A Visitor's Guide to Moon Valley

Where discretion is valued and questions aren't

Getting Your Bearings

Population: 2,500 residents
Location: Valley between Grimspire Peak (west) and Copper Knob (east)
Best Known For: Waystation for backroad travelers, discrete services
Language: Common, though many mind their own business
Atmosphere: "Don't ask, don't tell" - people value privacy and discretion

Districts & Areas Worth Knowing

Main Street

The heart of town where most businesses operate along the primary road. Housing sits behind the commercial buildings. Everything a traveler needs can be found here.

East Valley - The Working Farms

Two functioning farms provide fresh goods to the town:

Old Martha's Place - Run by Martha Wentwood
Stockton's Fields - Owned by Jon Stockton

West Valley - The Old Farmlands

Seven abandoned farms from better times. The irrigation systems no longer function here, leaving the land fallow.

North - Oakridge Forest

Dark woodland that acts as a natural barrier. Local wisdom says to stay out unless you have pressing business, and never go alone.

South - Bleak Wood

WARNING: Dangerous forest. Stay on the main road when traveling through - the woods bear many threats. The section called "Little Esther" is particularly treacherous.

Beroon Park

Former forest area now serving as the town park. Pleasant during the day on the edges, though locals say it's best avoided after dark. Foul creatures are rumored to live within it, potentially originating from Oakridge.

Accommodations

The Crescent Moon Inn

Proprietor: Helga Nightbridge
Atmosphere: Welcoming to travelers, locals gather here for community news
Clientele: Working folk, travelers, those seeking honest hospitality
Services: Clean rooms, hearty meals, stables available
Note: Helga knows everyone and genuinely cares about her guests' wellbeing

Diblin's Mug

Owner: Muck Diblin
Style: Fancier establishment with higher prices and better appointments
Clientele: Those with heavier purses or who prefer more privacy
Services: Upscale rooms, fine dining, stables available
Note: More formal atmosphere, staff is discrete and professional

Hush Tavern

Owners: Rutger and Hulmun Rockmane (twin dwarves)
Location: Just north of the Crescent Moon Inn
Atmosphere: Quiet establishment where conversation is kept low
Specialty: Strong drinks, hearty dwarven fare
Clientele: Off-duty workers, those seeking privacy for their discussions

Essential Services

Moonlight Provisions

Owner: Old Klaus
Services: General goods, travel supplies, protective items
Specialties: Silver items, charms, wolfsbane, basic weapons
Note: Klaus knows the area well and can provide travel advice

The Silver Door Apothecary

Owner: Widow Marissa Chen
Services: Herbal remedies, healing supplies, custom preparations
Reputation: Skilled herbalist who treats ailments discretely
Note: No questions asked about unusual requests

The Counting House

Owner: Laughlin Sinclair
Services: Currency exchange, gem and antiquities appraisal, secure storage
Security: Well-guarded facility with professional staff
Note: Sinclair has connections to Port Kern and handles valuable transactions

Rutger Mire's Smithy

Services: Horseshoeing, carriage repair, tool making, nails and practical metalwork
Note: Not a weaponsmith, but excellent for travel-related repairs

Shelly Hammerton's Tailoring

Services: Clothing repair, custom garments, travel gear mending
Reputation: Skilled seamstress with reasonable prices

Gor & Raleigh Meeker - Trappers

Services: Leather repair, boots, belts, mountain gear
Expertise: Know the mountain paths and local wildlife
Note: Can provide guidance for those venturing into dangerous areas

Slim Rotwood - Undertaker

Services: Funeral arrangements, coffin making, final rites
Location: Near the graveyard between the church and forest
Note: Tall, somber man who handles his duties with dignity

Spiritual & Community Services

Church of Light

Leader: Light Warden Rue Brightburn
Services: Healing, spiritual guidance, community support
Staff: Two Beacon Keepers and several Candle Bearer attendants
Location: Central area of town
Note: Active in community affairs and charitable works

Notable Landmarks

Midnight Tower

Description: Tall stone tower visible from most of the town
History: Former irrigation control tower from when farming was more prosperous
Current Status: Private residence, not open to visitors
Note: Still controls much of the area's water systems

The Graveyard

Location: Between the Church of Light and Oakridge Forest
Description: Well-maintained cemetery serving the community
Access: Open during daylight hours, supervised by Slim Rotwood

Idylwyld River

Description: Clean mountain water flowing through the valley
Uses: Powers local mills and irrigation, good for fresh water
Safety: Generally safe for crossing at marked points

Getting Around

On Foot: Town is easily walkable, main street runs east-west
River Crossings: Several safe bridges span the Idylwyld
Mountain Paths: Ask locals before venturing into the peaks
Forest Travel: Strongly advised to hire local guides

Local Customs & Etiquette

Privacy is Sacred: Don't pry into others' business or ask unnecessary questions
Discretion Valued: What you see and hear should stay private
Community Support: People help each other but don't interfere
Business Hours: Most shops open at dawn, close at dusk
Fair Dealing: Honest transactions are expected and respected
Fear the Night: After dark stay inside. Creatures still wander from Oakridge and sometimes foul people travel night roads.

Useful Local Terms

"Keeping to the path" - Minding your own business
"Forest blessing" - Good luck, especially when traveling
"Valley rules" - The local way of doing things discretely

Safety & Warnings

Bleak Wood: Never leave the main road, carry torches, travel in groups
Oakridge Forest: Don't venture deep alone, strange things emerge at night
Mountain Passes: Weather can change quickly, inform someone of your route
Local Wildlife: Bears, wolves, and stranger things in the forests
After Dark: Some areas of town are best avoided once the sun sets

Emergency Information

General Help: Ask at either inn for assistance
Medical Emergency: The Silver Door Apothecary or Church of Light
Serious Threats: Alert the business owners - they coordinate community response
Lost Travelers: Check with the trappers (Gor & Raleigh) who know the terrain

Parting Advice

Moon Valley exists for those who need a place to rest, resupply, and conduct their affairs without unwanted attention. Respect the local customs of discretion, pay fair prices for services, and you'll find it a surprisingly welcoming community.

The town has survived troubled times by taking care of its own and helping travelers who show proper respect. Mind your business, help when asked, and you'll find Moon Valley a useful stop on whatever journey brought you to these backroads.

"In Moon Valley, we judge by actions, not questions."

Compiled by Local Merchants
Approved for Distribution
Current as of Recent Seasons