Originally an upstanding city-state brought under the dominion of the Tsarven empire, they broke off nearly a century ago as their own independent region. Passing through various magistrate leaders, the city became skewed towards darker motives and became involved in matters such as assisting transport of slaves from Tharis to Tonovi, and the invasion of Torm by an allied militant force of Shadow and Tonovi's armies. Following several attempt to overthrow Shadow by powerful bands of adventurers, and the untimely deaths of its latest series of magistrates, control of the city was taken by the merchants guild. Under their rule the city was drawn back to a very rigidly-lawful standing.

Since the advent of the merchant council, many of Shadow's once-hostile neighbors now hold somewhat friendly trade agreements, if not actual alliances. Stronger ties have been reformed with Azha, and through them to the Tsarven Empire beyond, and also with Torm. It maintains contact as the sole trader with Verbobone and Seneca mostly by way of psionic transport systems, given their remote location. Ties have loosened to neutrality with Tonovi and Tharis, who still trade with the city, but share no further alliance.

The Laws of Shadow are as follows:

Races - Races who are known to consistantly cause disorder will be imprisoned or executed on sight at the discretion of the Merchant Council. These races include, but are not limited to: orcs, gnolls, bugbears, ogres, drow, half-drow, underworld, goblinoid and vermin species.

Murder - Will not be tolerated, offenders will be executed.

Assault - Offenses will be accompanied by a fine and imprisonment. Repeat offenders will be banned or executed.

Sedition - Active rallying of forces against the City of Shadow will result in a fine and imprisonment

Theft - Will not be tolerated. Fines and imprisonment will result, or lossof hands and banishment for repeat offenders.

Illegal Items - Any items on the list of banned substances will be confiscated. Random searches may be conducted by city officials.

Wielding - Weapons may not be wielded in Shadow except by official enforcers of city law. If wielded, they will be confiscated.

Husbandry - Any person that brings an animal into the city is responsible for its conduct and any crimes it may commit.

Asylum - Any person who is actively hunted by another person must remain outside city limits.

All visitors to Shadow can be required to submit to random searches of their possessions at the request of the appointed officials of the city, which presently includes the magistrate and all appointed deputies. If you refuse to submit to a search, you will be required to leave the city and not return. If you refuse to leave, or leave and then return without first submitting to a search, your life will be forfeit.

The laws are to be enforced by the watch, guards and appointed officials. All residents, visitors, and occupants of Shadow agree to abide by the laws by entering the sovereign City of Shadow.

The sign is marked at the bottom with an official seal of the City of Shadow, showing three interlocked rings, one each of gold, silver and copper.

Maverick D'Thawne - Chairman. A mysterious human who appeared a few years ago. Well liked by most who meet him. He was appointed by recommendation by one Solomon Thawne, a well-known hero of the realm, who was about to take the position himself.

Bennett Cantor - A reserved elvish figure who has been on the council for quite some time. Survived a mass assassination attempt to wipe out the previous council. He was one of two survivors. *He has recently gone missing*

Corum Stornaway - Previously tied more closely to Torm, Corum is the most recent addition to Council. It is said that he is much older than he appears.

Anthony Byne - A bookish man with a knack for numbers. He handles all of the book-keeping for the Council. Prefers the company of books to people.

Vyncent Daley - A brash and aggressive businessman who specializes in trade and working the markets. He has countless connections amongst all of the seafaring guilds that operate within the city.

Nikos Tullio - A somewhat enigmatic newcomer to the Council. He speaks and acts like a member of nobility, but no one seems to know his lineage. Considered to be well-spoken and fair but does seem to suffer foolishness or stupidity.

Bannic - A tiefling who led an attack on the city, accompanied by an elf and a dragon. Apparently he was attempting to unseat the magistrate at that time, Commander Durant.

Selucia Talmalanes - A terrifying Aasimar, once a priest of Jarmila, turned into a being of pure evil, serving Ashra, and harkening her return to the world. She attacked the city many times to cause terror, and demanding the head of Commander Durant.

Cinque - An elf who attacked the city, again, to unseat Commander Durant.

Minienel - A mysterious Drow who caused a rebellion in Tonovi and spreading chaos throughout the Dagger region. Some say he nearly achieved godhood after killing a Nightwalker with a group of heroes. Too dangerous to be allowed to roam freely in any city.

Eleria - A known vampire.