• Population: ~ 5,000
• Ruler: Master of the Town, Merchant Lord Grimroot
• Demographics: Humans (76%), Dwarves (8%), Half-Orcs (4%), Halflings (3%), Elves & Half-Elves (3%), Ulfhednars (2%), Gnomes (1%) and Others (3%)

History of Autumn's Reach

The Town of Autumn's Reach exists at the edges of civilization; on the borders of the unknown. It exists in an untamed land of danger and adventure. It is land where fearsome ogres, mighty giants, endless goblin hordes and terrifying wyverns dwell. It is also a land of lost secrets, forbidden magic, treasure and fortune could be found.

Over a millennia ago, a temple dedicated to a long forgotten god stood where the very heart of the town is located. As for what happened to those who created this temple, no one knows, since any record of the temple's original occupants have long since vanished from the pages of history.

Nearly two centuries ago, a band of human refugees fleeing their homeland from a devastating war, came across the abandoned temple. The refugees, who numbered 300 souls, lost over two-thirds of their number on their journey through this land. The refugees, many of whom were injured or ill, saw the walls that the abandoned temple provided as an answer to their prayers.

Even with the protection of the walls, the refugees were not safe from the monsters that plagued this land. Many perished in the bloodshed that followed their arrival to this sacred site. However, those who survived learnt how to battle the monsters. They learnt the tactics of survival, and how to make this land their home.

The survivors named their new home Autumn's Reach, for it was in autumn that the refugees were forced to flee their homes, and it was in autumn that they learnt how to survive. The survivors had children, and taught their children how to survive in this harsh land. As the days turned into months, and the months into seasons, others fleeing from wars came upon the camp fires burning from with the ruins of the temple. As more and more refugees made their home on the grounds of the ancient temple, the town of Autumn's Reach was born.

Sixty years ago, a Dwarven Adventurer, Thragnor Grimroot, who acquired a small fortune from a life of adventuring, came upon Autumn's Reach. Grimroot was tired of adventuring, and sought a place where his fortune could grow. He saw great potential in Autumn's Reach. Grimroot struck a deal with the townsfolk, and used his wealth to build a heavily fortified wall around the town, and hired soldiers to man the wall.

The protection offered by the fortified wall attracted artisans and merchants to Autumn's Reach. The merchants and artisans, in turn, attracted caravans from distant lands, and trade flourished. Soon, Thragnor Grimroot became the Master of the Town, and gained the title of Merchant Lord of Autumn's Reach (this was a self-created title he gave to himself).

The descendants of the original refugees have continued to pass their skills and knowledge down through the generations. Today, they are known as the Skrymir, and are skilled warriors and survivalists. The Skrymir continue to play a vital role in Autumn's Reach and the lands surrounding it.

Merchant Lord Thragnor Grimroot

Merchant Lord Grimroot is not a compassionate or caring ruler, but he is wise, especially when it comes to the ways of gold. Grimroot loves gold and the luxuries that gold brings with it. Grimroot sees Autumn's Reach as a living organism; he knows in order for a living organism to thrive and prosper it needs to be nourished and maintained. Thus, for Autumn's Reach to thrive and to generate gold more for the Merchant Lord's deep pockets, Lord Grimroot knows the importance balance that must be maintained between taxation and the standards of living of the population.

Therefore the taxes he imposed on the population are reasonable. In fact, since becoming the Master of Autumn's Reach, the standards of living of the townsfolk improved and the industries within the town have flourished. For the most part, Merchant Lord Grimroot is well liked by the population. After all, Lord Grimroot is a Master Politician and is able to, with great success, create the illusion that he is a humble servant of the town, who is working for the betterment of the people.

Thragnor Grimroot, Master of the Town
Chaotic Neutral Dwarf Male Fighter/Cleric (Levels 8/8)

Ability Score Bonuses: STR (+1 to hit, +2 to damage), INT (up to 4 additional languages), WIS (+3 Magical Attack Adjustments, Bonus Clerical Spells: 3rd Level), CON (+2 hit points per level)

Clerical Deity: Waukeen, Goddess of Trade

Physical Description: Age 165 (approaching the middle years), Height: 4'-6", Weight 180 lbs. Like most dwarves, Lord Grimroot is broad in the shoulders and wide around the waist (he is wider around the waist than most dwarves though). He has dark brown hair and a long thick beard, which is well groomed and cared for (a long well kept beard is a source of pride among dwarves). Only on the rarest of occasions does Lord Grimroot wear armour; on most occasions he wears a set of fine clothes. However, he always carries his war hammer on his belt (+2 war hammer). Should the need to wear armour arise, Lord Grimroot owns a +1 suit of plate mail and a +2 shield (relics from his days as an adventurer).

History: Thragnor Grimroot started his life out with a humble beginning. He was born into a low-born Hill Dwarf family. As Grimroot was approaching adulthood, he fell in love with a Dwarf maiden, Thomila Silverhammer. Thomila was from an upper-born family in the clan, and Grimroot knew that could never be with Thomila if he remained with the clan.

Thus, when Grimroot reached his adult years, instead of taking up his father's profession, he left the clan to seek a life of adventure. Grimroot was determined to return to the clan with great wealth one day so that he could prove himself as a worthy suitor to Thomila's family.

Grimroot spent the next several years adventuring, where he honed his skills as a warrior and leader. Grimroot took part in many adventures and accumulated treasure and fortune in the process. Growing tired of adventuring, Grimroot came across the town of Autumn's Reach and saw a means of retiring from a life of adventuring while allowing the accumulation of his wealth to continue.

A few years after establishing his position as the Master of Autumn's Reach, Merchant Lord Grimroot travelled back to his Hill Dwarf Clan to meet with Thomila's family, so that he could ask for permission to wed his beloved Thomila. Grimroot was able to prove himself worthy to Thomila's family. The couple were married, and returned to Autumn's Reach.

Now, over fifty years later, Lord Grimroot and his wife have 6 healthy and hairy sons and daughters (3 sons and 3 daughters). While Grimroot still loves his wife and kids, his one great love in his life is his gold. Thomila is an understanding and caring wife, and accepts this flaw in her husband, as it is an all too common characteristic of Dwarf husbands.

Taxes

There are several forms of taxation in Autumn's Reach. The forms of taxation are:

• Business Tax. All businesses, whether the business is a simple cart in the markets or a 3 storey tavern/inn, are subjected to Business Tax. The amount of coin each business is required to pay is based on such variables as the size of the business, the type of the business and the amount of revenue the business generates.
• Guild Tax. Guild taxes are taxes imposed on guilds, and are similar to business taxes. The amount of coin required to pay by the Guild is based on the type of guild, the size of the guild and the revenue the guild generates.
• Lodging Tax. Lodging taxes are aimed at taxing the visitors to Autumn's Reach. Every inn room for rent is subjected to a lodging taxes, with ranges from 5 copper to 3 silver coins per room per night. For instance, a small room containing a single bed in a less expensive area of the town will be taxed 5 copper coins per night, while a luxurious suite in an affluent area of town will be taxed 3 silver coins per night.
• Imported Goods Tax. Caravans and merchants bringing goods into the town are subjected to taxes. The taxes typically amounts to 10% to 20% of the value of the goods. The Imported Goods Taxes are collected when the goods are brought into the town gates.
• Property Tax. All those who own property in Autumn's Reach are subjected to property taxes.

In addition to the taxes, fees are imposed on all those entering the town. It costs 2 silver coins per person. Caravans are required to pay an additional 8 silver coins per wagon.

Good and Services

The following is a listing of the goods and services a traveller may come across in Autumn's Reach:

• Common Goods. The Markets of Autumn's Reach sells a variety of goods commonly found in the markets throughout the world.
• Weapons and Armour. Autumn's Reach has a number of forges where skilled blacksmiths and armourers craft weapons and armour. A variety of styles of armour (chain mail, scale mail, plate mail) and weapons are locally produced and available for sale. Exotic weapons and armour may be available for sale from the caravans. Magical weapons and armour are a rarity, and typically cost much more than what they would in other parts of the world.
• Caravans Supplies. Caravans supplies and services are available in the Teamsters District for a fair price. However, the cost of horses and livestock used by the caravans are more expensive than from other parts of the world, typically costing two or three times as much.
• Caravans Guards. Caravan Guards are available for hire in the Mercenaries Den.
• Healing. Healing services are available at the temples and churches located in the Temple District.
• Food, Drink and Lodging. Food, drink and lodging are available in a number of the Town's districts. The costs of lodging varies considerably throughout the town.

Map of the Town

Legend:

1. The Wall. The Wall surrounding Autumn's Reach is a heavily fortified stone wall standing 23 feet tall. The walkway on top of the wall is 5 feet wide, and the parapets are 4 feet in height. There are a total of 31 Towers located along the wall. Each of the towers has a diameter of 15 feet, and on each tower is a ballista.
2. Gates. There are a total of 5 Gates, with each Gate connecting to one of the five roads leading to the town. The Gates are 18' wide and 14' tall, and comprise of a pair of double doors. Each of the doors are made out of solid wood and reinforced by iron bars.
3. The Garrison. The headquarters of both the Lord's Watch and the Town Guard.
4. Money Lenders Exchange. This is the town's centre of banking.
5. Metal Workers Quarters. The home of the Blacksmiths and Armourers Guilds. It is where armour, weapons and items of metal are forged and where travelling metal traders sell their raw materials.
6. Farmers Haven. A poorer residential distinct of the town. The buildings in their district are typically 3 storeys tall and the lots are very narrow. Each building is divided into multiple suites. A number of soldiers from the Town Guard reside here.
7. Teamsters District. The home of the Teamsters, Wheelwrights, Farriers and Wagon Makers Guilds. This is the place where caravans go to have their wagons repaired. Affordable lodging and meals are available for the caravan crews, and feed is available for their horses.
8. Artisans Quarters. The home of the Carpenters, Bowyers and Fetchers, Tailors and Leather Workers Guilds.
9. Autumn's Heart. The centre of the town, and the site of the ruins of the ancient temple. The town hall is located here. A few of the very wealthy members of town have their homes in this area.
10. Master of the Town's Estate. The home of Merchant Lord Grimroot and his family.
11. Travellers Exchange. The area of town where travelling caravans sell their goods.
12. Markets (x2). There are two markets located within the town. The markets are characterised by dozens of shopping stalls and several small stores.
13. Mercenaries Den. An area where swords for hire could be found. Travelling caravans use this area to hire caravan guards (caravans often fall victim to attacks, and fallen caravan guards need to be replaced).
14. Adventurers District. A number of taverns connected to inns occupy this distinct. The taverns and inns are of a better quality than those found in the Travellers Lodging, but sleeping arrangements are typically 3 to 4 times more expensive.
15. Merchants Quarters. A residential district characterised by single family homes with spacious lots. A number of wealthy merchant families and bankers live in this district.
16. Temple District. The centre of religion for the Town of Autumn's Reach. A number of temples and churches devoted to the various Gods and Goddesses are located here.
17. Travellers Lodging. The area of the town is made up of inns and taverns. It is a place where travellers could find affordable accommodations and meals.
18. Rat Catchers Quarry. The poorest residential area in the town. It is characterised by tall and narrow building standing side by side, with each building being the home of multiple residents. This area is also the home of the Rat Catchers Guild.
19. Foresters Nest. A middle class residential area of the town. The homes in this district tend to be tall and narrow, and the lots are small. Most of the homes in this area are single family homes.