Prologue
Once upon a time, in a certain kingdom there was a village called Bunwych. This village was very special, not because of its great wealth, or spectacular architecture, or famous citizens, but due to its extraordinary location. It was situated in a river valley just next to an ancient group of standing stones called the Dawns Maidens. Although faerie-land (or Elfhame as it is called by its inhabitants), exists in a separate world from ours, there are connections between our world and theirs. Bunwych is one such connection.
Creatures that were rare or never seen in the rest of the Kingdom, such as elves, giants, trolls, dwarfs, or goblins, although not a frequent sight, were not uncommon in Bunwych. Talking rabbits, mysterious towers appearing and disappearing, walking trees, bottomless satchels, water running uphill, flying wheel barrels, harps which play themselves, giant turnips, singing tulips, are all considered natural phenomena in Bunwych.
The people in this community were for the most part very close and they mistrusted strangers. Visitors inquiring if they have reached Bunwych are likely to meet with a friendly Bunwychian smiling and pointing in the opposite direction. Indeed, the very trees, air, and soil seem to conspire together to protect the town. Travelers passing through the town experience strange and sometimes troubling occurrences. Although, after they leave the town limits they often forget, or rationalize the experience as something mundane.
There is a ruined castle of modest size north of the village which has long since been abandoned and is rumored to be haunted. The village has no lord, and the little government that is necessary is made up of a group of town elders. The kingdom of course has a king, but tiny Bunwych is not on any maps, and whether it be through magic or cunning the villagers have managed to keep the tax collectors away.
