DDO: A New Marketplace

Turbine's provided a peek at some of the upcoming changes contained in Module 9 for Dungeons and Dragons Online:

With the anniversary of the City's founding, the Coin Lords have decided it's the perfect time to revitalize the Marketplace! Many beautification and public works projects will help transform the Market back into a vibrant and lively city center once more. Read on for more about the changes and festivities that will occur in the Marketplace in Module 9!

Remembrance Plaza

One of the most immediate changes that citizens will notice is the newly remodeled "Remembrance Plaza." Sitting atop the once decimated location where the Shavarath portal blasted a crater into our Marketplace, the plaza serves as both a tribute and vendor center. A memorial has been erected to commemorate the brave heroes who fought back the Devil invasion. Around this memorial, a beautiful new tent has been constructed! With vibrant colors and a lovely open air maypole design, it's even better than the Marketplace tent that was lost to the invasion. Visitors can stroll across the mosaic floor and through the open fabric corridors to shop with vendors, or pay their respects at the memorial seal.

The memorial seal itself was created by the Twelve. A powerful artificer enchanted it, encasing the danger of the Subterrane, and allowing vendors to return without fear. "As an added precautionary measure, guards have been placed near at hand to the bazaar," said City Guard Joalam. Those seeking to help exterminate the Xorian and Shavarath threat beneath the city may seek out an Artificer of the Twelve to weaken the seal enough for them to pass through into the depths beneath the Marketplace.

More Visitors to the Market!

With the threat of the Subterrane held at bay, vendors and brokers have packed up their make-shift shops in the Rusty Nail Tavern and started to repopulate the Remembrance Plaza. Brokers have settled into the Pawn Exchange on south Silversmith Road - located near the Jester's Haunt. "It's good to see the vendors return to the Market, especially now with the great new look of the plaza to help attract customers!" said local shopper Ingrit Tallow. Everything in the Marketplace is hustling and bustling. The airship at the Spire is a regular presence once more, and the streets are alive with sales of weapons, armors, and other supplies. Even the local Hireling dealers saw a boost in their commerce, and have opened up new stands near Jester's Haunt. Feeling a bit crowded by all of the vendors, Churchwarden the Auctioneer has relocated to a road to the north side of the Bazaar tent. "There's more elbow room for me over here, and now my patrons don't have to fight the crowds over by Silversmith Road," commented Churchwarden. Vendors and traders have such a strong presence on the Silversmith now that the Agents of Argonnessen felt a bit lacking in privacy. Cydonie, Aurben, and Genecia of Argonnessen have been seen mingling closer to the fountain near the Lordsmarch Bank, away from prying eyes.

In addition to the vendors coming back to the Market, the Marketplace gate is now open to all visitors! "Citizens have done such a good job helping to fight back danger and making the streets safe again that we felt it was time to relax our gate security," said Harbormaster Zin. Therefore, you will no longer be required to have a Harbormaster's seal (or bribe unscrupulous guards) to enter the Marketplace. The Harbormaster will still be looking for help in the Waterworks, however, and encourages interested adventurers to pay him a visit for ample rewards.

Beautification of the Market

The Coin Lords wanted to make other areas of the Marketplace more inviting and uplifting, to help bolster the spirits of residents as the city celebrates another anniversary!

Planters and more landscaping have been added to many areas of the Market. What were once run down artifices and shady alleys have been transformed into beautiful balconies with lush gardens. "We had to go through a lot to import the plants and foliage in from outside the city walls. I have a new respect for adventurers who face the dangers outside Stormreach traveling to different parts of Xen'drik," said Montague Goudreau of the Coin Lords.

Sturdy ladders have been added to many terraces for the jump-challenged, allowing an easier climb up for a vantage point of the festivities and new Plaza. "There's a romantic little balcony on the north side; it's a perfect place to sit with a loved one or a date and watch the sunset," said resident adventurer Jefro.

Old abandoned vendor stalls were given a good cleaning, as well as many walls of the city. "There were just so many old flyers stuck here and there that it was causing visual clutter when you walked around the market. With a little elbow grease, things are starting to look classy again, just like new!" said Giles Goodman. The fun and merriment of the Marketplace doesn't stop with new decorations however...

Street Performers

To further commemorate the city's anniversary, the Coin Lords have commissioned street performers for a festival! Found on both the south and north sides of the city, their antics will delight visitors and add to the fun festive atmosphere of the Marketplace.

"Nat Gann was a real inspiration to me, and I've done my best to live up to his talents! Everyone has been so generous that I was able to afford a new set of leotards. Thanks for your support everyone!" said Tad Hardcastle.

Rumor also has it that the famous Degenev brothers have been commissioned by city officials, and will be making appearances in the city soon. These legendary performers are known for their feats of magical pyrotechnics and storytelling. Our inquiry to the brothers by way of the Orien Courier provided further confirmation of their impending, but as yet unannounced, arrival to the Marketplace. "We're very excited to be coming to Stormreach at the request of the Coin Lords. We're very honored indeed," wrote Kalnar Degenev.

We hope you've enjoyed taking a look at the fun changes coming to the Marketplace. We're looking forward to the festivities of Module 9, and can't wait to open the gates so you can see the new Marketplace!

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