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Cliffhangers
Adventures
The
Village of Camiram
Episode
Three: The People of Camiram
by
Stephen Kenson
|
The Village of Camiram
(P) Printer Fiendly Version Map - (B&W JPG) |
The village of Camiram (kam-EE-ram) can serve as a safe haven for a group of low-level D&D adventurers as they set out into the world for the first time, seeking fame and fortune. It also can serve as a location for adventurers to encounter in their travels, but it's primarily intended as a base of operations and an example of how to build similar villages. You can place it in the World of Greyhawk, another D&D campaign setting, or a world of your own creation.
Background
The third episode of The Village of Camiram introduces us to the locals. In episode one we presented a rundown of the area’s geography and history, and episode two offered a closer look around the village.
The Villagers and Other Key Figures
The village of Camiram is home to almost 500 people, mostly good, honest folk who work hard and tend to mind their own business. Some of the village's prominent inhabitants are described here. The Dungeon Master should feel free to elaborate on their abilities, if necessary.
Elyl Shona (female halfling Nob4): Elyl Shona is the Honorable Mayor of Camiram and has been for the past several years. She's middle-aged, with a mellow personality and a dry wit, but also quite capable of quieting down a room full of concerned villagers to make herself heard. She likes the quiet life and wants nothing more than peace for the village. Camiram’s current problems with raiders concern her greatly.
Tam Flinder (male dwarf Exp9): Perhaps Camiram's most famous citizen, Tam is the local blacksmith. He traveled a great deal in his youth but has settled down to practice his craft. He's well known as the most skilled smith in all the surrounding villages, although he's quite modest about his abilities. Tam's more than capable of turning out a masterwork piece now and then, and they fetch a fair price in the marketplace. The dwarf also likes to drop in at the inn for a drink or two after work each day.
Ynda Rose (female human Com4): The owner and proprietor of the Inn of the Rose is a vivacious red-haired woman with sparkling blue eyes and an easy smile. She lost her beloved husband Andres when they had been married only two years and has never remarried (although not due to lack of offers). Her two teenaged children, Dev and Kianna, work at the inn. Ynda loves to chat and hears every bit of gossip in the village.
Ekam Relles (male half-elf War5): Ekam Relles was appointed Sheriff of Camiram several years ago and takes his duties quite seriously. He's a seasoned warrior, having fought in other territories before settling in the village. He also has a discerning eye, but he can be somewhat rigid at times.
Evet Skarm (male human Wiz3): The wizard Evet Skarm is fairly young for a man of his skill in magic, only in his late twenties. He likes Camiram because he's the most skilled wizard in the area (at least, so far as he knows) and he spends his time studying, teaching his apprentices, and performing minor magic for the village as needed.
Jinna Yost (female human Clr1 [Pelor/healer]): The priestess of Pelor came quite suddenly into her duties when her mentor and superior, Mika Pharos, was killed in one of the raids on an outlying farm where he was tending to an injured man. Jinna feels somewhat overwhelmed by her responsibilities at times, but maintains a brave front for the sake of her people, praying daily to Pelor for the strength she needs to carry on.
Sister Serka (female human Mon3): Part of the answer to Jinna Yost's prayers is Sister Serka, a monk from the Monastery of the Divine Light. She has come to aid the village in its negotiations with the barbarians and to assist the temple however she can. Her discipline, intellect, and cleverness have proven invaluable to Jinna over the past weeks. Two lower ranked monks (Mon1) accompany Serka.
Naj Robel (male human Pal2): A lower-ranked knight, Naj Robel was sent by the crown to aid in Camiram's negotiations and eventual expansion. He and Sister Serka complement each other in that Robel favors more direct, martial solutions while Serka prefers a more peaceful and conciliatory position. Two newly made knights in the service of the crown and Pelor (Pal1) accompany him.
Sollek Silver-Axe (male half-orc Bar3): The proud Sollek Silver-Axe is the chief of the barbarians dwelling near Camiram. Although he is a half-orc, Sollek is no fool, and he's willing to negotiate with the people of the village rather than risk a war that may ultimately do his people more harm than good. Although Sollek loves a good brawl, he also wants what is best for his people. If cooperation with Camiram is it, then that is what he will do. On the other hand, if wiping out the village is what he thinks is best, he'll do that just as easily.
Vosta the Veiled (female human Sor2): The mysterious Vosta is Sollek's constant companion. She is a sorceress, feared and respected by the people of her tribe for her abilities. She always wears veils that cover her head and face, leaving only her smoky-colored eyes visible. She speaks softly and defers to Sollek in most things, but he turns to her for advice, particularly about omens and all things magical.
The Cliffhanger
Camiram also has one resident no one knows about, who is about to place the village and its people in grave danger….
Next week: The Village of Camiram continues with Episode Four: Darkness in Camiram.
About the Author
Steve Kenson has been a freelance writer in the RPG industry for five years and a gamer for far longer than he'd care to admit. He's written for a number of games including Shadowrun, Marvel Super Heroes, and Dragonlance: Fifth Age. His work appears regularly in Dragon magazine. Steve maintains a website with his gaming articles and information about his current projects. You can email him at talonmail@aol.com.
