Macleod
Location: Outlands / Tir na Og / Great Smithy
Nestled close to the respite of Goibhniu’s Rest and the fiery heart of the Great Smithy, lies the village of Macleod, a vibrant settlement shaped by the influence of the master smith.
Macleod is a village where the art of smithing isn’t just a trade; it’s the soul of the community. The buildings are structures of sturdy stone and iron, each adorned with metalwork that reflects the skill and creativity of its inhabitants. From intricate ironwork decorating windows and doors to sculptures and reliefs depicting legendary figures and scenes of ancient battles, every element of the village showcases the craftsmanship of its people.
The main thoroughfare of Macleod is lined with workshops and forges of various sizes, the air ringing with the sound of hammers on anvils. Some of them are wielded by human hands, but some of the hammers swing themselves. These are sentient tools, not magical, but actually petitioners of Goibhniu, and they sing songs of fire and steel as they craft. Here, apprentices from across the planes come to learn the art of smithing, their fires burning with weird colours at weird hours of night and day as they forge their own creations and repair items. The glow from these forges lights the village in a warm, ever-present glow, casting dancing shadows on the cobblestone streets.
At the centre of the village is a grand plaza, where a massive anvil stands as a monument to Goibhniu, crafted from a single piece of moonsilver adorned with shimmering runes. It’s here that the villagers gather for celebrations and festivals, often marked by demonstrations of smithing skill, competitions, and the unveiling of new works. The plaza also serves as a communal meeting place, where news is shared, and decisions are made. Surrounding the plaza is a marvel unlike any other in the multiverse: The living metal trees of Macleod.
These trees are not sculptures but vibrant entities that blur the line between the natural and the crafted. Envision trees of towering height and splendid breadth, their trunks and branches forged from a variety of metals – iron, copper, silver, and even rarer, more magical alloys. These living metal trees possess a unique lustre, catching the light of the forges and the sun in a dazzling display of colours that dance across their surfaces. In the springtime of this otherworldly realm, the trees bloom with flowers crafted from precious metals and gemstones. These blossoms are not static; they open and close with the passage of the day, their petals moving as if alive. The trees also serve as a repository of knowledge and power. Engraved upon their trunks are runes and symbols that hold the secrets of metallurgy and enchantment. Apprentice smiths study these runes, learning from the trees as they would from a master.
The leaves of these trees are masterfully crafted from thinner sheets of metal, each one etched with intricate patterns that mimic the veins of real leaves. Despite being made of metal, they rustle in the wind, emitting soft, melodic tinkling sounds that resonate through the smithy, creating a symphony of metallic whispers. But perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of these trees is their ability to grow and change over time. Under Goibhniu’s guidance, they can be reshaped, their branches bent and twisted into new forms, allowing them to evolve in design and function, much like the living trees of the natural world.
Goibhniu’s influence is palpable in the daily life of the villagers. The deity’s ethos of creation and innovation permeates every aspect of village life, from the way education is approached to the communal efforts in improving and beautifying their environment. Goibhniu himself is a revered figure, often spoken of in hushed tones, and his rare visits to Macleod are occasions of celebration. There’s a shift in the air for days beforehand, a sense of anticipation and awe as the fabric of the realm seems to pause in respect. During these times, the village comes alive with celebrations that blend Celtic rituals with the wild, untamed magic of the fey.
Despite the focus on smithing, Macleod is also a village in harmony with nature. Green spaces, gardens, and small parks are interspersed among the forges and workshops, where villagers can rest and find respite from their labours. These areas are tended with the same care and attention as their metalwork, reflecting the balance that Goibhniu embodies between creation and nature.
Adventure Hooks:
- Apprentice’s Quest: A promising young apprentice in Macleod has gone missing while searching for a mythical metal hidden deep within the enchanted forests surrounding the village. The adventurers must brave the fey-infused woods, full of whimsical but dangerous creatures, to find and rescue the apprentice.
- The Stolen Fire: A rare and magical flame, essential to the village’s unique smithing techniques, has been stolen. Rumours suggest it’s been taken to the mortal realm by a rogue fey. The adventurers must track down the thief and return the flame before the village’s essential crafts begin to suffer.
- The Whispering Anvil: The central anvil in Macleod’s plaza, a conduit of mystical energies, has suddenly fallen silent. Without its guidance, the village’s forges are growing cold. The adventurers are called upon to uncover the reason behind this anomaly and restore the anvil’s ancient song.
Source: Jon Winter-Holt, mimir.net
