Settlement: Felstar's Faltering, A village overshadowed.
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The wizard Felstar was a mighty mage, with a vast army at his command, pride beyond imagining, and power enough to strike fear into the hearts of all. That was before a questing hero happened by , handed the wizard his ass, and for good measure brought his towering spire crashing down to earth. In the centuries since, the remnants of the wizard's servants and soldiers have built a village for themselves in the ruins of their master's fortress, transforming it from arcane edifice to orcish clanhold
The folk of Faltering tend to keep to themselves, as many have not forgiven them for their forebear's actions under the wizard's command, despite the fact most of those same forebears allied with the hero to oust the mage that had enslaved them.
Still, if you're looking for a haven in the wilderness, or perhaps a chance to scavenge through old Felstar's secrets, there's no better destination.
Adventure Hooks:
Somewhat of an outcast among her people, the mage Zharga Zagrinnsdotter has dedicated herself to reclaiming as much of the dead mage's research as possible, piecing over ruins and exploring the sites of power Felstar established throughout the region. Though many suspect her motives, she follows the teachings of the sage-god Boccob and seeks to understand the wizard's magic so that her people will never be subjugated by it again. She's a good ally to have if the party need an expert on the arcane, and she's willing to pay them for an escort through the more dangerous ruins in the region. She may even take one of them as her apprentice, if they can put up with a belligerent old woman half way on her way to being a mad hermit.
Tensions are running high when one of the village's traders disappears while travelling in nearby human lands, with some fearing that he's been murdered by those who hold to the old grudges. The village elders are split between petitioning the local authorities (which may come to nothing) or sending out their own to investigate ( which may exacerbate tensions). The party provides a convenient third option, able to move unhindered while tracking the merchant's trail. An investigation will win them Faltering's favour, and take them to the market of the local human capital where furs from the forest around the village and old arcane relics are being sold by a number of shady dealers.
