The Horrendous Heap of 16 Cities

I see the Heap as a fantasy version of the planet from Soldier.

Perhaps my warrior leper could be from the Heap

The Horrendous Heap of 16 Cities was released by in 2012 by Dylan Hartwell (whose blog Digital Orc, was a favorite of mine early in my blogging days). Written for Labyrinth Lord, the 29 page pdf is 2.99.

The Heap is a giant blight on the land. Essentially an ancient magic-user created sixteen portals in the sky. The portals are linked to 16 cities (which use them to dispose of their garbage).

Various factions are associated the Heap. While they only get mentioned briefly, hostile elves live around the Heap. They are furious at the state of their homeland and attack those that seek to make use of the Heap. On the edge of the Heap is a town of sellers. Within the Heap, itself,  there are scavengers, a leper colony (with a group of female clerics that administer to them as part of their vows), and a worm cult. The worm cult worships massive worms that leave in the Underheap. Several adventure hooks, named npcs, and monsters are also included in the pdf.

The Heap is a unique (and gross) sandbox to play in. I think there's a lot of potential here. If you're feeling frisky, you could even connect the worm cult to Kyuss. If you go this route (and play 5E like I do), there is a DM Guild product that might interest you: Monsternomicon: Kyuss and His Faithful.

If I wasn't going to put it in a Wizards of the Coast/Official D&D setting I'd probably have it connect to the following cities: Punjar, Vornheim, The Yellow City, Freeport. The Heap would be a great addition to Eberron. I'm not sure where I'd put it if I were using Forgotten Realms or Greyhawk, but it could work there as well.

Honestly I've had this one for a while, but just sort of sat on it. Now I'm sad I haven't used it yet. I'll make sure that changes soon(ish). I miss Dylan's blog. I think I'll have to pick up some of his other pdf's soon.