The Villiage of Mosswall

Nestled deep within the embrace of the Great Woodlands, Mosswall is a quiet, tight-knit village surrounded by towering trees and a gentle canopy of green. The village is a 25-day journey from Redwall, far from the influence of the Guard’s stronghold, making it both a peaceful haven and a place vulnerable to the wilds. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the resilience of its inhabitants.

The Layout

• Central Clearing: At the heart of Mosswall is a wide, sun-dappled clearing where the villagers gather for markets, feasts, and storytelling. A tall oak tree stands at its center, a natural monument that has watched over the village for generations.
• Hearth and Home: The houses are modest, crafted from timber and covered in moss and ivy, blending seamlessly with the forest. Most homes have small gardens where residents grow herbs and vegetables.
• Riverside Nook: A bubbling brook winds near the village, feeding into a small pond where otters and frogs make their home. A wooden bridge crosses the brook, leading to fields and orchards tended by the villagers.
• The Elder’s Lodge: A slightly larger building near the oak tree serves as a meeting hall and home to the village elder, who acts as leader and mediator. Inside, shelves of books and trinkets tell stories of Mosswall’s history.

The People

Mosswall’s residents are a mix of mice, squirrels, hedgehogs, and other woodland creatures, each playing a role in the village’s survival. Their lives are simple but full of purpose:

• Farmers and Foragers: They grow wheat, berries, and vegetables, supplementing their diets with what they gather from the forest.
• Artisans and Crafters: Skilled hands weave baskets, repair tools, and make clothing. The village is known for its embroidered tapestries, often featuring local legends.
• Fisherfolk and Herbalists: The brook provides fish and clean water, while the surrounding woods are a source of rare herbs used for remedies.

Defenses and Challenges

With no permanent guard stationed in Mosswall, its residents rely on traps, fences, and sheer vigilance to keep predators and vermin at bay. Scouts often patrol the forest’s edge, and the villagers band together in times of trouble.

• The Distance from Redwall: Being so far from the Guard’s central authority is both a blessing and a curse. Mosswall enjoys freedom from strict oversight but is left vulnerable in times of crisis, depending entirely on its own resources and bravery.

Culture and Traditions

• Feast of the First Harvest: A seasonal celebration marked by shared meals, songs, and dances around the oak tree.
• Tales of the Scent Wall: Elders often recount the story of the mystical barrier protecting the land, inspiring hope and comfort among the young.
• Crafting Days: Periods of communal work where everyone contributes to repairs or preparations for the changing seasons.

The Mood of Mosswall

Life in Mosswall is marked by a balance of serenity and quiet struggle. While the villagers find joy in their work and community, the shadow of the untamed forest and the distant, mysterious happenings of the Guard remind them of their fragility. Despite this, the spirit of Mosswall remains unbroken, its residents embodying courage and resourcefulness in the face of an unpredictable world.

It is a place where small acts of heroism happen daily, and even the tiniest creature plays a vital role in the survival of the whole.