Newsham

A small village, filled with agricultural buildings.

Newsham is a small, rural town located in the heart of the countryside. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and fertile farmland, which is owned by Lord Newsham and rented out to local farmers. As a result, agriculture is the primary industry in Newsham, with most of the town's residents working as farmers or farmhands. The town itself is modest, with a few simple stone houses clustered around a central square. There's a small chapel on one side of the square, with a wooden steeple that rises up into the sky. The chapel's yard is well-kept, with a few benches scattered around for people to sit and rest. On the other side of the square, there's a general store, which stocks everything from farming equipment to basic groceries.

## History

### **Founding**

The town of Newsham owes its existence to a kind and generous man who lived several generations ago. Lord Newsham's ancestor, whose name is lost to history, was a wealthy landowner who owned a large tract of land in the countryside near the town of Otha's Rest. At the time, Otha's Rest was a thriving trading hub, and the surrounding countryside was dotted with small farms. However, the farmers in the area struggled to produce enough crops to feed the growing population of the town. The land was rocky and infertile, and many farmers were barely scraping by.

Lord Newsham's ancestor saw an opportunity to help. He realized that the land he owned was much more fertile than the surrounding countryside, and he had the resources to invest in modern farming techniques. So, he made a bold decision: he invited all the farmers in the region to use his land to grow crops, free of charge.

At first, the farmers were skeptical. They didn't trust Lord Newsham's motives, and many suspected that there was some sort of catch. But as the first crops began to grow, it became clear that Lord Newsham was sincere in his offer. He provided the farmers with tools, seeds, and training, and he worked tirelessly to improve the quality of the soil. As a result, the farmers in the region began to prosper. They produced more crops than they ever had before, and they were able to sell their goods at a premium in the bustling markets of Otha's Rest. Lord Newsham's ancestor became a beloved figure in the community, and the town of Newsham grew up around his land.

### **Present Day**

The streets of Newsham are unpaved, and can be muddy and treacherous in wet weather. There are a few scattered street lamps, but the town is mostly dark at night. However, on market days, the town comes alive with activity. Farmers from all around the region descend upon Newsham to sell their wares and buy supplies, and the square becomes a bustling hub of commerce.

Despite its small size, Newsham has a close-knit community. Most of the residents have known each other for years, and they look out for one another. However, tensions can run high between Lord Newsham and the farmers who rent his land. Many feel that the rents are too high, and that Lord Newsham doesn't do enough to maintain the infrastructure of the town. Nonetheless, most people in Newsham are hardworking and resilient, and take pride in their town and their way of life.

## Notable Locations

* House Newsham, a grand manor that overlooks the town.
* Newsham Chapel of the Gods, once home to Emily and Drok, this chapel has been taken over for nefarious purposes.

## Notable Inhabitants

* Lord Newsham, the current owner of House Newsham
* Ethel Warrington, a housemaid currently employed at the manor.
* Father Drok, a dangerous vampire, residing in the chapel.
* Emily Parker, Drok's most recent victim.