Penwick

Penwick is a small but significant township located in the southeastern plains of the Verbobonc, Viscounty. In the bustling center of Penwick, where the Harvest Road from the township of Etterboek  meets the Merchants Way from the Verbobonc, City. This large open space serves as a hub for local farmers and visiting peddlers to trade their goods. Dominating the square is a three-story guard tower, a stone keep that leans to the east, bearing the banner of House Kolgrim.

Penwick

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The township of Penwick

Location and Description

Penwick is situated in the fertile lands of the southeastern plains, bordered by House Asbury and House Milinous holdings. The township benefits from numerous small creeks and natural springs that provide ample water for the region's homesteads. The township is a patchwork of farms, each delineated by rows of trees and owned by vassals of House Milinous or House Asbury.

• Location: Southeastern plains of the Viscounty of Verbobonc

Geographic Features

• Fertile lands
• Small creeks and natural springs
• Patchwork of farms
• Rows of trees marking boundaries

Historical Significance

Penwick's history is marked by conflict and resilience. Overrun by forces from the Temple of Elemental Evil two decades ago, the township was nearly decimated. After the Temple's defeat, Mayor Connor Grantham offered free land to militia and mercenaries, many of whom settled and rebuilt the township. This history of conflict has left Penwick economically poor but militarily strong, as nearly all freemen are veteran soldiers or their descendants.

• Temple of Elemental Evil: Penwick was overrun and nearly decimated.
• Rebuilding Efforts: Land offered to militia and mercenaries, leading to resettlement.
• Economic Status: Economically poor but militarily strong.

Politics and Governance

Governance Structure
Penwick is governed by Mayor Connor Grantham, who has held office for nearly thirty years. The township operates under the broader political landscape of the Viscounty of Verbobonc, with significant influence from House Asbury and House Milinous.

• Mayor: Connor Grantham, aged 60, rarely appears in Verbobonc, leaving political matters to his eldest son, Gaelsich.
• Political Influence: Significant influence from House Asbury and House Milinous.

Key Political Entities

House Asbury

• Location: South of Penwick, with Asbury Manor located 10 miles southeast of the township.
• Influence: House Asbury exerts control over the southern lands of Penwick.

House Milinous

• Location: North of Penwick, with Griffon Manor dominating the center of the township.
• Influence: House Milinous controls the northern lands and has a significant presence in Penwick.

Key Locations

P15. Kolgrim Manor  
Kolgrim Manor is the estate home of Lord Arant Kolgrim, dominating the top of the hill overlooking Penwick. The manor is stately and regal, constructed of timber and thick hardwood logs. It features large, stained glass windows and a private pond. A chapel dedicated to Rao is also situated on the estate.
P20. Mayor Connor Estate Farm 
The Mayor Connor Estate Farm is a large, walled manor that serves as the residence of Mayor Connor Grantham, his wife Beatrix, and their eldest son Gaelsich. The manor shows signs of repair, reflecting the township's worn appearance.
P1. Market Square and Tower 
The center of Penwick is dominated by a huge open space used as a market by local farmers and visiting peddlers. A three-story guard tower, a stone keep that leans to the east, dominates the square. The tower bears the dusty banner of House Kolgrim, depicting a black griffon on a field of azure. The regular militia, wearing House Asbury tabards, patrols the town and its roads.

Relationships and Influence

Relationships with Lords of Verbobonc
Penwick's relationships with House Asbury and House Milinous are integral to its political landscape. Both houses exert significant influence over the township, with House Asbury controlling the southern lands and House Milinous the northern. These relationships are characterized by mutual benefit and occasional tension, reflecting the complex dynamics of feudal governance.

• House Asbury: Controls southern lands, Asbury Manor is located 10 miles southeast.
• House Milinous: Controls northern lands, Griffon Manor is central to Penwick.

Economic and Military Aspects

Economy
Penwick's economy is primarily agrarian, with excess foodstuffs sold to the Viscounty of Verbobonc. The township remains economically poor due to its historical conflicts, but it is known for its strong military presence.

Economic Activities

• Agrarian economy
• Excess foodstuffs sold to Verbobonc
• Economically poor but militarily strong

Military Strength

Nearly all of Penwick's freemen are veteran soldiers or their descendants, giving the township a formidable militia. Mayor @connor can muster a well-armed militia of fifty in a night and three hundred by highsun the next day. The mayor also has the authority to draft mercenaries and adventurers as needed.

Military Strength

• Veteran soldiers and descendants
• Can muster a well-armed militia quickly
• Authority to draft mercenaries and adventurers

Current Issues and Threats

Local Threats
Penwick faces several threats, including river pirates, ettercaps, and roving bands of humanoids. Additionally, a green dragon has recently moved into the area, preying on livestock. Mayor Connor Grantham is actively seeking help from adventurers to deal with these threats.

• River pirates
• Ettercaps
• Roving bands of humanoids
• Green dragon preying on livestock

Conclusion

Penwick is a resilient township with a rich history and a complex political landscape. Governed by Mayor Connor Grantham and influenced by the powerful houses of Asbury and Milinous, Penwick continues to rebuild and strengthen its community. Despite economic challenges and ongoing threats, the township remains a significant military presence in the Viscounty of Verbobonc, poised to defend its lands and support its people.

C. Cottage

Each of these plain stone cottages is home to 1d4 adult commoners and 1d3 children(noncombatants).

F. Farm

Each of these plots of land contains a modest stone farmhouse, a wooden outhouse, and a tilled garden or pasture. The farm is occupied by 1d6 adult commoners and 1d6 children (noncombatants).

Type

Village

Included Locations

• P1. Market Square and Tower
• P10. The Ivy and Hearth
• P11. Elk Ridge Harness Shop
• P12. The Church of the Stalwart Shield: Heart of Penwick
• P13. Church of the Gentle Hand
• P15. Kolgrim Manor
• P16. The Church of the Shining One
• P18. Foehammers Forge
• P19. The Curious Curio
• P2. North Caravan Campground
• P20. Mayor Connor Estate Farm
• P21. The Golden Loaf Bakery
• P22. The Graveyard of Penwick
• P23. The Alchemist's Nook
• P24. Druid's Grove: Sanctuary of Beory
• P28. Ransor’s Open Road
• P3. Caravan Campground
• P4. Happy Horse Ranch
• P5. Wainwright’s Wagons
• P8. The Cart and Coin
• P9. Gryphonhide Leatherworks

Asbury coat of arms by 3orcs

Milinous coat of arms by 3orcs

Shrine to Fharlanghn