The Frogmarsh Free-For-All

[Cernig]

Newb here, but with 20+ years GM and playing behind me. So for my first forum post I thought I'd try something ambitious - invite plot hooks, NPC's, beasties and anything else you can think of for an adventure setting from my GURPS fantasy setting, Tethira.

THE FROGMARSH FREE-FOR-ALL

Every few years, one of the Four Towns along the boggy lower reaches of the great Avona River begins to feel too pressured by the nasty beasties that live in the surrounding marshes and marchlands. This year, the town of Frogmarsh has decided to host the traditional response to such incursions - a bounty hunt.

For one month after the Summer Solstice festivities end, the town will pay a bounty from its coffers, in hard silver or gold, for every monster’s head. Amounts vary from one silver dollar per orc or goblin head upwards depending upon the dangerousness of the creature slain.

As might be expected The Hunt attracts all kinds. The hunters themselves cover a wide range from bands of mercenaries to groups of bandits, small parties of experienced bounty-hunters and adventurers and even nobles on a hunting vacation with large retinues. Out of town merchants selling gear and weapons as well as buyers of rare pelts, skins and other items come from far and wide, along with entertainers, camp followers and the “usual suspects.”

For a month, the entire town - which has the “frontier” feel at the best of times - is a frenzy of activity not unlike a gold-rush settlement as local merchants (and doxies) raise prices extravagantly, local ne’er-do-wells beg or thieve, the local Watch has apoplexy while mostly looking the other way and others who know (or pretend to know) the backwaters and rocky hills make a fortune as guides. For that month, the town effectively adds half again to its population of around 15,000 - although perhaps only a bare thousand of that number are Hunters. The influx spills out into a tent city around the town’s bailey which is, if anything, even more lawless and free-for-all than the town itself.

Plot hooks are surely plentiful, not the least being if the party decide to become Hunters themselves. The frantic town and tent encampment provide ample opportunity for other adventures. NPC's from both town and incomers, as well as creatures, further developments etc are all welcomed.

Well?

Regards, C