Gaudrith

In the Year 99, Noncel Calijoth, the founder of Hazrith, passed away without a legitimate blood heir. His illegitimate son, a half-breed who was part orc and part Theegan, named Sessilja, had killed his father in a fair duel and attempted to claim the succession. However, the leaders loyal to Noncel were unwilling to pledge their allegiance to the young usurper, aware of the people's negative sentiments towards anything Orc -related. These orcs were viewed as the troublemakers in the west, known as raiders and slavers hailing from the Giant Steps. They were distinct from the Githirmil who would eventually form the Orchish Empire, yet still regarded as inferior to the Jara. When his attempt to seize power failed, Sessilja and his loyal followers peacefully retreated northward into orc territories. Approximately two hundred miles into the shadowy canyon, they founded the settlement of Gaudrith, named in honor of Sessilja's orc mother.

The expansive city-state of Gaudrith dominates the Shadow Rift, situated at the canyon's lowest elevation of three thousand feet. Enveloped in a cloak of perpetual shadows, the city embodies the ambiance of the Underdark more so than the surface world. Certain streets transition into cavernous passages leading into the depths of Vorleif.

Shadow Rift harbors 33 permanent rifts connecting the realm of Bal-Kriav with its ominous moon Deaths Kindle. Twelve of these portals lie within Gaudrith, serving as a conduit for shadow energy and trade goods from the other side. Among the more intriguing imports is the singular metal gloomstar, exclusive to Deaths Kindle.