Description
Rustmill is a small and unremarkable village located a few days east of Flatlot, across the river Caldar. It is situated in a flat and dusty area, surrounded by fields and farms. The village itself consists of a cluster of wooden houses and barns, a small chapel, and a water mill that gives the village its name. Rustmill is known for its wheat production and is a frequent stopover for traders and travelers passing through the region.
Despite its humble appearance, Rustmill holds a dark secret. According to local legends, the village is cursed. Many years ago, a group of necromancers came to the village and performed a powerful ritual that unleashed a deadly curse upon its inhabitants. The curse turned the villagers into undead creatures, and they rose from their graves to terrorize the living.
The villagers managed to fend off the undead horde, but at a great cost. The village was left in ruins, and the survivors lived in constant fear of another attack. Over time, Rustmill was rebuilt, but the villagers never forgot the horrors that they had faced. Nowadays, the villagers are a superstitious lot, and they avoid talking about the curse, fearing that it might attract the attention of dark forces. It's cursed nature now serves as a test of worth for the religious and aspiring priests of Flatlot. Every week, people of faith arrive in Rustmill, helping to fend off undead that keep raising from the cursed grounds.
Demographics
A mix of humans, dwarves and genasi live here.
Government
The government of Rustmill is a simple one. The village is led by a
mayor, who are elected by the villagers. The mayor makes
decisions regarding the village's affairs, such as managing the fields,
organizing trade, and maintaining the village's defenses. The current mayor is the wise and respected Elder Garrick, who has
held the position for many years.
Local Interests
Despite the curse, Rustmill has some local interests that might attract
the attention of adventurous types. The village is known for its
delicious wheat bread, which is baked in the water mill using a secret
recipe. The miller, a friendly dwarf named Fendril, is always willing to
sell his bread to travelers. Additionally, the village has a hidden
treasure trove, which is said to contain the spoils of the necromancers
who attacked the village long ago. The treasure is rumored to be guarded
by undead creatures, and many brave adventurers have attempted to find
it, but none have returned.
Notable features
Rustmill's most notable feature is its water mill. The mill is powered by the river Caldar, and it produces flour for the village's bakeries. The mill also has a hidden room, where the villagers store their weapons and supplies in case of an attack. The room is only accessible through a secret passage that leads from the miller's house.
Rumors
Rumors say that the dark curse that plagues Rustmill is still active, and that the villagers are secretly practicing dark magic to keep it at bay. There are also whispers of a powerful magical artifact hidden in the village, which is said to be the key to breaking the curse. Adventurers who manage to find the artifact would be greatly rewarded, but they must be careful not to attract the attention of the undead horde that still lurks in the shadows.