(pop: 355) Heldren is a small village, located in the "Borderwood," a forest straddling the border between Ammarind and Marundi
Like most communities in the Northlands, the people of Heldren mostly keep to themselves. Far-away from the politics of Athos-Sorel and Derilath, Heldren goes on as it always has, as a relatively small and unimportant hamlet, made up of farmers, herders, and woodcutters.
The Village is situated along the North Road, halfway between Cold Mountain Keep and Kren's Crossing.
Village NPCs
- Ionia; Mayor
- Spence; Guard Captain
- Cedric; cleric of Karmalok
- Mother Theodora; soothsayer
- Ephram; Blacksmith
- Vivian; Shopkeeper
- Tessaria; Apothecary
- Cristobel; tailor
- Garimos; Innkeep at Black Goat
- Sophia; Stable-owner
- Fergus; Carpenter
- Alexius; Sawmill owner
- Perkins; butcher
- Kaley; Garimos' wife
- Marilee; Cedric's wife
- Xenia; Ephram's daughter
Visitors:
MAP-KEY
1. The Keep: A dirt path winds its way up a low hill west of town to this square, stone keep. The tower is 30 feet high, with battlements on its roof and arrow slits along its walls. Above the ground entrance, the tower has one upper floor and a roof deck. There is also a small dungeon and storage vault. The keep serves as Heldren’s armory and a place of refuge in case the village is attacked. The only regular occupants of the tower are a half-dozen militia, led by a retired soldier named Spence.
2. The Smithy: Although he spends most of his time shoeing horses and repairing farm tools, Heldren’s blacksmith; Ephram, is also quite skilled with a sword. A veteran of the Ammarindi army, he served for years in various border conflicts before retiring to Heldren. He keeps a few weapons for sale in his shop, but deals mostly in tools. His daughter Xenia is the most most skilled tracker in the village. Over the years, she and her pet wolf Achak have rescued many travelers stranded in a snowstorm. When not trekking through the wilderness, Xenia is likely to be found at the Black Goat.
3. General Store: Heldren’s general store carries everything a villager needs, as well as most gear an adventurer requires. Heldren sits on the road between the cities of Derilath and Amara, so frequent caravans pass through the village. The store’s proprietor, Vivian, takes advantage of this brisk trade to stock her shelves. In general, Vivian does not carry much in the way of armor or weapons, although she does currently have a few magic potions in stock.
4. Town Hall: Rather grand for a village of this size, Heldren’s town hall boasts a bell-tower overlooking the town square. The tower bell rings every hour during the day, and can be used to sound the alarm if there’s a fire or in case of attack. The town council meets here once a week, although there’s usually little to discuss beyond minor disagreements between neighbors. The hall is large enough to easily hold the entire populace for large social gatherings.
5. Willowbark Apothecary: A well-tended garden sits in front of this equally neat house, the home of a half-elf named Tessaria Willowbark; Heldren’s resident apothecary. Tessaria is a relatively new transplant to Heldren, having arrived in the village only 25 years ago. She is quiet and somber, and most of the villagers believe she suffered some great tragedy in her past, such as the loss of her one true love. Tessaria sells a variety of herbs and all of the special substances and a surprisingly large stockpile of alchemist’s fire. Tessaria claims to have an incredible fear of trolls, and that is the reason why she crafts the substance.
6. Tailor-shop: An artist with needle and thread, Cristobel is the only tailor in town, and well-known for her apparel creations. She also makes excellent quality cold-weather gear using local furs.
7. The Black Goat: (inn & tavern) The "Goat" is a fixture of village life, the first floor taproom fills up with patrons every evening, who gather to share gossip, hear news, and reward themselves for a hard day’s work. Anything that’s worth knowing in Heldren gets talked about here, and if asked where he or she came by information, a villager will likely say, “I heard it at the Goat.” Husband and wife Garimos and Kaley run the establishment as if it were their family kitchen. For guests, there’s always a seat at the table, a space by the hearth, or a warm bowl of hearty stew. Travelers often rent one of a dozen spacious rooms located on the second floor.
8. Livery Stable: At the stable next door to the Goat, Sophia offers horses for hire or sale, as well as stabling and grooming. Couriers on their way between Amara and Derilath often change horses here. None of Sophia’s horses are combat trained, but all are well-groomed.
9. Town Square: Located in the center of Heldren’s town square is a large stone statue of a beautiful woman. Usually just called “The Lady,” this statue has been here for as long as anyone can remember, and no one knows who it actually represents. Some believe the Lady was the founder of Heldren or some ancient, forgotten noblewoman or even a mysterious fey goddess. Others have more sinister theories, saying the statue was once a witch turned to stone for her wickedness.
10. Ionia’s Home: The de-facto mayor and leader of Heldren’s village council, Ionia lives in this simple house just off the town square. For generations, her family has governed the village and she is well-liked by the locals.
11. Temple: Although High-priest Cedric is a cleric of Karmalok, he tends to all of the village’s flock regardless of their faith. Cedric's only acolyte is his wife, Marilee, who assists him with temple upkeep and conducting weekly services. The temple has some minor scrolls and potions for sale.
12. Carpenter Shop: Heldren’s foremost wood-worker is a gruff-spoken man named Fergus. He decorates his creations with delicate and elaborate trim he calls “gingerbread,” a style that has proven quite popular among the local well-to-do. Fergus claims to be from Kren's Crossing, but no one really knows for sure.
13. The Sawmill: Heldren’s sawmill stays busy day and night cutting timber harvested by the village’s woodcutters into planks for shipment south to Amara, Atharavon, and Durfast. Large stacks of lumber are always heaped outside. Alexius; the owner, oversees all operations, which have made him the town’s wealthiest resident.
14. The Butcher Shop: The name of this butcher shop is operated by Perkins, who claims to be a retired adventurer. Customers are welcome to enjoy one of the pickled sows’ ears in the large jar on the counter while they wait for Perkins to prepare their cuts of meat.
15. Mother Theodora’s: No one in the village can be sure just how old Mother Theodora is, but the, so-called, "wise-woman of Heldren" has been around as long as anyone can remember. Mother Theodora is also most skilled midwife in town, and has helped deliver the children of many residents. She’s also a sooth-sayer and hedge-witch, and villagers often come to her to have their fortunes told, or to buy various herbal potions or natural remedies.
