Of Guilds and Counties: The Village of Lean

By Heleen and Andrew Durston

Summary

Location: Count Bentara, On the Bay of Izar
Status: Royal Town, Baronial Seat
Population: 500 (approximate)
Government: Baron Lean
Market Size: Good (+5)
Military: Baron Lean

Introduction

Lean (Possibly derived from the Erlin Lenov, “canal” or Lew, “cove” or both) sits on the Bay Road, which heads west and south five days' travel to the Port of Izar and which heads east four days’ travel to Bentara, the seat of the County. Lean, a village of about 500, marks the western border of County Bentara and is ruled by one of the Count’s younger vassal nobles, Baron Lean, Hamelin Barrett.

Map by Imaginary Turtles

History

As the Dark Age of Haestra (C. 4000 to 5000) came to an end, civilization re-established itself in the hills around the Bay of Izar. During that time, the various new Human and Elven settlers learned what the Dwarves already knew, the Mountains of Gold were laden with the precious metal. This led to the establishment or expansion of many sites about the Bay notably the Port of Izar where the Bay meets the Sea of Gold and the port of Bentara on the north coast of the Bay.

The following centuries saw the arrival, departure or defeat of various tribes, groups, hordes and refugees. Minor nobles, warlords, councils, cliques and chieftains rose and fell. Several hundred years ago 3 family lines with sufficient military and economic strength established their own persistent realms becoming the 3 Counties of the region; Ajendar, Bentara and Somurund. The current rulers maintain an uneasy peace, especially with the expansion of Sarnak looming in the east. Lean was founded in 5210 as the Countess of Bentara sought to establish the western border of the County at Barrett Stream. The village has remained the border to this day. In 5235, the Barrett Clan, taking their name from the watercourse, became vassals of Bentara and their leader at the time was granted the title of Baron.

Local events such as the Hard Winter of three years ago and global events such as the loss of the Eye of Utha have made life interesting in Lean but no major disruptions have occurred. Lean maintains the border and caters to travelers and caravans on the Bay Road. Trade between local farms thrives in the fair climate (especially compared to the ocean shores to the west). Lean is generally friendly but travelers must be wary of the various “border” and “head” taxes popular in town. (Some poorer travelers either ford the stream further north or try to sail further east.)

Government & Law

Lean is the Baronial Seat of Baron Lean, vassal of the Count of Bentara. The Baron’s family, the Barretts, have lived in Lean since they were granted the title years ago. Thus the Barony saw no need to have a Mayor or even a Village Council in Lean, the Baron’s word was law.

Taxes, tolls and fees:

Land:

5% per annum (residential)

10% per annum (business)

Sales: 10% goods value

Storage: 5% goods value per month

Religion

Lean features a single church to Shaal which hosts lesser shrines to other Lords of Orhan. A single priestess, supported by several acolytes, holds services and serves the populace.

Geography/Locations of Interest:

The village is a rough rectangle half on either side of Barrett Stream, a bridge joining the halves. Lean sits in the driest spot of a relatively marshy area, especially during the spring rains. Low walls and channels serve to steer excess water around and through the village. Although the border of the County is technically Barrett Stream, Baron Lean claims both halves of Lean (and farmland beyond) and there is no interest in contesting the issue. A secondary road, Fishhead Pike, heads south to a small thorp on the bay proper about half a day’s journey away.

Quality: Indicates workmanship of goods or quality of service and may be indicative of usability or potential resale value.

The Pits (-20), Inferior (-10), Average (+0), Good (+5), Superior (+10), Unparalleled (+20)

Price: in % multiples of Character Law standard prices

Barrett Hall, Baron Lean
Chapel of Shaal
The Unassuming Book (Bookstore)
Casks & Sundry (Brewer/Tavern)
Animals Asunder Butchery
Eyes of the Fish (Fishmonger)
Wands, Quills & Papyrus, Oh My! (Alchemist)
The Pale Aledom (Inn)
The Amethyst Violet (Jeweler)
The Blue Feather Millinery (Hatmaker)
The Dancing Fire Outfitters
The Spiteful Cat Rug Shop
Baker/Pastries
Blacksmith
Carpenter/Woodseller
Cooper
General Store
Leatherworker (Harnesses, Purses and Scabbards)
Mason
Miller
Market Square

Barrett Hall (Keep)

At the center of town, just east of the bridge, sits Barrett Hall home of Baron Lean, Hamelin Barrett. The three story stone keep (one of the few stone buildings in the village) and enclosed out-buildings serve as the Baron’s residence, home to friends, close relatives and his Great Hall. An adjacent building, outside the walls, is home to his servants, distant relatives and his Baronial Guard.

Chapel of Shaal (Church)

Quality: Superior, Price: N/A

West of the stream, toward the south side of Lean, is the Chapel of Shaal. The large and immaculately maintained blue and white stone building features ornate water-themed decorations celebrating the worship of Shaal. The Chapel hosts a large and enthusiastic congregation led by Sister Ancrett Gawn. Despite being near the stream, the Chapel has never flooded in the history of the village.

The Unassuming Book (Bookseller)

Quality: Good, Price: 125%

On the east side of the stream, just south of the Bay Road through the center of Lean, is the Unassuming Book. The two story brick building features the bookstore of Pierre Huggett on the 1st floor and his residence above. In addition to a fair business selling books, Pierre will do transcriptions and formal documents and is looking into dealing in antiquities.

Casks & Sundry (Brewer/Vintner)

Quality: Good, Price: 125%

On the east side of the stream and along the south side of Lean is the Casks & Sundry brewery. The two story wooden building is home to Urdic Bottlebraid’s business in distilling, packaging and sale of various local beers, spirits and wines. Urdic and his son Morfal run Casks & Sundry, he and his family live in a nice home nearby.

Animals Asunder Butchery (Butcher)

Quality: Average, Price: 100%

The southeast corner of Lean, allowing some distances for wind to carry smells out of the village, sits the Animals Asunder Butchery. The single story warehouse-like building, with a small store front along the road, serves the area to both prepare meat for locals for sale, resale or transport. Linet Parsefal runs the slaughterhouse for her family and will likely inherit its entirety. She makes several tasty forms of jerked meat and hopes to expand that side of the business.

Eye of the Fish (Fishmonger/Restaurant)

Quality: Good, Price: 125%

On the west side of the stream, next to the Church of Shaal, can be found the Eye of the Fish. The small two story brick building, in similar colors to the church, is home to a combination fish market and seafood restaurant. The proprietor, Imanie Collett, and her family, have run the business for over a decade, specializing in fresh catch brought from the Bay to the south. Locals claim Shaal has blessed Imanie’s cooking and the menu is quite popular.

Wands, Quills & Papyrus, Oh My! (Alchemy Shop)

Quality: Good, Price: 150%

On the east side of town, near the bookseller, is Wands, Quills & Papyrus. This two story wooden building features the storefront of alchemist Vasey Artos in front and his families’ residence in back. Artos is a skilled alchemist and produces a variety of low end scrolls, potions and wands of common types or to order. As his products are unique in the area, business is brisk and the building is well warded versus potential thieves.

The Pale Aledom (Inn)

Quality: Superior, Price: 150%

Next to the bookseller and the alchemist, just south of Barrett Hall, sits the only Inn of Lean, The Pale Aledom. The three story brick building, home to Auriol Amer the proprietor and her family, features a variety of rooms of all qualities, a warm and bustling common room, and an enclosed yard with a small stable. The Amer family live in a small cottage attached to the back of the Inn.

The Amethyst Violet (Jeweler)

Quality: Average, Price: 100%

At a corner between the alchemist and the milliner, is the The Amethyst Violet. This single story strongly built stone building, home and business of Tamas Powle the jeweler, features guilt iron bars protecting displays of modestly priced jewelry behind the glass windows. Tamas and his two young children share the back rooms. He hires a nanny to watch the kids when his business takes him to Bentara or Port of Izar.

The Blue Feather Millinery (Hatmaker)

Quality: Good, Price: 125%

Next to the Jewelry-maker’s shop is the Blue Feather Millinery. The brightly decorated single story wooden building features a sign of a feather festooned hat in front of window displays of all sorts of headgear from fine to functional. Merilda Azemar is a skilled milliner, making hats for most everyone in Lean. She currently lives in the back of the shop but plans to move into a house once it is completed by her fiance, Roland Quinn, a carpenter.

The Dancing Fire Outfitters (Outfitters)

Quality: Good, Price: 100%

Just west of the bridge on Bay Road is the Dancing Fire Outfitters. The two story brick building features bay windows displaying all manner of clothes, goods, tools, materials and the like. Aldo Owyne, the proprietor, is struggling to stay in business and is willing to cut a deal. He currently lives down the street at The Pale Aledom.

The Spiteful Cat Rug Shop (Rugmaker)

Quality: Good, Price: 125%

Next to the hatmaker, on the east side of Lean, is the Spiteful Cat Rug Shop. The less colorful (than the milliner's) wooden building features the shop in the front and the owner’s residence in the back. Sumina Olajeon, the owner and crafter, is fond of cats, hosting several in the shop, despite the name of the store. She is trying to expand her business across the County and thus is frequently out of town.

Blacksmith

Quality: Average, Price: 125%

Will make and/or repair armor and weapons but then passes word of such business to the Baron.

Carpenter/Woodseller

Quality: Average, Price: 100%

Cooper

Quality: Average, Price: 100%

General Store

Quality: Average, Price: 100%

More foodstuffs but less clothing and related gear than the Dancing Fire Outfitters.

Leatherworker (Harnesses, Purses and Scabbards)

Quality: Average, Price: 100%

Frequently works with the Animals Asunder Butchery to purchase animals from farmers or hunters for both meat and hides.

Mason

Quality: Average, Price: 100%

Recently moved here from Lonweriet to escape the ongoing feud between the stonemasons and the bricklayers.

Miller

Quality: Average, Price: 100%

Does enough business to cover the Baron’s “tax” for use of Barrett Stream to drive the millstone.

Population Distribution - Lean

(01-60) 60% Shay, (61-75) 15% Talath, (76-80) 5% Anzeti, (81-85) 5% Haid, (86-90) 5% Yinka, (91-95) 5% Dwarves, (96-98) 3% Elves, (99-100) 2% Other

Notable People

Baron Lean

Baron Lean, Hamelin Barrett, 19, is a Shay who rules Lean and the surrounding lands which comprise the Barony of Lean for the Count of Bentara. Hamelin is tall and scrawny. He looks as though a gust of wind could blow him over. Despite this he is very handsome with long blond golden locks of hair and a cherubic face. He has cloud gray eyes shaped like pools of water. He wears leather pants and embroidered tunics that are dark gray or black.

Hamelin takes his new title seriously. His father died in a hunting accident where he was gored by a wild boar. Hamelin recently returned from swearing fealty to the Count of Bentara. He hopes to continue his father’s racket of taxing everything he possibly can; especially visitors to the area. Most of this is already in place and Hamelin is getting ready to do a sweep of all the dwellings in Lean and have them swear fealty to him along with confirming the taxes stay in place that his father had.

Hamelin hopes to marry one day; but realizes it will probably be someone that the Count chooses for him. There were even hints about this while he was swearing fealty. Until then he has kept himself happy by dating local farm girls.

Sister Ancrett Gawn

Sister Ancrett Gawn, 25, is a Talath who is a Cleric of Shaal. She has curly red hair and cyan eyes. She has an ample figure and a round face. She dresses in ocean blue robes that have embroidery of waves on the front. A simple white rope makes a belt where she carries a small dagger. Her favorite item is a tall twisted staff, called the Staff of Waves, that is painted light blue and has the symbol for water carved in a ring around the top of it. The staff can summon water and turn water into ice.

Ancrett grew up in Lean and was a disciple of the previous cleric of Shaal, Wyatt Gerbald. When Wyatt died of old age, Ancrett was the natural choice to be the successor. Ancrett sees over a large group of followers of Shaal and expects them to generously donate a portion of their wealth to Shaal. The church of Shaal is a very large building in town and is kept in great condition by all the worshipers. There is a certain amount of conflict between Ancrett and Hamelin, not because they dislike each other; but because they are each fighting over the money that the townspeople can provide.

Ancrett has a very nice life for herself. She is invited to most parties by people in town and spends her time split between comforting the sick and poor in Lean and schmoozing with merchants and other folk. The duality gets to her spirit sometimes and she will go on a short “retreat” for a few days.

Pierre Huggett

Pierre Huggett, 33, is a Shay who owns The Unassuming Book store. He is svelte and has an amiable face. He is a bit short and has black hair that he wears trimmed very short and wears glasses not because he needs them; but because he wants to look studious. His eyes are grey and set deep in his face. He wears gray linen pants and a colorful cotton tunic. He always has a quill and ink near him.

Pierre opened the Unassuming Book store when he was in his early twenties. The previous Baron had a bit of a passion for books and Pierre was happy to accommodate him. The store does ok businesswide; but steps to include a book club and a singles night have helped keep the business afloat. Pierre has recently started looking into antique and rare books as an additional way to earn money.

Pierre is happily married to Agnes, 30, and they live above the bookstore. Pierre and Agnes have 1 child, Joachim, 12 who much prefers the active sports life of his friends. Pierre has convinced Joachim to stay in school; but it is a constant battle to get Joachim to study.

Imanie Collett

Imanie Collett, 40, is a Shay who owns Eye of the Fish, a fishmongery and luncheon place. Imanie has a coltish body and an aquiline face. She has light brown hair that she wears in a bob and autumn brown eyes shaped like a cat. She likes to wear long skirts that have lace on the bottom hem and pairs that with a white blousy top with some light embroidery around the collar. At work she always wears a clean white apron and a sturdy leather belt that has the knives necessary to clean fish.

Imanie learned a lot from both parents growing up. Her father was a fisherman and took Imanie with him several days a week. In the evenings her mother would make wonderful fish recipes. Opening up the Eye of the Fish was just a natural idea for her and she just recently celebrated 10 years of being in business. The restaurant is a popular hangout for the locals who celebrate the freshness of the catch and the wonder of Imanie’s cooking. The other side of the restaurant provides fish for people to buy and take home.

Imanie has been married for 20 years to Drystan Collett, 42, Shay. They have 3 children: Amelina, 15, Jonet, 12, and Jurdan, 10. All the children help out at the restaurant and it is truly a family affair. Drystan helps manage the business end of things so that Imanie has time to cook.

Urdic Bottlebraid

Urdic Bottlebraid, 103, is a dwarf who owns Casks & Sundry. Urdic is bull necked and short. He has a wizened face that has dark brown hair that he wears long in a ponytail. He has iron gray eyes that seem to take in everything. He also sports a full beard and twirly mustache. He wears leather pants and a plain brown tunic most days. His leather belt holds some of the tools of the trade.

Urdic inherited Casks & Sundry from his father and plans to pass along the business to his son. Urdic has made several deals with the local vendors who supply wine and ale. His casks are proven watertight and he prides himself on putting out a quality product. Baron Barrett has had him visit the keep and the two got along well enough talking about various ales and wines.

Urdic was blessed enough to find a female dwarf during his travels and they have been married for 50 years. Elmaere, 96, has helped Urdic raise their family of 4 children. Their oldest son, Morfal, 35, works with his father in the business. The other children, Abuid, 30, Braestraed, 23, and Thezlena, 20, work around the home and have decided to pursue other vocations.

Linet Parsefal

Linet Parsefal, 22, is a Talath whose family owns Animals Asunder Butchery. Linet has been learning the trade for several years from her mother and will eventually take over the business. Linet has a limber body and sports muscular arms from the work she does. She has a pretty face and lovely sepia eyes. She wears her black hair curled and parted to the right. Linet enjoys shopping for clothes and most of her salary goes to new outfits that she sews herself. That being said she still mostly wears skirts and tops.

Animals Asunder Butchery specializes in butchering a wide variety of animals and will let people bring the animals that they have hunted in to be butchered. Linet will occasionally go out on hunts to try to drum up business for the store. Animals Asunder also preserves meat and makes a wonderful jerky from some of the animals they have. Linet has suggested looking into creating some kind of rations for adventurers to use; but hasn’t quite figured out what exactly to put in a ration’s kit.

Linet is still single; much to her family's chagrin. Linet has too much fun living life and enjoying hanging out with her friends. It probably doesn’t hurt that her parents would like her to marry Roderick Audry, a dour young man who likes to hang out with a band of nerdowells. Linet would like to find someone more interested in having a family and pleasant friends who enjoy some of the finer things in life.

Tamas Powle,

Tamas Powle, 26, is a Shay who owns The Amethyst Violet, a jewelry store.

Tamas has skinny legs but a bulky upper body. He has an intriguing face that has jade green eyes and chestnut brown hair that has a crew cut style. He wears very fine outfits that consist of linen pants that are dark brown and silk tops of several shades of green. He loves to wear capes and looks for opportunities to wear one. He also wears his trademark piece of jewelry which is a golden violet broach with small amethyst pieces used for the flowers.

The Amethyst Violet does very well for itself by making all sorts of inexpensive jewelry. Tamas enjoys working on the finer pieces and so will routinely head to the larger markets of Bentara and Port of Izar not only to sell his pieces but to buy the stones he needs.Tamas has made friends in all the right places and has been able to avoid paying any taxes.

Tamas’s wife, Joan, passed away a year ago while giving birth to their daughter, Tilla. Tamas has an older son, Danau, 5. He has been trying to raise both children on his own; but he is eagerly looking for a wife. He has thought about using the local matchmaker for help with this; but isn’t quite willing to take the plunge.

Auriol Amer

Auriol Amer, 35, is a Taleth who owns The Pale Aledom, an upscale inn in town. She is of medium height and pleasantly rotund woman. Her facial features have a chiseled look, though when she smiles it really brightens up her appearance. She has strawberry-blonde hair that she wears in a pixie cut. Her eyes are steel blue. Auriol likes to wear plain skirts and orange or yellow cotton tops that have a little lace around the sleeves and neckline. She wears a white cord for a belt that has a loop for a sharp knife that she uses while cooking.

The Pale Aledom has several nice rooms to rent and in the evening the common room is available for sleeping. Auriol serves average food; but the ale is extremely good. One of her specialities is using her ale in her cooking and that has brought success to an ordinary inn.

Auriol is married to Ran, 38, and they have 4 children; Tyon, 15, Avila, 13, Alfonse, 9 and Issabella, 7. Everyone in the family works at the inn, though Auriol makes sure the children all have lessons during some of the quiet hours of the day. Recently Issabella has been having night terrors where she wakes up screaming that there is a man in the room. Since she shares a room with her sister and no man can be found, the family has decided to just ignore this for now.

Vasey Artos

Vasey Artos, 28, is an Anzeti who owns Wands, Quills & Papyrus, Oh My! Vasey is short and has a slight build. He has golden skin and hazel eyes. His hair is black and he is balding early. Vasey likes to wear a colorful green robe with a white cord for a belt. There is a loop on the cord for his wand which has several minor spells in it. The spells in the wand are designed to be impressive to look at; but not actually hurt anyone.

Wands, Quills & Papyrus, Oh My! Is a dream store for Vasey who started out as an adventurer when he was only 16. He sells all sorts of minor magic items designed to make life easier for people. He also likes to make scrolls that allow people to trick one another. Those scrolls are very popular with teenage boys.

Vasey is married to Manel, 30, Shay, and they have one child, Tomkin, 6. Tomkin has a bit of a stuttering problem which causes him to be teased, almost bullied by other children. Manel has tried to get him help, while Vasey just wants to wait and see if he will grow out of it.

Merilda Azemar

Merilda Azemar, 25, is a Shay who owns The Blue Feather Millinery. She is tall and regal-looking. She has reddish-brown hair that she wears off her face and in long flowing waves down her back. Her eyes are blue green and she loves to smile a lot.

Merilda wears long dresses that she wears to compliment the hats that she sells. She owns several different ones and saves her pennies to try to keep up with the latest fashion.

The Blue Feather Millinery sells a variety of hats for men, women and children. In a small town like Lean almost everyone wears a hat and most people come to Merilda. Merilda helps sponsor a show where once a month, models walk around with hats from her and clothing from Aldo Owyne of The Dancing Fire Outfitters show off their wares. Everyone looks forward to this and turnouts have been increasing.

Merilda just recently got engaged to Roland Quinn, 25, Shay. Merilda just discovered that she is pregnant and shortly after that Roland asked her to marry him. She is extremely happy about both the wedding and the pregnancy. Roland seems to be over the moon as well. Roland is going to build the two of them a cottage since he is a carpenter.

Aldo Owyne

Aldo Owyne, 31, is a Talath who owns The Dancing Fire Outfitters. His body is very burly and he has large hands that make some of the sewing work he does difficult. He has light beige blonde hair that he wears in a crew cut. His eyes are round and fawn colored. Aldo likes to wear outfits that he sells in his shop. He also makes it a point of wearing a hat from Merilda’s shop. His clothes usually consist of colorful pants and tunics and then a contrasting vest. He also carries a pocket watch.

Aldo started The Dancing Fire Outfitters some 10 years ago. He is a little unhappy with how sales are going as they have tapered off recently. To supplement his income he has agreed to spy on his friend and neighbors for Sasha Nightbough’s organization. One of Sasha’s minions has stepped in and given him crates of materials which she just happened to have. Aldo doesn’t necessarily like doing this but he doesn’t want to go out of business.

Aldo has separated from his wife of 5 years, Jasmine,30, Shay. He found out that she was cheating on him and since they don’t have any children he moved out of their house. He is now staying at The Pale Ale, again, thanks to Sasha’s minions. Aldo isn’t sure he wants to get back together with Jasmine; but he doesn’t like being lonely.

Sumina Olajeon

Sumina Olajeon, 87, is an Erlini Elf who owns The Spiteful Cat Rug Shop. Her dainty body belies a small powerful core. She has medium length reddish brown hair that she wears swept off to one side. Her fiery china blue eyes make everyone take pause. Sumina likes to wear comfortable cotton pants and tops. Occasionally, she splurges and gets herself a top with some lace or embroidery on it. She wears a thin cord for a belt and carries a dagger around with her.

Sumina’s business has had its ups and downs this year. She hopes to be able to stretch interest in her rugs to some people in Bentara. To that end, she has been making contacts with people who travel to Bentara frequently. Sumina makes most of the rugs herself and will occasionally purchase a rug or two from some people in town who make rugs for fun.

Sumina has spent most of her life alone. She has several cats that she looks after, though she fears some people in town may call her ‘the cat lady’. The cats keep her company and she keeps a running dialogue with them when she’s at home. Sumina is a bit picky about who she spends time with so she doesn’t have many friends. She does enjoy a good book or two.

Adventure Threads

Church vs. State - The Baron has mentioned, in passing, raising the “stream tax” paid by the miller and others for use of the local waters. The miller (perhaps egged on by a third party) has complained to Sister Gawn. Tensions are rising between Baron Lean and the popular Church.
Rogue Knight - 10 miles west of Lean where the Bay Road meets a trail that heads northwest to the Coast Road, an old (self-declared? No one knows) Knight has established a manor and offers protection to nearby farms in exchange for the usual tithe. Nominally outside of Bentara’s borders, Baron Lean is intrigued and is considering sending an embassy to meet with this mysterious Knight and gauge his or her true intentions.
Marriage by Fiat - The Count of Bentara has proposed an arranged marriage for Baron Lean. He did this by dispatching the bride to be, her bridal train and even a priest to Lean! The Baron is at a bit of a loss and now his visitor’s house and the Inn are full of boisterous strangers. Not even sure if the bride is legitimately who she and her attendants claim, he seeks someone to rush to either Bentara or the Barony of Noem, where she claims her title and residence, and determine what’s what.

Saturday, February 6, 2021