Carrion's Rest - A Detailed Town Description
Overview: Carrion's Rest is a small, self-sustaining village of approximately 100 inhabitants nestled within a swampy environment. Its economy revolves around bog-fish and shudder hog hunting, supplemented by hardy crops cultivated despite the poor water quality. The village possesses a unique blend of practical necessities and mystical elements, reflecting its unusual location and inhabitants.
Key Locations:
The Sloppy Hoof (Farrier & Blacksmith): This establishment is a combined farrier and blacksmith shop, run by Pustle Ranklin. The Sloppy Hoof likely displays a haphazard exterior, reflecting the swampy surroundings, but the interior would contain the necessary tools and supplies for its trade. The presence of a farrier suggests a reliance on animal transport within and around the village, hinting at potential travel quests or encounters. The blacksmith aspect provides opportunities for crafting, repairs, and potential storylines involving weapon creation or magical item forging. The close proximity to Swords, Gourds and More suggests a potential for sibling rivalry storylines between Pustle and his brother, Mudstool.
Swords, Gourds and More: Owned by Mudstool Ranklin, Pustle's brother, this shop offers a unique blend of weaponry, armor, and decorative gourds. The juxtaposition of practical items (weapons, armor) with artistic ones (painted gourds) creates an interesting contrast, suggesting a potential for diverse quests or character interactions. The sibling rivalry between Mudstool and Pustle could be a source of ongoing conflict or comedic relief within the village.
Carrion My Wayward Son (Tavern & Inn): This tavern presents a fascinating dichotomy: a dilapidated exterior masking a beautifully crafted interior. This contrast hints at a hidden history or a deceptive facade. The tavern's owner, Crawley Dirk, could be a source of information, rumors, or quests. The tavern's location provides a central hub for social interaction, gossip, and potential encounters with travelers or suspicious characters. The beautifully crafted interior suggests a level of prosperity or hidden wealth within the village, despite its outward appearance.
Eldritch Brats (Warlock School): This unusual school focuses on the fundamental principles of warlock magic, without allegiance to any specific patron. The presence of six students and a teacher, Xal'Gul (who also runs the curios shop), suggests a small but dedicated community of magic users. This school could be a source of quests involving magical items, rituals, or conflicts with other magical factions. The lack of a specific patron could lead to storylines involving the students' individual patron searches or the exploration of unique magical traditions.
The Hag in Drag (Alchemy Shop & Curios Shop): This combined shop offers a diverse range of goods, from potions and poisons to trinkets and curios. The owner, Naslen the Promiscuous, adds a layer of intrigue and potential for morally ambiguous quests or interactions. The combination of alchemy and curios suggests a potential for magical items, alchemical ingredients, or quests involving the creation or acquisition of rare substances. The name "Hag in Drag" hints at a potentially deceptive or multifaceted personality.
Overall Atmosphere and Potential Storylines:
Carrion's Rest's swampy location and unusual blend of businesses create a unique atmosphere ripe for adventure. Potential storylines could involve:
This detailed description provides a solid foundation for a rich and engaging campaign setting within Carrion's Rest. The combination of practical needs, mystical elements, and intriguing characters creates a compelling environment for players to explore and interact with.
