I put together a list of all the descriptions of each key location at diamond lake in a handout format so that I could give to my players with a copy of the map. This way they could know what each place generally represents. I also added some general "gather information" and "local knowledge" rolls which would enable them to learn more than the generic description. Its a rough cut and it made my life easier since all my players came from Diamond Lake they should know the basics right off without having to ask me all the time (except one player, which he did not get the handout). I just thought if others were interested I could send out a copy.
I started out originially intending it to be a DM guide for myself by including the some of the details along with the DC but then decided against that and just putting keywords next to the DC.
Any suggestions will be more than welcome. If you are interested in a copy, send me an email. scootrose"at"gmail.com
Here is a brief example:
1. Emporium
There is an entry fee to this whore house, sideshow “Gallery of Science” and gaming parlor of 3cp. Place is frequented by the community’s elite. The game room contains Dragonfire card games, Norebonne dice games and Rat games. NO conflicts at the emporium are allowed and everyone must treat each other respectively.
Background (DC10 local)
2. Lazare’s House
There is an entry fee to this cultured nightspot of 3cp. Inside is a cozy gaming parlor which emanates a quiet sense of class and is good for private conversations. The place is home of Dragonchess which is primarily a reason for gambling and a favorite among the upper class of Diamond Lake.
The owner, Lazare, is a champion dragonchess player. (DC5 local)
Lazare’s background (DC15 gather info)
Khellek (DC10) His background (DC20 gather info)
DC10 Spot
3. The Feral Dog
This run down ale house is the busiest hotspot in town. This sleazy tavern hosts a dog fight every night in a pit on the main level. No one savors the tinny ale, but the place is more about the camaraderie, bravado, and desperation than service. It is home to nightly arguments especially during dog fights. It is also a place for dagger games.
Once a month a drunk falls or is pushed into the pits (DC5 local)
4. Church of St. Cuthbert
Any healing visits will encounter a secondary acolyte, Hameneezer, who is always found within the church. Potions and healing are offered to the public at standard rates. Open to the public.
Fiery sermons of Jierian Wierus, a bombastic orator whose populist rants appeal to the best virtues and values of the common man while praying on their fears and superstitions. Hell bent on continuously obtaining new followers. (DC8 local, cleric +5)
His 150 strong followers are almost perceived as a cult. 3 sermons a week, filled to capacity (DC10 local, cleric +5)
5. Tidwoad’s
Home of the cantankerous gnome jeweler with a meticulously maintained shop. As close to a bank as is offered within Diamond Lake. Shows off a collection of gems and boasts that his establishment is completely theft proof. Supported by the presence of a large shield guardian. He charges 5% exchange tax on all gems traded for coin and will purchase non-gem valuables.
Tidwoad’s background (DC18 gather info) Tidwoad knowledge (DC25 gather info)
6. Sheriff’s Office
Led by a boisterous alcoholic, Sheriff Cubbin, right hand man, Deputy Jamis and six thugs. 12 cell jail is usually filled with drunks and maniacs. Crimes against mine manager’s agents seem to go unnoticed but crimes against managers are persecuted
Sheriff’s and police force background (DC15 gather info + local)
Allegiances (DC20 gather info)
7. General Store
Run by a middle aged human named Taggin who has a handlebar mustache, full receding blond hair. All women are treated exceptionally polite. The store is filled with general goods for all the town’s inhabitants. Tables line the walls within stacked high with rope coils, lanterns, bottles, floves and gear. Wagon wheels rest against barrels filled with nails of candles. The inventory includes mostly common adventuring gear, and Taggin will cheerfully special order anything he does not have in stock from the Free City. A process that “usually takes a week.”
Taggin’s approach (DC15 gather info)
...
WOW. great work. could i get a copy? my email is ace (at) myway.com
thanks
Great idea! Very helpful to have in one place. I was thinking that the PCs native to Diamond Lake should have a lot of automatic local knowledge, plus some "specialized" knowledge depending on the circles they ran in. This is a tidy way to handle that. Thanks!
This looks VERY useful. Great job!
Very cool! I'm translating this into German :-)