Griffondale
Situated in a region of the Hornback Foothills where the hills are more low and rolling. The area near the town is lightly forested, though several miles east of town there is a dense forest. Located on the Griffon River where Piedmont Road meets Walker’s Way. Nestled between three hills. Northern hill is covered by vineyards and a winery, Western Hill is mostly forested, but has a large cemetery on the side facing town, Southern hill is the smallest and is flat on top. This area is used to host seasonal festivals that attract large crowds from around the region.
The town features a large central square with a five story wooden clock tower. The square house a large marketplace and merchants, both local and travelling, can be found here nearly every day. The town proper extends out a few blocks north, west and south. To the east it stretches several blocks. Almost all buildings in town are of wood construction, the church and town hall being two notable exceptions.
Due to the festivals and the abundance of wine, there are more bards and minstrels in town than you would expect. The Endicott winery is the cornerstone of the local economy and is known throughout the Duchy and beyond. Griffondale is also home to the Duchy’s “largest” general store.
Griffondale is run by a mayor and a magistrate. The mayor is usually a local, while the magistrate is appointed by the Duke and is not always from Griffondale. The mayor is responsible for maintaining what infrastructure there is and is the public face of the town. The magistrate collects the taxes, allocates the money for the towns’s budget, and upholds the laws of the Duke.
Town guard consists of about 30 men, though there are seldom more than 8-10 on duty at once. Of those two or three are stationed at the guard office and the jail. The captain of the guard is experienced and effective. He hears about the goings on in other towns and is determined to keep his town a nice and safe place. There is no nearby garrison of the Duke’s forces and no military presence in the area.
Griffondale is a small town and, as such, the availability of goods and services here is limited, though not severely. One can get all the basics as well as some intermediate items as well. There is no sage per se in town at the moment, though there is a bookseller/wizard. Those looking for rare or exotic items must look elsewhere. As a result, there is a very limited thieves guild presence. More uncommon goods and services, including travelling seers can sometimes be found at the central square market.
* Map not to scale, but one square = approx 25ft
Griffondale Map Key
1) Church of Althea:
Large central chamber has a dome that is approx 60’ tall. Surrounded by four smaller, square areas that are only 25’ high. Features a courtyard with a reflecting pool. Church offices and such are on the second floor level of the whole structure around the central dome. One of only two stone structures in town. The four smaller areas house smaller altars dedicted to Aerithel, Cyglea, Talas and Turunen.
2) Grant’s General Store:
A large one story building with a tall vaulted ceiling. Most goods and equipment in the PHB can be found here, and they buy and sell items up to 25gp in value. Owner is a slim middle aged human man who, while affable when he wants to be, is a shrewd businessman.
3) Arnold’s Arms:
Run by a large human man who is a little overweight and somewhat bald. Sells weapons and armor, though their selection is limited. No polearms or two handed weapons are sold here (except spears), and most weapons are mundane in type and appearance. Sells armor up to, but not including, chain mail, as well as shields. Also sells bows and light crossbows.
4) Rolling Stone, Cartwright:
Carts, wheels and wagons sold and repaired here. Has a small “lot” across the street for his larger wares. Note that to rent said carts and wagons, one must go to the Teamster’s Guild next door.
5) Rusty the Carpenter:
An old human man who is rather thin owns this workshop and store. He sells basic furniture and one can purchase his construction skills.
6) Hide and Seek, Leatherman:
A former adventurer runs this shop, though he doesn’t speak much of those days. Gerrig is a half-elven former mercenary who now tans and crafts leather. He sells boots, apparel and armor. His goods are all 20% cheaper than prices in PHB and his leather armor is also cheaper than Arnold’s.
7) Teamster’s Guild Hall:
Meeting and gathering place for those working in the over land shipping industry. One can rent carts and wagons here, (though not horses). One can also sometimes hire caravan guards here, or inquire about becoming one.
8) Belle’s Herbs and Spices:
Run by Anabelle Greenbriar, a middle aged, portly halfling woman. Her shop is filled with the exotic aromas of her cooking spices, but she has a special case for more uncommon herbs with special properties, (buys/sells up to 20gp). Has in stock: Arlan (d12), Arkasu (d8), Megillos (d4 - 15gp), Mirenna (d4 - 15gp)
9) The Melody Emporium:
Owned by an elven bard, this shop is the finest store of its kind in the Duchy. Buys/sells up to 250gp.
10) Burl and Briar, woodcarver:
Owned by the half-elven ranger Ravenna, this shop sells her beautiful carvings. They sell small furniture items, embellishments, pipes etc. Ravenna is almost never there and lets her business partner, a thin old human man, run the place. All store proceeds go towards safeguarding the forests of the area. They do not buy any goods and sell items up to 250gp in value. Cyrus Endicott is a big fan of her work.
11) Bakery
12) Colin the Blacksmith:
Actually a migrant from Staunton, Colin moved here about ten years ago when an injury to his left arm disqualified him from further military service. He now makes a decent living forging and repairing in Griffondale. Is actually quite adept at forging weapons, though he doesn’t advertise that fact.
13) Town Hall:
A large two story building made of stone. One of only two stone structures in town. Houses town guard office and a courtroom on the first floor, Magistrates chambers and Mayor’s office on second floor, and Town Jail and Guard Armory in the basement.
14) Tailor-Made:
Owned and operated by a gnome tailor, this shop offers quality, affordable clothing up to 25gp in value. Also specializes in costumes and minstrel apparel for the town’s festivals.
15) Dale’s Earthen Treasures:
Owned by a younger hill dwarf, this shop buys and sells cheap to moderate gems and jewelry, up to 250gp in value. Dale employs a mercenary guard at all times to protect his shop.
16) Green Boot Inne:
Nicer than its name implies, this two story inn has a medium sized tavern and 24 rooms for rent. Rooms are small but comfortable. All employees wear green boots and the tavern and rooms are trimmed with green paint.
17) Broken Beaker Tavern:
A potions themed tavern run by a gnome. Features exotic drinks and is quite popular with festival goers. The owner, Leopold Fizzlepin, always appears a little frazzled.
18) The Mandol-Inne:
Operated by a human husband and wife duo, this three story, high-end inne is known throughout the region for its fine food, luxurious rooms and amazing music. There is live music in the tavern all day, every day, performed by the best bards and minstrels in town. Rooms are spacious and posh, and priced accordingly.
19) Drunken Chipmunk Inne:
Located between Town Hall and the Temple, this three story inne is operated by halfling brothers. Comfortable rooms, an oversize and inviting tavern and its location across from the town guard office make this inne very popular with travellers. Tavern features two fireplaces and simple, yet delicious food.
20) Goat Horn Pub:
Features a simple menu, cheap drinks and a no frills atmosphere. A favorite with local farmers and laborers.
21) Jolly Vintner Inne:
Owned and operated by Cyrus Endicott’s son, Willum, this upscale three story inne is very popular with the wealthier merchants doing business in town. Large dining room, exquisite food and well appointed rooms contribute to the high prices. Willum Endicott isn’t much of a businessman, but gets by on his connections to the winery.
22) Journeyman Stable:
While not the only stable in town, it is the largest and benefits from its proximity to the town center. Can rent donkeys for 7gp/wk, or horses for 10gp/wk.
23) Bridgeport Inne:
A large two story inne and restaurant, it is very popular with travelling merchants. Features a large outdoor seating area with several small firepits that operates in all but the coldest weather. One of the oldest businesses in town.
24) Solomon's Books & Beyond:
Owned and operated by a middle-aged wizard trained at the Halifax Arcane Academy, Solomon's doesn't have a large clientele, but has been successful thanks to the quality of their work. Scribe, bookbinding, and restoration services can be had here, as well as a nice selection of basic spell components (up to 100gp value). For a price one can also transcribe spells from his limited selection. While it is not a secret, he doesn't advertise this service. His binding shop and writing desk share space in the well-lit main room, while spell components are kept in a back room, (which customers may only enter if accompanied), and must be asked for. Also features a small rare books shelf (also in the back room), as well as a section for more common books that customers may peruse freely.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:06, Fri 27 Sept.
