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| Mentowne is a small town of perhaps 2,500
that rests just within the eastern border of the kingdom of Lorn.
The town stands a way-point between the blooming human kingdom of Stephen
and the ancient Lorn, a land of elves. Technically, Mentowne is a
Lornian city: it’s mayor and nobles are appointed by Lorn’s king, Hælor,
and it merchants and shop operate under the Lornian royal charter.
However, only pure elves may be citizens of Lorn. Thus, few of the
inhabitants of Mentowne, a haven for half-elves and all sorts of adventuring
ilk, are actually Lornian citizens.
Despite its somewhat bastard status as a Lornian city, Mentowne is a bustling hive of commerce and traveling characters of all sorts, for it lies on the main (and only) route that steers over the Mountains of the Unknown (called the Ire-Dae by the inhabitants of Lorn) into Stephen. It is only because of its commercial success and necessity that the puritanical Lornian nobility tolerates the “impure” status of most of Mentowne’s inhabitants. Mentowne may be a commercial success, but its main inhabitants have yet to become anything metropolitan: they far prefer the quite life and air of a small village that reigned in Mentowne until only a century ago. They tend to be rather uneducated and unrefined people, but they are wise in their own backcountry way, and often warm-hearted. |
Shops |
The Green Herb – Apothecary
Nizzle, human alchemist, W3
Nizzle is a ragged old man, slightly crazed and always aloof. He has difficulty remembering the names of even his most frequent customers, but he is an encyclopedia of herbalism and alchemy.Quik’s Blades – Weapon Shop and Armory
Quik Fyrned, elf
Quik is a master swordsmith, large and burly for an elf, he still retains his races and agility. Quik is a friendly type, but he knows the value of his masterful work. He is assisted by his dim-witted brother, Slew, who fetches and carries for Quik and keeps the shop in order.
The Straight and Arrow – Bowery/FletcheryTop
Aüsten Timber, half-elf
Aüsten is a consummate business man, and an expert craftsman – he will always demand top dollar for even his flimsiest work, which is admittedly better than many bowers could ever hope for,House of the Risin’ Dough – Bakery
Dana Drimin, human female
Dana is a round and jolly old woman and a master baker. Her confections and pastries are considered divine by anyone in Mentowne. She is every inch the kindly baker.Gryphon Stables and Smithy
Tebya and Irestia von Gryphon, human sisters
Tebya and Irestia are the most recent inhabitants of Mentowne to obtain a royal charter in order to establish their business. They work neither the smithy nor the stables themselves, however, but manage the entire venture with keen eyes and masterful calculations. They are present at every exchange of money – none of their hired servants deal with coins of any kind, save their own pay.Belle’s Book Boutique – Bookstore/Bindery
Belle Estwyr, elfin female
Belle is little more than an aloof little schoolgirl. Enamoured with a vast library that she has inherited from a mysterious and distant relative, Belle has set up a shop to allow other access to these great mysteries. Books on practically any subject can be found here. Belle is also teaching herself the craft of bookbinding. Her work is far from masterful, but she pays for her own mistakes and will never give customer anything less than her best effort.The Grasping Claw – Tavern
Quird Silvershield, dwarf, F10
An often jolly and much-scarred warrior and adventurer of old, Quird has come to live the simple life of Mentowne, to share his stories and his own brew with anyone who feels like walking in the door.The Black Pearl – Tavern/Brewery
Bessie Lark, human female
Bessie is a very (very) large woman who loves a good laugh as much as a good roll in the sack, and who makes the finest ale and spirits this side of the Mountains of the Unknown. The Black Pearl serves as both a tavern and its own brewery – yes, you can take it with you.The House that Jack Built (Jack’s) – Tavern/Inn
Jackie Flinne, elfin female, R8
Jacqueline Flinne has retired from the difficult and regimented life of the Emerald Hunters and has found herself to be quite an adept business woman. She enjoys a good laugh and a witty bard 9or at least one that can carry a tune), but she counts her coins every night and still carries a long sword by her side.Grump’s Good – Butchery
Grump, half-elf
Just like his name, Grump doesn’t usually have anything nice to say to anyone, and he’s not the best neat carver. But his sausages, let me tell you about his sausages…The Flamboyant Flying Buttresses (and Quality Furniture Emporium)
A joint venture between a scatter-brained gnome architect/inventor, Dazzle beDizzle, and Smyr Noff, a good-natured half-elfin carpenter and wood-carver. The name was Dazzle’s idea.Seluna’s Silvershop – Silversmithy
Seluna Highbow, half-elfin female, Transmuter 7
A mysterious and often aloof and artistic type, Seluna is usually engrossed. At times, it can be difficult to her to the counter from the workshop in back.Finny’s Fine Linens and Tailored Embroidery
Phineas (Finny) Lark, human tailor
Finny is undoubtedly one of the finest tailors of the land; the people of Mentowne always marvel that he’s not somewhere much more important like Mercer or Nyr Kôhpitol. Perhaps it’s his lisp, his too-svelte figure, or the funny way he makes the men feel when he measures their inseam…The Perfect Pearl – Jeweler/Goldsmithy
Samantha (Sam) Nubine, half-elfin female
Sam is a tough and unnegotiating businesswoman. Almost too blunt, she is often considered rude. Her saving grace is the incredible craft and skill she puts into her work.Fynster’s – Grocery
Mr. Fynster is the kindly old man that gives little kids apples and buys pastries for the old ladies.The Green Dragon Inne
Talus Crym, elf, F8
A retired officer of the Lornian army, Talus has come to Mentowne to do what he loves most: eat, drink, sleep and make a profit. He is utterly aloof unless you’re having a drink, but then he’s your best friend.The Bluebird – Inn
Salus Crym, elfin female
Salus is Talus’ twin sister, and established the Bluebird here in Mentowne while Talus was still in officer’s school. She is quite annoyed at him, as he appears to be taking quite a bit of her business.Joe’s Pots (No Pans!) – Pottery shop
Joseph Bhyd, human
Joe is quite the simpleton, and in truth his mother, Maria, runs the shop and keeps the books. Joe is constantly at work in the front of his shop, and more than a few patrons have been covered from head to toe with clay when a vase has gone awry. But his craft-work is quite remarkable.The Tanned Hide – Leathershop and Cobblery
Grace Shüs, female halfling, T2.
Grace is small, but she has never let that stop her: she is constantly on the move, working leather, shaping it and tanning it, sizing and making shoes. She constantly flusters her kindly husband, who somewhat grudgingly assists her in the shop, though he usually feels at a loss as to what to do. Grace seems bent on doing it all.Landwyr Vineyards
Leondum Kork, elf
Located just west of town, Landwyr vineyards is the best (if only) supply of wine until Lamsin or Nyr Kôhpitol. It is managed by a fat, cheerful and usually quite tipsy elf named Leondum, who is happy to provide anyone with anything he can, provided they have the gold to keep his vineyard green.Speedy’s Locksmith – Locksmith/Ironmongery
Speedy Grim, gnome, T9
A retired thief (his associates couldn’t take it anymore), Speedy is constantly in motion, agitated and swift. He is as expert at constructing locks as he is at picking them. Speed always has time for a quick cup of coffee.
Bazaar
Here the local farmers surrounding the
town proper come to sell their goods, travelling merchants present foreign
and exotic wares and entertainers (and thieves) abound. Some personalities
of interest:
Quazim, the Stargazer, elf; astrologer and usual charlatan, but every once in a while his predictions are amazingly accurate.TopStyop. half-elfin beggar; the village’s one and only beggar, he refuses any real charity, but often drowns his self-inflicted woes in a mug of beer at the Black Pearl.
Madame the Mad, human street performer, B6. Madame travels between Mentowne and Nyr Kôhpitol on a regular basis. The Nyr Kôhpitol gigs make more money, but she seems to prefer the country-bumpkin air of Mentowne.
Quarc, half-elfin tinker. Quarc wanders about most of Lorn and Stephen, but considers Mentowne his home. He is every bit the con a charlatan, but he has a soft-spot for children and will never deceive a fellow half-elf.
Temple of Athé
Tyrm von Gryphon, human C12, Starmaster
The Temple of Athé is one of two
temples in Mentowne (the other being the elfin temple of Corieandar, detailed
below), and the main place of worship for the human population, particularly
those who study or practice magicks of any kind. The temple is a
circular building of pure white marble; its walls and ceiling are interspersed
with small windows that, from the inside, create the impression of brilliant
stars in the night sky. Behind the temple is a fair-sized cemetery,
well-kept by Tyrm and his staff.
Tyrm is a kindly old man, the uncle of the von Gryphon
sisters who have recently set up their own stable and smithy in town.
Tyrm always leads the worship services, and is greatly revered as a member
of the Town Council. Aside from Tyrm, there is always at least five
other priests of Athé at the Temple of tend to the garden-like cemetery,
act as aid and council to the townspeople and generally keep the Temple
in order. Beyond these five priests, there are usually two or three
acolytes, priests in training that are the Temple lackeys and gofers.
The Temple of Athé is quite a peculiarity
in a village as small as Mentowne; usually Athéan Temples are found
in large centers of civilization, cities such as Rackash or Nyr Kôhpitol.
However, the presence of two Magical Academies appeared sufficient to the
Athéan church to place a Temple in Mentowne to bless and maintain
the academies. Tyrm has found it difficult at times to strike a balance
between the scholarly attitude and requirements of his faith and the simple
good-naturedness of the townspeople. Nevertheless, the Temple is
still a place of unparalleled scholarly study and activities, even if most
the people of Mentowne never make use of its libraries.
Temple of Corieandar
Sipn Starsent, elf C12, Abbot
The magnificent Temple of Corieandar stands
just the other side of the Courthouse as the Temple of Athé, so
that the two places of worship flank the civic center, surrounding and
supporting it. The Temple’s construction is typically elfin: grandiose
and probably magically enhanced, entering the foyer alone gives even the
most jaded pause.
Sipn is a middle-aged elf (about 300, but he avoids
the question), but flighty for his many years. He is a kindly soul,
but easily distracted and never very organized. Like the Temple of
Athé, there is usually at least five other attendant priests that
keep the temple in order and tend to the needs to the people of the Mentowne.
Ironically, the Temple of Corieandar, although dedicated
to a purely elfin deity, has found more of a purpose and place in Mentowne.
The healing arts history that the priests of Athé lack is found
here. The elfin priests of Corieandar are far more intuitive than
those of Athé, but that attitude seems to match well with that of
the townspeople.
Magical Academies
The academies of Mentowne are quite inferior
from those of the rest of Lorn, for they, like the schools of Majin, accept
all qualified applicants, regardless of race. Other academies of
Lorn accept only citizens of the kingdom, that is, elves. Thus, the
best elfin scholars will come even to lecture at the academies of Mentowne.
Nevertheless, they are adequate in their own right, if relatively small.
The Academy of Our Lady of the Stars
Meister Juan Greydez, headmaster, human, W12
Our lady of the stars is the more prominent of Mentowne’s
magical schools. The headmaster, Juan Greydez, received his schooling
for a time in Majin, but completed it far to the south in the great universities
of Rackash in the kingdom of Ruûn. Greydez is severe but knowledgeable
teacher, prone to favoritism, but a powerful mage.
The school itself is found on the northern side of town, a little removed
from the hustle and bustle of the bazaar and Mentowne’s main thoroughfare.
The entire building is walled off, but within its walls is a spectacular
garden, maintained by the students and a little magic.
Our Lady of the Stars lodges and cares well for
its thirty-odd students. Its library and other facilities are medium-sized,
but Greydez works constantly to improve them. There are four other
wizards who work at the school as instructors as well, friends and associates
of Greydez, all level nine wizards.
Borsar Academy
Nün Starfell, headmaster, elf, W12
The Borsar is much smaller than Our Lady; it has
no facilities to house its students, though it does provide them with one
meal at midday. The headmaster, Nün, was frustrated by his inability
to climb the ranks of an academy in Fline. So he set off to found
his own. Though the Borsar is smaller, the rivalry between the two
academies is fierce. The Borsar Academy makes up for its size in
quality: Nün’s magical ability and tutelage are de facto superior
to those of Greydez.
Located in the southern part of Mentowne,
the Borsar sits just beside the Temple of Corieandar. It is a small,
unassuming building of brick and stone, but its common exterior does nothing
to reflect the powerful magic taught and researched within. At any
one time, the academy can only claim twelve to fifteen students, and one
other professor, usually a travelling mage or one seeking out Nün’s
aid in research.
The Courthouse
Once an ancient elfin fortress that somehow survived
the ravages of the second goblinoid war, Mentowne’s courthouse is a towering
edifice of almost alien beauty that stands on the west edge of town.
The courthouse is the military and civic center of town: the armory and
jail lie within, and the local militia is trained here. A small detachment
of the Lornian army always maintains a presence here, and there are always
at least five guards on duty, even late at night ( two at the gate, a guard
on the northern ramparts, another one the southern ramparts, and one in
the dungeon.) In the large central chamber, Kane Heras, mayor of
Mentowne, holds court every weekday, acting as criminal judge or arbitrator
of personal disputes. The lower levels, a former dungeon, act as
jail and prison for the town’s accused and convicted.
The detachment of the Lornian army consists of twelve
elves (F5), all professional soldiers. Most of them are fiercely
loyal to Germain Leiftan, their commander, and share his resentful sentiment.
The post of Mentowne is seen as a backwoods, low priority duty, only fit
for less-than-promising division of the royal army. To add salt to
the wound, the elves are under the command of a human, the mayor, Kane
Heras.
Germain Leiftan, elf, F7, commandant
The leader of the handful of professional soldiers
housed in the courthouse, Germain has created something of police force,
patrolling the town lightly by day, especially the bazaar. Germain
is a grim man of few words; harsh expressions dominate his face and actions.
Appointed to this post by the king only recently, Germain does his job
somewhat grudgingly, resenting the fact that Kane, a human, is his direct
commander.
Glathae, the Mayoral
Estate
Somewhat removed from the rest of town, Glathae
stand upon a steep hill-crest that overlooks the entirety of Mentowne from
the southeast. The mayoral estate was built by order of king Hælor
in order to provide “a proper residence” for the hero Kane Heras when he
was appointed to the position of mayor ten years ago. Glathae is
a glorious construction of elfin beauty, complete with an atrium and a
jardin.
Kane Heras, human, F10. Kane, mayor of Mentowne, is renowned
adventurer throughout Lorn and Stephen. Originally a member of the
famed Silver Medallion, he travelled with Jaysin Whitefrost and the great
warriors Bûd and Rashel. After Jaysin’s mysterious disappearance
the retirement of the Silver Medallion, Kane continued his journeys with
the now-famous Morrigan of Starglow and Leo Thisselnot, headmaster of a
foremost academy of Lorn.
Kane is a stout and usually dour character.
He takes his mayoral position, indeed he takes almost everything, very
seriously. But, he is a far and just mayor, and behind his serious
and gruff demeanor he has a warm and kind heart.