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 W H I S PE R S & R U M O U R S : B O R D E R L A N D T OW N
After surviving a long, dangerous stint in the untamed regions of the world, the PCs find themselves back in civilisation. Upon entering a
settlement, the players decide to scope out the area and get a feel for the local goings-on by talking to inhabitants and gathering
information. At this point, they ask “so what are the local rumours around here, anyway?” Whispers & Rumours: Borderland is here to
answer just that question, providing the time-pressed GM with hundreds of local rumours suitable for fleshing out the society of almost
any borderland settlement. These rumours can serve as flavour text, adding depth and dimension to your campaign, or can serve as plot
hooks, suggesting future paths that PCs may wish to follow.

Design: Neal Litherland Product Identity: All trademarks, registered trademarks, proper
Development: Creighton Broadhurst names (characters, deities, artefacts, places and so on), dialogue,
Art: William McAusland. Some artwork copyright William plots, storylines, language, incidents, locations, characters,
McAusland, used with permission. artwork and trade dress are product identity as defined in the
Open Game License version 1.0a, Section 1(e) and are not Open
Thank you for purchasing Whispers & Rumours: Borderland Content.
Town; we hope you enjoy it.
Open Content: Except material designated as Product Identity,
If you did, please consider leaving a review. the contents of Whispers & Rumours: Borderland Town are Open
Game Content as defined in the Open Gaming License version
If you didn’t, did you know Raging Swan Press offers a money 1.0a Section 1(d). No portion of this work other than the
back guarantee? material designated as Open Game Content may be reproduced
in any form without written permission. The moral right of Neal
CONTENTS Litherland to be identified as the author of this work has been
asserted in accordance with the Copyright Designs and Patents
Using Whispers & Rumours .......................................................... 2 Act 1988. ©Raging Swan Press 2016.
Recent Local Events ...................................................................... 3
Recent Regional Events ................................................................ 6 Pathfinder is a registered trademark of Paizo Inc., and the
Local Legends ............................................................................... 8 Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Pathfinder Roleplaying
Support Raging Swan Press ........................................................ 10 Game Compatibility Logo are trademarks of Paizo Inc., and are
OGL V1.0A .................................................................................. 10 used under the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility
License. See http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/compatibility for
more information on the compatibility license.

Compatibility with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game requires the

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game from Paizo Inc. See
http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG for more information on the
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Paizo Inc. does not guarantee
compatibility, and does not endorse this product.

To learn more about the Open Game License, visit

wizards.com/d20.

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USING WHISPERS & RUMOURS
Rumours are a bit like wandering monsters. In the Good Old TYPES OF RUMOURS
Days every adventure had both a rumour table and a
All rumours are not created equal. There are several types of
wandering monster table. Now, they both seem to be few and
rumour:
far between.
It won't surprise you to know, this is a bad thing. Rumours § Adventure-Critical: These rumours are rooted in the PCs’
are an essential component of any decent adventure that adventure. They are of particular use to the party and the
features anything more than a series of related combats. (And GM can use them to warn of particularly dangerous
actually, adventures that are nothing more than a series of monsters, hint at hidden locations, a monster’s weakness
combat encounters could still do with rumours!) and so on.
Some might think rumours are merely an obstacle to fun; § Red Herrings/Local Interest: These rumours are rooted in
after all they slow down the PCs' quest to “find the fun". the local community, but essentially have no real impact on
Essentially, that’s not the case. Rumours do several things at the adventure. That might not be immediately obvious,
the table: though, to the party which could “force” them to interact
with NPCs to discern the truth. They can also lead to
§ Reward Good (or Thoughtful) Play: Players taking the time
interesting and fun (impromptu) side quests.
to learn rumours can often find useful pieces of information
§ False: Not all rumours are true. Sometimes, a person
that may help their adventure. For example, if the party
unknowingly spreads a false rumour while other times they
learn rumours of a hidden or forgotten entrance to a
lie. Wise and clever PCs don’t believe everything they are
dungeon they could gain a tactical advantage when they
told. In particular, while an adventure-critical rumour can
assault the place. They could also learn of a monster’s fatal
give the party an edge, they would do well to check its
weakness or of the location of a lost treasure.
veracity before basing their tactics on it.
§ Changes the Pace: Learning rumours not only requires a
different skill set to whacking things with a sword, but also
WHERE TO GET RUMOURS?
suits a different play style and players more in interested in
role-playing. Bards—obviously—are particularly suited to A PC can learn rumours pretty much wherever people gather
learning rumours, but any charismatic PC can be skilled in together. Particularly good places to do so include:
this area. Remember, it’s important for the GM to provide
§ Taverns & inns
opportunities and campaigns designed for players of all ilks.
§ Docks
§ Build Verisimilitude: The party’s adventures don’t happen in
§ Marketplaces
a vacuum. The world is a living, breathing place. Even the
§ City gates
smallest settlements have minor events that have no affect
§ Temples
on the party, but are important—or at least interesting—to
local inhabitants. Births, marriages, deaths, thefts and affairs Often the PCs can learn rumours by buying folk drinks (in a
all happen, and are often the subject of rumour, gossip tavern or inn), feigning interest in a merchant’s goods (at a
and innuendo. Having such rumours come to the party’s ear market), talking with priests (at a temple), overhearing the
build a sense of a real community. gossip of other travellers (while waiting to enter a city) or by
§ Provide Depth: Related to verisimilitude, rumours allow the loitering on the docks to hear the sailors talking. These are just
GM to build depth to his campaign world. They help build a a few examples of how a PC could learn rumours; inventive
sense that the world doesn’t revolve around the players should be able to learn them pretty much anywhere.
party’s adventures and that other things do actually happen. Some settlements—particularly larger settlements—may
§ Enable Foreshadowing: Great events don’t just happen even have people who make their living learning what is going
(most of the time). Using rumours to foreshadow upcoming on and selling this information. Such rumourmongers may ply
events allows the GM to give a sense of the developing their trade in any of the above locales and will doubtless
campaign instead of just dumping news of the orc invasion charge the obviously wealthy adventurers extra to learn what
(or whatever) in the party’s lap. In this way, events seem he knows!
more organic and—of course—the party may even decide to
act before the major event comes to pass. This works best in
sandbox style games and enables the party to affect or direct
the course of events (and their adventures).

2
RECENT LOCAL EVENTS
D% A controlled burn cleared part of the forest last
The nightshade crops are weak this year. It might year. It was meant for farming, but something
16
1 be the bad weather, but the herbalists are has been stirring beneath the ashes, according to
accusing each other of sabotage. the Alaric family.
Aelfric has always been the local idiot, but he's Aenor Rose has always claimed to have a touch
been carving messages in the woods. The of witch's blood in her. No one really believes it,
2 17
messages are disjointed and nonsensical, but is it but they go to get their fortunes told all the
really some kind of code? same. Some people even listen to what she says.
The town gravedigger has been losing at cards, The wild boars have been unusually active. While
3 but he never seems to run out of coin. Where is an organized hunt will thin their numbers, no
18
he getting it? one seems to be asking why so many of them
Small rings of toadstools have been cropping up have been driven out of the deeper forest.
4 around town. Are they signs of fae activity, or is A troupe of traveling musicians has set up in
that just superstition? town. Colourful and ribald, they have a lot of
19
The smith's son has disappeared. His father classic tunes, but they're also spreading the
maintains the boy ran away, but is the latest news from the capital.
5 A group of wandering mercenaries busted up the
metalworker's gruff demeanour hiding his hurt,
or something else entirely? tavern last night. The owner is offering food and
20
A figure in a black cloak has been seen moving drink to anyone willing to stand up to the gang of
through the woods, carrying a hooded lantern. bullies calling themselves the Black Guards.
6 Someone defaced the statue in the centre of
He flashes it three times, and then vanishes into
the shadows. 21 town with red paint. Is it simple graffiti, or is
A tiny stone shrine was found in a clearing, black there a more dire implication?
7 with soot and wet from spilled blood. Who was A shop was broken into, and the alchemical
22
praying there, and what were they worshipping? items looted. Who would do this, and why?
Farnam Craigs got so drunk he had to be carried A notice has been posted in the town square
home. The guardsman was muttering something 23 detailing the lord's latest proclamations. Some of
8 them are...unusual.
about how it wasn't his fault while he was being
carted off, but no one could quite make it out. Shooting stars lit up the sky, last night. According
Iboni Darkhair has begun wearing a red silk 24 to witnesses, some of them crashed close to
9 ribbon around her throat. It means she's spoken town.
for...but who is her mysterious suitor? Kevan Lorn and Cedren Krupt were the best of
A man calling himself Saul Strongarm has come friends, but they've had a violent falling out
25
to town, and bet a purse of coins no one can recently. Neither will apologize, and every time
10 defeat him in an arm wrestling match. Thus far they see each other, a fight breaks out.
that's been true, but is there more to his The well on the east end of town has gone
strength than meets the eye? brackish. Some people say if you're near it when
26
A peddler has been hocking love potions. They the sun goes down, you hear more than the
11 babble of water coming from the darkness.
seem harmless enough...but are they?
Swarms of aggressive hornets seem to be Heggerd Vance was digging a new outhouse, and
27
everywhere. The only person happy about this is turned up a fully intact human skull.
12 Someone's been leaving flowers for the Widow
Arnulf Janx, because he gets a silver piece for 28
every hive he removes from someone's home. Winshiff.
Nordburt Gaul, resident alchemist and A horse wandered into town today. It had no
occasional crank, hasn't come out of his 29 saddle, but it was shod, and the brand on its
13 workshop for a week. The lights are on, and loud flank was unfamiliar.
noises come from within, but anytime someone Several gravestones have fallen over in the town
knocks he shouts at them to go away. 30 cemetery. Did they fall on their own, or did they
The annual Flight of Arrows archery competition have help?
14 is coming up. No one knows what the secret The husband and wife who own the livery stable
31
prize is this year, but speculation is rampant. are fighting again.
If you go to the tavern and ask for a “special Old man Darandell is telling war stories again.
import,” the barkeep will pour you a glass of People are starting to suspect his tales of valour
15 32
something you've never tasted before. Be are more than just exaggerated; some think
warned, it isn't cheap. they're completely made-up.

3
 The village children have started playing a new A man was recently found on the road, beaten
game. It looks harmless enough, but there's 49 and left for dead. He's recovering his health, but
33
something unsettling about the chanting that can't remember his name or anything else.
happens every time a player falls down. The constable has nail up Wanted posters. It
The tax men have come again; never have so 50 seems a few outlaws have been too successful
34 many half-truths been told with so many straight and a reward’s been offered for their capture.
faces. A traveling priest has set up a tent on the edge of
51
A call has been put out to form a local militia. town, and is preaching wild, energetic sermons.
35
Many of the town youths are eagerly signing up. Livestock have gone missing in the night and
52
The mayor's wife has lost her wedding ring, and strange tracks have been left in their fields.
there's a reward for anyone who finds it. There's Spiders have spun huge webs in the tops of
36 53
already whispered suggestions the best place to several trees deep in the forest.
look is in the bailiff’s bedchamber. A pseudodragon is roosted above an inn, and
A knight rode into town recently, lance held high, refuses to move. Anytime someone gets too
54
37 and banner waving. His name is Sir Rentiss, but close to her, they get stung, and their sleeping
there's nothing noble about his bearing. bodies have to be dragged away to safety.
There's going to be a lunar eclipse soon. Some Three shallow graves were dug in the woods. No
people are excited, but there are others who 55 one is buried in them, but there was a spatter of
38
seem a little on edge wondering what the blood along nearby stones.
darkness will bring. Someone's been trapping the forest. The traps
56
A small company of gnomish prospectors came are bigger than anything that lives around here.
into town, trading all kinds of stones for fresh Darius Longstrider has made one of his bi-annual
39
supplies. No one knows where their claim is, but 57 stops in town. A recluse who lives far away,
it seems to be a rich one. some suspect him of being a druid.
A dispatch rider came to town, and delivered a A broad-shouldered man recently came to town
letter to the mayor. No announcements have with his willowy daughter. Their accents are
40 58
been made, but its wax seal bore the local lord's thick, but they're friendly, and practice an
sigil. unusual trade: tattooing.
Strange howls have been heard in the night. Lights have been seen in the old hunting lodge.
41 Skilled woodsmen have no idea what kind of 59 Has the lord come back to use it, or is something
creature makes such horrible noises. else going on?
A farmstead has been left empty. The animals A strange rumbling has been heard
42 are still in their pens, and the crops are coming in 60 underground. It seems random, but what does it
thick, but the family who lived are gone. mean?
Flint Hardwell paid for his drinks, meal and a set Roosting ravens have begun speaking. It's never
of provisions with coins of an unfamiliar stamp. 61 more than a word, or a short phrase, but it's
43
No one knows where the old pauper found such unnerving all the same.
exotic gold, and he isn't telling. A freak storm rolled in out of nowhere. It isn't
A tinker recently came to town. She's making 62 leaving, though, which has several people
repairs, mending things and putting an extra wondering how natural the downpour is.
44
hone on blades. There's a rumour she has more Strange geometric designs have been found in
for sale, though. 63 local crops and meadows. No one knows what
Soldiers from the local garrison are riding they mean, or who put them there.
through on a patrol. They claim their presence is The rivers are running high. They've already
45
just routine, but there's something off about 64 damaged several bridges, and fording them has
their visit. grown incredibly risky.
Kraddick Anvilsong has begun construction on an A stranger has set up in the corner of the tavern,
unusual building. When asked its purpose all he'll offering to teach anyone who wants to learn an
46
say is, “It's for keeping important things safe. For 65 unusual game involving pipped, rectangular tiles.
a fee.” Once you know how to play, he might ask to
Crane's Curiosities is a dank little shop run by wager on a game.
Aria Crane. While no one would call her a witch Sharrock spends most of his time on his roof,
47 where she could hear them, those seeking staring up at the stars. If you tell the old man
strange components, or the occasional potion, 66
when you were born, and grease his palm with a
often knock at her back door. coin, he may even reveal your fate.
The Smoking Pot's food has recently seen an A sword and scabbard were found in the forest.
48 uptick in quality, which is odd because the price 67 It's a quality blade, but there's no sign of the
of their meat has gone down. owner.

4
 Half a dead bear was found in the woods. The A local holiday is coming up. Flags are being
68 other half is nowhere to be found, but the body 85 raised in places of honour, and dozens of small
looks like it was bitten in two. celebrations are planned.
Creeping killers, vines that grow along trees and Aginor fell into the river when the boards on the
slowly strangle them to death, have invaded the bridge snapped. He got wet, but things could
69 86
forest. They're a bad omen, and some people are have been a lot worse if the river had been
waiting for what they're heralding to arrive. swollen.
A traveller came to town, and has been asking a Hervath the barman shaved off his beard.
70 lot of questions. He has the air of a sage, but no 87 Without it, he looks years younger, and some are
one can work out what he's looking for. saying he did it to catch a certain someone's eye.
Two boys were exploring a cave, and found a Some of the local youth are trying to go off on
71 strange statue. The idol is small, but has a 88 adventures of their own. Someone may need to
distinct, disquieting air. intervene before they get into trouble.
A plague of nightmares has swept the town. A group of out-of-towners have been asking
72 What, if anything, could be causing so many questions about your group. Are they bards
89
unpleasant dreams? looking for new tales to tell, or are they seeking
A wagon was found abandoned on the road. The you out for a more malevolent purpose?
73 cargo is still locked in strong boxes, but the A sculptor came to town a week or so ago, and
driver and animals have disappeared. and he's begun work on a new statue. No one's
90
An unused forester shack caught fire. No one sure what it is, but he emerges from that shed
74 knows what started the blaze, but that shack was covered in rock dust and grime every, single day.
completely destroyed. The town is having a yard sale. While merchants
Cords of firewood have gone missing from are using this as a way to drum up additional
91
several homes and businesses. Residents have business, everyone in town is getting in on the
75
taken to branding or marking their wood, hoping opportunity to rummage, barter and bargain.
to catch the thief in the act. The Riddle and Rhyme contest is fast
The town fathers have started discussing approaching. Prizes are awarded to those who
92
76 opening a stone quarry. Some people are in construct the cleverest riddles, and to those who
favour of the decisions, others are opposed. solve them.
A bird with a message tied around its leg fell out There's talk of a bonfire in a few days’ time. The
of the sky. No one knows what the coded reason why seems uncertain, but perhaps there
77 93
message means, or who it was meant for, but is no reason except to come together for a night
speculation is rampant. of merriment?
A group of local actors are putting on a play. No Plans are underway to renovate the old mill.
one's sure what it's about yet, but everyone 94 There's even talk of importing a new mechanism,
78
involved in the production says it's based on a so it takes less effort to turn the stones.
legend most of the town has all but forgotten. Something has been marking its territory in the
Someone, or something, has been digging 95 woods. Something big, with a particularly
through trash piles and midden heaps. The mess pungent aroma.
79 is frustrating, but the townsfolk are more The old hanging tree hasn't been used in years,
concerned with what is prowling the streets 96 but someone found a noose swinging from it.
after sundown. Was it a warning?
A strange mist has been creeping closer to the Fruits and vegetables have gone missing from
80 town. It's unusually thick, and rarely dissipates 97 orchards and gardens. The owners have set
until the sun is high in the sky. watches, but haven’t caught the thieves.
Someone burned an effigy in the town. No one's Hunters have seen a pair of feral children in the
81 sure who the target was, but the event has made 98 forest. Is someone playing a joke, or is there
people a little jumpy. something else going on?
Dreamcatchers are being left on doorsteps in Cauldwick Venn is the town's resident
82 town. Some people are hanging them up, but the philosopher. While his rambling lectures are
gifts make others uneasy. 99 something to be endured, doing so might grant
The carpenter has been making some truly the listener the privilege of examining his
83 elaborate coffins, but he won't say for who. In personal library.
fact, he’s been secretive about the whole affair. The annual shearing is taking place. While it's
Someone tied a yellow ribbon around a tree in 100 hard work, lots of the shepherds and townsfolk
84 the town square. Every person you ask has their have turned it into a series of games.
own theory about who did it, and why.

5
RECENT REGIONAL EVENTS
D20 Rumours of a plague have swept through the
Traffic along the river has become dangerous, countryside. Many towns and villages are
thanks to increasing number of pirates. Bands of quarantining visitors and merchants to be certain
sellswords have seized the opportunity, offering they aren't bringing sickness; many others are
07
their services to protect travellers and merchants keeping their gates until the pestilence passes.
alike. There are some riverfolk who are growing Hucksters selling miracle cures and false
01 suspicious, though, because the pirate attacks blessings are traveling the roads, as well, trying
seem to fade into the mist as soon as a to make a profit from the suffering.
mercenary band is given regular employment. Burly toll takers have been sighted on the road,
Some whisper there are no pirates, but that demanding money from travellers. Anyone who
clever captains created a problem, then showed refuses the toll is attacked, if not immediately,
up to sell the embattled merchants the solution. then not long after. No one knows who is
Poachers' pits, huge holes where the unwanted 08 coordinating these extortionists, but in any area
pieces of carcasses are thrown after they've where the toll takers are reported all other
been cleaned, are a common sight in the woods. criminal activity seems to dry up. So whoever is
Human bodies have been found among the cast- controlling the roads, they're at least providing
02 off hooves and horns, though, and the bodies are protection.
never in one piece. Most of them aren't even Lumber is currently at a premium. While the
complete. Once-friendly communities have forests are as fertile as they've ever been, the
begun barring their gates, and outsiders are fae creatures lurking within have become quite
being met with increased suspicion. aggressive. This has led to problems for
Foxes have been considered good luck for 09 woodsmen, as well as for travellers. If someone
centuries, but there's a rumour the curious little could discover what roused the fae's ire, and find
beasts may not be all they appear. Black foxes a way to placate them, it would greatly ease the
03 have been stalking through the town, and region's tensions and make it safe for woodsmen
watching the caravan trails as if they're looking to return to the forest.
for something. They almost seem to be listening There has been talk of a new punishment for
to nearby conversations. But why? criminals. Convicts who possess certain skills will
Several small villages have been completely have the opportunity to serve as part of
destroyed; their people killed and buildings specialized units in the army, and to use their
razed. The loss of life, and disruption of regional 10 talents as a way to pay their debt to society.
trade is bad enough, but people in the While regarded as a great mercy by some, there
surrounding communities have begun to panic. are others who aren't sure putting blackguards
04 Some blame roving bandits, while others claim and murders in uniform and giving them
only goblin raids could be that savage. A few weapons is a good idea.
believe it's a power grab by orc tribes. Patrols, A royal wedding is happening soon. Lots of
both of men-at-arms and of volunteer militia, people are traveling to the capital, some as
have increased...but no one seems to know what guests, and others merely as witnesses to a new
they're guarding against. chapter in the nation's history. Everyone from
A new religious sect is bringing the good word of 11 inn keeps to peddlers is taking advantage of the
their faith to the land. They seem harmless at a increased flow of people, and there are a lot
glance, dressing in comfortable, modest clothes more armed bands on the roads. Some of them
and preaching tenets of love and tolerance. are seeking employment as guards, but others
05 have more nefarious deeds in mind.
Members of the faith are close-mouthed about
the rituals expected once you become a believer, Roads are being improved all over the region.
and there are whispers their faith is much, much Trees are being cut back, paths are being
older than it appears. straightened and crews are laying gravel along
Bandits have begun attacking wagon trains and with paving stones to create genuine highways.
supply caravans. What was once a problem only The endeavour isn't cheap, either in terms of
for merchants and their guards has grown, and materials or manpower. Some people are glad to
12
shortages are becoming common. Worse, see their taxes at work, but others are giving the
06 because of these shortages, prices are climbing roads nervous looks, and whispering that
faster than most can pay. A price has been soldiers can move just as fast as trade goods
offered for the most notorious bandit leaders, down a proper highway. They also point to the
but there are those profiting from the shortages local lord’s warlike demeanour and his rivalry
who'd rather not see them end just yet. with one of his neighbours.

6
 Severe storms have raged across the locality, A drought has come, and shows no signs of
leaving destruction in their wake. While most leaving. Tempers are running nearly as hot as the
people are trying to recover their losses, and days themselves, and some lords have signalled
repair the damage, there were marks left behind their intentions to start damming the rivers
that no storm could cause. Livestock torn open, 17 crossing their lands. A few have indicated they
13 claw marks down doors and trees snapped in will do this without receiving permission from
half. The tracks were completely wiped out, but those higher in station than themselves, which
people have begun to wonder; did these could quickly escalate to more than harsh words
creatures simply use the storm to camouflage if the rains don't come soon.
themselves, or did they somehow bend nature to Farmers unearthed relics from a bygone age,
their wills? during this year's plowing. Some have found
Gold was recently discovered in the area. What arrowheads, and others coins of a strange mint,
were once quiet hills or slow-flowing rivers have but a lucky few have turned up jewels. It's
now been set upon by prospectors, all of them rumoured there may even be enchanted items
hoping to strike it rich. Some have, and others 18 lurking beneath the ground, just waiting for the
14 haven't. Shanty towns are springing up and the right set of hands to dig them up. While there's a
droves of hangers-on and followers have come rush to be the first to find the treasures, more
as well. From money-changers and tinkerers, to experienced hunters know it's only a matter of
whores and claim-jumpers, the metal fever is time before someone digs up a curse. Or
coming to a boil. something worse.
There are rumours of escaped slaves fleeing their There are some people who believe, at the end
masters, and using this area as a safe haven. of this calendar year, the world is going to end.
Bounty hunters and slave takers have also heard Several communities are divesting themselves of
the rumours, and practitioners of these rough physical possessions, letting their fields go fallow
15 trades have been seen searching for escapees. and releasing most of their animals into the wild.
There are reports some people have been led 19 Several of these doomsayers have taken to the
away in chains, but there's argument about roads to bring word of the coming apocalypse to
whether they were escaped slaves, or simply those ignorant of it so they can prepare
people destined to take an escaped slave's place. themselves for judgment. Most ignore them, but
There are whispers of dark cults infiltrating every now and again, a new convert joins their
towns and villages. There's been talk of stolen sackcloth ranks.
children, blasphemous rituals and the offering of Dissent has been fomenting against the current
souls, but no one seems to have any real proof. government. While it's just a few grumbles right
It's always something that happened in another now, there have been some who've suggested
16 town, to someone else. The talk is beginning to the power should be in the hands of the people,
20
stir real fear, though, and there have already and not the gentry. While no torch-wielding mob
been accusations. None of them have come to has formed yet, there has been a suspicious
anything, yet, but it's only a matter of time increase in the number of guardsmen those in
before people start searching for these power feel are necessary for keeping the peace.
cults...whether or not they exist.

7
LOCAL LEGENDS
D20 There's a huge oak tree in the centre of a grove
The lord who once ruled these lands was a outside town. Every spring the branches are
perfect gentleman, both well-bred and well- filled with strips of cloth fluttering in the wind.
married. Behind the silent walls of his fortress, According to myth, the tree holds the spirit of a
though, he indulged in depraved, bloody rituals. powerful dryad, and anyone strong and pure
06
01 Though his castle was razed during a revolt, no enough to climb the tree, and tie the name of
one ever found his hidden Screaming Chamber. their true love to one of the branches earns the
That's why the forest around the site is filled dryad's blessings in matters of the heart. No few
with whipporwills; they're still seeking the souls suitors have broken their arms climbing the tree,
of his victims, to guide them to their rest. but many unions come from the tradition.
The Band of the Red Brand were some of the There's a faded marker in the cemetery that
most infamous local brigands. They were vicious, simply won't fall over. The grave sits apart from
killing every member of any merchant train they the others, and the head-high obelisk refuses to
targeted, before vanishing into the woods with bow to wind, rain or time’s remorseless march.
their loot. When the band was finally captured, Here Kerowyn Brooks, the Cut-Wife of Sorrow
02 Marsh, was buried. If you circle her grave three
though, none of their spoils were recovered. 07
They were hanged to a man, but the legend says times at midnight, chanting her name and
there's a hidden grotto or forgotten cave spreading a circle of salt, her ghost will rise and
somewhere in these woods, rich with the band's answer three questions. A few townsfolk claim
plunder. when they did it nothing happened, but others
Happy is the home whose hearth bears a cat. The stay strangely quiet, claiming a little too loudly
saying is a common one, but there's an older that it's just a stupid story.
myth behind it. The grimalkin, a fae cat-like The Cracked Caverns have always been a
creature, once roamed these woods. It warred mystery. Their black, weathered mouths have
against the men who entered its domain, but been used for shelter by foresters and for privacy
after years of ill fortune and bloodshed, they by lovers, for as long as anyone can remember.
03 The caves go deep, though, and no one claims to
reached a truce. Humans could live in its domain, 08
as long as they respected the forest, and opened have fully explored them. The stories say if you
their homes to the grimalkin's children. It's why go beyond the fire pits left by travellers, you'll
so many houses have cats and why so many find walls covered in strange paintings. And if
people leave dishes of water or cream out. It's you go back far enough, those paintings seem to
also why it's considered ill fortune to kill a cat. show fire-breathing beasts battling stick-men.
The Black Rock Inn can't boast anything too Tattered Hawthorne is a flower that only grows
special. The food is good, the fire warm and most in certain parts of the woods, blooming no more
nights there are at least a few locals drinking and than once a generation under a full moon. While
gaming. There is a room on the second floor, the ragged petals give the blossom a tragic
though, the inn keep hasn't let out since he was beauty, it's said these rare plants are the key
09
a young man. Footsteps can be heard through ingredient to some of the most powerful potions
04 ever devised. Tended by druids and greatly
the door on quiet nights along with the creak of
a rope, and whispered words just loud enough to prized by healers, in the right hands they can
be heard, but not loud enough to be understood. cure any illness, break curses or if enough is
The inn keep won't say what happened in the harvested, bring back the recently deceased.
room, but speculation rages about what haunts A thousand years ago a great champion patrolled
the room just above the common room. the lands. A black-clad warrior mounted on a
Babies born under the Hero's Star are destined black destrier, it was said his honour knew no
for great things. The Scarlet Knight, champion of bounds. When he was ambushed by a force of
a hundred duels, Arlan Faine, the Fist of the Faith invading foes, even death would not make him
who stood alone against a horde of demons and lie down. He fought on, and on, throwing back
General Karela Longthorn, who led the Shining wave after wave until, finally, he was the only
10
Legion to victory a thousand years ago, were all one left standing. If you travel the north road
05 during certain times of the year, you’ll hear the
Hero Born. While some townsfolk try to have
their children born underneath the red star, ring of steel, and the beat of heavy hooves. And
others do their best to avoid it. Because, while if you ever meet the black warrior, and he issues
the heroes are the ones that stand out, people you a challenge, do not accept it. He cannot be
tend to forget great people sometimes do defeated, and only one who would take up his
terrible things. mantle can release him from his duty.

8
 There's a fire-blackened clearing deep in the The Dragon's Lair is an ancient ruin no one, even
woods. Animals avoid it, and nothing grows the scholars who study it, truly understands. It
there. A circle of dark stones sits in the middle of remains half-submerged in the ground, making
the aged char, and no one knows where they the crude, draconic bust capping the pyramidal
came from, or how long they've been there. The structure look like it's trying to tear itself from
whispered tales among the elders say it was 16 the earth. On certain days of the year, when the
11
once a place where some unfortunate soul made sun hits it just right, the stone head appears to
a deal with a devil. They can't seem to agree on grow a shadowy body. While the trick of the light
which devil it was, but they do agree the barriers is impressive, some believe it's only when that
between the planes are thin there and if the shadow form is present the lair can be
proper name is spoken within that circle, the entered…or exited.
devil appears to those seeking to beg a bargain. If you wander the paths in the deeper forests,
The Fall of Tears is a place of beauty. The you may stumble upon an Elfhome. These
waterfall, and the small surrounding lake, draws unusual structures are formed whenever trees
swimmers in the summer, and skaters in the grow together in just the right way to merge,
winter. However, in the fall and spring, on creating an elevated shelter for canny travellers
equinox nights when the spray is chill, and the 17 and weary woodsmen. Some Elfhomes are little
12 base of the falls is shrouded in mist, it's said more than hammocks made of branches, while
those who leap from the peak, and dive into the others are the size of small houses. Most seem
unknown, surface in the fae’s realms. A few natural enough at a glance, but there are
people try every year. Some survive, while others campfire stories of travellers who climbed into
don't. A few disappear, but where they go is an Elfhome to rest and vanished.
something no one has been able to determine. The Babel Brook is a noisy little stream that
It's bad luck to give old clothes to a scarecrow. brings fresh water straight from the mountains.
The garments we wear pick up the stains of our Always clean, clear and crisp, travellers make
lives, and those bits and pieces can sometimes certain to fill their waterskins from the brook. It's
worm their way into the sticks and straw making said the closer to the source the water comes
18
up these cornfield guardians. The story of from, the purer and clearer it is for the drinker.
Pumpkin Head Jarro tells the tale of how a farm There are even legends that water taken straight
13 wife dressed her scarecrow in one of her foul- from the spring can wipe away the weight of
tempered husband's old shirts, and how she years, returning youthful strength and vigour to
found dead birds, slaughtered livestock and those few who find its source.
wrecked crops every morning. The cruelty of the The spring winds bring piper's nights with them.
garments had leeched into the creature, and it The wind whistles through the trees, and sings
was only when she set the scarecrow aflame the through the mountains, creating the illusion of a
terror ended. far-off song that comes and goes with the
When husbands and wives wed, one of the gifts evening breezes. There are some nights, though,
19
they exchange is cold iron daggers. They gently when there is no wind. On those nights, if you
press the blades against each other's skin, and strain your ears, you might hear the mournful
seal their union with a kiss. The tradition goes notes of the piper. You shouldn't do that,
back to the tale of The Maiden in The Tower, though, because it's said if you can hear the
who was suspicious of the handsome suitor with piper, then he's close enough to hear you.
14
honey in his voice, and silver in his tongue. When The old ruined mill has been silent for many
he pressed himself upon her in the dark, the cold years. While the stones no longer turn, the
iron revealed he was a demon in disguise, and scorch marks along the heavy, leaning beams are
she drove him from her bed with the blade. No a testament to what happened. Some people
one really believes it...but you can't be too said it was an accident, but others whispers
20
careful on your wedding night. about what the miller was doing to his wife and
There's a half-collapsed temple along the eastern daughters. And about the monsters his
road, but the stone walls keep out the wind if depravities brought forth. According to half-
travellers need to shelter. There's also a deep remembered local lore, the miller’s wife tied him
pool, fed by streams from the open mouths of to the stones before torching the mill.
three stone faces. It's said some of the old spirits
15
the place was once dedicated to still remain, and
that they'll bless you if you leave a coin in the
pond. Those who take instead of giving, though,
have been cursed until they've made restitution
to the water’s guardian spirits.

9
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OGL V1.0A
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc ("Wizards"). All Rights Reserved.
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15 COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Open Game License v 1.0 ©2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Open Game License v1.0a. Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast Inc.
System Reference Document: ©2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Authors: Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. ©2008, 2009, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn.
Pathfinder RPG Bestiary. ©2009 Paizo Publishing LC; Author Jason Bulmahn, based on material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook and Sip Williams.
The Book of Experimental Might. ©2008, Malhavoc Press; Author: Monte Cook.
Tomb of Horrors. ©2002, Necromancer Games, Inc.; Authors: Scott Greene, with Clark Peterson, Erica Balsley, Kevin Baase, Casey Christofferson, Lance Hawvermale, Travis Hawvermale, Patrick
Lawinger, and Bill Webb; Based on original content by TSR.
Whispers & Rumours: Borderland Town. ©Raging Swan Press 2016; Author: Neal Litherland.

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