The Shinkickers

I present to you the adventures of The Shinkickers!
(Not to be confused with these Shinkickers, who are also amazing.)
Sasquatch requested an all-short-stack campaign, so I've been creating an adventure that caters to his gaming desires. This is the most world-building I have done for a tabletop RPG thus far, and I find myself getting into the weeds a lot of the time just because I love having the detailed intricacies for him to discover. I'm also trying to balance gameplay and prepare meaningful sessions. It is overwhelming!

The Basics
Campaign: The Reach (homebrew)
Game System: Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 / Pathfinder
Storyline: Due to his longstanding amiable relations with the monarchy of Mallondil, Jarl Cailan's allegiance to his own king has recently been questioned. King Kirden of the Iron Mountain is unsure how to handle the situation. Cailan's political dealings have certainly benefitted the kingdom and, should it come to a moot or outright war, Kirden isn't certain he would have the people's support in removing the renowned Jarl. The over-arcing story will ultimately decide who controls the Dwarven kingdom within the Reach.

The Setup
Location: Anatheim

Anatheim is a small trade city on the eastern sea, known foremost for its visible mountain of blackrock that shields the cliffside castle. Originally settled by dwarves, the city proper is surrounded by imposing stone walls, ornately hewn and several feet thick.

Opening Plot: The Jarl of Anatheim has recently opened the city for tourism and new business; a rarity, given how strictly the dwarves regulate trade. It is an opportunity to build wealth and reputation in the region.

The Player Characters aka The Shinkickers

All PCs must be of small size for this campaign.

Asa Ro-Boam: male | halfling bard | chaotic evil | leader of the Ro-Boam Company of entertainers

Bar-Bar Biff Bozo: male | gnome ranger | chaotic good | basically along for the ride

Skozel: male | goblin barbarian | neutral evil | likes opponents to crush and easy money

Khos'o: male | kobold sorcerer | lawful neutral | adores the jarl's daughter (and her shiny tiara) and is seeking her favor

Prominent Non-Player Characters

Jarl Cailan Reachdelver: male | dwarf noble (fighter) | lawful neutral

Cailan Reachdelver is part man, part myth in his city of Anatheim. At the age of 70, Cailan set the record for distance traveled into the cutting bowels of blackrock beneath Anatheim, opening new avenues of mining opportunities and pushing back monsters he encountered in the Darkreach.

Guard Captain Edric Rainwalker: male | human fighter (light) | lawful good

Born in Mallondil, human Edric rose through the ranks of law enforcement due in large part to his natural dexterity, earning him the moniker 'Rainwalker' within the mostly elvish force protecting Mallondil-on-the-Sea. He was initially disappointed to be redeployed to Anatheim, but has found the dwarves' appreciation for structure and tradition to be comforting.

Lieutenant Azarhine: male | half-elf ranger (woodland tracker) | neutral good

Originally from somewhere northwest of the Reach and orphaned at a young age, Azarhine is one of few half-elves found in Anatheim. An encounter with Edric Rainwalker led Azarhine to join the city guard, where his survival skills brought swift advancement. Still, a half-elf is so often out of place.

Chammolie: female | halfling rogue (informer) | chaotic neutral

The halfling called Chammolie acts as spymaster for Jarl Cailan Reachdelver. No one seems quite sure what Chammolie does; but isn't that the hallmark of a great spymaster?

Stay tuned for character highlights, more worldbuilding, and the adventures of The Shinkickers!