Crow's Brook

A single town stands proudly within the flat, expansive desert of Scorch Alley: Crow's Brook. Its brick and wood buildings provide shelter against the wind-borne sand and ever-glaring sun of the desert. The town sits next to Glimmer Lake and the river that the town is named for, which provide water to its wells and farms.

The downtown area consists of two parallel streets with orthogonal branching alleys. Due to the anarchal nature of the town and its region, every business is well guarded against trouble. The open, free nature of Crow's Brook tends to attract a mix of people capable of defending themselves, and people looking for enjoyment. Buildings offering carousing and debauchery are common: there are three taverns, several brothels, a gamehouse, and a large bathhouse called the Birdbath.

Houses are scattered about in the area surrounding downtown. Near Glimmer Lake, small canals divert water to farms, and walls help ward the farms from would-be thieves.

Government

Crow's Brook is anarchic, just like the rest of Scorch Alley. Its post office manages communications with other authorities.

Law & enforcment

Since Crow's Brook is an anarchy, rules and enforcement are entirely localized. A shopkeeper is responsible for protecting their own wares from thieves, a homeowner defines the rules in their own house, and warriors must use their skills to find sustenance. This has resulted in a merit-driven symbiotic society where businesses hire their own guards in exchange for food or wares, and those who perform their role best prosper.

The lack of enforcement or law does lead to some amount of larceny, assault, and other crimes, however. The townsfolk will unite against any threat to Crow's Brook's ecosystem, but smaller-scale skullduggery sometimes occurs like a sort of combat between thief and proprietor.

Features

• Glimmer Lake
• Crow's Brook (river)
• The Birdbath (bathhouse)
• The three taverns:
  • Storm's Eye Saloon (casual)
  • The Hobbling Hobgoblin (rowdy)
  • Divine Spirits (elegant)
• The Toolshed (general store)
• Klud's Kastle (inn)
• Pinewood Parlor (inn)
• Arid Temple (spirit shrine)
• The Gutter (arena)
• The Overseer's Office (post office & bulletin)
• The gazebo
• Open marketplace
• Several brothels

Inhabitants

• Dmitry (smith, makes portable ovens)