Tox Gods

[Sponsor/PCRC Member] = Warmtamale



The Tox

Opulence. Glory. Style. These things all have a place in the world, but not in the Tox. There are deeper and dingier levels in Confronsis – a few – but none are built around (and on, and over) the pooling secretions of waste-pipes from the many upper levels. Sheds, shanties, and rotting walkways are the ambience of the Tox, ringed on all sides by a fusion of ancient wall and natural rock. The denizens of higher districts consider the Tox to be Confronsis’ sewer – if they even consider it at all.

In a time before history, drains and wasteways were the goldmines of the utterly impoverished, and it is on this heritage that Toxian life is built. The pipes which ooze slime occasionally also bring treasures. All manner of objects fall through cracks in the ground above and anything which can be scavenged ends up being pawned at Brundi’s yard. Even a lump of rusted iron has some value in the hands of his apprentices.


This is not the dog-eat-dog life it may appear. Brundi has an understanding with one of the minor Houses who finds it useful to have a deniable asset to repair the many items of contraband they acquire, which means there is plenty of work for the young men of the Tox (and Brundi, for whatever reason, only employs men). Scavenging, therefore, offers unmarried Toxian women one more opportunity to pay life’s debts than would traditionally be the case.

The Gods

While most of the scavenging women do not have the time or resources to gain any combat craft, a few of the stronger, angrier individuals have banded together into a flexible militia. Raids on the Tox from outsider gangs are not unknown and the majority of scavengers understand the virtue of paying for a measure of protection. Weapons almost never surface in the Tox but Brundi maintains a small cache for the protection of the Yard. Sufficient amounts of coin or tradable goods will often persuade him to part with a pistol or well-made knife.

The militia has evolved a certain collective identity – to stand out from the drab drudges who support them financially they favour brightly-coloured garments and hair. They have recently taken this further by adopting the somewhat grandiose moniker ‘Tox Gods’, a label which their rivals in neighbouring regions do not see fit to bestow upon them – ‘Swamp Rats’ being a more common designation.

Philosophies

 

Life in the Tox holds no opportunities for the betterment of one's life. The Gods' only goal is the accumulation of wealth, that they may change their destinies.

Major holdings

 

The Tox.

History

 

The Gods have only recently emerged as a group in their own right. Even the Arbites have no records of them - yet.

Associated individuals

 


Brundi

"Nobody really knew where he came from, of course. You don’t ask these things. Questions may be cheap, but answers often cost more than they’re worth. I heard that he used to be a Guardsman but escaped, and the fear of capture stops him from venturing to the higher levels.


In truth, I don’t suppose he has any need to leave the Tox. You’d have to go up more than a dozen levels to find a better mechanic so there’s never any shortage of work for him. I never knew what deal he made with the House but people figured out not to bring trouble to his yard. And that yard! Man, you should see the things they fix in there! I guess it suits the House to keep that stuff off their turf in case the Investigators come knocking.


What’s he like? I couldn’t say for sure. He doesn’t leave his workshop too much these days, and anyway, he’s always preferred the company of his lads.


Speaking of which, if you’re wondering why you don’t see too many young men around the Tox, it’s because they mostly work for Brundi. Seems like a decent life – I know a couple of them. They say the pay’s ok and the gangs don’t bother them. Shame he won’t hire women. Couldn’t tell you why not. We’ve all tried.

That’s why we have to stick together, sister. Let me buy you another drink."

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