"The alleys stink of salt, rust, and lantern oil. Graffiti sigils mark every door: some crossed out, some circled. On a bridge near the old courthouse, a mannequin wears a noble’s robe — stuffed with rats."

The party receives a royal contract to secure Cliffton’s market. When they arrive, they find the local constables in chains — and the crowd cheering as Queen Brinna offers amnesty to “any soul ready to break free from false crowns.”

Significant NPCs:

• “Queen Brinna” – Charismatic leader of the Rat’s Crown; claims to have known the King’s true dying wish.

• Councilor Gereth Ule – Cliffton’s last loyalist magistrate, hiding in the canal slums.

• Nell the Wink – A smuggler who used to work for the royal court — and might still.

Rewards:

• A forged crown of iron and bone — carries political weight in Cliffton.

• A sewer map leading to a pre-Sunderking hideout used by the original Tarendian Kings.

• Brinna’s personal sigil — which many criminals will honor more than a royal writ.

Lore Tie-Ins:

The Rat’s Crown claims to be older than the Suttmala and more loyal to the people. If they speak true, they hold royal secrets hidden even from the Queen Mother.