Dernlike
The following missive, written and signed by Sir Benil of the Root, was received by the Fisterix minister of communication on the 12th of Cirtide of 3810, caused quite a stir in the political community of Fisterix, largely due to the fact that Sir Benil had no prominent allies to speak of. Some records indicate that Duke Alafthor of Ironwood was so enraged by the missive as to cause the defenestration of several unfortunate servants. ". . . Therefore, I, Benil of the Root, shall enter the manor Arnbourne and engrave my name upon the cornerstone, and in so doing lay rightful claim to that which has hitherto lain unclaimed for seven score years! Let my enemies tremble and my allies rejoice at the eminence of my victory!" The political outrage over this audacious attempt by Sir Benil of the Root (more commonly known as Sir Benil the Brash) to claim Arnbourne proved to be short lived when the following missive was received days later, on the 15th. It was found wrapped and tied to Sir Benil's bloated body, which arrived at Bitterguard Keep strapped to the saddle of his horse. "How many fools must perish within the darkness of Skunkweed Manor before our warnings are heeded? One more at least. We return him to you as we have returned the others. May he be the last."Nestled deep within the northwestern region of the Restless Marsh is the small village of Dernlike. Though technically part of the barony of Arnbourne, it has been over 140 years since a claim to the land has been properly pressed. This is not for lack of trying, however. Many young nobles have attempted to press their claims in one way or another in the past 140 years. The few who survive the process are driven mad, and must be put down by the Dernlike militia.
Demographics
Dernlike was, until very recently, entire populated by Gripplis. These small frog people are kindhearted in nature, and avoid fights when possible. They enjoy peaceable lives where they tend to their land and are generally unbothered by outsiders. That said, when pushed to fight they show a determination that many would-be predators quickly learn to fear.
Government
Officially, Dernlike is run by their sheriff. It is the sheriff that has authority to punish crimes and settle disputes, and who presides over town meetings, and who is responsible for organizing the town's militia against the monsters of the swamp.
For everything else, however, people go to the town oracle. Most of the grippli people are highly religious. They serve what they call the Undertree, the great, upside-down tree whose roots form the plants of the swamp. The oracle is responsible for communing with the Undertree, and the position carries a lot of political power with it. Even the sheriff is expected to consult regularly with the oracle before making important decisions.
Defences
Until recently, the only defences in the region were the swamp itself and the valor of the grippli people. However, since the Outsiders took up residence around Arnbourne Manor, they have build a number of wooden fortifications to keep the villagers safe from all manor of harm.
Assets
Surrounded by two large, swift rivers which are in turn surrounded by miles of swampland, the island on which Dernlike sits is full of orchards which are tended by the gripplis of the town. They grow a wide variety of fruits and useful plants, and have even learned to imbue certain plants with a bit of magic.
More recently, it was discovered that one of the orchards on the island sat atop an ancient quarry that had long since sunk into the mire. It is now being excavated by Galdur of Chalk, and used for the repairs of Arnbourne Bridge.
Geography
Maps
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Dernlike Map
Type
Village
Population
257
Inhabitant Demonym
Dernlikers
Location under
Owning Organization
