Lonelywood¶
Straddling the rocky shores of Maer Dualdon and the alpine forest of Lonely Wood from which it took its name, Lonelywood has the dubious honor of being the northernmost settlement in all of Faerûn. The town lies in the shadow of Kelvin's Cairn, the solitary mountain peak that acts as a barrier sheltering both the town and forest against the harsh winds blowing down from the Reghed Glacier.
Although the town is sheltered from the wind, the weather is hardly temperate. Snow still covers the ground year-round, and at night the temperature drops below freezing.
Lonelywood is one of the youngest of the Ten Towns — only in recent years was it recognised by the council as the tenth town. Its isolated position makes it vulnerable to attacks from the barbarian tribes that dwell in the icy plains surrounding the Ten Towns.
Notable establishments¶
The Whistling Gallows Inn¶
The heart of Lonelywood and (it's said) the first structure ever built in the town. The inn has the most colourful history of any building in town.
Originally founded by Skeld — a giant of a man, half barbarian and half ogre — as "Skeld's Place" after a logging accident left him unable to keep pace with his fellow loggers. Skeld's enforcement methods (hanging rowdy patrons from the dead tree out front until scavengers picked them clean) gave the place its eventual name: the whistling of the wind through the dangling bodies could be heard late at night when the tavern fell silent.
After Skeld was stabbed to death in a bar brawl, the inn was bought by Murdaugh, a bard of some repute who renamed it the Whistling Gallows. It is now run by Kieran Nye, a kind enough sort prone to too many big words.
Shrine of Waukeen¶
A small house of worship dedicated to the goddess of trade, money, and wealth. Quite a change from a standard Waukeenar temple — those usually resemble castles bedecked with jewels. Established by a halfling priest, a missionary from Amn.
Ranger's Cabin¶
The simple cabin on the southeast side of town — home of the local ranger, Emmerich Hawksinger. A skilled woodworker who makes his living crafting bows from local fir trees.
The Cooper's Place¶
The mid-sized structure on the northeast part of town — both the workshop and home of Tybald Dunn, the town cooper. Surrounded by finished and unfinished barrels, wooden planks, and iron bands.
Cartwright's House¶
The two-storey home of Baldemar Thurlow — second in size only to the Whistling Gallows. Baldemar's contracts with the trading costers keep his coffers full, and his wealth has won him a seat on the council of the Ten Towns as Lonelywood's representative.
Trappers' Cabin¶
A rough shack on the northwestern edge of town that serves as the home of three crude drifter brothers. Their lack of upkeep has made the sagging structure look as if it is about to collapse at any moment, much to the irritation of the other townsfolk.
The Boathouse¶
Near the shore of the lake — home and workplace of Thom Farold and his son Ned. Several small boats litter the yard. Ned ferries fishermen onto Maer Dualdon for a few coppers.
Gravedigger's Shack¶
The smallest building in town — home of Purvis, the local gravedigger. Not much is known about him.
The Trading Post¶
Lonelywood's general store and trade hub.
Source: iwdee/original_manuals/IWDEE - Survival Guide to the North.pdf — "Lonelywood".