Paddlewick
GM-Info!
Work in progress!
Slightly NSFW!
FEATURED
On the western coast of the Central Continent of Qail lies Paddlewick, a village rich in culture and tradition. This 500-year-old settlement, surrounded by wetlands and waterways, stands as the heart of duckfolk society. Under the Farenian Empire’s influence, Paddlewick has developed a distinctive way of life, balancing its deep spiritual roots with artistic and practical achievements.
Infrastructure
At the centre of Paddlewick is Quack Square, a lively marketplace where locals and visitors come together to trade, share stories, and enjoy the atmosphere. The square is decorated with duck-themed banners and carvings, depicting ducks in flight, paddling, and even performing dances. These decorations reflect the humour and creativity that are hallmarks of the duckfolk. Walkways and Bridges: The village is a maze of wooden walkways and bridges that connect stilted houses and shops. These paths weave along the coastline and cross over rushing streams filled with fish, creating a sense of movement and connection throughout Paddlewick. The views of the Green Sea from the higher walkways are particularly striking, especially at sunset. Shops and Stalls: Paddlewick's shops are filled with the duckfolk’s unique wares, including:- Crafts: Jewellery fashioned from shells, carved driftwood ornaments, and watercolour paintings of coastal scenes.
- Herbal Remedies: Tonics and elixirs made from wetland plants, valued for their healing properties.
- Food Stalls: Vendors offer reed bread, lotus blossom tea, and the famous frog-leg stew, drawing people in with their enticing aromas.
Paddlewick by Tillerz using MidJourney
History
Paddlewick was founded over five centuries ago when a group of adventurous duckfolk travelled the Green Sea coast in search of a new home. Guided by what they believed to be the wisdom of the Holy Duck, they chose this spot for its rich wetlands and abundant resources. Founding Years: The early settlers constructed stilted homes and developed a way of life closely tied to the water. They worked together to build a thriving village, drawing strength from their shared beliefs and connection to nature. Artistic Growth: Over time, Paddlewick became renowned for its art and craftsmanship. Duckfolk artists are famous for their:- Sculptures: Made from reeds, shells, and driftwood.
- Paintings: Watercolours capturing the beauty of wetlands and coastal life.
- Dances: Traditional performances inspired by the movements of ducks and water.
The Quack Stone
The Quack Stone, housed in the Church of QUACKS, is central to Paddlewick’s spiritual life. It is believed to radiate divine energy from the Holy Duck and has been the focus of village ceremonies for generations. Rituals and Legends: The Quack Stone is used during important events such as the Waddle of Unity, where villagers walk together in a circle around the stone, reflecting on their connection to one another and their faith. According to legend, the stone once glowed brightly to warn the village of an approaching storm, saving countless lives. Pilgrimage Site: Followers of QUACKS from across the Boresian continent travel to Paddlewick to see the Quack Stone, seeking guidance and blessings. The stone’s presence reinforces the village’s status as the spiritual heart of the duckfolk.
Paddlewick by Tillerz using MJ
Quack Square
Traders
Featherlight Fineries
Trader: Loria Softfeather (duckfolk artisan)Goods: Exquisite feather jewellery, decorative fans, and quill pens made from naturally shed duckfolk feathers.
Wetland Wonders Apothecary
Trader: Olfram Greenbill (elderly duckfolk herbalist)Goods: Herbal remedies, tinctures, and teas made from local aquatic plants. Olfram also sells small jars of medicinal mud from the wetlands, said to cure aches and improve skin health.
Reed and Wicker Creations
Trader: Greta Twinesplash (duckfolk weaver)Goods: Handwoven baskets, mats, and ornaments crafted from reeds and grasses. Greta often personalises her work on request, adding unique patterns or charms.
Waddlewood Instruments by Tillerz using MJ
Pond Polished Treasures
Trader: Fenwick Oarstride (gnome trader)Goods: Smooth, polished stones and shells collected from the wetlands. Fenwick’s wares include decorative pendants, worry stones, and trinkets etched with tiny symbols of good luck.
Song and Story Scrolls
Trader: Eliza Ripplequill (duckfolk scribe)Goods: Scrolls of traditional duckfolk songs, poems, and stories, beautifully illustrated and written in flowing script. Eliza also takes commissions for personalised messages and keepsakes.
The Candlelight Cart
Trader: Eamon Wicktail (duckfolk candlemaker)Goods: Scented candles, floating lanterns, and wax sculptures shaped like ducks. Eamon’s candles are popular for ceremonies and festivals.
Quack’s Curious Clutter
Trader: Binty Clapperclaw (gnome scavenger)Goods: A hodgepodge of oddities, including salvaged tools, old charms, and mysterious trinkets. Binty’s stall is a treasure trove for adventurers and collectors.
The Glowcap Stand
Trader: Ivora Flickwhisk (duckfolk botanist)Goods: Luminous mushrooms, glowing moss, and enchanted aquatic plants. Ivora’s magical greenery is often sought after for home decoration or alchemical use.
Waddlewood Instruments
Trader: Galvin Stringpluck (halfling musician)Goods: Handcrafted instruments, including reed flutes, water-logged pond-lutes, and percussion drums. Galvin often demonstrates his instruments, filling the square with music.
Flutter and Gleam
Trader: Selene Brightwing (duckfolk jeweller)Goods: Delicate jewellery adorned with small gems and pondbird feathers. Selene’s pieces are highly prized by nobles and travellers looking for a unique gift.
Food Stalls
Lotus Blossom Bakes
Chef: Marla Pondwhisk (duckfolk baker)Specialties: Reed bread rolls, lotus blossom tarts, and sweet honey-glazed buns. Marla’s stall fills the square with the aroma of freshly baked goods, attracting a constant stream of customers.
The Floating Fryer
Chef: Hilda Bubblesnout (gnome cook)Specialties: Fried fish, battered frog legs, and crispy riverweed snacks. Hilda’s stall is always busy, with sizzling pans and golden treats served hot and fresh.
Pondberry Juices
Vendor: Mira Swirlbeak (duckfolk juice-maker)Specialties: Freshly squeezed pondberry juice, sweet mint tea, and a refreshing citrus-berry blend. Mira’s drinks are served in reed-wrapped cups, making them both eco-friendly and charming.
The Quacking Skewer by Tillerz using MJ
Mudflat Griddle
Chef: Torm Barrelgut (dwarf chef)Specialties: Savoury pancakes filled with wetland mushrooms, fried reeds, and spiced fish. Torm’s hearty portions are a favourite among travellers and labourers alike.
The Quacking Skewer
Chef: Fenna Quickbill (duckfolk grill master)Specialties: Grilled skewers of fish, vegetables, and spiced meats. Fenna’s secret marinade gives her skewers a tangy kick, and her flamboyant grilling style draws a crowd.
Points of Interest
The Feathered Shrine
A small, ancient stone shrine in the wetlands, covered in carvings of ducks in flight and surrounded by offerings left by travellers. It is said to be a site where the Holy Duck appeared to guide the first duckfolk settlers, and pilgrims often visit seeking wisdom or good fortune.
The Feathered Shrine by Tillerz using MJ
The Whispering Reeds
A dense patch of reeds near the village that produces strange, melodic sounds when the wind blows through. Locals believe the sounds are whispers from the spirits of the wetlands, and it’s considered a place to seek guidance or leave offerings for the departed.The Waddleway Path
A winding trail through the wetlands, connecting Paddlewick to nearby villages. Lined with wooden markers shaped like duck footprints, it serves as a safe route for travellers and is occasionally patrolled by duckfolk rangers. Along the path, peculiar glowing fungi light the way at night.The Hatchery Hollow
A sheltered grove used by duckfolk to raise and protect young ducklings. The hollow is guarded by duckfolk warriors and surrounded by a natural barrier of thick reeds and thorny shrubs. Trespassers are warned to keep their distance, as the hollow is sacred to the community.The Quackspire Lookout
A tall wooden watchtower built by the duckfolk to oversee the wetlands and spot any approaching threats. From its top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Paddlewick and the surrounding waters, making it a popular spot for reflection and stargazing.The Driftwood Forge
A workshop run by a gnome blacksmith who uses driftwood and scavenged metals to create unique tools, weapons, and jewellery. Though eccentric, the forge is a favourite among adventurers passing through Paddlewick, thanks to the quality and creativity of its wares.The Mudflat Arena
A natural depression in the wetlands where the ground is firm yet covered in mud. Used for duckfolk sporting events and contests of agility, it is also a gathering place for friendly competitions and celebrations. Outsiders are occasionally invited to participate, much to the amusement of the locals.Annual Mud Games
The highlight of the Mudflat Arena’s calendar is the Annual Mud Games, a spirited competition celebrating the duckfolk’s agility and wit. Participants compete in a series of muddy challenges, including: The Quack Dash: A slippery race across the arena, where speed is less important than balance. Many contestants end up sliding or tumbling into the mud, much to the delight of the cheering audience.Mud Splat Toss: Teams fling muddy projectiles at targets - or sometimes each other - with accuracy being the key to victory.
The Feathered Tug: A tug-of-war game played on a wooden beam over the mud pit. Losing teams find themselves face-first in the muck. The games are open to duckfolk, gnomes, halflings, and brave visitors, with prizes ranging from handcrafted trinkets to baskets of local delicacies.
Ooooh, that's a lot of locals. O_O This kinda place would be awesome to use in a campaign!
Too low they build who build beneath the stars - Edward Young
That's exactly the goal. Need to add some plothooks and some secrets/goals and stuff for some of them yet. :)