8-13 Stone Oasis Report

General Summary

1 Early to Rise   2 Oasis Mill   3 The Wind Spring   4 Crimson Shrine   5 Silverseed Inn   6 Community Hall   7 The Weaverworks   8 Coin Well Spent (Tavern)   9 The Stone Carvers   10 Town Hall     Stone Oasis, a name whispered with reverence amongst the wasteland's weary travelers, clings to life under the colossal shadow of a monolithic rock formation. The blasted wasteland, an unforgiving expanse of cracked earth and skeletal flora, stretches endlessly in all directions. Yet, nestled beneath the colossal, moss-veined overhang, a flicker of life persists.   Cobbled walkways wind through the village, following the gentle flow of the River Whisper, a ribbon of life snaking through the heart of Stone Oasis. Quaint stone houses with thatched roofs huddle together, their windows glowing with a warm, inviting light – a stark contrast to the desolate landscape beyond. A giant, intricately carved magic lantern hangs suspended from the overhang, its pulsating light casting an otherworldly glow on the village and the rushing water below.   Despite its precarious location, Stone Oasis exudes an air of serenity, a testament to the resilience of its inhabitants and the power of the magic that sustains them. It stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of life amidst the harsh realities of the blasted wasteland.   Tucked away just beyond the bustling heart of Stone Oasis lies a hidden gem – Elara's Spring. Nestled amongst the rugged foothills flanking the colossal overhang, the spring emerges from a crevice in the ancient rock, its waters cascading down a series of moss-covered steps carved by countless years of gentle erosion.   Elara, with her deep respect for the natural world, has nurtured this life-giving source with unwavering dedication. Carefully placed stones channel the flow, guiding the crystal-clear water into a shallow pool at the base. Lush ferns and wildflowers, seemingly defying the harshness of the wasteland, thrive in the cool, humid microclimate created by the constant mist rising from the pool.   Sunlight, filtering through the leaves of a gnarled, ancient willow tree that stands sentinel beside the spring, paints dappled patterns on the water's surface. The air hums with the gentle music of the cascading water, a soothing counterpoint to the occasional cry of a desert bird seeking refuge in the verdant haven.   This hidden oasis serves as Elara's sanctuary, a place of quiet reflection and a vital source for Stone Oasis. Here, she gathers water for the village's needs, observes the delicate balance of the ecosystem, and perhaps, whispers secrets to the flowing water, drawing strength and wisdom from its timeless song.   Residents:   Elara, the Water Weaver: A wizened woman with eyes the color of the River Whisper, Elara /r possesses the ability to manipulate water. She uses her gift to ensure the river's flow, nurturing the village's gardens and purifying its water supply. Her calm demeanor and deep understanding of the natural world earn her the respect and admiration of the villagers.   Flint, the Stone Carver: A burly man with hands calloused from years of sculpting, Flint uses salvaged stone from the overhang to create intricate ornaments, tools, and even some of the village's houses. His gruff exterior hides a kind heart, and he often teaches his craft to the younger generation, ensuring the village's architectural heritage lives on.   Barnabus the Baker: A cheerful man with a perpetually flour-dusted apron, Barnabus is renowned for his crusty bread and sweet pastries. His warm smile and generous spirit bring joy to weary travelers and villagers alike.   Elara's Granddaughter, Elara Jr.: A curious and energetic child, Elara Jr. dreams of following in her grandmother's footsteps as a Water Weaver. She spends her days observing the river and collecting smooth stones, yearning for the day her own connection to the water awakens.   Eldred the Watchman, A wiry old man with a keen eye and a weathered face. Eldred spends his days perched atop the overhang, keeping watch for any dangers approaching Stone Oasis. He knows every inch of the surrounding wasteland and possesses an uncanny sense of what lurks beyond the horizon.   Lyra, the Watchful Eye, the vigilant guardian of Stone Oasis, stands tall despite her lean stature. Her sun-kissed skin is marked by weathered lines, each a testament to the harsh environment she protects. Her piercing green eyes, framed by dark, wind-tousled hair, scan the horizon with unwavering focus.   Alaric the Stone Shepard, the weathered face of Stone Oasis, has seen more sunrises than any other in the village. His snow-white beard, worn like a wild halo around his tanned face, frames eyes as deep and unwavering as the rocky overhang itself. His wobbly frame, though stooped with age, still emanates an air of quiet strength, a testament to a life spent weathering the hardships of the wasteland.   Mara the Weaver: Working with nimble fingers and vibrant threads, Mara crafts intricate tapestries depicting the village's history and legends. Her colorful creations adorn the walls of homes and public spaces, keeping the stories of Stone Oasis alive for generations to come.   Gron and Hilda: A gruff yet kind couple, Gron and Hilda manage the village's few livestock – hardy goats kept for their milk and wool. They work tirelessly to ensure the village has a steady supply of these vital resources, often seen tending to their animals in the small paddock carved into the side of the overhang.   Garan, the Wanderer's Rest, the proprietor of "The Coin Well Spent", possesses a weathered face etched with tales of countless journeys across the blasted wasteland. His sun-baked skin and calloused hands speak of years spent traversing the harsh landscape, while his eyes, the color of sun-bleached sand, hold the glint of a seasoned storyteller. His salt-and-pepper beard, meticulously braided, frames a wide, welcoming smile that often breaks out beneath his bushy eyebrows.   Cyrus, the Weaver of Light, the enigmatic sorcerer tasked with maintaining the giant lantern that illuminates Stone Oasis, is a figure shrouded in an air of mystery. His age remains a well-kept secret, his face a canvas of time etched with wrinkles that hold untold stories. His eyes, the color of twilight, hold a depth of knowledge that suggests lifetimes of experience.     Report:   The party enters the town of Stone Oasis after crossing the blasted wasteland. They meet Lyra after Eldred blows the horn alerting her of their presence. They are instructed that the town is wary of strangers. After meeting the enigmatic Cyrus and the barkeep they asked for work in exchange for supplies. He said that he will see what he can do tomorrow. Elara jr stabs Serenade with a fork on accident. Hearing nothing in the night while at the inn, they and the rest of the village are woken by a scream. They find that Hilda had been murdered in the night, her neck gnawed away. They are immediately thrown under suspicion based on the timing but decide to investigate anyway. They find Barnabus and Flint conspiring, Mara eying the streets suspiciously, Cyrus locked away cleaning, and Elara walking away down the river.   Cyrus said he knew nothing while telling Hazel disguised as Lyra that the information could put the town in danger. Barnabus and Flint are overheard by Alder's rat saying that people are going all over the place asking questions. Elara is tending to the secret spring behind the rocky waterfall at the base of the river, and tells Lokir that her faith is strong because of the life the village continues to be given that she helps tend to.   They investigate the goats to discover that a vampire is feeding on them and is likely the culprit and decide to form a plan to stop it.