Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading Wrapup

 Returned from Gen Con 2025 after having a lot of fun trading. Was a little apprehensive at first when I went to the Wednesday 8pm session, but the friendly folk and positive reactions to the micromaps sold me on the concept. Attended Friday 8pm and Sunday 1pm as well. Traded almost 180 of the 200 maps I brought with me. A couple lessons learned:

• Maps with lots of color were picked first
• Going to put the maps on a larger sheet and have it shrunk to 8.5 x 11 so that the cutting produces clean borders 

 

 Below is my trinket haul for 2025 including a very cool Trinket Trader badge holder I received from Bri in a trade for a full set of the 8 micromaps. Huge thanks for organizing and the trade. Thanks to everyone else I met and traded with.

 

 See you in 2026!

 

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 8: Circle of Seasons

 Into the Woods 8: Circle of Seasons

South of a main forest road, the Circle of Seasons is a strange, magical construction powered by local ambient magics. Four trees are subjected to the endless march of seasons at 10 times normal speed, with a year passing for the trees but only a month passing for humans. One can camp and watch the trees bloom, fruit, color, and decay in the eternal cycle of life. Anything placed in the circle will go through the eternal cycle of life, which can be both handy and dangerous.

 

Bryhana Elderheart, 358, a Firbolg druid who has come to study the Circle of Seasons. She is tall and sturdy. Her face is kind, and her long, blond hair is always worn braided. Her sky-blue eyes are large, and she winks when trying to make a point. Bryhana is passionate about learning and curious about a wide range of things. She wears soft leather pants and colorful tunics. Her belt has many small bags for holding the odd nut or herb. Bryhana uses a staff for walking and spellcasting. She keeps a group of daggers on a bandolier that she is skilled in from her time before becoming a druid. Her favorite items are a series of love letters that her parents wrote to each other.

 

Bryhana has made quite a long journey to the Circle of Seasons. She first heard about the unusual phenomenon from an acquaintance, Celina Lionsinger, 29, a Human who thought she might be interested in a vacation to see it. Once Bryhana saw the Circle, she decided to spend some time studying it. Her first trip idea was to visit the local Elves to see if they had any information. The Elves had been studying it for a long time, but weren’t interested in helping her with any information. Bryhana then journeyed to the local magician’s guild and even the tavern in the nearest town. Discovering that most people wrote it off as just a magical phenomenon, she decided to stay awhile and conduct some tests. 

 

Bryhana has set up a camp near the Circle of Seasons. She has already been here a month and has become more interested in it every day. She keeps daily records of her studies and hopes to publish a paper when she returns to her home forest. Bryhana has become friends with a local Elven ranger, Nerira Oakenwalker, 273, an Elf. The two of them talk about many things, including forests, spells, and life in the forest. A local Human boy, Dirk Dreamflower, 15, helps Bryhana run errands so she can spend more time on her studies. 

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 7: Under Ground and Cover

 Into the Woods 7: Under Ground and Cover

In the eastern woods, the paths run between narrow tree-topped ridges. Cunning Kobolds have hollowed the interior of one ridge, their spell casters concealing hidden sally ports with illusion and regrown vegetation. Unwary travelers are at a loss when their path fills, front and back, with a small horde of thieving foes.

 

Nux, 37, Kobold, is a mage involved with the Green Skull Gang. He is approximately two feet tall and has an athletic build. He is cunning and greedy. Nux has black straight hair and burnt orange eyes. He wears a gray robe with a green skull featuring blood dripping from it. He carries a wand of illusion, which he uses to hide himself right before the trap is sprung. Nux’s favorite item is a set of small darts he won in a bet at the Elite Rats Tavern several years ago.

 

Nux was one of the founders of the Green Skull Gang. The leader is his best friend, Snatt, 42, a Kobold. Snatt discovered this area along the road and decided it would be a perfect spot to rob caravans or wealthy travelers coming from nearby Pesa. Snatt found a few ex-soldier Kobolds and had them dig out the ridge. They have successfully robbed three groups already. Nux knows that they will be able to use this setup one or two more times before they should move. He knows that the local guards will come and chase them out. Unfortunately, Snatt doesn’t want to stop. 

 

Nux lives in a small ring of tents set up near the trap. He is dating Uggu, 36, a Kobold. The two of them share a tent, and when this job ends, he will ask Uggu to marry him. Nux enjoys the evenings after a successful raid. He enjoys singing and telling stories about his relatives, who were successful warriors. He gets along with the rest of the gang, but the younger members of the gang call him the “Old Coot.”

 

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 6: The Tallest Abodes

 Into the Woods 6: The Tallest Abodes

Concealed from the few who traverse the leaf-covered hunting paths and game trails of the deep woods, the Sylvan Elves hide their great libraries in crowns of the thick trees far above prying eyes. Guardians and other sentinels keep watch from nests and boughs midway between the ground and the locations they protect.

 

Quixina Fallgift, 420, Sylvan Elf, who specializes in cataloging scrolls and books into the library for the Falcon In The Sky gathering of Elves in this area of the world. She is stately and dignified. Quixina has an angular face with silver hair, dyed gold on the ends. Her violet eyes are strikingly colorful, and most people take a second look at her to confirm their color. She wears a pale blue robe that has ancient Elven embroidery on the collar. It says, “The pursuit of knowledge is worth the journey.” Quixina uses a cane made of oak with a silver handle. She has an old injury from when she fell down some steps in the library. 

 

Quixina enjoys her job and delights in all the unique items she gets to read. Sylvan Elves from all over journey to the library to turn in their relatives' journals, spells, recipes, thoughts, and ideas. When she receives an item, she casts a preservation spell on it and then records the name of the donor and their relationship to the person who wrote the item neatly. She also records the date the item arrived at the library and a brief description of it. Quixina only reads the interesting journals and scans the rest of the items. The Elves treat Quixina with respect because of the vast amount of information she has accumulated over the years. 

 
Quixina is married to fellow librarian Dorquen Fallgift, a 400-year-old Sylvan Elf. They are great-grandparents to three children, Olanala, 15, Lukian, 10, and Bryra, 4. Quixina and Dorquen enjoy visiting their family for long holidays during the winter months. Every Spring, they take a vacation at a nearby lake and spend days walking among the trees and fishing in the water. Quixina’s best friend is Falee Springmane, 386, a Sylvan Elf who enjoys solving puzzles and excels at archery. Falee and Quixina enjoy doing these activities together.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 5: Perch Over Ruin

 Into the Woods 5: Perch Over Ruin

A path winds through danger-filled, dense, and cold woods of the far north to end at a circular excavation against the base of a tall cliff. Here, now and in the past, various tribes of ogres and trolls gather to throw sacrifices into the bone-walled pit as offerings to their sky dragon god, who watches from the heights above.

 

Irob, 34, Ogre Mage, leads a small troop of a dozen ogres, trolls, and other worshipers of the dragon god. He is tall and has a commanding presence. His bald head has a tattoo of a streak of lightning. Irob has misty gray eyes that show surprising intelligence. He wears a tattered purple robe and carries a large staff made of an oak tree trunk. His favorite item is a necklace made of the bones of his family that perished. 

 

Irob’s tribe has made a temporary camp here to say some prayers, show some devotion, and prepare for an upcoming battle against several groups of orcs. Each day for the past week, the group has visited local fields and killed livestock, and a few farmers to eat and then send them into the pit. Irob plans to spend a few more days before they make their surprise attack on the Orcs. The dragon god showed her pleasure by blessing Irob’s staff, and she would cast a protection spell on the group before they left.

 

Irob is best friends with his second-in-command, Euk, a 30-year-old Ogre. The two of them drink ale and gnaw on bones till the wee hours of the night. Irob has chosen Xewog, 24, as his mate, and they camp in an area apart from the rest of the tribe. Xewog is only involved with Irob because she wants pretty trinkets from him. The tribe is impressed by Irob’s spells and fears his temper.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 4: Evil’s Lasting Mark

 Into the Woods 4: Evil’s Lasting Mark

A path ends at a stone platform above a tall rune-covered obelisk that taps the magicks of a ley line below. The site has been used for both good and evil deeds and is contested by the eternal foes. In recent years, when the Holy Light destroyed the Necromancer at the obelisk, his fleeing soul vaporized a swath of the woods and left a permanent, long, shadowy scar across the forest floor. Years later, the soil remains lifeless and avoided by local flora and fauna.

 

Rozura, 42, a Half-Orc who is the leader of the Red Sword Horde. She is slim, muscular, and very strong. Her skin is the color of granite, and she wears her short black hair in a buzz cut. Every member of her tribe has a tattoo of a red sword on the left arm. Rozura’s tattoo is a circle of swords with a larger, red sword at its center. She has black eyes and a crooked smile. Her right arm has a scar near the elbow from when a Human nearly killed her. Rozura’s weapon of choice is a long sword dyed red. Her favorite item is a small statue of the god of evil. Every day, she prays for guidance with her band.

 

Rozura built the tribe from the ground up shortly after she came upon the obelisk. Ten years ago, a trapped demon inside the obelisk began to prompt her to bring more people to worship him. She has followed the demon’s advice, and the group has flourished. The demon has guided Rozura to this location and instructed her to use the scarred shadow to build an altar. He also wants the tribe’s wizard, Arad, 65, Half-Orc, to tap into the ley lines to set up a ritual. The ritual will break the demon from the obelisk and bring him to life.

 

Rozura’s tribe has camped just outside a nearby town, Minia, until recently. The town wasn’t friendly to her group. When the demon provided her with a new place to move to, Rozura jumped at the chance. Ruzara has the respect of the tribe, but no one likes her, except Ubari, 30, Half-Orc. On good days, the two of them will spar and then share some grog. Someday, Ruzura hopes to get married and have children. She doesn’t deem any of the current group as worthy of her favor. 

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 3: Fearful Encircling

Into the Woods 3: Fearful Encircling

A forest path skirts around the ruins of a recently burned-out hunting lodge. The builders' actions and very presence awakened the dormant Fairy Circle underneath. The ruins and concentric circles of wild growth are now the playground of dark Fae. What is the fate of the hunters once living within? Best left unsaid.

Charpassa Galloavae, 100, Drow is an explorer who felt the call of the Fairy Circle. She is short but mighty. Her natural curiosity has helped her explore the area and send the hunters packing for another location. She has obsidian skin with purple teeth and silver hair. Charpassa wears leather armor dyed a dark brown, allowing her to move through the woods with ease. Her weapons of choice are a pair of intelligent, magical short swords named Bric and Brac. Her favorite item is a book of traps written and illustrated by Keloavid Aleneld, a Drow adventurer.

 

Charpassa usually explores mountains and caves, but when she sensed the Fairy Circle, she exited the cave system she was exploring and moved quickly toward this location. Upon her arrival, the hunters began to throw stones at her and called her names. That very evening, she came with a torch, forced the hunters to leave, and burned the lodge to the ground. That happened several months ago, and she has returned with a few Drow to awaken the circle to its true potential.

 

Charpassa makes camp as she travels. She doesn’t have a home base. Her family is long gone, and she doesn’t care to socialize. Charpassa has one friend, Xuononia Zaufek, 95, Drow. The two of them leave letters that travel from Fairy Town to Fairy Town. In the letters, the two discuss herbs, animals, and interesting plants.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 2: Treebound Crossroads

 Into the Woods 2: Treebound Crossroads

One unique feature of the land is its location at a crossroads deep in the woods, 

where some forest creatures have made their pathways. Here, where a path winds

through a ravine, a fallen tree has created a game trail above. Foes may lie in wait 

in the shadows underneath or conceal themselves by lying flat on the trunk above.

 

 

Wartarm,37, Goblin, is a crafty fellow who runs a gang of Goblin thieves called  

The Bane. He is tall, has a sloped forehead, and yellowed, pointy teeth. He has 

yellow-orange skin and a broad nose. His red eyes dart around nervously, and 

he has a scar on his left arm. Wartarm has long black hair that he has tied in a 

bun with some thin vines. He wears dark leather armor, but pieces have fallen 

into disrepair. His weapons of choice are a pair of daggers that detect nearby 

Hobgoblins. His favorite item is an old, broken music box. The box no longer plays 

a complete song, but he likes the sounds it makes.

 

The Bane have a run-down campsite just beyond the southeast corner of 

the map. Wartarm has a few of his gang out hunting for food every day. He also 

has a scout set up on either end of the north-south road. The scouts will notify 

him when travelers are coming along that road. He then sets up an ambush with 

himself and one other goblin, who will pounce down on the folk who dare to cross 

into their territory. The rest of his gang emerged from their hiding spot along the 

main road and swarmed their prey. This setup has worked well for the gang the 

last three times. Wartarm is beginning to wonder if they should move before the  

King’s Guard hunts them down.

 

Wartarm has a family back at the campsite. His wife, Gir, 32, a Goblin, takes 

care of their two children, Lousehead, 7, and Quek, 3. They live in the largest

tent and have a variety of spoils from their successful thieving runs. Wartarm 

hangs around with his second-in-command, Oafknuckle, a 30-year-old Goblin.

The two enjoy talking over strategies and drinking ale when they can get it.

 

(c) 2014 and 2025 Heleen and Andrew Durston

 

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 1: Entryways

Into the Woods 1: Entryways

Everywhere forests grow, there are the borders between the woods and the lands beyond. Typically, road builders take the path of least resistance and follow the border to their destination. But sometimes, a trail must go into the depths of the greenery. The lone stone wall, perhaps a remnant of an old structure or the foundations of a new dwelling, marks such an intersection. 

Sylvana ( ‘Syl’) Willowsinger, 143, Wood Elf, is a woodcarver who owns The Ordinary Wolf, located in a nearby town. He is tall, lean, and has a stoic demeanor. He has leaf-green eyes and silver hair, which is dyed green at the tips. Syl can be charming, and his smile lights up the room. He wears black trousers and a yellow tunic. He carries an oaken staff that he made years ago. His favorite item is a special knife, made for carving, that his uncle gifted him many years ago. 

 

Syl works from Wednesday through Saturday. He has carved everything in his shop and delights in making toy figures for children. Many parents receive a christening gift of a carved figure of their newborn. The business has performed well enough that Syl is considering taking on an apprentice. He hopes to expand his business this way and bring the joy of wood carving to a new generation.

Every Sunday, Syl travels into the forest to this location. The remnants of his family's house are among the rubble here. When Syl was 12, a forest fire burned the cottage to the ground, taking his parents and uncle’s lives. His grandparents took him in, but he still misses his family. Syl brings his lunch and talks to his loved ones, bringing them up to date on all that has happened during the week. During the afternoon, Syl attends the local Unity Church and spends the time praying for his lost family. 

 

(c) 2014 and 2025 Heleen and Andrew Durston

 

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading adventures begin.

Hello Everyone. In a week Heleen and I are headed on our annual trip to Gen Con 2025. This year we're giving trinket trading a try. Look for attendees bearing these or other emblems:

 

Heleen and I are bringing a set of mini-maps, trimmed and sleeved, reproducing a series of maps that I called "Into the Woods" and drew in 2014. 

 

On the back is our URL and in the week leading up to the event (beginning tomorrow), we'll will post all 8 of the maps *AND* Heleen has developed a brand new NPC associated with the site. Hope you enjoy them and look forward to trading with you at Gen Con.

 

A Forgotten Realms Gazetteer - Luiren Volume 2 - available now!

 Our 2nd volume of our Forgotten Realms Gazetteer of the halfling realm of Luiren is now available via the DMsGuid here -- https://www.dmsguild.com/product/497835/A-Forgotten-Realms-Gazetteer-Luiren-Vol-2?fbclid=IwY2xjawF7OFxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSDlcwbTf2A56eY18XJZiDDTdPdCKqqqukmXq4FpUZZkRz5TNZOUXl0HPg_aem_Sd-r6V6lkz8en-ZcYpIq2w

It includes the "capital" Beluir of the halfing region, surrounding areas and features some nifty artwork. Check it out.

 

Introducing our first foray into the Forgotten Realms

Happy New Year.

Heleen and I have just released our first gazetteer for the Forgotten Realms. It is free so please give it a looksie.

https://www.dmsguild.com/product/467385/A-Forgotten-Realms-Gazetteer-Lurien?affiliate_id=152870&fbclid=IwAR15xUWGIdhgYzw83rRZmB7km4XeXsineE_Nr3cIadF7HXAuFZb8q961xis

From the Deck of a Sandship - compilation PDF now for sale!

Really cool news - the compiled version of our 5 articles for Kobold Press is now available as a single 18 page PDF (with a really cool cover, illustrations and a map of the Sandrunner) for a measly $3 here - https://koboldpress.com/kpstore/product/from-the-deck-of-a-sandship/?fbclid=IwAR1Zwnb4gNuRVCSlS8BFPFnqPZ-O4qlBBgTu6-NaHzAnp4Xw3hnkU70Gv7Y

Very cool.

Imaginary Turtles Manifest!

Summer of 2020 Heleen and I joined with a group of writers and fans of Rolemaster on Discord with plans to create a module for the upcoming Rolemaster Unlimited game systems set in the Bay of Izar region of Shadow World.

Through the fall and winter and into 2021, this lead to that and the group, now formalized as Imaginary Turtles, is working on both rules content for Against the Darkmaster and a full adventure arc to be called Falling Skies set on the new world of Ænwyld.

 

From the Deck of a Sandship - Part 3

 Good evening all. Here is part 3 of our series on Mhalmet in the Southlands: From the Deck of a Sandship Part 3

 

From the Deck of a Sandship Part 2

Hi everyone. Here's the 2nd part of our 5 part series about Mhalmet, pirates and sandships - From the Deck of a Sandship Part 2

Below is a picture of the Roadrunner.

From the Deck of a Sandship Part 1

 We've been lucky enough to propose a series of articles to Kobold Press of which they've since accepted and published the first of a series of 5 - From the Deck of a Sandship Part 1

Hope you enjoy it and keep an eye out for the next 4.

 

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 (c) 2003 Iron Crown Enterprises from Shadow World Master Atlas 4th edition

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

 

1. Barrett Hall, Baron Lean
2. Chapel of Shaal
3. The Unassuming Book (Bookstore)
4. Casks & Sundry (Brewer/Tavern)
5. Animals Asunder Butchery
6. Eyes of the Fish (Fishmonger)
7. Wands, Quills & Papyrus, Oh My! (Alchemist)
8. The Pale Aledom (Inn)
9. The Amethyst Violet (Jeweler)
10. The Blue Feather Millinery (Hatmaker)
11. The Dancing Fire Outfitters
12. The Spiteful Cat Rug Shop
13. Baker/Pastries
14. Blacksmith
15. Carpenter/Woodseller
16. Cooper
17. General Store
18. Leatherworker (Harnesses, Purses and Scabbards)
19. Mason
20. Miller
21. 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.