Not far from the mansion, perhaps a night's walk depending upon your determination and speed, sleeps a town by night. You must go through a forest, thick at first then thinning towards the center.
This forest, has many tricks that you cannot be sure to see. Robbers, and outcasts of the towns take up residence in these woods. When the forest thins, he have reached the halfway point. Press on and you will soon be met with farms. Three properties, not more then ten acres each supply the majority of the food supply for the town. The wise person would not trouble this crucial point in the town's simple economy. Kill the farmers, and the town's people starve.
As you press on past the farms you come upon many small and pathetic house-like structures. The outskirts of the town are poor, dangerous, and not worth hunting through if a meal is what you seek. These people, live in fear of the rumours. Stories of witches, goblins, and yes vampires that are supposedly dwelling in the forest. Be cautious, for they will recognize suspicious behavior as a threat. One would be surprised at the force a body of skin and bone can wield, if startled.
Moving closer to the center of town, well spaced houses of moderate adequacy can be seen. Bland, simple houses that will protect the fortunate from the elements. Some even have the fortune to own a chicken or two, the wealthy of the poor. After sun down most of these town's people are asleep, exhausted from hard work and weak, malnutritioned bodies. Spook one, and you cause a panic.
Nicer buildings, with glass windows and hinged doors, painted signs advertiseing the business. Black smith, seemstress, baker, butcher as you walk by. All windows dark, save for one place in particular. Small as these buildings were, one stood out for it's size and quality. The windows flicker with light and patrons inside. The sign over the door, reads: Town Tavern.
During the day, a small market was set up in the space that was now very much unoccupied. Wooden overhangings were merchants might sit by the sunlight hours, selling their wares for whatever they could. There seemed to be a road, though it was in bad repair and quite primitive. Trade with other towns was most likely small and mediocre. Those who ventured out at night, were often those who held the stories of the forest to no merrit. Brave, or stupid, depended on what they came across in the night.
This town, having no real police was quiet due to the lact of supplies last year. This harvest had been good, and it showed. Less graves, and more bassinets gave testimate to that fact. It was not wise to stay too long, to linger in the small, tight knit community. If the urge strikes you, perhaps take a walk through the forest and visit.
