After a few more hours travel through the bland landscape, the Chamberlain's carriage (and company) arrive at...
Market Town
As you crest the hill, the bustling expanse of Market Town spreads out before you, nestled within the valley like a precious gem. The town pulses with life and color, a striking contrast to the somber landscape you’ve journeyed through. Sunlight glints off the slate rooftops and the whitewashed walls of buildings, each painted with bright hues that range from the blues and greens of the sky and forest to the rich golds and reds of autumn’s bounty.
The main road into the town is paved with cobblestones, well-maintained despite the constant flow of cart wheels and foot traffic. The air is filled with the enticing scents of spiced meats, fresh bread, and aromatic herbs, wafting from the many market stalls that line the Great Square at the town’s heart. The chatter of merchants and townsfolk creates a lively din, punctuated by the occasional shout of a vendor advertising their wares.
Market Town is a place of commerce and culture, its streets thronged with traders, artisans, and travelers from all corners of the duchy. The buildings here are taller and more ornate than those found in smaller villages, with decorative wooden shutters, flowering window boxes, and signs hanging over shop doors depicting the symbols of their trades. You see children darting between legs and carts, dogs barking, and musicians plucking cheerful tunes on lutes and pipes.
Notable Locations in Market Town:
The Golden Plough Inn
One of the first places to catch your eye is The Golden Plough, a large, two-story building on the edge of the Great Square. Its sign swings lazily in the breeze, depicting a shining plow under the rays of a stylized sun. This inn is known for its warm hospitality, hearty stews, and local brews. Inside, you’ll find a roaring hearth, stout wooden tables, and benches crowded with travelers swapping tales of their journeys.
Bramwell’s Emporium
Just off the main square is Bramwell’s Emporium, a sprawling shop with an intricately carved wooden storefront. The shelves inside are lined with a bewildering array of goods: exotic spices, bolts of finely woven cloth, mysterious trinkets, and even small casks of rare liquors. Bramwell himself, a portly man with a jolly demeanor, greets every customer with an eager smile, always ready to haggle or offer advice on his diverse stock.
The Artisan's Row
Down a side street, you discover Artisan's Row, where the sounds of hammering metal, churning looms, and rhythmic chiseling fill the air. The buildings here house various craftspeople: a blacksmith's forge belching smoke into the sky, a tanner's workshop wafting the pungent scent of curing hides, and a potter’s studio displaying rows of beautifully glazed ceramics. There’s even a quaint glassblower’s shop, its shelves filled with delicate, multicolored baubles.
The Cathedral of Father Elion
Rising above the rooftops of Market Town, the Cathedral of Father Elion stands as a testament to both faith and the town’s deep connection to the Church. Its towering spires and stained glass windows, depicting scenes of light and divine protection, cast colorful reflections upon the cobblestones below. The cathedral’s entrance is flanked by statues of angels holding swords, their expressions stern yet serene.
Inside, the cathedral is filled with the scent of incense, and the high-vaulted ceiling amplifies the sound of every footstep. Shafts of sunlight stream through the stained glass, bathing the interior in hues of red, gold, and blue. Rows of wooden pews lead to an ornately carved altar, where a massive golden symbol of the Fleur-de-lis—the sacred emblem of Father Elion—hangs prominently.
Father Ivor, the cathedral's stern but kind-hearted priest, offers blessings, healing rites, and guidance to those in need. In the side chapels, acolytes tend to candles and arrange offerings. The cathedral is not just a place of worship but also a center for community gatherings and the dissemination of news, both sacred and secular.
The Temple of the Green Grove
Tucked away on a quieter street is the Temple of the Green Grove, a place of worship dedicated to the ancient woodland spirits. Its stone facade is almost entirely covered by creeping ivy, and within its courtyard, a gnarled old oak tree spreads its boughs protectively. Visitors can offer prayers or purchase charms and herbal remedies from the temple's priests and priestesses, who are often seen tending the small herb garden around the oak.
Edit: This is a "white magic store" so it offers special components and ceremonial kits (not Chthonic).
The Merchant's Guildhall
A grand building with marble pillars and stained-glass windows, the Merchant’s Guildhall stands as a testament to Market Town’s wealth and influence. The guildhall is a hub of business dealings, where traders meet to negotiate contracts and plan caravans. It's said that those who seek investment or employment need only ask at the guildhall's imposing double doors.
The Stables of Redmane
Along the eastern edge of the town is Redmane Stables, known for housing some of the finest horses in the region. The scent of hay and the sound of horses snorting fills the air around the wooden structure. Here, travelers can hire horses or buy riding supplies from the stable master, a stern but knowledgeable man named Galen. The stables are also a meeting point for local couriers and messengers.
The Grand Market
At the center of it all lies the Grand Market, a sea of brightly colored tents and stalls where traders hawk everything from fresh produce and spices to intricate jewelry and weaponry. As you walk through, you hear snippets of conversation in different dialects, reflecting the town's diverse visitors. A spice merchant tempts passersby with fragrant samples, a weaponsmith displays gleaming blades and arrows, and an herbalist arranges dried bundles of rare plants. The market is a place of endless opportunity and the occasional hidden danger.
Old Mallory's Bookshop
A small, ivy-clad building on the edge of Artisan’s Row, Old Mallory’s Bookshop is a haven for scholars and adventurers alike. Inside, the air smells of aged paper and ink. Shelves brimming with scrolls, tomes, and maps cover every wall. Mallory, a wizened man with spectacles perched on the end of his nose, shuffles about, offering bits of lore to those who seek ancient knowledge or direction.
Overall Atmosphere
Market Town is a living, breathing entity full of contrast—where wealth and poverty rub shoulders, where danger lurks in back alleys while music and laughter fill the streets. The energy here is infectious, making you feel as if anything is possible. Yet, there's an undertone of anxiety; rumors swirl of troubles beyond the town's borders, and in every alley and shop, you catch whispers of growing unrest throughout the Duchy.
Where to Next?
This town holds many opportunities for those willing to explore its nooks and crannies. Whether you seek supplies, rumors, allies, or simply a place to rest, Market Town has something for every adventurer bold enough to step into its vibrant streets.
