Village of Bénin

We Remember

To hear outsiders tell it, the folks back home opened something evil when they finally looked into that old ruin. Is it true, Abel? Did they really open up that deathtrap? I know you and Ma aren't stupid enough to go anywhere near it but I worry about Evet, the mischievous little child that she is. Write back as soon as you can, I'll be home before you know it.
Your brother,
Ament
A Collection of Unopened Letters, Mesym Morley.

Bénin is a small village on the northwest coast of Braks Eshai. Mostly built around an ancient temple on a hill, the village proper sits a few miles from where the Causaval river lets out into the Montou channel. It is most known for the curse laid upon it, strange shadows skulking around the streets at night and those who go out alone in the dark are rarely seen again¹. Other than the temple itself, there are few places of interest in Bénin, mostly situated around it's market square.

Places of Interest

The Crossed Candles A small, shabby tavern, decorated with highly detailed stained glass windows. On festivals and holy days, the figures within them are said to move around².
Arngugg's Carvings The workshop of a woodcarver named Arngugg, who is widely known for her weirdly life-like wooden dolls³.
An ancient column of translucent crystal, placed in the middle of the square to honor a local priest. It has recently begun to deteriorate, with black cracks carving themselves into the crystal.

The Temple of A Thousand Faces

The temple is ancient, estimated to have been built somewhere between YE 1590 and 1320. Ivy and other plant matter cover huge swathes of pale, crumbling stone. It is situated toward the northern end of the village, a few roads away from the market square. Most of the residents avoid it when they can and few are brave enough to occupy the ruined buildings closest to it. It is unknown when the disturbances started, but a handful of adventurers have disappeared since construction was started on the outer walls.

Demographics

The population of Bénin is primarily human, with few other races calling the village home. Most are lower to middle-class, with wealthier families and individuals collected around the market square. The poorer districts, located closer to the temple, have the most diversity.

Government

The village is governed by a small council of aristocrats, led by the Lady Massougre. The laws are far harsher on the poor, and include taxes on both windows and the dye used for clothing.

Defences

The village is defended by a wooden palisade and few guards hired from the Massougre's personal guard.

Footnotes

¹Curious Cases from Around the Continent: Malicious Magic and Superstitious Spirits, Gyles Gylley
²Art and Festivity of the World, Erild Freeshield
³A Treatise of Animation Majik and the Hidden Lyfe of Wizards, Thildga Flamefeather

Type

Village

Population

About 790 people

Inhabitant Demonym

Béic, Torasque

Location under

The Continent of Braks Eshai

Owner/Ruler

Mirellye Massougre