The Land: Tepest is nestled
in the Balinok Mountains directly south of Keening. The Timori Road, one of two established routes across the mountains, crosses
Tepest from east to west. Near the center of the domain, teh road hugs the southern shore of Lake Kronov. The lake's clear
waters never freeze completely, though snow and ice cling to the surrounding peaks nearly half the year. The village of Viktal
lies on the east end of the lake. Kelle is about 16 miles east on the Timori Road.
The Folk: Viktal and Kelle,
the two villages, house 3,000 people each. The folk are simple and poor, living in small, whitewashed cottages roofed with
bundles of twigs and bark. As a matter of pride, they carefully adorn the cottage walls with intricate floral patterns in
bright colors. In summer, the window boxes overflow with blossoms.
Viktalians herd goats and sheep, hunt bear and wild pig, or fish for sturgeon
on the lake. The sturgeon caviar is a delicacy, reserved for special occasions. The people of Kelle also herd and hunt. The
goats wear bells. As the herders guide their animals back towards the village at dusk, the gentle, haunting clangs echo across
the valley.
Tepestanis are a superstitious lot, believing in "little beasties" and evil spirits
that kidnap wicked people. When night falls, the doors shut tight. The folk even lock up their herds, in circular, roofed
stables made of timber and twigs. The wood in this domain burns poorly with a lot of smoke; hence, the animals' dried dung
more often fuels a fire. The culture level here is medieval.
Encounters:
Common:
Rare:
Goblins
Wolves
Deer
Snakes
Kelpie
Bears