THE WORLD

CHAPTER NINE: TYPICAL FEATURES

The typical Sleepy Hamlet should include at least one of these features:

• A gentle, soothing landscape.
• An eager population, although unaware of the outside world.
• A wise person of few words.
• A small shrine tied to a forgotten legend.

POSITION

The Sleepy Hamlet is a starting location par excellence – it could even be the birthplace of one or all protagonists (perhaps with the exception of one of them, an outsider whose sudden arrival puts events into motion). Our heroes might expect a happy welcome, unless some negative event undermines the locals’ trust. Even then, it should be possible to rebuild it.

THE VILLAINS' PLANS

A place like Breezeburg is rarely relevant in the antagonists’ plans, unless they were born and raised there. Perhaps they were childhood friends of the eldest among Player Characters. More often, an antagonist might be looking for an item or a person that lives here, or the Hamlet might suffer collateral damage in the wake of the Villain’s plan or the catastrophe they unleashed.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP

These questions can seed conflict and mystery:

• Breezeburg is isolated, but not forgotten – there is just nothing too remarkable here. Is it really such a happy place? What is about to change?
• Creatures that couldn’t live anywhere else proliferate here, thanks to the untouched wilderness. What makes them unique?
• The villagers live in harmony with the land, the flora, the fauna, and every other natural element. Where does this tradition come from?
• A gentle breeze keeps the windmill’s blades in constant motion. What traditions stem from this unusual situation?
• Although welcoming, the locals are very narrow-minded and suspicious about innovations. Why?