Harrowcrest

Harrowcrest is a mountain town that boasts all the trappings of the darkest fairy tales. It sits in the Klauthen Vale between a ring of mountain peaks, subject to the thin, frigid air of its altitude. These same mountains deprive Harrowcrest of light. What little sunlight that could reach the town in the middle of the day is dimmed by overcast skies, draining the atmosphere of colour and warmth. Afternoons bring the creeping shadow of Harrowcrest Manor, a gothic mansion that looms over the town. And inside that manor are Harrowcrest’s beloved leaders: Etriel, the incubus, and the vampiress, Lady Esmerelda Calvus.

People of Harrowcrest

While one might expect Harrowcrest’s climate to breed a population of gruff survivors, the people instead choose to defy their surroundings. Those in Harrowcrest are a kind and joyous lot who are content in a simple, community-driven life. Much of this can be attributed to the safety and leadership provided by the undeniably odd residents of Harrowcrest Manor.
The people of Harrowcrest are fully aware of their leaders’ identities, who have never sought to charm or otherwise enchant the town. They share a mutual trust. Harrowcrest’s small size also makes it difficult to keep secrets, fostering a tight-knit and trusting community. They are similarly friendly to visitors, showing them kindness and openly discussing Lady Calvus and Etriel, provided that travellers do not seek to judge or alter their way of life.

Lady Esmerelda Calvus

Dressed in a luxurious gown of rich purple, black, and white, Lady Calvus is a woman of proud posture and porcelain skin. Her jet black hair falls in loose curls, framing statuesque features and pulling one's focus into the gaze of her icy blue eyes. The faintest trace of sweet perfume drifts from her at all times.

Etriel

Etriel is a seductive incubus who is in love with Esmerelda Calvus. He was summoned by Barnabas Fletch, but was quickly calmed by Esmerelda's charms.

Maisie Holloway

A lifelong local to Harrowcrest, Maisie Holloway may as well have been the daughter of the entire town. She was a friend to everyone and spent much of her childhood helping, and eventually working, in as many of the town’s businesses as she could. When the previous mayor retired, he personally recommended Maisie as his replacement. She has now held the title for almost a decade.

Maximus Brandt

Maximus is the town innkeeper and owns the Peakshade.

Barnabas Fletch

Barnabas is a high elf wizard who summoned Etriel in the first place.

In Unholy Matrimony

Harrowcrest was deep in preparation for the wedding of its lady and her groom. Various members of the community had taken on the responsibilities of planning, catering, and officiant. Most were absorbed in their duties, including the bride and groom-to-be, who were trying to deal with the tension of their respective wedding parties gathering within the increasingly claustrophobic manor.
But disconcerting news had reached Harrowcrest. Word was that a mysterious monster-slayer with a merciless reputation had been sighted in the area, no doubt drawn by the prospect of crashing such a union. While a single individual posed little physical threat to the town’s infernal residents, his interjection could have jeopardised what was an important day for Harrowcrest. Rather than sully the occasion by personally hunting a man through the streets, Lady Calvus had instead called for outside help. She wished for the party to act as security until the wedding’s conclusion. They were instructed to remain subtle and unobtrusive so as to not upset the preparations and to, above all else, stop the monster hunter from ruining the wedding.

Maps

• 

  Harrowcrest

Type

Town

Population

220

Inhabitant Demonym

Harrowcrestian

Location under

Klauthen Vale

Included Locations

• Harrowcrest Manor