Oakhaven

History

Oakhaven was once a thriving, prosperous logging town located on the very edge of the Mana Wastes, supplying timber to Kigum. However, as the Whispering Sickness spread, it became ground zero for the plague's manifestation outside the city. It is now a bleak, quarantined military outpost. The Vanguard of Dawn has fortified the town with heavy palisades, transforming it into the front line against the infected "Walkers" who wander mindlessly out of the Wastes.

Key Features

• The Quarantine Wall: A massive wall of raw, unpeeled logs and reinforced steel plating surrounds the town. It is constantly manned by archers and spellcasters. The area immediately outside the wall is a scarred no-man's-land, cleared of all cover.
• The Cleansing Pyres: Massive bonfires burn day and night in the town square. These are used not only for warmth against the chill of the Wastes, but to burn the bodies of the Walkers to prevent the necrotic energy from seeping into the soil.
• The Healer's Tent: Operated by Healer Miriath, this large, magically warded pavilion is the only safe haven for those showing early symptoms of the sickness. It smells heavily of medicinal herbs and ozone.

Hazards

• The Shade-Rises: During the darkest hours of the night, the ambient magic of the Wastes occasionally surges, causing the shadows themselves to detach and attack the town. Players must aid the guards in repelling these ethereal assaults.
• Paranoia and Mutiny: The town guard is exhausted and terrified. Suspicions run high. Anyone acting strangely is immediately accused of being a cultist or infected. A wrong word can start a riot or lead to an immediate execution at the hands of the town militia.
• The Whisper-Wind: When the wind blows from the deep Wastes, it carries the faint, hypnotic voice of Kel'Thuz. Those caught outside without ear protection must make saving throws against being charmed and forced to walk into the wasteland.

Local Factions

• The Oakhaven Militia: Hardened, cynical locals who view the Vanguard as arrogant outsiders. They are pragmatic to a fault and prefer to shoot first and ask questions later.
• The Vanguard Detachment: A small contingent of Paladins commanded by a rigid officer. They are focused on holding the line and are completely unwilling to spare resources to search for a cure, believing containment is the only option.