Town Backdrop: Dunstone

Dunstone�s granite walls sprawl lazily across a hilltop south of the massive Mottled Spire. In bygone times, monsters sallied from the Mottled Spire�s twisted canyons, their onslaughts only stopped by the brave Dunstonian forces. Now after generations of quiet, the town�s once formidable moat is used by grazing sheep and playing children. The insular community has become peaceful but peace has led the town to become stuck in its old ways. A new ruler seeks to slough of Dunstone�s years of quiet and idleness to usher the town into a new era. Guilds practice their crafts, preparing to send their goods throughout the Duchy of Ashlar. Yet, the Mottled Spire and the environs beyond are never quiet. A vile creature has emerged from Gloamhold�s depths to prey on the unsuspecting townsfolk.

By John Bennett

Map by Tommi Salama

Most of Dunstone comprises peasant homes. A few locations, however, are of interest to adventurers:

• Dunstone Keep: Home to the Oksanen family, rulers of Dunstone, the keep serves as a bastion against predators emerging from the Mottled Spire. The lord�s grandson, Aavo, has taken over the duties of rulership in hopes of reinvigorating the town.
• Tower of the Sword: This stout tower houses the local church of Darlen and a sacred relic of the Father. A garrison of the Knights of the Eternal Watch also headquarter here, charged with the task of keeping the town safe.
• Bastion of Peace: Worshippers of Conn gather here, a place that is the heart and soul of the community.
• Sheep Knuckles: This strange inn sticks out in Dunstone but is a beloved drinking spot for the locals. Various forms of entertainment take place here nightly.
• The Gilded Swan: One of Dunstone�s most prominent inns, it has secretly been taken over by an intellect devourer. Various hedonistic delights can be had here for a price.
• Kildann�s Cuts: Renowned for its quality meats, its owner, a wanted fugitive, also offers a special menu comprising the flesh of exotic creatures.
• Rekola Manor: Once a wizarding school, the manor and family have fallen into decay. Its current patriarch seeks to repair the family�s fortunes.
• Brandybottle Distillery: This halfling-owned distillery is known for its fine spirits. Its owner, Verna Brandybottle single-handedly started a brewing revival in Dunstone.
• Fisfelond�s Smithy: An inconspicuous smithy, its aging elven weaponsmith makes renowned weapons for the true of heart or for Dunstone�s protection.
• Farmer�s Market: The local farmers congregate here to sell produce in a festival-like atmosphere with lively music and fresh beer.
• Trade Market: The trade market allows various guilds to sell their wares and intermingle. Special events occur frequently to showcase a particular guild or business�s wares.

Most of the population are nothing more than hardworking peasants. A few, however, are of interest to adventurers:

• Aavo Lahti (location 1) A young idealist, Aavo help to turn Dunstone around.
• Benjam Lahti (location 1) The ancient lord rules Dunstone and is resistant to change.
• Dulannis Fisfelond (location 9) Dulannis has lived in Dunstone for decades and makes high-quality weapons.
• Joonas Mattila (location 2) Joonas is high priest of the local Temple of Darlen and leads the Knights of the Eternal Watch stationed therein.
• Mari Parviainen (location 11) Mari works closely with Aavo in revitalizing Dunstone.
• Marjo Oiva (location 3) The aging priestess of Conn, Marjo works with the town�s newest generation.
• Roosa Lajunen (location 4) An inn keep and amateur magician, Roosa is often plagued by strange dreams.
• Soili Kotka (location 10) Soili organizes and plans the frequent farmer�s markets and is the town�s biggest gossip.
• Thrayxix/Jyrki Klemetti (location 5) Thrayxix poses as a businessman while creating a secret thieves� guild and plotting Dunstone�s ruination.
• Verna Brandybottle (location 8) Verna hails from the Lonely Coast. She runs the Brandybottle Distillery and heads the Brewery Guild.
• Vieno Rekola (location 7) A feeble old wizard, Vieno laments his family�s decline in the magical arts as he seeks new items and spells.
• Whurkus Kildann (location 6) Wanted in his native lands, Whurkus heads the Butcher�s Guild and is known for his exotic meats.

Town Backdrop: Dunstone is designed for use with the 5th edition of the world�s most popular roleplaying game. Fantasy Grounds conversion includes all NPCs in Fantasy Grounds format in encounters by location to make the DM�s job easier.

Fantasy Grounds Conversion by: Michael G. Potter

Requires: An active subscription or a one time purchase of a Fantasy Grounds Unity license and the included 5E Ruleset.

Copyright � 2017 Raging Swan Press, used with permission, all rights reserved.

Fantasy Grounds is a trademark of SmiteWorks USA LLC. � 2017 SmiteWorks USA LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Released on September 06, 2017

Designed for Fantasy Grounds version 3.2.1 and higher.