Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #236

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #236 

August 25th, 2023 

• Number: 236 

• Name:  Deep Dive on a Site of Interest: Feystone: The Last Source – Part 5 

• Location: Deep in Feystone Woods west of the City-State of Carasta 

• Population (approx.): 150-200 

• Brief: South of the main hall and west of the ancient tower (#234), the waters of the spring bubble along a narrow brook moving through the clearing and off into the forest depths. Here the protectors of the Last Source built their homes, a small gathering of homespun cottages surrounded by sheds, small gardens, bushes, and flowers. A wooden bridge crosses the waters, completing the circular path about the Source. Additional houses can be seen on either side of the southward path of the brook. Next to the cottages is a tall ancient oak that is home to one of the local Fey Kin. 

• Gerenia, 42, a female Dryad, is a witch who derives much of her power from the influence of the Last Source. She is very short and wafer-thin. Her short green hair has bits of twigs and grass in it. Her brown eyes are round and luminous, and she is playful. Gerenia wears long brown pants that are the color of the bark of her tree. Her hat comprises the leaves of her tree and fits snugly over her head. She carries a staff made from a piece of living wood from the branches of her oak tree. 

• Gerenia is tied to her oak tree and has served the Last Source since birth. She uses her powers to keep the area around the pond green and verdant. Every week, she meets with other magic users to enhance the spells that keep the Last Source hidden and protect the area from prying eyes. She performs other rituals to ensure food for everyone and that all remain safe from harm. 

• Gerenia is friendly with everyone around the village. She especially loves taking care of the children who live here. Several times a week, she holds evening sessions where she tells stories to the children, which she enhances with illusions of the characters. Another magic user provides audible sounds, and the children love the stories she tells. 

• Geography: The residence cottages (location 7 see #232) are west of the Ancient Tower (#234). Each were once similar structures, 22 to 26 feet on a side, with a main floor, an attic or loft and a cellar underneath. Over time they have been modified and rebuilt by the generations of inhabitants of the settlement, including crafters, spellcasters, and guardians. Small sheds have been built nearby. Most have added a fireplace or a charcoal or wood burning oven to supplement meals cooked at the main hall and to warm the cottages in winter. Basements have been expanded to include cold storage and are connected to the hall by narrow tunnels.