Hillside Slope

A Sun-Dappled Haven

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Mountains of the Sun, the village of Hillside Slope basks in a golden glow. Far from the bustling trade routes and political squabbles of Tamre, Hillside Slope offers a simpler life, its quaint houses clinging to the hillside like clusters of wildflowers.

Quiet little village, Hillside Slope. Peaceful, even. But there's somethin' special about the air there, somethin' calming. Spent a week recuperating at the Appleblossom Inn after a nasty fall, and I swear I came back a new man. Fresh air does the soul good, that's for sure.

A Microcosm of Rural Life

Life in Hillside Slope revolves around the changing seasons. Spring brings the planting of crops, overseen by the stern but fair-minded Mayor, Elara Appleblossom. Summer explodes in vibrant hues as orchards burst with life, their harvest filling the cellars of the Appleblossom Inn, the village's heart and soul. Owned by Elara's jovial younger brother, Finn, the inn is more than just a place to eat and drink; it's the village gathering place, hosting lively debates about the best way to pickle onions, the latest gossip from traveling merchants, and the occasional impromptu fiddle-playing contest.

Key Figures

• Elara Appleblossom (Mayor): A woman with a mane of fiery red hair that mirrors her temperament, Elara is a born leader. She keeps a watchful eye on the village, ensuring everyone does their part and disputes are settled fairly. Despite her gruff exterior, she has a deep love for Hillside Slope and its inhabitants.
• Finnian Appleblossom (Innkeeper): Elara's complete opposite, Finn is a barrel of laughs with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. His booming laughter and endless supply of stories draw villagers to the Appleblossom Inn every evening. He may not be the most organized soul, but his warm hospitality and genuine care for his patrons make the inn a cherished gathering place.
• Old Man Tibbles: The village elder, Tibbles is a wizened figure with a beard like tangled roots and a memory that stretches back generations. He dispenses wisdom (and herbal remedies) in equal measure, his weather predictions surprisingly accurate most of the time.
• Seraphina Moonwood: A young elf who arrived in Hillside Slope a few years ago, seeking refuge from the outside world. She runs a small apothecary shop, Sunwood Elixirs, filled with fragrant herbs and concoctions, her gentle nature and knowledge of natural remedies earning her the trust and respect of the villagers.
• Tobin Stonehammer: The village blacksmith, a gruff but kind man who can mend a plow or craft a sword with equal skill. His booming laugh often echoes through the village as he works at his forge, and his annual horseshoeing competition is a highlight of the summer festival.

A Place of Peace (with Occasional Oddities)

Hillside Slope? That's a little slice of heaven, that is. Fresh air, friendly faces, and the best apple pie you'll ever sink your teeth into. They have an annual festival there in the fall, with apple bobbing and pie-eating contests – right good fun, I tell ya.

Hillside Slope may be a peaceful village, but even here, life isn't without its quirks. Rumors abound about strange lights flickering atop certain peaks in the Mountains of the Sun at night. Some villagers swear they've seen fleeting shadows dart through the trees, and Old Man Tibbles likes to regale newcomers with tales of a grumpy mountain hermit who occasionally descends to trade monster hides for jars of Elara's famous pickled onions.

Despite these occasional whispers of the extraordinary, Hillside Slope remains a refuge, a place where community spirit thrives, and the sound of laughter mingles with the gentle clanging of Tobin's forge, a comforting melody that echoes through the sun-dappled streets.

Places of Note

Within Hillside Slope

• The Appleblossom Inn: As described previously, this is the village center, a bustling tavern and inn run by Finn Appleblossom. It features a large common room with a central fireplace, a well-stocked bar, and a few cozy guest rooms upstairs.
• Elara's Stead: The imposing yet comfortable home of Mayor Elara Appleblossom. It has a large vegetable garden overflowing with produce and a sprawling porch perfect for enjoying the mountain view with a cup of tea.
• Old Man Tibbles' Hovel: A ramshackle but surprisingly sturdy dwelling perched on the outskirts of the village. Tibbles tends a small herb garden here, and his home is filled with an eclectic collection of trinkets and oddities he's accumulated over the years.
• Sunwood Elixers: This quaint shop, adorned with fragrant herbs hanging from the rafters, is where Seraphina concocts her natural remedies.
• Tobin's Forge: A sturdy building filled with the rhythmic clang of hammer on metal. Tobin's forge is not just a place of work, but also a gathering spot for men of the village to share stories and gossip while watching sparks fly.
• The Sun-Dappled Square: The central meeting place of the village. A large oak tree, its branches heavy with leaves, provides shade for a communal well and a simple wooden notice board where villagers post announcements and news.

Old Man Tibbles up there in Hillside Slope? Now that's a character. Knows the mountains like the back of his hand. Saved my hide once from a pack of wild boars with nothin' but a well-placed slingshot and a sharp tongue. Sharp as a tack, that old fella.

Just Outside Hillside Slope

• Whispering Falls: A short hike from the village leads to a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. A popular spot for picnics, swimming in the cool water on a hot summer day, or simply enjoying the peaceful sound of falling water.
• Elara's Orchard: A sprawling orchard teeming with apple, pear, and plum trees, owned and meticulously maintained by Mayor Elara. The harvest from this orchard supplies the Appleblossom Inn and many a villager's pantry. During the fall festival, the orchard becomes a lively gathering place for apple picking and celebratory feasting.
• The Miner's Trail: A narrow, winding path that leads deeper into the foothills. It's said to have been used by prospectors in years past, and rumors persist of an abandoned mine shaft hidden somewhere along the trail. More adventurous villagers use the Miner's Trail for hunting or exploring, but some warn of strange lights and unsettling whispers emanating from the depths of the mountains.
• The Old Watchtower: A crumbling stone structure perched on a high hill overlooking the village. Originally built as a lookout point to guard against potential invaders, it's now a popular spot for stargazing and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Local legends claim the tower is haunted by the ghost of a lonely watchman, but most villagers dismiss this as mere fable.

Hillside Slope? Bunch of backwards hicks living up there, if you ask me. Sticking to their old ways, suspicious of outsiders. Heard they even have a hermit living in the mountains, some kind of crazed old coot who chases folks off with a rusty axe.