Blackiron Hollow
Blackiron Hollow clings to the steep sides of a rocky depression. The west bank is a cluster of dark, blood-stained timber buildings where the Redmain family processes livestock. Across the narrow stream, the East bank rises in disciplined stone masonry around the massive Constantine Mill. The two sides are joined by a single stone bridge that serves as a border rather than a crossing point.
Blackiron Hollow
- Population
- 140
- Rule
- Mayor Silas Redmain…
- Wealth
- Struggling
- Defence
- High
Overview
Blackiron Hollow clings to the steep sides of a rocky depression. The west bank is a cluster of dark, blood-stained timber buildings where the Redmain family processes livestock. Across the narrow stream, the East bank rises in disciplined stone masonry around the massive Constantine Mill. The two sides are joined by a single stone bridge that serves as a border rather than a crossing point.
Atmosphere
The air is heavy with the scent of damp sawdust and slaughterhouse runoff. People move quickly with heads down, and the only sound louder than the rushing stream is the rhythmic thud of the mill stone. Tension is a physical weight here, amplified by the shuttered windows that face the central square.
Culture
- The Lawgiver (East Bank focus)
- The Old Oak (West Bank focus)
Human (90%), Half-Orc (5%), Dwarf (5%)
Economy
Milling, Meat Processing, Stone Cutting
High-grade Flour, Salted Beef, Rough-cut Limestone
Ironmongery, Salt, Medicinal Herbs
Geography
Ways in and out
Places to see
- The No-Man's BridgeA low, moss-covered stone span. It is the only place in town where no one sits or stands, as doing so is seen as an act of treason to one's family.
- The Blood PoolA dark eddy in the stream below the slaughterhouse where the water turns red twice a day. Locals claim to see omens in the swirls of blood.
Power
2 factionsGovernment
Laws
Trouble
- The Monster of the HollowA nocturnal predator is hunting the valley. Both sides accuse the other of summoning it using dark ancestral magic to end the feud once and for all.Involves
Silas Redmain, Elara Constantine
Factions
- Sten KrossarnaEast Bank MilitiaA disciplined group of laborers who view themselves as the civilized half of the village. All wears light mail armors and darkblue coats, and armed with hammers.GoalsTo wall off the bridge and eventually dam the stream to ruin the Redmain butcheries.Allies
The Millers Guild
RivalsThe Crimson Cleavers
- RödyxornaWest Bank MilitiaA rowdy, dangerous band of butchers and herdsmen who rely on intimidation. All wears a red long belt, and a red banded axe.GoalsTo drive the 'stone-hearts' out of the valley and claim the mill as reparations for past floods.Allies
Local Outlaws
RivalsThe Stone Grinders
Defences
- Stone Mill Wall (East)
- Timber Palisades (West)
- Heavy iron gate on the main bridge
Law and order
People and places
8 entriesButcher-MayorSilas Redmain Human Male
A massive man with thick arms stained perpetually by animal blood, wearing a leather apron even at council meetings.
Mill OwnerElara Constantine Human Female
Always dressed in impeccably clean, fine grey silks that never seem to catch the dust of the mill.
FarmhandThomas Redmain Human Male
A lean, sensitive young man with nervous eyes who constantly fidgets with a wooden carving of a bird.
Miller's AssistantMary Constantine Human Female
She carries the scent of fresh flour and always has her hair tied back in complex, tight braids.
Stable MasterGammle Hobb Half-Orc Male
An aged half-orc with a missing tusk and a limp, usually found smoking a pipe in the shadows of the livery. Heavy build.
General Store and SmithyTunga Yxan Kept by Karn Redmain
A smoky, low-ceilinged building that smells of iron and old grease. The walls are lined with tools designed for processing large carcasses.
TavernKvarnstenen Kept by Bram Constantine
A sturdy stone building on the East Bank with thick glass windows and a roaring hearth. It is remarkably clean and quiet compared to the West Bank. A beautiful well kept porch garden.
Processing PlantThe Slaughterhouse Run by Jarl Redmain
A large, weathered wooden structure overhanging the stream. It features giant winches and blood-channels that lead directly into the water.
Events
Lately
- A prize bull was found torn apart on the central bridge.Both families have doubled their night watches, leading to three violent skirmishes between the militias.
Calendar
- First of HarvestThe Day of ScalesA tense day where grain is weighed at the mill and meat is traded. Both sides watch the scales with hands on their hilts.The twist · GM only
History
Founded by two brothers who split over a land dispute, the village has lived in a state of cold war for a century. The stream serves as a literal and metaphorical divide between the wood-workers and stone-masons.
- FoundingThe SunderingThe original Redmain and Constantine pioneers broke their shared tools and split the valley down the stream line, vowing never to trade fairly again.
- Thirty years agoThe Great Sluice FloodThe Constantine Mill opened its gates during a storm, washing away three Redmain slaughterhouses. The Redmains claim it was intentional murder, though the Constantines blame the heavy rains.
- Current YearThe First HowlA week ago, a beast of shadow and bone killed a Redmain farmhand. Since then, livestock from both sides have vanished into the woods.
Secrets
1 secret · 4 rumours- Secret 1 · GM only
Rumours
Plot hooks
2- 1A Secret DeliveryThomas Redmain offers the party 50gp to deliver a locket to Mary Constantine on the East Bank without being spotted by the Stone Grinders.
Social/Infiltration · Starts with Thomas Redmain · Reward: 50 gold pieces and a Masterwork Shortsword.
- 2The Beast's LairSilas Redmain hires the players to find the monster's lair in the woods and bring back its head to prove the Constantines are behind the attacks.
Combat/Investigation · Starts with Silas Redmain · Reward: 100 gold pieces and free lodging for life.
Connections
Media
0 imagesNo images yet.
Turn Blackiron Hollow into a sheet
A high-res, share-ready sheet you can post or print.