Brighthollow

Introduction

Brighthollow is a quaint village nestled in the northwest of Keraian, just a few hours' journey from the bustling city of Parithon. The village is known for its thriving animal stocks and its growing population of halflings and gnomes. Brighthollow is surrounded by vast, picturesque meadows. It is a lively place, renowned for its frequent festivals and great food that draw visitors from the surrounding rural areas. As the only significant settlement in a largely undeveloped region, Brighthollow plays a crucial role in local trade and governance, with its affairs overseen by a Mayor who ensures the village remains a beacon of civilization in the wilds.

Geography

Brighthollow lies at the edge of the Goldenglen Meadows, a region of gently rolling hills, wildflowers, and scattered streams that glisten in The Sun. A winding cobblestone road connects Brighthollow to Parithon, cutting through fields of wheat and patches of vibrant orchards. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and warm summers, making it ideal for farming and raising livestock. A small creek, Bluebell Brook, flows through the village, providing water for both people and animals while adding a serene ambiance to the landscape. Beyond the meadows, patches of dense forest provide timber, hunting grounds, and a sense of mystery to the villagers.

Goverment

Brighthollow operates under the leadership of Mayor Tobin Lightfoot. Decisions are made during village council meetings, held weekly in the Village Square. The council is composed of respected figures from the community, including representatives of the gnome workshops, local farmers, and traders. While Tobin holds the final say, he values consensus and actively seeks the advice of others.

The village's security is informally led by Lenna Woodvale and a handful of locals. They handle only minor disputes, though. For larger issues, such as major crimes, Brighthollow defers to the laws of the Keraian Empire, with Parithon serving as the regional authority.

Daily Life

Life in Brighthollow begins early, with farmers tending their animals and fields at dawn. The cheerful clinking of hammers from gnome workshops fills the air by mid-morning. The village square buzzes with activity, as merchants set up stalls to sell fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade wares. Children can often be seen playing by the creek or helping their parents with chores.

Evenings are a time of communal relaxation, with many villagers gathering at The Clover’s Rest to share stories, enjoy music, or listen to the latest news from travelers. Festivals, which are frequent, add a joyful rhythm to the seasons, and even ordinary days feel vibrant with a sense of community.

Traditions and Customs

Brighthollow's halfling heritage is celebrated through The Clover Festival, a yearly tradition where villagers gather in the square for a shared meal. Each family contributes a dish, with recipes often passed down through generations. Dishes like sweetroot stew, honeyed oatcakes, and apple cider roasted lamb are local favorites. During the festival, meadow picnics are organized, along with the famed Clover Hunt, a friendly competition in which children and adventurous souls seek out a rare four-leaf clover, believed to bring a year of good fortune.

A child discovers the four-leaf clover during the Clover Hunt

Another beloved tradition is Tinker’s Day, a gnome-inspired festival held once a year. During this event, gnome inventors showcase their latest creations in a friendly competition. The day concludes with a parade of mechanical wonders and a firework display, accompanied by music and dancing.

The villagers also practice blessing the fields, a ritual led by Cleric Pipwick Nimbles every spring. He sprinkles the first harvested water from Bluebell Brook over the crops and animals, invoking Levar’s luck to ensure a bountiful year.

People of Brighthollow

At the heart of Brighthollow’s leadership is Mayor Tobin Lightfoot, an elderly halfling whose wealth and influence stem from his ownership of the largest stock of animals in the village. Master Tobin- as the locals refere to him- is a familiar sight, often seen strolling through the village with a pipe in hand, his kindly demeanor and sharp mind making him a respected and beloved figure. His home, a large farmhouse on the outskirts, is a reflection of his practical nature- comfortable, welcoming, and filled with the warmth of a lived-in home.

Pipwick Nimbles

The village is also home to Cleric Pipwick Nimbles, a gnome with a mischievous past as a thief. After a life-altering encounter with Levar, the god of luck and trickery, Pipwick turned his life around and now runs the small Shrine of Levar. This humble yet charming shrine is located near the edge of the village, adorned with symbols of Levar, and serves as a place of solace and guidance for the villagers. Despite his transformation, Pipwick hasn’t lost his love for clever tricks, often adding a playful touch to his duties as a cleric.

Arlenna "Lenna" Woodvale

Another key figure in Brighthollow is Arlenna “Lenna” Woodvale, a tall, athletic Human woman who serves as the village’s protector. Known simply as Lenna, she is beloved by the villagers for her bravery and skill as a hunter. With her sharp green eyes and wild chestnut hair, Lenna is a formidable presence, always accompanied by her loyal wolf companion, Shadow. Her home is the wilderness, but her heart is deeply connected to the people of Brighthollow, who rely on her for their safety.

by Imagica via Midjourney

Founding Date

805 ADA

Type

Village

Population

2,500

Location under

Parithon

Owning Organization

Keraian Empire

Tobin Lightfoot

"Ah, Brighthollow! Many know it as the village of herds, but few understand the hidden treasures it holds for the truly discerning palate. I’ve traveled the world, tasted the finest dishes, yet here, in this humble village, I discovered a dish that tastes like hospitality itself.

The Herdmaster’s Feast Pie. Mamma mia, what a masterpiece! Tender meats, fragrant herbs, and a golden crust that wraps it all together. It’s not just food; it’s the spirit of Brighthollow in every bite.

And so, my friend, I share with you this treasure- the recipe for the Herdmaster’s Feast Pie, a true gem of Keraian cuisine…"

— Chef Gruzzo

Hearthmaster's Pie

• 1 pound of Herdmaster’s lamb, tender and full of the meadow’s sweetness, diced into generous morsels.
• A handful of smoked bacon, cut into crisped lardons, kissed by the flames of cedar wood.
• 3 tuberroots, golden and firm, peeled and diced.
• 2 meadow carrots, their vibrant orange a whisper of sunlit fields.
• 4 cloves of wild garlic, their aroma as sharp as a spring breeze.
• 1 flagon of honey-wine, amber as sunset, to lend its mellow sweetness to the pie.
• 1 cup of Blubell cream, richer than a duke’s purse.
• 2 farm eggs, the pride of Brighthollow’s coops.
• 1 cup of fine-ground wheat flour, sifted thrice under the light of a crescent moon for luck.
• 2 knobs of sweet meadow butter, churned with care and a song or two.
• A sprig of fresh thyme and rosemary, their scent a green hymn to nature.

Steps to Heavenly Perfection

• Awaken the Hearth: Stoke the fire until your oven glows as warmly as a halfling’s welcome.
• A Dance of Flames: In a heavy skillet, let the sweet meadow butter melt and sizzle. Add the Herdmaster’s lamb and bacon, searing them until their edges turn golden brown and a fine scent fills the air.
• The Meadow's Bounty: Toss in the tuberroots, meadow carrots, and wild garlic. Let them mingle in the pan until their colors bloom.
• The Sweet Serenade: Pour in the honey-wine. Let it bubble and sing as it reduces, infusing the mix with a sweet, heady aroma that tempts even the gods. Add the Blubell cream, stirring until the filling reaches a velvety perfection.
• The Weaver's Touch: In a separate bowl, weave the crust together: combine fine-ground wheat flour, farm eggs, a touch of salt, and butter until it forms a smooth dough. Roll it out with care.
• The Grand Assembly: Line a pie dish with the crust, filling it with the sumptuous mixture from the skillet. Cover with another layer of dough, pinching the edges into a braided design- a tradition said to bring prosperity.
• Blessings of the Hearth: Brush the pie with a glaze of egg yolk and a whisper of thyme.
• Into the Fire: Place the pie into the oven. As it bakes, let its aroma fill your home, a promise of joy yet to come. Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is a golden crown.

Key Locations in Brighthollow

The Clover's Rest is the village’s central inn and tavern, a sturdy, welcoming structure with a thatched roof and a warm, homely interior. It’s the social hub of Brighthollow, where locals and travelers alike gather to share stories, news, and laughter. The innkeeper, Meryl Softfoot, is known for her friendly smile and the excellent clover-spiced ale she serves. The tavern’s mismatched furniture and local memorabilia create an inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

For those seeking unique goods and magical items, Tinkertop’s Curiosities is the place to visit. This vibrant and chaotic shop is run by the eccentric gnome, Wizzle Tinkertop. The shop is a treasure trove of curious items, magical trinkets, and unusual inventions, attracting visitors from far and wide. Inside, every inch of space is filled with shelves and display cases overflowing with goods, while the air is thick with the scent of oil, metal, and a hint of ozone from the magical experiments that often take place in the back room.

The Village Square serves as the central gathering place of Brighthollow, a wide open space surrounded by small shops and homes. A large oak tree stands at its center, under which villagers often meet to chat or trade goods. The square comes alive during the village’s many festivals, with market stalls, music, dancing, and laughter filling the air, celebrating the strong sense of community that defines Brighthollow.