Eichenberg
Right on the edge of the menacing Veilwood Enclave lies the small village of Eichenberg, which appears to be a peaceful refuge that can offer weary travelers and adventurers some peace and safety. The almost picturesque narrow streets, the well-fortified castle on a hill overlooking the village, and the proximity to the mysterious forest, give Eichenberg a unique blend of dramatic beauty and mysterious aura.
The Surroundings
Nestled in the hills that rise behind the Veilwood Enclave to form the Ebonpeak Mountains, the setting in which Eichenberg is located seems almost tranquil. Gently rolling hills, scattered oak groves, green grass, and fertile fields spread out from the forest. The scent of wildflowers, hay, and freshly baked bread fills the air during every season, while the soft song of birds can be heard. Even Ravenrock Castle, built of the black granite of the Ebonpeak Mountains on the highest hill in the area, seems almost peaceful in the bright light of day.
A Safe Harbor?
The village can be entered after dark only through the secret paths and underground catacombs that lead from the forest to the inner townlet. During the day, the only entrance to the village is through a large oak gate found in the granite walls surrounding it. Narrow, cobbled streets wind past well-kept half-timbered houses with the pointed roofs typical of Mortavia. The windows are covered with massive oak shutters, which the colorful flower boxes in front of each window can hardly hide.
The heart of the village is defined by the tavern, "The Raven's Wing", as well as the village square and the blacksmith's shop. A small tailor shop has also settled in this place, as well as the town hall, where everything related to the village is decided.
Eichenberg has earned a reputation as a safe haven for travelers who set out on the dangerous path to the Veilwood Enclave. Aware of the impending dangers, the villagers have taken protective measures to ensure the safety of those passing through. The local guardhouse, manned by experienced fighters, keeps order and guards the village from outside dangers. A small healer's house provides medical care and magical healing for travelers to treat their injuries. Eichenberg is the last refuge before venturing into the dark depths of the Veilwood Enclave.
The People of Eichenberg
The first thing you notice about the nearly 500 residents of Eichenberg is that they are all human. Or at least something that looks human. The second thing that catches the eye is the high number of twins within the village. The third, not so obvious, point is the absence of male youths.
Although there are both male children and male adults, the adolescents are completely absent, and no one seems to want to talk about this fact. However, it is the case in all age groups that within the village one finds predominantly female residents.
Different Ethnicity, or just a weird coincidence?
Even considering the other villages on the outskirts of Veilwood Enclave, the residents of Eichenberg are.... different. The differences begin with the tone of the skin, which is always of a translucent pallor among the inhabitants. Hair colors also show a noticeable tendency toward black or dark auburn. The eyes seem to be more green, blue, or gray.
Men, as well as women, in the village are unusually tall for the region. The normal height for a woman within the village is 170 to 190cm, men are between 180 and 200cm tall. The physique is usually slender, with long, firm muscles.
While this could be attributed to village life and the limited number of partners, there are actually enough travelers to allow for a bit more variance in appearance. However, this variance does not seem to exist - at least not among those who are under 60 years old.
The Secret of "The Raven's Wing"
The Raven's Wing tavern has always been a popular meeting place for adventurers and travelers passing through the village on their way. In the early evening, you can hear soft stories in the taproom about past adventures, whimsical places, and all the other things guests want to brag about. The food here is acceptable and cheap, the rooms in the adjoining guesthouse are clean, and the barmaids are never averse to spending some time listening to the stories.
At night, however, the taproom is closed to out-of-towners, and the clientele is quite different... Foreign languages, dark chants, and other indefinable noises permeate the walls. It is an open secret among the villagers that the innkeeper has made a pact with the powers ruling in the forest. It's strange that none of the guests ever finds out about it...
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