NPCs

Lord of Besmirch and the source of most of its sorrow. Lives in the haunted mansion at the edge of town and collects tithes you can't afford. Treat with caution; treat with strategy.

The town's gaunt priest. Believes the demons are punishment for collective sin. Trades blessings for confession.

Runs the only inn in Besmirch — and, by extension, the only place to hear the truth. Trades stories for produce and remembers everyone who feeds the town.

Lost his arm to a beast in Cave 3 and his apprentice the winter after. Forges weapons for those who earn his respect.

Runs the general store. Sells lantern oil, seeds, and bandages — always at a markup. Has never been seen outside the shop.

Tends the other farm on the far side of the river — and resents you for arriving. Friendly to your face; jealous in private.

Lives alone in a cottage at the edge of town. Lost her husband and son before the curse. Remembers parsnips like prayers.

Lives in a shack on the wilderness edge. Knows the woods better than anyone, including the things that aren't supposed to be in them.

Runs the clinic out of necessity. Brews tonics from carrots, mushrooms, and worse. Friendly to those who don't ask what's in the back room.

Keeps the town's small library and an uncomfortably accurate set of records about the curse. Pays handsomely for cursed-radish samples and demon ichor.