Zhona is the most prosperous city on the northern plains, renowned for its sophisticated culture, its technological advances, and its military might. The high-walled city stands as a beacon of civilization unrivaled by any other kingdom, and from his palace in the center of town King Alm Frost oversees it all. Merchants of all varieties can be found here, peddling their wares and haggling with customers. Crimson-clad sentries patrol the walls and gates, while the blue-clad city watch patrols the streets. It is well-known that these two groups have a friendly rivalry between them. Just outside the city in the rolling grassy plains, groups of young would-be knights are trained in all forms of combat, as well as in the intrigues of the court and the doctrines of chivalry.
A few months ago, trade has opened up between Zhona and the island nation of Ken Kosuta, bringing in exotic spices, fine silks, and some rather unusual creatures as well. Though all races are welcomed by Zhona, the people of the city are wary of the strange folk that have begun calling the mainland their home. The Zhonans have also been growing increasingly curious about a school of some sort that a man from Ken Kosuta established a few weeks ago. However, the school neither advertises what it teaches, nor does it ever seem to be open.
However, the people have began to feel that something is lurking in the shadows, something old and terrible. Old folktales recount how dragons once stalked the city, slaughtering anyone who dared to even glimpse at the knowledge or the treasure that was theirs. These old folktales have begun to resurface lately, even though a dragon has not been seen in many years. Along with the stories, old feelings of mistrust toward dragonfolk (half-dragons, kobolds, and the like) have begun resurfacing as well, and tension has been growing on the streets.
Most recently, a historical archivist named Toran McGraham has gone missing, seemingly vanished into thin air. The city watch is baffled by his disappearance, and rumors have been spreading, with everyone having theories more outrageous than the last. Some say that he left town without telling anyone, off to go unearth another piece of history, and just has not returned. Others speculate that in a bout of depression he killed himself, and that the city watch needs to be searching the bottom of the lake rather than questioning Toran's neighbors. Still others blame a young spellscale woman that lives in the area, accusing her of murdering the historian for stumbling upon some piece of dragon lore.
So, what are your characters doing in the city of Zhona?