Overview

Taylor's Vine is a small village of approximately (100?) families located on the (southern) border of the Kingdom of Sodengren.  It is notable for its wines, which are among the best in the region, its unusually close ties to the elven lands to its south, and its significance to Elizar, goddess of knowledge and protection.  Geographically, Taylor's vine is surrounded by forest, including to its (south) the dangerous tanglewood forest.  The major holiday at Taylor's Vine is the day of Vernal Balance, which coincides with the village's tradition of "the swapping of the sons" in which hostages are exchanged with the elves to the south as a symbolic guaranty of continued peace.  During this time a festival is organized with various events, competitions, wine tastings, and vendors.

Key Locales

The temple of Elizar

A stone structure capable of accommodating the whole town for services.  Includes the residences of the Cioreh clergy, administrative offices, and a surprisingly well-stocked library.  The worship area features private boxes for the elite of the townsfolk and bench seating for the rest.  During the recent troubles the temple itself was destroyed but the rectory and adjoining buildings are untouched.  Reconstruction is expected to begin soon, and is anticipated to include a shrine to Cioreh on the lower level in recognition of her intercession in defense of the village.  Tunnels leading from the desecrated chamber may remain intact???

The (legless dwarf)

Bar owned and managed by _____, a legless dwarf who runs his business while strapped to a wheeled dolly that rides a rail he has mounted around the bar.  He is concerned for the village and has promised to help spread and collect information for the heroes.  His bar also serves as a gathering point for the village, including the heroes.

The Framlingham/Greyhold Estate

Manor purchased by Eric Greyhold when he moved to the village, located about an hour from the village center.  The former owners reside there at his invitation but act as though they still own the place.  It is surrounded by a vineyard that has produced fine wines in the past.  The land has recently been donated by Eric to the Order of _____ for the purpose of building a monastery.

The market

A typical village market, it includes a blacksmith's shop where simple metal work can be done for a nominal fee.

The ____ estate

A family home owned by the ____s, the only hobbit family in the village.  The head of the family, who is a cooper (cask-maker), is somewhat paranoid and seeks to shelter his family from the troubles he expects to come.  The home features a wrought-iron fence and is well-stocked with supplies.

The schoolhouse

Located near the temple, this is the former workplace of Armus.

Nearby Locales

The ____ River

Runs from ______ to ______, and comes near to the town.

The Fairy Mound/Gnomish Warren

3 days' ride from the village along a trading path lies an ancient gnomish warren.  To discourage the curious, the town has been told that it is a fairy mound.  In the deepest level lies a holy pool, which has been corrupted by the horrific history of the warren.

The Tanglewood Forest

A bit more than one day's ride from the village brings a traveler to the edge of the Tanglewood forest, a dark and mysterious place.  In many ways the forest acts as a living thing, and it seems hostile to humanity and especially to human civilization.  It grows a little every year, edging nearer to the village.  Originally it was a lifeless waste, poisoned by the bodies of spitters slain at the battle of Backwater.  Powerful magics were used by the elves to restore life to the place, and the Tanglewood is the twisted result of their efforts.

The Grove of the Stag

A pocket of normality trapped in the Tanglewood guarded by a giant sentient stag.  Believed by Armus to be a place sacred to Elizar.