Leaf Pipe and Stone PDF
Leaf Pipe and Stone PDF
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Contents
Leaf Pipe and Stone 4 Flourishing with the Arrival
of Men 15
Histories 5
Continued Underestimation
History of the Peoples 6 15
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Leaf Pipe and Stone
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History of the
Peoples
The kingdom of Fesselmark dominated, the realm has
stands as a testament to evolved into a melting pot of
unity among diverse races, each contributing
cultures. Fesselmark, nestled uniquely to its prosperity
in a region of lush valleys and stability. Their histories
and towering mountains, is are interlinked and describe
renowned for its rich history much of how these cultures
and cultural diversity. have integrated into the
Originally human- Kingdom
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History of the
Elves
The history of the Elves, Rise of the Elven
particularly their journey to
becoming a part of the
Kingdom of Fesselmark, is a
Empires
saga marked by grandeur, As time progressed, the
ambition, and eventual Elves began to expand
decline. beyond their woodland
realms. Their innate magic
and superior knowledge
allowed them to establish
what went on to be mighty
Ancient Origins empires, the most notable
The Elves originated from being the Golethan Empire.
enigmatic woodland realms, These empires were marvels
deep within ancient forests of magical and architectural
where magic and nature achievements, showcasing
were inextricably the Elves' sophistication and
intertwined beneath strange power. They built splendid
stars. These early Elves were cities, developed advanced
deeply connected to the arts and sciences, and their
natural world, drawing upon influence spread far and
its magic to shape their wide.
society and culture. Their
understanding of magic was
profound, and they lived in
harmony with the forests
that were both their home
Corruption and Fall
and source of their mystical However, the Elves'
power. relentless pursuit of magical
prowess eventually led to
their downfall. In their quest
to push the boundaries of
magic, they began to
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experiment with arcane civilizations.
forces that were perilous and
corrupting. This overreach
led to internal strife, with
factions vying for power and
control over these dangerous Integration into
magics. The Golethan
Empire, once a beacon of Fesselmark
Elven achievement, became As human kingdoms
riddled with corruption and expanded, the Elves began to
decay, ultimately leading to interact more with humans,
its collapse. leading to a variety of
relationships ranging from
The fall of the Golethan conflict to cooperation. In
Empire and similar realms the region that would
marked the beginning of a become Fesselmark, the
dark period for the Elves. Elves found a unique
Their once-mighty empires opportunity for peaceful
crumbled, leaving behind coexistence. They became a
remnants of their former part of the burgeoning
glory scattered across the Kingdom, contributing their
land. The Elves themselves knowledge of magic and
became divided, with many nature to the collective
abandoning their ancient strength of the realm.
homes in search of new
beginnings. In Fesselmark, the Elves
assumed a role that was
more collaborative than
dominant. They shared their
The Coming of wisdom and skills, helping to
shape the kingdom’s destiny,
Men albeit as a smaller, albeit
respected, part of the
During this period of Elven broader society. The Elves'
decline, human tribes from history, with its highs and
the Morning Lands began to lows, serves as a reminder of
migrate and settle in regions the transient nature of power
once dominated by the and the importance of
various Elven empires. These harmony with the natural
humans, less advanced but world. Their legacy
more numerous, gradually continues to influence the
established their own magical and cultural
kingdoms and realms. The landscape of Fesselmark, a
Elves, with their reduced kingdom where diverse races
numbers and waning have found a way to coexist
influence, found themselves and thrive.
increasingly overshadowed
by the rise of human
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History of the
Dwarves
The history of the Dwarves Dwarves found common
in Fesselmark, is a tale of ground in trade. The
endurance, conflict, and Dwarves were interested in
eventual integration. the magical items and
knowledge the Elves
possessed, while the Elves
valued the Dwarves'
craftsmanship and the
Ancient Dwarven precious metals and gems
they mined. This trade led to
Holds a period of prosperity and
The Dwarves originated from relative peace, albeit
ancient holds – mighty sometimes strained due to
fortresses carved into the innate differences in
mountains ranges, where their natures and values.
they harnessed the riches of
the earth. These holds were
marvels of engineering and
craftsmanship, reflecting the Conflict with
Dwarves' skill in mining,
forging, and stonework. The
Dwarven society was
Goblins
structured and traditional, The Dwarves were
with a strong emphasis on perpetually at odds with
clan loyalty and ancestral Goblins. These conflicts were
heritage. often violent and stemmed
from the Goblins' desire to
seize the riches of the
Dwarven mines and their
inherent malice towards the
Early Trade with Dwarven folk. The Dwarves,
renowned for their martial
Elves prowess and stubbornness,
Before the arrival of men, the fought countless battles to
Dwarves' primary interaction defend their holds and
with other races was with the preserve their way of life.
Elves. Despite their cultural
differences, Elves and
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Fall of the Dwarven This acceptance was partly
due to the humans'
Holds and Nomadic admiration for Dwarven
craftsmanship and their
Life shared enmity towards
Goblinoid races. As human
Over time, the relentless settlements grew into
wars with Goblins, combined kingdoms, the Dwarves
with internal challenges and found new opportunities to
the diminishing of their trade and collaborate.
resources, led to the fall of
many great Dwarven holds. In the region that became
This downfall forced the Kingdom of Fesselmark,
numerous Dwarves to the Dwarves played a crucial
abandon their ancestral role. They contributed their
homes and adopt a nomadic expertise in mining,
lifestyle. In their search for engineering, and warfare,
refuge and stability, they becoming an integral part of
often found themselves the kingdom’s development.
barely tolerated in the Elven The Dwarves, with their rich
kingdoms, where their traditions and steadfast
presence was seen as a nature, added a layer of
necessary but unwelcome resilience and depth to the
consequence of their multicultural tapestry of
misfortune. This animosity is Fesselmark.
the root of the distrust
between Elves and Dwarves. The history of the Dwarves,
from their ancient mountain
holds through a period of
nomadic hardship to their
eventual integration into the
Integration into Kingdom of Fesselmark, is a
Fesselmark narrative of survival,
adaptation, and the enduring
The collapse of the Golethan spirit of a proud race. Their
Empire and the subsequent legacy is etched not only in
rise of human kingdoms the mountains they once
marked a turning point for called home but also in the
the Dwarves. Humans, very foundations of
unlike the Elves, were more Fesselmark.
accepting of the Dwarves.
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History of the
Halflings
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were more warlike and
industrious, they enjoyed the
Continued
company of Halflings as Underestimation
drinking partners and
appreciated their culinary Despite these advancements,
skills. The Halflings' cheerful Halflings continued to be
disposition and resilience in largely underestimated and
the face of hardship overlooked by the 'more
resonated with the Dwarven important' folk. Their
spirit, leading to a more peaceful nature and lack of
fraternal relationship. ambition for power or
conquest meant that they
were often ignored in the
grander scheme of things.
However, this
Flourishing with the underestimation worked to
their advantage, allowing
Arrival of Men them to carry on with their
way of life undisturbed.
The coming of men marked a
significant change in the
Halflings' position in the
world. Men, with their In the Kingdom of
diverse cultures and more Fesselmark, Halflings have
egalitarian views, were more continued to live as they
accepting of the Halflings as always have, tending their
equals. In the societies farms, crafting their goods,
established by men, and contributing to the
Halflings found new community in their own
opportunities to flourish. modest way. Their history is
They were able to expand not one of grand empires or
their agricultural pursuits, mighty battles, but rather of
trade their goods more steadfastness, adaptation,
widely, and in some cases, and an unassuming strength
even hold positions of that has allowed them to
influence and responsibility. survive and thrive amidst the
changing dynamics of the
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Elves, Dwarves and
Halflings in Fesselmark
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practices. Halflings, often
serving as mediators and
Dwarven Resistance
diplomats, played a crucial and Suffering
role in fostering harmony
and cooperation among the The Dwarves, with their
diverse races. strongholds in the
mountains, were the first
line of defense against the
onslaught of the Traitor's
goblin forces. Known for
Shared History and their stubborn resilience and
unmatched martial prowess,
Future they withstood numerous
sieges, protecting the
The history of Fesselmark is kingdom's vital mining and
a tapestry of joint struggles resource centers. However,
and triumphs. From this unyielding defense came
repelling invasions to at a high cost. Many ancient
overcoming natural Dwarven fortresses were
disasters, the combined lost, and with them,
strength and wisdom of centuries of history and
humans, Dwarves, Elves, and tradition. The Dwarves also
Halflings have time and suffered heavy casualties,
again proven formidable. diminishing their already
The kingdom stands not only dwindling population. The
as a beacon of unity but also trauma of these losses deeply
as a symbol of resilience and scarred Dwarven culture in
mutual respect among the remaining holds, leaving
different races. As them more isolated and wary
Fesselmark continues to of outsiders.
flourish, the intertwined
destinies of these races hint
at a future filled with shared
prosperity and continued
collaboration. Elven Struggle and
Loss
In Fesselmark, the combined The Elves, attuned to magic
forces of Dwarves, Elves, and and nature, sensed the
Halflings played a pivotal corrupting influence of the
role in resisting the Traitor, a Traitor early on. They waged
formidable enemy who a silent war, countering the
sought to destroy the dark magic unleashed by the
kingdom. Despite their enemy. Their forests became
valiant efforts, these cultures battlegrounds, with Elves
suffered greatly during the using guerrilla tactics to
early successes of the thwart the Traitor’s forces.
Traitor. Despite their efforts, the
Elves paid dearly. Sacred
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groves were desecrated, and once cheerful and optimistic
many Elves fell victim to the Halfling communities were
Traitor's sorcery, leading to a now marred by loss and
decline in their already despair.
scarce numbers. The Elves'
deep connection to nature
meant that the blight on
their lands affected them
profoundly, causing a Collective
collective grief and a
weakening of their magical Resilience
prowess. Despite these initial
setbacks, the collective
resilience of the Dwarves,
Elves, and Halflings was
Halfling Endurance instrumental in eventually
turning the tide against the
and Tragedy Traitor. Their sacrifices and
endurance, although costly,
Halflings, integral to the laid the foundation for the
agricultural heartland of kingdom's eventual triumph.
Fesselmark, faced the brunt The shared suffering brought
of the Traitor's wrath in their these diverse cultures closer,
efforts to sustain the fostering a deeper bond and
kingdom's food supply. Their understanding among them.
villages and farms were often The story of their resistance
targeted to break the morale and the price they paid
and resourcefulness of the serves as a somber reminder
kingdom. Despite their of the cost of freedom and
peaceful nature, Halflings the importance of unity in
fought bravely, employing the face of adversity.
ingenious tactics to protect
their homes. However, the
destruction of their lands led
to famine and displacement,
affecting not just Halflings
but the entire kingdom. The
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Elven, Dwarven and
Halfling Settlements
In Fesselmark, elves, dwarves within the realm, which
and halflings can be found in adhere to traditional designs.
all of the human villages, This section describes some
towns and cities that dot the of the features of these
landscape, and they are well settlements, features which
integrated into the Kingdom. reflect the nature, passions
However, there are still many and history of their
of their own settlements occupants.
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Dwarven settlements
in Fesselmark
Above-ground areas of a
typical Dwarven settlement,
Stone Houses
especially those high in the The residential areas consist
mountains like those in of stone houses, built with
Fesselmark, are a testament heavy slabs of rock, and
to Dwarven architecture and featuring low, sloping roofs
their affinity for stone and made of slate or similar
durability. These settlements materials. These houses are
are characterized by their compact but spacious inside,
robust construction, with an emphasis on
practical design, and the functionality. The exteriors
integration of their are adorned with intricate
structures with the natural carvings depicting Dwarven
mountain terrain. history and legends,
reflecting the residents' pride
in their heritage.
General Layout
Dwarven settlements are
typically built around mine
Temple to the
entrances, serving as Heartstone
gateways to the extensive
underground networks A central feature in many
where most of their Dwarven settlements is the
population resides. The temple dedicated to the
above-ground areas are Heartstone, a deity
fortified with stout walls representing the strength
made of massive stone and resilience of the
blocks, designed to mountains and the Dwarven
withstand both the harsh spirit. The temple is often
mountain weather and the most ornate building
potential attacks. The walls above ground, crafted from
often feature watchtowers the finest stone, with
and battlements, showcasing towering columns and a
the Dwarves' strategic grand entrance leading to a
acumen. large, vaulted interior.
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Inside, the walls are adorned buildings are robust, with
with precious gems and large, open entrances to
metals, symbolizing the accommodate the
Heartstone God's domain movement of materials
over the riches of the earth. and crafted goods.
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Elven settlements
in Fesselmark
An Elven settlement in complement the trees
Fesselmark is a splendid around them. These
fusion of natural beauty and structures are graceful and
architectural elegance. These elegant, with sweeping lines
settlements are often hidden and organic shapes. Large
within lush woods, blending windows are common, often
seamlessly with the providing panoramic views
surrounding environment. of the forest. The
architecture is designed to
harness natural light,
creating a serene and
ethereal atmosphere.
General Layout
Elven settlements are
skilfully integrated into the
forest, causing minimal
disruption to the natural
Hall of Records
landscape. Paths meander The Hall of Records is a
through the woodland, significant structure, housing
connecting different parts of the vast historical and
the settlement. The cultural knowledge of the
surroundings are rich with Elves. This building is
groves, streams, and natural usually located in a tranquil
clearings, all meticulously spot, surrounded by ancient
cared for to maintain the trees. It's constructed with
balance of nature. The lighter wood, featuring tall,
settlement's design reflects arched doorways and
the Elves' deep respect for elongated windows. Inside,
and connection to the the hall is lined with shelves
natural world. filled with scrolls and books,
and the air is often filled with
the soft sound of quills and
whispered discussions.
Wooden Structures
The buildings in an Elven
settlement are primarily
made of wood, crafted to
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Council of the Other Notable
Great Tree Buildings
The heart of the settlement is • Artisan Workshops:
the Council of the Great Where skilled Elven
Tree, a magnificent natural craftspeople create
amphitheater formed around everything from clothing
an ancient and venerable to weaponry, blending
tree. This sacred site is functionality with beauty.
where the Elves gather for
important meetings and • Healing Groves: Peaceful
ceremonies. The council area areas dedicated to health
is open-air, with seating and healing, often near
carved into the roots and natural springs or pools,
lower branches of the tree. where medicinal plants
This space symbolizes the are grown, and healers
Elves' connection to nature practice their arts.
and their democratic
approach to governance. • Communal Dining Halls:
Large, open structures
where Elves gather to
share meals and
celebrate, often with
Watch Posts walls that open to the
surrounding forest.
Given the Elves' natural
affinity for stealth and
defense, watch posts are
subtly integrated into the The overall ambiance of an
settlement. These are Elven settlement is one of
typically located in high tranquility, beauty, and a
branches or camouflaged profound connection to the
structures along the natural world. The
settlement's perimeter. The architecture and layout
posts are manned by Elven reflect the Elves' reverence
scouts and guards, who keep for nature, their
watch over the forest and sophisticated aesthetic
protect the settlement from sensibilities, and their
any threats. The design of longstanding cultural
these posts is minimalist, traditions.
emphasizing functionality
and a low impact on the
environment.
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Halfling settlements
in Fesselburg
A Halfling settlement,
especially one in a region like
Cozy Houses
Fesselmark, is often a picture The houses in a Halfling
of pastoral charm and cozy settlement are small, often
living. Nestled among rolling just one story, with thatched
hills and fertile fields, these roofs and whitewashed walls.
settlements reflect the Windows are round or
Halflings' love for comfort, arched, often with flower
food, and community. boxes. The doors are sturdy
but inviting, often painted in
bright colours. Interiors are
warm and welcoming, with
fireplaces, comfortable
General Layout furniture, and walls adorned
with family mementos.
Halfling settlements are
typically spread out across
gentle hills, with winding
paths connecting various
parts of the village. The
landscape is dotted with
The Great Bakery
well-tended gardens, small A central feature in any
orchards, and fields ripe with Halfling settlement is the
crops. The settlements are Great Bakery. This large,
not fortified like human or inviting building is usually
Dwarven settlements, situated near the centre of
reflecting the Halflings' the village. It has a wide,
peaceful nature and their open entrance, and the smell
preference for blending into of fresh bread and pastries
the natural surroundings. constantly wafts from its
windows. The bakery serves
as a gathering place for the
community, where Halflings
share news and enjoy the
fruits of their baking skills.
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The Brewhouse Other Notable
Halflings are also known for Buildings
their brewing skills, making
the Brewhouse another key • Marketplace: An open
establishment. It's a sturdy area where Halflings and
building with large barrels visitors trade goods,
visible through open doors. ranging from produce to
The Brewhouse is often busy, handcrafted items.
with Halflings tending to the
brewing process and • Council House A modest
sampling their latest building where village
creations. It’s not leaders meet to discuss
uncommon for the community matters.
Brewhouse to also serve as a
place for community • Library or Storyteller’s
meetings and celebrations. Nook: A place where
written and oral
traditions are kept alive,
often filled with books,
scrolls, and comfortable
The Inn seating.
The Inn is the heart of a
Halfling settlement. Larger
than most buildings in the The overall atmosphere of a
village, it's designed to Halfling settlement is one of
accommodate visitors from tranquility, community, and
other races. The Inn is warm a deep appreciation for the
and inviting, with a large simple pleasures of life. The
common room filled with architecture and layout of
tables and chairs of various these villages reflect the
sizes. The walls are Halflings' harmonious
decorated with maps, local relationship with their
artwork, and sometimes environment and their love
trophies from friendly for good food, good drink,
competitions. The Inn offers and good company.
a variety of foods and drinks,
all prepared with the typical
Halfling attention to quality
and taste.
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Elven Customs
1. Friend of the Trees: Elves often strike up conversations
with ancient trees, seemingly swapping stories and secrets.
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10. Wild Water Festivals: Many elves love water so much, they
throw parties for it, complete with water parades and
synchronized swimming.
14. Tattoo You: Elves sport ink that tells stories, from the ‘I
survived one hundred years’ badge to the ‘I am in tryst with
the otherworld’ arm sleeve.
18. Full Moon Madness: When the moon is full, some elves
throw themselves into life with wild abandon, as if the
moon rejuvenates them.
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Dwarven Customs
1. Beard Braiding Battles: Dwarves hold competitive beard-
braiding contests, where the fanciest braid wins a keg of
ale.
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11. Mystical Beard Oils: Dwarves use special beard oils that
they claim give them magical powers (or at least make them
smell nice).
19. Forge Hymn Nights: After a long day at the forge, dwarves
unwind with hymns, belting out songs to the Heartstone.
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Halfling Customs
1. Gourmet Food Festivals: Halflings host extravagant food
festivals where the main event is a pie-eating contest with
flavours from every corner of the realm.
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10. Lantern Launching Ceremonies: Halflings have a tradition
of launching lanterns into the night sky on special
occasions, each lantern carrying a written wish.
11. Call of the Wind: They craft wind chimes believed to attract
good spirits and pleasant dreams, often in the shapes of
their favourite foods.
18. Fairy Ring Dances: They dance in fairy rings during certain
moon phases, believing it brings good luck and bountiful
harvests.
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Elven Encounters
1. Elves by and large are just like you and I. But sometimes,
when the harvest moon rides high, they can be seen
traipsing across the countryside in the dead of night
towards the forest of Helmsby. Why do they go? Who
knows, and as my brothers swollen lip can contest, they
don’t take kindly to questions.
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4. Travellers speak of a mysterious place near the mountains,
a set of ruins older than memory. In the ruins there is an
ancient well, untouched by time. Every night, the elven
woman sits near it and braids her silver hair, apparently
waiting for something or someone. But with the first light
of dawn, she disappears. What does she want, and is there a
reward?
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10. A famous elven painter disappeared mysteriously some
weeks ago, painting what they claimed would be their
masterpiece. Magical paints can be found in the workshop,
imbued with ancient power. Their last painting, a snowy
ruin on a Mountain, is still present – is that footsteps
leaving from the canvas deep into the snow?
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13. An elf has been upsetting the locals, having recently arrived
in town and been asking awkward questions… now the
Watch are taking an interest. Turns out she’s just a visitor
from the woods spending her first time among humans,
and her lack of social etiquette, tactless curiosity and blunt
observations could get her in trouble unless someone helps
her out.
14. The great hunt calls! Two to three teams of seasoned elven
hunters Challenge any other team to go into the
Dunkelforst and bring back a trophy of renown! Whoever
wins will be announced the Great Hunters and gain a magic
item befitting their trophy!
15. It was only a matter of time, given the ‘it’s not art’ revolts
that have shaken the capital… Anti-Elf sentiments are
growing within radical groups and violent outbursts against
elves and their alleged superiority are making the rounds.
Tensions are high and more and more people want to know
which side one is on.
17. It was inevitable. The taint of men has corrupted the land.
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Naturally it is the elves who must clean it all up. For
whatever reasons the cleaning up requires copious amounts
of human blood. Any elf adventuring with men beware…
20. The Pale Elf has returned. Feared and adored in many a
tale for elven children, they are either bringer of peace or
war. Recent slanderous rumours have it that the pale elf
once worked with the Warlock in the war against the King,
but who can believe that? The pale elf would never do that!
Still, there are suddenly a lot of soldiers in the area, looking
on any elf with suspicion…
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Dwarven Encounters
1. Bruggenbrocc & Bruggenbrocc are said to have refined the
Art of Bread that does not spoil. Ever. The drawback is that
sturdy teeth are required. Now several parties of broken
toothed travellers have arrive in town seeking recompense,
and the dwarven brothers are no where to be seen…
2. Three Dwarves are looking to buy ‘seashells’ to serve as a
wedding present for their clan chief. They obviously don’t
know what seashells are and look ready to buy a bucket of
snails from a crooked peddler. Who will help them?
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5. A dwarven potter, Dunkelor, has gained recent notoriety
for her provocative works, clay wares that span the gamut
from utilitarian to decorative. While their work has gained
substantial praise from the local dwarf community, the
human community has been taken aback by the sensuous
aesthetic choices of these wares, and prudish town elders
are up in arms, and ready to run the Dunkelor from town.
Anyone want to step in before things go bad?
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They're hoping this can all be done clandestinely, so as to
not draw attention to their operations – they are genius
perfumers, a most un-dwarven enterprise that will bring
shame on their family.
18. A dwarf artisan greets you and launches into his sales
patter, 'I'm just saying, a crew like yours needs a base, a
stronghold. Vaults, secret doors, all at my best price. Traps
will cost a bit extra, but we'll do a proper job. Me and my
lads have done all the top places'.
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Halfling Encounters
1. A group of halfling adolescents are playing pranks on
townsfolk by pretending to be orphaned human children.
They are using this ruse to extort coin and food from the
gullible.
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5. Siggy Tarbuck, apprentice pickpocket, will target the party
until caught in the act. If caught, the thief tearfully
confesses that he needs to pull off enough robberies (or one
big heist) to be accepted into the halfling thieves guild
B.L.A.G ('brotherhood, larceny and grift') and impress his
true love Molly. He begs the party to help him…
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destroying all he holds dear.
10. The local harvest shrine has been vandalized ahead of the
first tobacco harvest, and the towns offerings have been
stolen. Elder Deirdre Took is beside herself with anxiety
that this years’ crop will spoil. She believes that if offerings
can be returned within the next week then the town won't
risk angering their god.
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13. ‘Pie madness’ has broken out in the city's halfling district.
This disease begins as a seemingly benign but
unquenchable craving for pastry, but as it progresses the
afflicted become ghouls with a desperate craving for food
(including other halflings). The city's leaders have been
reluctant to provide any meaningful aid as the disease only
affects halflings. With the halfling community terrified of
contracting the disease, the halfling sheriff Yarry Trueace is
desperate for non-halfling help.
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15. A group of halfling children have stumbled upon a vast
network of underground tunnels that lead to a cavern filled
with exotic and valuable mushrooms. Posters have
appeared all over the realm looking for intrepid explorers
to come to Nettlepost and help harvest the fungi. However,
the exotic mushrooms carry a corrupting influence and the
halflings of Nettlepost are serving a malevolent fungal
entity.
17. A cursed mirror has found its way into the possession of a
halfling merchant. Those who gaze into it are transformed
by their own dark reflections, becoming twisted versions of
themselves. A trail of chaos follows in the merchant's wake.
Are they doing this unwittingly or purposefully?
18. Cobtruckle the Younger has returned from Far Hissain, his
wagons laden with exotic spices, along with a caged
songbird whom the halfling claims can tell fortunes. If the
party listen, the bird tells of a portal to a treasure hoard
outside Ruined Honheim, only visible by the light of a new
moon.
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1. The reclusive dwarf wizard Vermillion Shrubmungus,
subject of the best-selling pamphlet 'The Eldritch
Escapades of ...’, is revered for turning the tide of major
dwarven conflicts in his youth. Nowadays his activities are
shrouded in mystery, though he often pops up at banquets
and festivals throughout the Evening Lands. Even a hero
appreciates a free meal.
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minerals in people's diets. The stories of Papi Trakka's
Fighting Juice have spread far and wide, and the potion
now commands a hefty price.
6. Ever since her arrival from Far Hissain six months ago, the
desert elf beauty whose entourage refer to as 'his honoured
daughter' has been the talk of Fair Marenesse. Highborn
elves from across the Kingdom have sought an audience
with this mysterious stranger but will not divulge of what
they talked. Who is she and why is she here?
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Shepp ponders what the cost of eternal life is, and whether
he is willing to pay.
8. Ludimeer Guffley, narcissistic halfling actor and star of
many a weepy melodramatic play, is fleeing a messy
romantic entanglement with a vengeful sorceress. Looking
to ply his craft in the Lands of Morning, he seeks plucky
adventuring types to escort him on tour there.
11. Across the land pie-shops have been set aflame and marked
with a painted red footprint, carried out at the behest of the
self-styled 'Gaffer of Gaffers' Shanklin Pendlethrup.
Ruthlessly ambitious, the halfling G.O.G is violently carving
out his empire, craving 'a finger in every pie from here to
the Summer Isles'.
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which combines the fish and vegetables native to the region
with the spices and flavours of far off Flaxen Lands and Far
Hissain. Unbeknownst to many, he has extensive contacts
with the Marenesse underworld which he uses to secure
exclusive access to various importers.
14. The 2nd most wanted person in Fesselmark (after the
Traitor), Janky Strosse is one scared dwarf. Since that
morning when he awoke tattooed with coded directions to
the Underkingdom, he has been pursued by all manner of
fortune hunter. He has no idea who tattooed him or why.
All he knows is he's spent every waking hour since striving
to save his own skin.
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19. Halfling servant Mindra Mucklewerth, bearer of the
Queen's royal chamberpot, fled the Palace after having
witnessed what has happened with the King. Fearing for
her life, she travels by backroads, ever deeper into the
countryside. A mysterious benefactor has assigned goblins
Ghaz, Dahz and Baaz to watch over Mindra from a distance.
Could the fate of the Kingdom lie with one dizzy halfling?
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1. The Brewers’ Guild is blocking the sale of dwarven ale in
the major cities whilst promoting beers produced by
humans.
12. Injuries from faulty dwarven rifles have led the King's
riflemen to harbour increasing animosity towards dwarves.
Brawls have broken out in the backstreet bars of Fesselburg
and dwarf businesses have been vandalised.
13. It seems everyone has heard the rumour that the elves of
the nearby forest have created a sanctuary for fugitives
loyal to the Traitor. The local preacher has amassed a mob
to burn the scum and their allies out of the woods.
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14. The discovery of some mouldy religious tracts has led to
furious argument about which religion should watch over
The Golden Cave. Militant priests from all communities are
encamped surrounding the site, sharpening their blades as
their leaders fail to compromise over stewardship of the
Cave.
15. Baron Drecksak hosts a yearly hunt for the human nobility
where the prey is always a dozen kidnapped halflings. One
escaped to tell the tale. Halfling elders have vowed to
avenge the victims.
18. Town criers proclaim that taxes are to rise due to a well-
coordinated series of magically-assisted heists of the Royal
vaults carried out by elves. As agitators demand reparation
from the elf community, resentment builds and riots are
predicted. (edited)
19. The fate of the elvish rake Riztoph the Unrepentant is
currently being discussed by the council of Grim Biskerstaf.
Having seduced a few too many wives of eminent
dignitaries in the port, the authorities aim to set an
example by punishing him publicly. Incensed by this, local
elves plan to free the rake before this happens. (edited)
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