When the party return to civilisation, much relief can be sought in the daily tide of the town square.
Roll 2d6. Each dice value determines a minor event happening; if doubles are scored, instead it’s a significant event.
- Driven by the Western edge.
- Driven by the Western edge.
- Driven by the Eastern edge.
- Driven by the Northern edge.
- Driven by the Southern edge.
- Something adjacent to prior or potential plot.
Building a town square
Either curate from the list beneath, or select at random according to the rules beneath:
- Roll 4d6 & assign each dice to an edge of the square
- Repetitions are allowed—the entire square could be fenced in by churches
- Increase the value of the Western edge by 2; decrease the value of the Eastern edge by 1—the minimum score value is one, the maximum eight
- Increase the value of all dice by 1 for each PC that lives in this city beyond the first
- Decrease the value of all dice by 1 for each subsequent square in the same city
One—Ocean
The square ends at a low harbour wall with a vista of the wide ocean. The horizon dances with the rumble of a low storm.
- Minor events: Divers stand on the harbour wall, auctioning pearls and rare fish they have caught.
- Significant events: The tide itself is very far out. Crabs flounder in the exposed mud.
Two—Canal
A wide canal is flanked by careful paving stones. The water is shallow but murky.
- Minor events: Children stood beside the canal are lowering lures into the water to catch crabs.
- Significant events: A noted nobleman’s boat is at anchor.
Three—Garden
Edged by carefully clipped hedges, a humble civic garden is open to the public during the day.
- Minor events: There are flower-sellers in the square.
- Significant events: At the garden gate, a pair of young lovers are trying to keep their argument from attracting attention.
Four—Cafés & inns
A miscellany of shops offering hot and alcoholic beverages. On windless days, tables fill this edge of the square.
- Minor events: The centre of the square is taken up by the mixing aromas of various hot food stalls.
- Significant events: In a corner of the square is an elaborate puppet theatre.
Five—Miscellaneous shops
Shops selling sundry goods flaunt their wares to passers-by. At least one of these stores is storied and people travel from nearby towns to peruse its stock.
- Minor events: The regular market extends its hours well into the evening.
- Significant events: The market is especially busy and boisterous. Local law enforcement is present, but there seems to be no alarm.
Six—Churches
An elaborate church-front is adorned with symbols of the absent god.
- Minor events: In a corner of the square, a street preacher addresses a small crowd.
- Significant events: In the centre of the square, there is a gathering of ageing scholars. Their debate can be easily mistaken for argument.
Seven—Monument
A sombre celebration of heroic achievement, ringed by shattered shells.
- Minor events: In a corner of the square, a dungeon-diver is telling stories of the dangers they have faced.
- Significant events: In front of the monument is a group of children. Their teacher is explaining the cultural significance of the monument.
Eight—Civic buildings
Brutal in their simplicity, these civic offices serve both function and focus for town decisions.
- Minor events: A small team of cleaners are sweeping the city square.
- Significant events: There is a swelling crowd gathering here to protest.