Masonburg Background

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The Hamlet of Masonburg is a small tight-knit community of approximately 25 families totaling 200 people. Most of the buildings are made of stone and timber, with thatched roofs, or perhaps a slate roof for the wealthier families. There is only one inn, the Inn of the Broken Stone, or just "the Stone" as the locals call it. The proprietors are Bear and Helia Grills, who make their own beer, ale, and mead. The General Store is run by the Donagel family and has most everything anybody would need.

The economy is tightly tied to the mines and quarries south of town, as Masonburg is known for its highly skilled stone and metal craftsmen in the Mason's Guild. Mayor Lachann Gladstone also owns the quarries, while his younger brother Osgar Gladstone owns the warren of mines. The Mayor is a fair man, though his younger brother has made it known he would like to be Mayor next year.

There are a few small farms on the outskirts of the hamlet, but most vegetables and grain are brought in from Riverton. There is no mill in Masonburg, so the grain is also imported from Riverton. Two competing teamster/delivery families have resulted in a blood feud between the Hillfields and McVoy clans. They actively sabotage and undercut each other's contracts, and frequently come to blows after a few drinks at the Stone. Bear (who is as big as his nickname suggests) has had to literally toss them outside on many occasions.

A shrine to Kord is found in the Mason Guildhall, and a shrine to Ehlonna is found at the base of a giant oak tree in the town square. Most townsfolk have a healthy respect for all of the gods, but living on the frontier does not leave much time for formal piety.