Tindledusk
A natural rise in the coastline provides the small homes and buildings of Tindledusk a beautiful view out over the small docks along the shoreline below. Tindledusk has one of the few ports along this stretch of southern coast where farmers and orchard growers can bring their good for trade and sale. Most of these goods are taken by boat to Farshore where there is more active trade during the summer months. Boasting pleasant weather most of the year and sheltered from the worst of the ocean storms, Tindledusk seems, on its surface, to be quaint and attractive. However, it has never become a major destination, partly because its docks have difficulty handling larger ships, but largely because the citizens do not welcome or encourage trade.
History and People
Tindledusk began as a village devoted to witchcraft, but the witches soon learned how unwelcome their powers were as they suffered numerous attacks. Safety required that they hide the presence of their powers and come to agreements with the hunters, farmers, and fishermen of the area. Over time, these agreements grew stronger as the witches helped protect Tindledusk and the surrounding area from a variety of threats coming from the Low Hills as well as from the ocean itself. While Tindledusk itself does not boast a large population, an extensive collection of farmers and fruit growers of the nearby inland areas call it home.
Trade and Commerce
The main trade here is in dried and smoked meat, and fish, fruits, and vegetables, and some pearls and a few crafts that include jewelry and glasses and plates made from a variety of shells and glass. Most of these goods are traded to fishermen or smaller traders that then move the goods to Farshore for trade there. The witches discourage trade traffic through the city, preferring traders take their goods to Farshore.
Government
Fishermen who fish the Barrier Islands and hunters who hunt the Mean Shore and Low Hills nearby form a collective presently led by Hunter Whyte. Guildsman Jeet Siam leads the few craftsmen of the village, and Sea Witch Ciarra Quill is the chosen leader of the nearby coven of witches that exerts the most control over the village. The witches are the primary driving force in convincing the other groups to conduct their trade with Farshore rather than allowing ships to dock here with the potential result of an influx of strangers. The simple truth is that Ciarra Quill and the coven are the main power here, and they prefer to keep the others involved in day-to-day decisions and in managing the city itself so they can focus on their own activities.
Strangers and visitors are unwelcome and viewed with suspicion. The witches are a well-kept secret that help defend the village and make it appear smaller and less interesting than it already is. Magic, however, plays a strong role in the area, and the power of the coven helps keep the sahuagin of the Barrier Islands in check. Unknown to the main population, lone travelers are often captured and used by the witches in blood sacrifices designed to protect the village from dangerous weather.
Settlement
Tindledusk, Town of
Type
Town
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