Homlett

​Homlett lies 30 leagues NE of Tyre, on the fringe of the territory controlled by the Viscount of Tyre​ ​The general area is known for its independence and multi-cultural element. It is a frequent stopping point for overland trade.​ Run by the Council of Homlett​ ​Has an established Militia to protect the town​ ​A plan for the construction of a castle is underway, however, only a tower stands completed at this time. The construction efforts were overseen by Rufus and Burne until recently.​ ​Banner: green field with two acorns above a sheaf of grain​ ​Homlett grew from a farm or two, a rest house, and a smithy. The roads brought a sufficient number of travelers and merchant wagons to attract tradesmen and artisans to serve those passing through. The resthouse became a thriving inn, and a wheel and wainwright settled in the thorp. More farmers and herdsmen followed, for grain was needed for the passing animals, and meat was in demand for the innfolk. Prosperity was great, for the lord of the district was mild and taxed but little. Trade was good, and the land was untroubled by war, outlaws, or ravaging beasts. The area was free, beautiful, and bountiful — too much so, in the eyes of some.​ ​Whether the evil came east from Dyvers (as is claimed by one faction) or crept up out of the forestlands bordering the coast (as others assert), come it did. At first it was only a few thieves and an odd group of bandits molesting the merchant caravans. Then came small bands of humanoids—kobolds or goblins—raiding the flocks and herds. Local militia and foresters of local villages apparently checked, but did not stop, the spread of outlawry and evil. Soon these bandits formed the town of Nulb.​ ​After the fall of the Temple, life in Homlett quickly returned to a semblance of its former self, before the rise of the temple. For years afterward, the village and the surrounding countryside have become richer and more prosperous than ever before. A monstrous troll which plagued the place for a time was hunted down by a party of passing adventurers. Carrying the ashes and a goodly fortune as well, the adventurers returned to the village. Before going elsewhere to seek their fortunes, the adventurers also returned a portion of the villagers' losses. Other adventurers, knowing of the evil that had once resided in the area, came to seek out similar caches, and several did find remote lairs and wealth—just as some never returned at all. After a time, adventurers stopped coming to the area. It seemed that no monsters were left to slay, and no evil existed here to be stamped out. The villagers heaved a collective sigh—some pained at the loss of income, but others relieved by the return to the quiet, normal life—and Homlett continued its quiet existence for years more.​ ​But evil was not yet done torturing the souls who dwelt here. Not long ago the Dead began to find their spirits restless and they rose up from the grave. They sent a clarion call to the spirits all throughout Alcriya, and come they did swelling the depths of the Swamp with their rotted substance and making passage treacherous and deadly. Then, a year or more ago, the bandits began to ride the roads again—not frequently, but to some effect. To the good folk of Homlett, this seemed all too familiar, so they sent word to the Daimyo that wicked forces might still lurk thereabouts. The Daimyo, sick with age and troubled by matters of lineage, found himself unable to aid as he did of old. Instead, he sent forth a challenge to those of might and main that they might ride to the aid of Homlett and quench this new flame. It was the Daimyo's hope that this was but a passing matter and not the stirrings of a darker force. This information has been spread throughout the countryside, and the news has attracted outsiders to the village once again. Who and what these men are, no one can be quite sure. All claim to be bent on slaying monsters and bringing peace and security to Homlett; but deeds speak more loudly than words, and lies cloak the true purposes of the malevolent. ​