Starting Material
Okay the first section on Deepingdale is not mine, I found the information at
http://www.crosswinds.net/~prespos/FRS1.htm#NPCs
This is an excellent site for FR source material. All the informatrion on Hamh though and the NPC's and such is entirely mine though
Okay heres what I have so far...
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Deepingdale
Backround information on the Dale:
Deepingdale is a wide, deeply carved valley blessed with an abundance of game and timber. Like many Dale communities, its population is scattered in many homesteads, but the Dale considers its capital to be the town of Highmoon at the head of the valley, as the main road (the East Way) rises into the pass at Thunder Gap.
Deepingdale has in the past maintained an excellent relationship with the elves of the area, and with the Retreat of the elves, many individual elves and half-elves call this Dale their home. Over half of the population is elven or half-elven. As the area is a haven for wildlife, the Dale's inhabitants count the druids and treants as friends, as well.
Deepingdale's relationships with other human communities have been less than good, and in the past the area and Archendale have almost come to blows over small matters. Deepingdale's position along one of the two main roads between Cormyr and Sembia also contributes in part to uneasiness in the area, and intrigue is rife in Highmoon between agents of both large nations. The fates of Tilverton, placed under the "protection" of Cormyr, and Moondale, absorbed by Sembia, are not lost on the natives of Deepingdale. For these reasons, Deepingdale maintains a well-drilled militia, as well as a well-trained elven archer force.
About half (about 2,500) of Deepingdale's population (5,000 or so total) is in the militia reserves. The reservists have in their possession leather armor, sword, and spear. If a call goes out (a horn call from Highmoon relayed down the valley by special posts), the militia units gather at predetermined spots before marching on the city.
In addition, Deepingdale maintains two companies of 70 2nd-level elven fighters who have specialized in long bow. These elves have remained despite the disbanding of the Elven Court and consider Deepingdale their home. They are well trained both in open field battles and in conducting guerrilla operations and raids from the nearby forests. The late Lord Lashan (his death is uncertain, as he mysteriously disappeared) discovered, much to his regret, the power of these warriors in his attempt to conquer the Dales, and one of these companies served in the crusade against the Tuigan horde.
The ruler of Deepingdale is Theremen Ulath, Lord of Highmoon. Theremen is a half-elven fighter of 6th level. He is well aware of the balancing force that his community and city provide, and to that end has ordered that city walls be erected. This project is half-completed at the current writing. Deepingdale has a Temple of Oghma within its upward-springing walls under the auspices of Learned Father Hasicor Danali (LN hm P12) and seven of his followers. There are shrines to the agricultural and sylvan deities throughout the Dale.
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Hamh
Background information on Hamh:
Secluded from the rest of the world the village of Hamh is located on the banks of lake Sember (north of Hunters Down and Highmoon), with the Thunder Peaks looming ever present in the distance to the west. Hamh is prosperpous and benefits from a thriving fishing industry as well as other endeavours, yet whispered tales of strange goings on in Hamh serve to isolate the small community from even its closest nieghbors. Rumblings from the ground and strange disappearances have been reported by merchants and other travellers that have passed through the village over the last few decades. The locals while friendly take offense to these accusations and blame jealousy for most of the stories.
Over the years some residents have taken missing yet these are attributed mainly to orcish incursions from the Thunder Peaks and other dangers of the Dales. Most of the stories of strange goings on come from outsiders, merchants and the like. They are given very little credence by the locals.
Having grown up in the small village the PC's (long time friends) have begun to feel the pull of the outside world. Inspired by The Swords of the Smoking Frog (a local adventuring troupe of some renown that purchased an inn just to the south at Hunters Down, the PC's have visited the inn and met some of the heroes and as most young folk were dazzled by ther tales of high adventure) they long to go out and seek the life of an adventurer... Yet obligations of family and home prevent this.
Plot machinations in Hamh:
Orcish incursion:
20 years ago a large push was made by the orcs of the Thunder Peaks to infiltrate and occupy Deepingdale. Most believe the Zhentarim were behind these series of raids that grew ever more agressive. Culminating in the battle of Hunters Down the invading force was driven back by a young band of local adventurers, The Swords of the Smoking Frog. After the dust cleared Lord Ulath (Lord of Highmoon) saw that many of the smaller outlying villages had been decimated losing up to half of their able bodied men. Realizing that unless he wanted these small communitites to fade away (taking some of the security of the Dale with them) something would have to be done. It was with this in mind that Lord Ulath initiated the largest resettlement program Deepingdale had ever seen. Offering land and gold to anyone willing to resettle in the afflicted areas literally hundreds of Highmoon residents as well as displaced refugees of the Orcish incursion moved into the outlying villages of the Dale. Hamh recieved 10 of these settlers having lost over a dozen residents (when your population is only 40 people losing 12 can hurt). Now 20 years later Hanh is well on the road to recovery having over 78 residents in the village proper and another 16 in nearby surrounding farmsteads.
Secret:
Kale is in fact a cleric of Bane and former agent for the Zhentarim, he has been living in Hamh for the last 20 years conducting his macabre experiments below his inn late at night. The rumblings are the result of summonings and sacrafices he makes on ocassian. He normally abducts merchants and other non residents yet he has on ocassion been known to take a local when he thought that perhaps they were getting to close to uncovering his identity. Keeping his masters informed of the local comings and goings of the region he uses a portal constructed by Zhentarim workmen disguised as artisans from Highmoon some 20 years ago, The portal is rarely used as Kale has long since retired from active duty. The killings in Hamh are more of a hobby so to speak. Obsessed with death and its many facets he recently unleashed a plague called the Black Scourge upon the village (See Green eggs in Hamh module). Driven by his corespondence/competition with the priestess od Shar, Rebecca (refer to Green eggs and Hamh as well as the Old Tower module for more detailed explanations of Kale and Rebecca relationship/motivation) eperiments that he hopes will while leaving him blameless... one of the first to fall to the silent plague is his 3 year old son Timothy, though accidental he sees this as an oppurtunity to further alleviate himself from sucspicion...
Npc's of Hamh
Inkeeper: Kale Donner, owner of the Drowned Duck, is a large jovial man that moved to Hamh some 20 years ago from Highmoon after the last major orcish incursion decimated the small villages population. Kale professes a faith Kelemvor yet shows little outward devotion. He is the uncle of one of the PC's (determine which one) having married the sister of the Henry the town blacksmith. The Drowned Duck is the center of local activities and is always busy after the work day is finished.
2nd lvl expert/2nd lvl fighter/7th lvl human Cleric of Bane
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Wife of Kale: Harriet Donner, loyal wife and loving mother Harriet is a strong woman whom mixes a no nonsense approach to life with a suprising gentle side
2nd level expert
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Son of Kale: Timothy, at 3yrs old Timothy is extremely bright already having learned how to read. He is always getting into things he's not supposed to and is as mischevious as they come. He is truly a beloved fixture at the Drowned Duck inn.
1st lvl rogue
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Mayor: Bran, at 40 years of age Bran is the youngest mayor of Hamh that any can remember, he is a serious fellow always worrying about this that and the other. Yet this is exactly why the residents of Hamh selected him for the job. He is seen as someone that will look out for the details. Bran also is a member of the Deepingdale militia holding the rank of Sgt at Arms.
2nd level human Fighter
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Artisan/Carpenter/Undertaker: Ivellios Fallingleaf, having settled in the village over 60 seasons ago Ivellios is as much a part of Hamh as Hamh is a part of him. Devoted to the LN God of Death Ivellios considers the villagers as little brothers and sisters for him to look out for, which is why he takes it upon himslef to honor their passing into the next realm as the local undertaker (though he loathes that term). One of the PC's is his aprentice.
4th level cleric/1st level ranger
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Constable: Lucian Moonbrook, Lucian moved to Hamh almost 20 years agoas part of the resettlement, He is fiercely protective of the village and sometimes harsh in his assesments of guilt and punishment. Yet the locals don't seem to mind as the Dalelands are themselves harsh and brook no weakness. Over the years he has helped stave off incursions of Orcs from the Thunder Peaks and Zhentarim raiding parties. He belongs to the Highmoon militia as well holding the rank of Learned of the Bow (instructor in archery). He also is married to Fallia, they met and married in Highmoon 38 years ago.
4th lvl wood elf fighter/1st lvl ranger
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Blacksmith: Henry, stout good hearted fellow, likes to engage in verbal sparring. He is one of the most skilled Blacksmiths in the Dale. He on ocassion takes comissions from the Highmoon militia to outfit its officers. He has recently taken an apprentice, Kales oldest boy Bradley
1st lvl fighter/4th lvl expert
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Assistant Blacksmith: Bradley Donner, oldest son of Kale and Harriet Donner he is a outgoing young man and has the eye of several of Hamh's young women. Apprenticed to Henry he shows a knack for smithing though whether he will ever be as good as his master remains to be seen.
1st lvl fighter/1st lvl expert
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Stable Boy: Shay, somewhat secretive and aparently slow witted Kale was kind enough to employ the young orphan Shea as a stable boy for the Drowned Duck. Shay tends to keep to himself and one of his favorite haunts is the local graveyard where he is seen to spend hours on end visiting the grave of his dead mother.
3rd level rogue/3rd level Cleric of Bane
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Merchant: Higgly Hoffenfeffer, This gnomish inventor took up residence in Hamh some 20 years ago during the resettlement. He and his wife Bimpnottin have established a clockworks shop (though there isn't much need in Hamh). Highly skilled in his trade Higgly often takes comissions from aristocrats in Highmoon a well as passing merchants.
5th lvl wizard/3rd level gnomish artificer
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Merchant: Jacob, owner of the local mercantile shop Jacob is a quiet man. Him and his wife Abby have three young children, Sarah 16, Michael 12 and Amanda 7. Jacob and his wife both have lived in Hamh their entire lives so they are good sources of information about local goings on in the last 40 years. Sarah is the sister of Bran the mayor of Hamh.
3rd level expert
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Merchant: Harry Longbottom is the majority owner of Harrys House of Fish. He is a ill tmepered man who has never married despite moving to Hamh almost 20 years ago during the resettlement. He is also friends with Lucian Moonbrook, one of Harrys only close associates. Harry is a member of the Deepingdale militia holding the position of Requisitioner 1st class.
2nd lvl fighter/2nd level expert
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Places of intrest in Hamh
Higglys House of Wonderous Devices and Other Stuff: Owned by Higgly Hoffenfeffer this small shop is a favorite among local children as Higgly and his wife Bimpnottin have crafted many amazing toys and devices over the years, including mechanical toy carriages that are powered only by a cup of water (steam). At one time Higgly had his workshop in the front of the store so the children could observe him working on his latest gadgets, but after a rather unfortunate incident involving a young local boy and Higgly's Miraclulous Portable Fire Contraption that left the youngster singed and half the shop in flames Higgly decided it would be best to move his workshop to the back of the store where the local children couldn't harm any of his inventions.
Higglys also offers many unique items that might be of intrest to adventurers such as Higgly's Tube of Portable Brilliance which acts as a small handheld shuttered lantern (like a flashlight, ie a metal tube with a mirror fixed to the bottom and a rock with a continual light spell cast on it set near the front of the tube and shutters at the front so the adventurer can shut it off, cost 60 gold). Higgly also offers many other unusual items like that which might be of intrest to the party.
The Drowned Duck: Owned by kale Donner and operated by him and his wife Harriet, the pub/inn is the center of life in Hamh. This is where the local residents come to congregate and relax, playing music and singing rousing songs of the Dales it is almost always full in the evenings and is only closed on the first day of the week (though the Inn half is always open). Often Timothy, Kales youngest son, can be found running around the bar offering to sing or tumble for local patrons for a few coin. He also has been known to try and pick the pockets a few folk as well, while his antics are seen as cute at 3 years of age it is generally commented on that Harriet should keep a closer watch over the boy.
Jacobs Mercantile and Dry Goods: This is the local store where one can buy food and basic supplies such as oil, cloth, blankets, Lanterns ect... Basically everything available in the Adventuring Gear section of table 7-7 of the phb is offered with the exception of Manacles, Portable Ram, Caltrops, and the Spyglass. Higgly's has many of these items not offered at Jacobs available, albiet with a gnomish twist.
Harrys House of Fish: This is the local smokehouse where the fish caught on lake Sembra are smoked and prepeared for shipment to Kharnes Inn to the west and Hunter Down to the south. Most of the local fisherman work at the smokehouse since many of them are partners in the venture, though Harry (majority owner) takes care of the buisness end of it for them.
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but I figured it would be nice if yall knew as well, heh. 
