Corwin, Indiana does not hold a prominent place on the map. This sleepy, midwestern town boasts one stoplight and a population of approximately 600 people. Established in 1832, the humble town of Corwin embodies the spirit of “Small-town America” and is a tight-knit community where everyone knows one another. Most local families have been rooted in the town for generations, and news spreads fast through the streets and shopfronts. Outsiders are easy to spot, but welcomed by the community. Some may even notice that townspeople seem to want to convince them into settling down within the city limits.
[map coming soon!]
MUNICIPAL
THE CHURCH
Established in the 19th century, the area church is a longstanding beacon of morality for the town’s populace. Most people head here on Sunday morning for their weekly service, and many attend other community activities periodically. The congregation here is welcoming, happy to extend a hand to any newcomer curious to see what the hubbub is about. Everyone who is anyone in this town won’t be caught missing a Sunday - shops open late on the Sabbath.
Attached to the church is a graveyard, where many locals can trace their family line for generations. It is carefully curated by the priest, kept orderly and beautiful out of respect for those who are buried there. Some tombstones are so old that the words have faded to the wear of time, though there are several recent additions to the cemetery as well.
TOWN SQUARE
In the center of the block that makes up Corwin is a picturesque fountain, currently decorated tastefully with holiday lights. Always running, the sound of water can be heard echoing from any corner of the town’s square. The fountain is locally renowned as a place to cast wishes in the form of coins. The largest basin of water contains years worth of coins cast with a desire in mind, though some of them aren’t from around here.
The square itself is host to the only stoplight in the area, along with a few carefully curated grass medians. Although the trees here have lost their leaves, they are no less beautiful - strings of lights adorn their branches, ushering in the holiday season.
POLICE STATION
The local police force isn’t large - all facets of the local law enforcement fit into an old brick building. With its recently updated sign, black and with fancy gold letters, it’s difficult to miss.
Most police officers work in a communal area at their own desks, not separated by cubicles or any other barriers. Only the Sheriff has his own office, though he rarely emerges from it. Down one wing are the holding cells, designed to house deviants for only a night or two. From there, most either get out on bail or are transferred to the nearest city precinct. The secretary’s desk out front is supposedly staffed 24/7, however, there are frequent periods of absence.
SCHOOLS
Corwin Oaks Elementary School runs from kindergarten to sixth grade, often with only one class per grade level. Farm Hills High School hosts the rest of Corwin’s school aged children, from seventh grade through twelfth. Once again, there is only one class per grade level, and teachers are expected to teach across disciplines. After school activities have been suspended for the holidays, and loitering on school grounds after 5pm is considered trespassing. If you’re caught, you’ll get a firm slap on the wrist and be escorted home.
BED AND BREAKFAST
Tourist characters will all be staying at the Scheherazade Bed and Breakfast. Run by a friendly elderly couple, this inn is a cozy place for anyone to rest and enjoy a quiet getaway from the city. The rooms are not large - bed, cabinet, window, and small bathroom the only furnishings. This hotel thrives on its reputation as an ‘old town experience’ - which means the keys are actual metal keys. In contrast to the small rooms, the lobby area is very spacious. With a fire burning all day and night, anyone can relax by themselves, or with company.
Every morning, breakfast will be prepared family style to be enjoyed by everyone together. Meal time is from 7:30am - 8:30 am. Late comers will be given a plate of any leftovers, and a smile of disappointment by the proprietress.
PARK
Corwin’s park is mostly comprised of meadow, surrounded by a thin forest on three sides. There’s one small trail through these woods, and a pavilion in the center for all your picnic and get-together needs. This season, the park doesn’t see much use - it closes at dusk, so there isn’t much time to be spent enjoying the beauty of fallen leaves.
PRIVATE
If your character has taken on the role of a shop owner, you may have creative freedom with the appearance and name of their shop, along with its specific products, hours, and any NPCs that work there, or appear as regular customers. In other words, unless it’s mentioned below, you may do as you wish with your business.
GENERAL STORE
Your local grocery store. Anything from pre-made meals to the ingredients to cook your own can be purchased here. You can also find cigarettes, medicine, and basic household supplies in its aisles.
BAR
The only bar in town, this venue is usually the most popular place for adults to spend time after dark. With an old Sinbad™ pinball machine, a pool table, and a dart board. The equipment is right where the last folks left it, so feel free to pick it up and play. Drinks here aren’t too expensive, and the barkeep is willing to make a tab for anyone.
DINER
With a tacky neon sign, this diner doesn’t quite fit in with the aesthetic of the rest of Corwin. However, it is the best place to get those special pancakes, or a cup of mid-day coffee. Hardly ever packed, this restaurant has a wide menu, and employs a great portion of the town’s teens as servers and cooking staff. It’s open from 6am - 10pm, the longest hours of operation in town.
FLORIST
A small shop, currently overwhelmingly stocked with poinsettias and Christmas wreaths. Every other business in town turns to the florist for their botanical needs, a mutually beneficial relationship the shop strives to maintain.
GUN STORE
Small town U.S.A. wouldn’t be complete without a gun shop. Anyone 18 or older can purchase a weapon, no waiting period imposed. From rifles to handguns, this store is stocked with anything necessary to hunt or defend yourself.
ANTIQUE STORE
With baubles and curiosities from across the country, this store features a cluttered selection and hidden gems. The price range varies, and most things are open to negotiation.
HOUSING
All locals live on one of two streets, in rows of houses that don’t vary much by style. If your character owns a shop, you may also live in an apartment above your store. Local accommodations are all around 100 years old; their floorboards creek, their heating groans, and their windows are warped. Still, most of them have a welcoming atmosphere.
THE OUTSKIRTS
Corwin is surrounded on all sides by farmland. All of the fields have recently been harvested, and are now home to nothing more than husks of the life that once grew there. Recently, the final torrential storm of the season has left much of this land submerged, including the roads leading in and out of the town.
Characters who venture out of town to see these flooded roads will meet an invisible barrier should they attempt to travel any farther than the natural obstacle caused by the water.
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uploadedmods) wrote2018-11-17 06:52 pm
QUESTIONS