Piedra Oscura

Piedra Oscura is a small town in Andavarre named for the large, black spire that towers over its eastern edge. It was built along a river that separates the residential district from the town square, which in turn provides water and fish for the villagers. The town is mostly populated with orcs, humans, and half-orcs, though there are a few people from other races among the townsfolk. In addition, many different people pass through as the village is Piedra Oscura’s main export is fish, which come from the freshwater river. Though Piedra Oscura is a few miles off the coast, the light of the spire is bright enough that it can be seen out at sea.

The Piedra Oscura Spire was previously a place of worship before it was claimed by the High Witch, Osnat. In the night, the spire disappears against the black sky, the large crystal on top shining an unnerving red light that is visible for miles around, a beacon for all those who need it.

## Notable Buildings

**Bakery**
One of the newer buildings in town, made up of stone bricks and has an odd contrast compared to the Salt and Pepper Inn next door. It looks cheerful but small. Upon entering you are immediately greeted by a tall, beer bellied human man, with a thick red beard—kind of fatherly looking. When it comes to pastries there are barely any, almost the entire stock is bread.

**Cobblepot’s**
A lopsided building that looks like it was slowly put together over several years, constructed mostly with wood in a somewhat gothic style, though other parts of it are almost art deco. It’s about two stories in some spots, though each room appears to be painted in a distinct color on the outside of the building. On the inside it is—eccentric, to say the least. Hundreds of strange bobbles and lights are floating around and hanging from various pieces of strange furniture. Most of the skeins of fabric and materials are organized in a chaotic manner and shoved in any place they can fit. It hurts the eyes to just be in a place like this.

**Doctor**
A very meager building, made of cobblestone that is somewhat isolated from the rest of the village at a similar distance to the spire. Though it’s ramshackle, it seems very sterile, even on the outside, with its own closed top well, separate from the river or the town well.

**Salt and Pepper Inn**
From the outside it looks dirty, dull and cheerless. Hard, wooden planks and stone pillars make up most of the building's outer structure. It's difficult to see through the closed windows, but the uncomfortable atmosphere from within can be felt outside. As you enter the tavern through the old, chestnut oak door, you're welcomed by a certain coldness and watching eyes. The bartender, a rather round halfling with a few scars and a notable limp is silently cleaning the bar from behind it. He makes no effort to acknowledge your presence.

## Notable People

**Dr. Alexander Rankin**
A human man in his mid-30’s prior to his death on the 3rd of Melorus, 1501. He studied alchemy, medicine, science, and more specifically necromancy outside of town in a workshop. He framed Dr. Theodoric Floralis for his own medical malpractice and unethical scientific ventures.

**Corym Olokalyn**
Wood elf who is about 350 or so, he wears many garish colors and clashing patterns, specifically striped pants and a polka dot hat. He wears at least one ring on each finger and is very thinly framed, which is hard to tell because he wears at least three sets of clothes at one time. He’s the cobbler and tailor, his shop is simply called Cobblepot’s, in town.

**Osnat**
A powerful and eccentric blind witch who hoards magical books and items in hope of finding a way to stop Helios, the sun, from dying. Once the master of the young Amos de Andavarre.

**Peat Moss**
Osnat’s summon, a stone statue that is about the size and shape of a twelve-year-old boy. They are covered in green moss and are featureless otherwise. They have large stony eyes that will open when they are animated and the only time they speak is when instructed. When not animated, Peat Moss can be found inside or in front of the spire, either peacefully sitting on his knees or holding an arm out for birds to perch on.

**Ron Baker**
A large human man with a red beard and beer belly. He looks like a dad. Runs the bakery.

**Took Belisle**
Previously part of the Asturian military, Took has had extensive training and is quite the ferocious warrior—when he doesn’t have back pain. Took is getting along in his years, a rather round hobbit with a peg leg, he runs the Salt and Pepper inn, which is the only inn and tavern in town. He also maintains the stables next door.

**Willa Rivera**
A young, 22-year-old half orc who is training to be a physician. Her human father was previously the doctor in town but passed away about five years ago. She can make health potions and has enough training to be a nurse but is still pouring over her father’s medical journals. Dr. Rankin has been teaching her some medicine since her father died and she’s developed a small crush on Amos.