Description

The carriage takes you as far as Town Square (9), giving you a chance to check The Town Crier (the local newspaper) and have your belongings transferred to your hotel while you take your first look at history come to life.

Around you, hundreds of citizens will greet you as a welcome guest, dozens of unique and curious shoppes will beckon. To the east, you'll see the looming facade of Kurnvald Castle and the beautiful Grounds (14) just across the river.

Before you can explore, your porter or bellperson will escort you to your hotel or boarding house for check-in and room inspection. Some guests will be met by their appointed contact at the Central Fountain in Town Square and taken to other parts of the village to begin their adventure.

From here, you have a base of operations, a chance to take in the scenery and begin your own explorations. Don't forget your special invitation to dinner with the Mayor and key townsfolk as part of your welcome to Millstone Derry.

To the north of the

Square is the Millstone Derry commercial district featuring shops and stores featuring local arts and crafts, unique culinary treats, booksellers, general stores and much more. Here you will find everything from camping supplies to exotic imports to trail guides to the services of a consulting detective.

Saturday in Millstone Derry features a parade up Main Street (3) featuring the village Players' Guild, acrobats and other remarkable performers marching their way to the Millstone Open Air Theater (1) prior to the matinee performance of the latest work by the Millstone Derry playwright-in-residence. Whether it be a comedy, tragedy or farcical tale, plays at the Open Air Theatre are always memorable.

The northernmost part of the village is where many locals reside. Many of the locals you meet here will retire to the homes you'll see here. Inside the walled Keep (2) north of the village are various storehouses, militia barracks, livery, stables, infirmary and the armory which to protects and services the village.

Be sure to check the Town Crier for a schedule of events and performances in the many saloons, gentlemen clubs, parlors and concert halls located in north of the commercial district.

Carriage services are available dusk 'til dawn along Main Street and by appointment. See the manager or owner of your hotel or lodge for details.

Once you've had a chance to see the many commercial sites at your disposal, you may wish to visit the Farm and Dairy (20). Many guests will come specifically to work and learn alongside our year-round staff tilling, sewing and clearing ground while tending to livestock. Here you will also find the Mayor's Stables and a hunting retreat.
farm

Along the river, you'll find the Old Mill (19); a source of some tall tales in the village. Some locals believe the Mill is haunted and should never be visited after dark. Others think it's a haven for theives who hide the goods stolen from travelers along the highway. Whatever the truth is, local custom advises to avoid the Mill unless willing to face whatever truth lurks behind its mystery.

During the summer, Raysor's Pond (21) is an excellent spot for swimming, laying out, and enjoying the season with other guests and locals. We offer a changing area and period-proper attire.

The fields and hills north of town are excellent for picnics and private moments away from the sights and sounds of the village. Nature tours and walks are offered through this area, conducted by local conservationalists.

Visitors are warned that the local constabulatory's jurisdiction ends at the tree line north of Raysor's Pond and going beyond is not advised. No steps have been taken to ensure your safety and reports of bandits, poachers and other dangers should make it very clear that travel beyond the borders is a very dangerous and possibly deadly proposition.

Every guest is issued a special invitation to attend a reception at the Mayor's Home (10) in the village. There, you will be introduced to principal members of village society, including the Chief of Police, Town Councilmen, Landowners and, of course, the Mayor and his family. These events are ripe with gossip and drama spilling over as the night wears on. Guests can be swept up in the intrigue of local politics after only a few hours of fine dining, spirits and conversation at this function. Those who prefer a more retired, relaxed experience may enjoy the many amenities of the Mayor's estate including pool, billiards, some gentlemanly wagering (poker) or access to the library, conservatory and smoking room.

Weekend afternoons in Millstone Derry are filled with the delights of the regional Festival held on the lush and expansive Festival Grounds (13). From across the countryside various vendors come to compete in various games for prizes and for local pride. Millstone Derry hosts these games and the associated festival and invites all its guests to attend.

Sometimes guests are even encouraged to participate in such games as the Human Chess Match, Log Toss, Square Dance, Archery and more! As with all regional competitions, these games can get heated by our modern standards and some times rivalries boil over. It is advised that all visitors keep watch when Millstone Derry competes against Chandlewoodshire. The Mayors of both towns are bitter rivals and their loyal clan and allies may turn a friendly competition into a duel, a challenge of honor or even a brawl!

Not to worry since nearby sits the town Gallows (22), reminding all in attendance that the law is watching. Any lawbreakers or scofflaws will be removed to the Town Hall and Jail (11) for the duration of the games or longer depending on their crimes.

Atop the high wall to the east armed guards watch over the grainery and regional treasury.

Perhaps the most intriguing and alluring feature of Millstone Derry is the looming facade of the old ruined C

astle of the Kurnvald Family (15). Dating back three hundred years, the Kurnvald family once dominated the countryside under the rule of King Emanuel owning all the lands and their resources and reducing most of the citizens of the region to servitude and poverty.

Driven mad over generations, it was believed that the Kurnvald family became a clan of butchers and sadistic torturers. For twenty years the last patriarch of the Kurnvald family terrorized Millstone Derry as his hold over surrounding territories waned. Finally, about fifteen years ago, the townsfolk of the village led a mob against the Castle. The riots are not spoken of by locals and the castle stands as a reminder of the horrors of tyranny and evil.

Since the uprising, the Castle has stood empty and shackled. Its contents sealed within it is the subject of much rumor, gossip and speculation. Some say there are still Kurnvalds living in the Castle, truly mad from generations of abuse and neglect. Some believe the Castle sits atop a network of tunnels leading into the village and into the forests beyond. Whenever a crime is committed or a villager is reported missing, stories circulate of the ghost of Kurnvald snatching souls from the streets of Millstone Derry. No one has dared explore the castle to unlock its secrets.

The Estate Grounds remain open to the public and serve as a memorial to the citizens who participated in driving out the Kurnvald family. Locals often organize sporting or musical activities here as well. Beyond the castle is the Nobleman Hunting Lodge (16), a base camp for the more well-to-do locals who like to combine their hunts with drinking, carousing and sharing tales of adventure with select guests who "fit their tastes."

East of town you'll find the open hunting grounds extending into the forests. Take heed of the posted border markers to avoid venturing into unprotected country. The East Barrier Ridge (17) is a 75-foot cliff face that marks the eastern edge of Millstone Derry.

The Eastern Keep (12) serves to protect the southern border of the village as well.

To learn How Millstone Derry is operated and organized, please continue HERE.