Mosstone and its Surroundings
Nestled in the shadow of the Wealdath, the great forest stretching endlessly to the south, lies the quiet village of Mosstone. Here, the scents of pine sap and damp earth mingle with the salty tang of the nearby coast, carried on brisk winter breezes. The settlement is modest, its buildings crafted from sturdy wood and stone, adorned with carvings of leaves and beasts that honor the forest’s spirit. Smoke rises lazily from chimneys, curling into the cold, gray sky, a sign of life enduring against the biting chill of the season.
The town square, bustling in warmer months with traders and wandering adventurers, now holds only the hardy locals, cloaked in furs and hoods. Vendors sell salted fish, dried herbs, and simple wares, their breath visible as they haggle. Children play near the edges of the square, their laughter echoing off the cobblestones, but their games stay close to home—no one lingers long at the forest’s edge.
To the East, the Wealdath, often called the Forest of Tethir, looms like a silent sentinel. Its dense canopy of ancient trees forms an unbroken wall of green, now tinged with frost. The forest is known both for its beauty and its dangers, a place where druids and rangers walk alongside beasts and shadows. In the distance, the faint song of wolves carries on the wind, and deeper still, whispers speak of fey creatures and forgotten ruins hidden in its depths.
Map of Mosstone
POIs
1. Harbor District – The lifeblood of Mosstone's trade, with docks for incoming and outgoing ships.
2. Town Hall – The administrative center for Mosstone, where the mayor and council manage governance.
3. Harbor Storage Warehouse – Large buildings used to store goods awaiting shipment or distribution.
4. Fishermen’s Guildhouse – Headquarters for Mosstone’s fishing industry, located near the harbor.
5. Amphitheater – A prominent public gathering space for performances, town meetings, or announcements.
6. The Greenleaf Tavern – A popular gathering spot for adventurers, travelers, and locals alike.
7. Dorin's Celestial Gemworks – A skilled artisan’s workspace producing fine jewelry and trade goods.
8. Broken Anvil Smithy – The local blacksmith shop, known for crafting weapons, tools, and repairing ships.
9. Crimson Exchange Outpost – Smaller trading spots on the outskirts of the main marketplace, catering to travelers.
10. Temple of Silvanus – A sacred space dedicated to the god of nature, reflecting the town’s respect for the nearby forest.
11. Merchant Guild Hall – Headquarters for Mosstone’s merchants, overseeing trade agreements and deals.
12. Orphanrium – A small establishment run by a kind-hearted cleric or retired adventurer, providing shelter for war refugees and displaced children.
13. The Anchor’s End - A rowdy drinking establishment near the docks, popular among sailors and adventurers.
14. Fenwick’s Apothecary – A mystical shop selling potions, remedies, and magical ingredients.
15.Harbormaster’s Office – The administrative center for managing dock schedules, tariffs, and maritime disputes.
16.The Wandering Wares - A general goods store near offering everything from travel supplies to common household items.
17. The Siren’s Melody – A music hall where bards and minstrels perform sea shanties and tales of the Sword Coast.
18. The Driftwood Carver – A workshop where driftwood is transformed into beautiful carvings, tools, and trinkets for sale.
19. Temple of Valkur – A larger shrine dedicated to the god of sailors, storms, and luck, a vital presence in a port town.
20. Council Hall – Where the town’s leaders meet to make decisions on trade, security, and the ongoing challenges of the blight and war.
21. The Mosstone Keep - A sturdy stone fortress serving as Mosstone’s primary defense and the residence of the town’s leaders.
22. The Coral Crown – A luxurious inn and tavern known for its fine food and exclusive clientele, catering to merchants and visiting nobles.
23. Mosstone Armoury – A storehouse for weapons and armor, maintained by the town militia or for trade.
24. The Silver Scale Smokehouse - A bustling fishery and smokehouse near the docks, where freshly caught fish are prepared, smoked, and sold.
25. The Crow’s Perch – An upscale tavern for ship captains and merchants to relax in comfort.
26. The Gilded Gull A lively gambling hall near the docks, where sailors and adventurers gather to test their luck with dice, cards, and wagers
27. Greenmark Brewery - Known for its signature ales infused with local herbs and forest ingredients. The air is rich with the aroma of malt and hops, and its oak barrels are marked with the brewery’s iconic green leaf emblem.
28. The Temple of Mryw - A recently constructed temple The followers are few and secretive, clad in hooded robes and speaking in cryptic whispers.
29. The Verdant Vial - A cozy apothecary filled with the earthy aroma of herbs and the soft clink of glass bottles.
30. The Crimson Mask Theatre - A charming, intimate theatre nestled near the town square, known for its warm, inviting ambiance.
31. The Ironleaf Gate A sturdy, reinforced gate marking the main entrance to the town. Guarded day and night by watchful sentries.
32. Grovewatch Circle- A small druid shrine on the outscirts of town.
33. Mosstone Archives – A library or records center containing knowledge and history of the region.
34. Barracks – Housing for Mosstone’s guards, ensuring the safety and security of the town.
To the north, the coastline stretches toward the glistening waves of the Sea of Swords, cold and choppy under winter’s touch. Small fishing boats dot the horizon, their sails stark against the gray expanse. The docks of Mosstone are modest, but they see their fair share of merchant vessels and travelers seeking passage to the larger cities. Today, one such vessel, the Sea Drake, rests at anchor, its crew preparing for the next leg of their journey to Baldur’s Gate.
The road east winds toward the Trade Way, the lifeblood of commerce in the region, connecting Mosstone to the sprawling cities beyond. Travelers speak of frost-covered paths and bandits desperate in the cold months, but the promise of gold and opportunity keeps the road alive, even in winter’s grip.
For now, Mosstone remains a place of quiet resilience, standing as a gateway between the untamed wilds of the Wealdath and the bustling trade routes of the Sword Coast. But as you prepare to board the Sea Drake, a sense of unease lingers in the air—a whisper of something stirring beneath the calm veneer of this winter morning. The forest, the sea, and the cold winds seem to watch you, as if the land itself knows that change is coming.
The People and Groups of Mosstone
Life in Mosstone is simple but far from dull, shaped by the interplay of nature, trade, and the hardy folk who call it home. Though small, the village is filled with characters as vibrant as the carved motifs that adorn its buildings.
The Druids of the Grovewatch Circle are among the most notable inhabitants, their presence a quiet but steady influence on daily life. These protectors of the Wealdath, led by a serene yet formidable half-elf named Keeper Elaris Thornshade, maintain a small shrine on the forest’s edge. They are revered for their wisdom and feared for their deep connection to the land; their warnings are never taken lightly. Many villagers claim that the druids can summon beasts or even twist the forest itself to punish those who defile it.
Mosstone’s fisherfolk and traders form the backbone of the village’s economy. Corlan Nettlebrook, the aging harbormaster, is a gruff but fair man who oversees the comings and goings of the docks with a weathered hand and a sharp eye. Though he walks with a limp—a relic of a skirmish with pirates decades ago—he misses nothing, and his approval is required for any ship leaving the docks. It’s said he can spot a smuggler’s trick or a pirate’s intent before they even step foot ashore.
In the town square, Tyla Fenweather, the owner of the local inn, the Coral Crown, welcomes travelers with hot meals and warm drinks. She’s a stout human woman with a sharp wit and an uncanny ability to coax stories out of even the most reticent of strangers. Rumor has it she once served as a bard before retiring to the quiet life, but her fingers still find their way to the lute in the evenings when the fire burns low.
The Greenmark Family, a clan of halfling farmers and brewers, are beloved for their cider and hospitality. Their eldest son, Tavin Greenmark, is often seen trading barrels of their famous apple brandy with merchant ships in exchange for rare spices and goods. The Greenmarks are the heart of the village’s seasonal festivals, and though winter is quieter, their farmhouse always seems to glow with warmth and laughter.
But not all in Mosstone are so welcoming. The Ravenblades, a small but cunning group of bandits, are said to operate in the woods and along the Trade Way. Though their presence in the village is rarely overt, many suspect some locals secretly deal with them to avoid their wrath on the roads. Whispers hint that Jorlin "Fox" Blackhand, their charismatic leader, sometimes walks the village in plain sight, his identity hidden behind a charming smile.