned highwayman. Raid estates, hold up and rob people on the road, or act as a mercenary against the French as King Richard flirts with war. - Slice-of-life options: become a master thief, burgle houses as a chimney sweep, attend noble galas, or assist a troubled journalist in deciphering a cryptic letter that threatens the fate of England.... I strongly recommend starting your campaign with ''Generate Points of Interest'' and ''Generate Areas'' disabled. With these options toggled off, Franz will make use of the areas as intended.
Played300 times
Cloned16 times
Created
47 days ago
Last Updated
39 days ago
VisibilityPublic
Abandoned Hotel and Saloon

Abandoned Hotel and Saloon

Once a bustling hub of entertainment and luxury, these crossroads now stands as a haunting reminder of its former glory. The abandoned hotel, saloon, and gambling casino are shrouded in shadows, with peeling wallpaper and dust-covered furniture, echoing the laughter and clinking glasses of a bygone era.

Agamand Mill

Agamand Mill

The Agamand Mill is a grim industrial site, notorious for its relentless operation and the toxic fumes that pour from its towering smokestacks. Rumors abound of child laborers toiling within its dark, oppressive walls, forced to work long hours under harsh conditions, making it a place of both despair and danger.

Argenton-sur-Creuse

Argenton-sur-Creuse

Nestled on the French-Rookwood border, Argenton-sur-Creuse is a small Georgian village divided in loyalty. Half of its citizens pay tribute to King Richard, while the other half swears fealty to Louis Philippe I, creating a tense atmosphere as civil war looms on the horizon.

Argenton-sur-Cruese Tram Stop

Argenton-sur-Cruese Tram Stop

Nestled at the edge of the quaint village of Argenton-sur-Cruese, this tram stop is a marvel of Victorian clockwork engineering. The rhythmic clanking of gears and the gentle puff of steam signal the arrival of trams that connect this modest French-English village to distant lands, making it a hub of activity and intrigue.

Austen Estate

Austen Estate

The Austen Estate is a prestigious institution for young women and governesses, nestled in a secluded area surrounded by dark, towering trees. The estate features grand, gothic architecture with intricate stonework, large arched windows, and a sprawling garden that is both beautiful and eerie, reflecting the Dark Victorian aesthetic of the region.

Avante Maria

Avante Maria

The Avante Maria is a grand Victorian steamship, towering over the docks with its intricate ironwork and billowing smokestacks. It serves as a bustling hub for American travelers, embodying both the promise of progress and the lurking dangers of industrialization, as the oil lamps flicker along the busy embarkation street.

Birmingham

Birmingham

Once a thriving Victorian hamlet, Birmingham now lies in ruins after a catastrophic fire ignited by a mill explosion. The charred remains of wooden houses and the eerie silence of the fields serve as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked industrialization, prompting locals to rally for reform and safety measures.

Black Bart's Revenge

Black Bart's Revenge

Black Bart's Revenge is a formidable ship-of-the-line frigate, once a proud vessel of Jonathan 'Black Bart' Bartleby. Docked in the port outside Eldridge Hollow, its tarnished black hull and 32 cannons tell tales of fierce battles and privateering glory under King Richard's banner.

Bloody Glen

Bloody Glen

A haunting clearing surrounded by twisted trees, the ground is littered with animal bones and remnants of past feasts. The air is thick with the scent of decay, and the eerie silence is occasionally broken by the rustle of unseen creatures lurking in the shadows.

Burning Carriage

Burning Carriage

A once-grand noble carriage, now engulfed in flames, stands as a haunting reminder of a recent tragedy. The crackling fire illuminates the surrounding woods, where the desperate screams of a woman echo, hinting at a dark encounter with highwaymen who have left chaos in their wake.

Catchpole's Office

Catchpole's Office

Catchpole's Office serves as a front for King Richard's corrupt beefeaters, where they indulge in laziness while pretending to uphold the law. This is the place where bribes are exchanged, and those unfortunate enough to be jailed in Eldridge Hollow find themselves awaiting their fate.

Coven of the Secret Arts

Coven of the Secret Arts

Nestled in the heart of Rookwood's Edge, the Coven of the Secret Arts is a hidden sanctuary where the enigmatic witch and sorceress, known for her striking violet eyes, guides her fellow practitioners in the mystical arts. This secluded location is adorned with ancient runes and surrounded by lush, enchanted gardens that pulse with magical energy, providing a serene escape from the town's mundane affairs.

Darkly Lit Cottage

Darkly Lit Cottage

Nestled deep within the shadowy embrace of the Blackwoods, this small, run-down cottage is a testament to the struggles of its sole inhabitant. The walls are weathered and the roof sagging, yet the flickering light from the windows hints at a warm hearth within, where the owner fights to maintain a semblance of comfort amidst the encroaching gloom of the forest.

Deserter's Refuge

Deserter's Refuge

Nestled in a dense thicket near a winding river, Deserter's Refuge is a makeshift camp inhabited by French deserters and poachers. The camp is a blend of tattered tents and hastily constructed wooden shelters, surrounded by traps and snares for hunting.

Desolate Parish

Desolate Parish

Once a peaceful Georgian parish belonging to the Hartfields, it has succumbed to the horrors of the undead. The air is thick with the stench of decay, and the vibrant fields are now overgrown and littered with the remnants of battle, creating an atmosphere of dread and despair.

Falmir's Cove

Falmir's Cove

Falmir's Cove is a hidden Victorian drop-off point for smugglers, nestled within a rocky coastline. The entrance leads to a labyrinthine network of tunnels that descend deep beneath the earth, revealing a rat-warren filled with flickering torches and glimmering silver veins.

Fogbound Lane

Fogbound Lane

Fogbound Lane is a desolate street in Eldridge Hollow, where the air is thick with an eerie fog that swallows sound and light. The cobblestones are slick with moisture, and the shadows seem to dance as if alive, hinting at the secrets hidden within the mist.

Fort Chevrons

Fort Chevrons

A small stone fort perched on a cliff, overlooking the turbulent sea. Its walls are adorned with striking yellow and black chevrons, a symbol of its mysterious owner, rumored to be one of the Border Princes. The fort serves as a lookout point and a refuge for weary travelers, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean and the distant horizon.

Fort Monet

Fort Monet

Perched high on the slopes of France, Fort Monet is a striking example of Belle Époque architecture. Its gloomy exterior, adorned with triangular steeples, casts an imposing shadow over the surrounding landscape. Occupied by Raphael Monet, it is being used as a base of operations for his French mercenaries.

French Blockade

French Blockade

In the heart of the Venting Sea, the French blockade is a formidable sight. Three majestic ships-of-the-line, their sails billowing in the wind, are strategically positioned to thwart any surprise assault from The Rookwood.

French Watchtower

French Watchtower

This imposing Georgian structure looms over the dark forests of Rookwood, illuminated by flickering oil lamps. Once a stronghold of French military presence, its creaking timbers and sharp, watchful eyes serve as a constant reminder to locals that they are unwelcome, with hostile soldiers ever ready to defend their territory.

Gypsy Wagon

Gypsy Wagon

Deep within the shadowy woods, a solitary gypsy wagon with a black and red chequered roof sits quietly, blending seamlessly with the dark surroundings. An air of mystery envelops the wagon, hinting at secrets best left undisturbed.

Hanging Sword Lane

Hanging Sword Lane

Hanging Sword Lane is an exclusive district characterized by opulent architecture and lavish estates, serving as a sanctuary for the aristocracy and their esteemed guests. As night falls, the area is illuminated by oil lamps, casting a Dark Victorian ambiance over shadowy alleys and dimly lit streets, creating a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the lower districts beyond its gates.

Hartfield Estate

Hartfield Estate

The Hartfield Estate is a luxurious Georgian Manor owned by the Hartsfield family, renowned for its stunning architecture and a gallery filled with priceless paintings. The estate is surrounded by sprawling fields and pastures, but recently, the tranquility has been shattered by relentless undead attacks, threatening both the land and the family’s legacy.

Havenport

Havenport

Havenport is a bustling Dutch trading post located in the heart of the Venting Sea, serving as a vital hub for merchants from various nations. The settlement is characterized by its charming wooden architecture, vibrant market stalls, and the constant activity of ships arriving and departing, laden with goods from distant lands.

Lakeside Retreat

Lakeside Retreat

Nestled near the Taylor-Joy estate, the Lakeside Retreat is a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with romantic Victorian architecture. White gazebos dot the landscape, offering picturesque views of misty ponds that reflect the beauty of the surrounding nature, making it a perfect spot for lovers and artists alike.

Mysterious Encampment

Mysterious Encampment

Hidden deep within the dense woods, this encampment is a strange gathering of men clad in black tabards, their true intentions shrouded in secrecy. Rumors swirl that they are professional soldiers from a bygone era, possibly linked to Francis II's ambitions to seize his father's throne, and they will reveal nothing unless under extreme duress.

No Man's Land

No Man's Land

A grim battlefield littered with the lifeless bodies of red-coated soldiers, remnants of a failed convoy ambushed by French forces. The air is thick with the stench of decay and betrayal, a haunting reminder of the treachery that unfolded here, where trust was shattered and lives were lost.

Northern Tramline Station

Northern Tramline Station

A bustling yet eerie tram station located just before Birmingham, where travelers gather to share tales and rumors. The air is thick with the scent of smoke and whispers of a devastating fire that ravaged a nearby mill, leaving the community on edge.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris is a grand structure that embodies the architectural evolution of a thousand years, showcasing styles from early Gothic to Rayonnant Gothic. It stands as a monument to the passage of time, with each stone telling a story of the eras it has witnessed.

Paris

Paris

A vibrant district in Paris during the Belle Époque, where the elegance of art and culture clashes with the encroaching shadows of industrialization. The streets are lined with ornate cafés and theaters, while the sounds of machinery and the cries of revolution echo in the background, creating a tense yet exhilarating atmosphere.

Portside Marketplace

Portside Marketplace

The Portside Marketplace is a vibrant hub of commerce where traders from distant lands converge to sell their wares. The air is thick with the scent of spices and saltwater, accompanied by the lively sounds of haggling and laughter, creating an atmosphere that is both bustling and inviting.

Pride's End

Pride's End

Once a proud military outpost of King Richard's longbowmen, Pride's End now lies in disrepair. Sagging tents and crumbling wooden structures tell tales of past glories, while the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the flickering of oil lamps casts eerie shadows, hinting at the looming threat of French hostilities.

Rainwell Pass

Rainwell Pass

Rainwell Pass is a treacherous, narrow wooded corridor along The Southern Road, where broken-down wagons lie abandoned, remnants of travelers who dared to traverse this perilous route. The air is thick with humidity, and the ground is a mire of sludge, making every step a struggle, while the constant rain and distant thunder create an ominous atmosphere.

Refugee Camp

Refugee Camp

An orcish encampment that serves as a refuge for mixed-race deserters and vagabonds, including dwarves, half-orcs, and elves. Here, they toil together to craft tools and supplies for the nearby Eldridge Hollow, driven by desperation and the hope of acceptance in a harsh Victorian world.

Rookwood Palace

Rookwood Palace

Rookwood Palace is a dark and imposing structure in Elridge Hollow, showcasing medieval architecture with towering stone walls and narrow windows. Intricate gargoyles adorn the exterior, while the slightly gothic steeples rise above the Victorian surroundings, creating a stark contrast to the modern influences encroaching upon the town.

Rookwood's Edge

Rookwood's Edge

Rookwood's Edge is a quaint yet eerie Victorian-French fishing village nestled on the outskirts of the Rookwood. The villagers, staunch supporters of King Charlamagne, are known for their suspicion towards outsiders, particularly those who do not share their French heritage. Rumors of witchcraft swirl around the community, adding to its gothic atmosphere, where the architecture features dark wood and wrought iron, contrasting sharply with the lush, vibrant landscapes that surround it.

Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow is a hauntingly beautiful Victorian village enveloped in a thin red mist, where an eerie silence reigns, occasionally pierced by the wailing of spectres. The dilapidated marketplace, with its yawning doors and crumbling facades, serves as a chilling reminder of the mystery surrounding its abandoned past, leaving visitors to ponder the fate of its former inhabitants.

Steepled Church

Steepled Church

A gothic steepled church nestled deep within The Blackwoods. Its dark stone facade is adorned with intricate carvings of twisted vines and sorrowful angels, casting an eerie shadow over the surrounding forest. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, and the silence is occasionally broken by the distant rustle of leaves or the mournful call of a raven.

Taylor-Joy Estate

Taylor-Joy Estate

The Taylor-Joy Estate is a grand Georgian manor that serves as a social hub for the local aristocracy. Its gothic exterior features intricate stonework and towering spires, creating an enchanting atmosphere, especially when illuminated by flickering oil lamps during evening gatherings.

The Black Cat

The Black Cat

The Black Cat is a shadowy tavern that masquerades as a noble parlour, attracting crooks and the lower echelons of aristocracy. Inside, the decor is worn and haggard, with flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the walls, while hushed whispers and the clinking of stolen goods fill the air.

The Blackwood Keep

The Blackwood Keep

Once a nobleman's ambition turned to treachery, The Blackwood Keep serves as the hideout of a notorious Bandit Lord. Nestled deep within the shadowy embrace of The Blackwoods, this fortress is laden with traps and guarded by loyal brigands, all while holding the stolen treasures of Francis II.

The Blackwoods Camp

The Blackwoods Camp

The Blackwoods Camp is a hidden encampment deep within a dense, shadowy forest. It serves as a refuge for a band of poachers and ex-soldiers who have turned against the corrupt nobility, operating under the guise of modern-day Robin Hoods, stealing from the rich to aid the poor.

The Cattle's Grave

The Cattle's Grave

A grim site where Hartfield's men disposed of rotting cattle, this corpse pile emanates a foul stench of decay and despair. The ground is stained with dark, viscous fluids, and the air is thick with the buzzing of flies, creating an atmosphere of desolation and death.

The Clearing

The Clearing

Nestled within the shadowy embrace of the Blackwoods, this serene copse serves as a sanctuary for weary travelers. The ground is soft with moss, and the air is filled with the gentle rustle of leaves, providing a stark contrast to the ominous forest surrounding it. A dead horse lies forlornly on the ground, its once-vibrant coat now dulled, while discarded bandages hint at a recent struggle or tragedy that unfolded here.

The Convent of Our Lady Joan of Arc

The Convent of Our Lady Joan of Arc

Nestled in the rolling hills beside an ancient graveyard, this convent is well-hidden from sight. Its classic French Romantic-Gothic architecture features soaring spires, intricate stone carvings, and stained glass windows that cast colorful light upon the stone floors, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

The Eldergrove Stone Circle

The Eldergrove Stone Circle

The Eldergrove Stone Circle is a mystical site, nearly five centuries old, where ancient stones stand tall, inscribed with cryptic symbols that whisper secrets of the past. The air is thin and foggy, creating an ethereal atmosphere, while the moon above fluctuates in size, casting an otherworldly glow over the enchanted fairy circle drawn into the woodland floor.

The Eldridge Emporium

The Eldridge Emporium

The Eldridge Emporium is a bustling Victorian-era saloon and general store, infused with the charm of 17th-century America and England. The establishment features dark wood paneling, ornate chandeliers, and a lively gambling hall, attracting American expatriates seeking a taste of home amidst the eerie ambiance of Eldridge Hollow.

The French Mission in Eldridge Hollow

The French Mission in Eldridge Hollow

The French Mission in Eldridge Hollow serves as a sanctuary for nuns dedicated to the worship of God, providing solace and guidance to weary travelers. This serene location stands as a testament to the ongoing 'secret' war in The Rookwood, where the forces of King Richard clash with the lingering tensions from Charlamagne's influence.

The Gilded Tearoom

The Gilded Tearoom

The Gilded Whisper is an exclusive parlour nestled in the heart of Eldridge Hollow, where nobles gather to unwind and indulge in the latest gossip. With its dimly lit corners and rustic wooden beams, the atmosphere is both intimate and opulent, making it the perfect setting for sharing scandals and promoting upcoming galas.

The Grand Theatre

The Grand Theatre

The Grand Theatre is a stunning venue for dramatic performances, showcasing Shakespearean plays and other theatrical works. With its deep Georgian aesthetic, the theatre features a single stage illuminated by flickering oil lamps, creating an enchanting atmosphere for all who enter.

The Hanging Cauldron

The Hanging Cauldron

The Hanging Cauldron is a secluded inn nestled along a quiet country lane, frequented by the reclusive members of The Rookwood. With its inviting atmosphere, the inn features private booths for patrons seeking solitude, and a dark-haired bartender who is known for his discretion and minimal inquiries. Rumors swirl that the inn is owned by a coven of witches who brew their potions in the back, adding an air of mystery to the establishment.

The Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament are a trio of imposing Georgian buildings, their slightly gothic architecture casting long shadows in the flickering light of oil lamps. Here, the Labour and Conservative factions engage in passionate debates over the future of Victorian England, unaware that the enigmatic Francis II is pulling the strings from the shadows, shaping their conflicts to serve his own hidden agenda.

The Mason Estate

The Mason Estate

Once a grand estate, the Mason Estate now lies in ruins, its charred remains a haunting reminder of a tragic night. Bandits and lowlives have taken residence among the crumbling walls, using the estate as a hideout while the whispers of its dark past linger in the air.

The Oxbridge Publishing Office

The Oxbridge Publishing Office

A Victorian publishing office cluttered with notes and loose papers, dust motes dancing in the air. Towering bookcases line the walls, filled with tomes of forgotten knowledge, while an arched window offers a view of the smog-choked industrial landscape below. This is the nerve center of conspiracies, where Julien Moreau plots to unveil the treachery of Francis II.

The People's Tramline

The People's Tramline

The People's Tramline serves as a vital taxi service, connecting various districts of the city. Its carriages, adorned with intricate woodwork, glide silently along the tracks, illuminated by flickering oil lamps that cast eerie shadows on the rain-soaked cobblestones.

The Refugee Trail

The Refugee Trail

A chaotic path winding through the countryside, echoing with the desperate cries of Victorian citizens fleeing the inferno of Birmingham. The air is thick with smoke, and the distant glow of flames casts an eerie light, creating an atmosphere of confusion and urgency as families search for their loved ones amidst the chaos.

The Ruinous Estate

The Ruinous Estate

The Ruinous Estate is a decaying mansion, shrouded in darkness and echoing with the sounds of fluttering bats. Its halls form a maze of endless corridors, where the air is thick with the whispers of a twisted past, and the walls are adorned in a haunting red-and-black motif, hinting at the malevolence that once thrived within.

The Slave Port

The Slave Port

The Slave Port is a grimy marketplace where traders from distant lands converge to buy and sell human lives. The air is thick with the stench of sweat and despair, as greedy merchants haggle over the fates of the unfortunate souls on display. Shadows linger in the corners, and the cries of the enslaved echo through the narrow alleys, creating an atmosphere of dread and hopelessness.

The Slums of Eldridge Hollow

The Slums of Eldridge Hollow

A dilapidated district on the outskirts of Eldridge Hollow, where poverty and despair reign. Crumbling buildings, narrow alleys, and the stench of refuse fill the air, while desperate souls scavenge for survival amidst the shadows.

Toulon

Toulon

Toulon is a fortified military port at the northern tip of the region, serving as a strategic launch point for ships of the line. Its stone walls and watchtowers provide security for vessels and crew, making it a bustling hub for naval operations and trade.

This work includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC . The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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