Bovine Valley
(Map In-Progress)
Founders: Elmer and Elsie Borden
History: The town of Bovine Valley, located in northern Drillian along the Chandler Cowles River, sits on green, picturesque pastures in what could arguably be called a valley. As the name suggests, they are a town renowned for the impressive herds of cattle - dairy, meat, and one brave couple who raises their cattle for their textile production. While the majority of their town and land are devoted to raising cattle, they are very resourceful.
Those who visit and expect a simplistic town are surprised by the vibrant and varied culture to be found there. While some of the best dairy and meat can be found in Bovine Valley, they also produce extraordinary soaps, fashionable horned shoes, utterly unforgettable paint brushes, bonafide bone jewelry, and a simply wonderful spot to vacation.
Details: There is no doubt that Elmer and Elsie Borden are the founders of Bovine Valley. The doubt comes in the story of how they came to the valley. As they told their children, and their grandchildren, the idea of the town came to them in a dream. Down on their luck, they camped in the woods nearby trying to figure out their place in life. It was during the night they were visited by the spirit of a desert giant. He claimed his herd of cattle was left without a herdsman in a nearby valley and in need of someone new to raise them. When they awoke, and found they shared the same dream, Elmer and Elsie set out in determination to find the wayward cattle herd. The rest, as they would say, is history.
While many point out the lacking desert nearby, a tall, weather-worn stone pillar sits not far from the town. Some believe it to be the cursed desert giant turned to stone. Others say it is simply a landmark incorporated into what was likely an unremarkable founding story of simply finding a good place to raise cattle. Whether or not there was truly ever a desert giant, so far from the desert, and seeking help from some no name adventurers, is likely never to be known. As it is, a catapult sits not far from the pillar, its story as much of a mystery as the stone pillar.
As would be expected, Drake Estates benefits from the export of a variety of bovine-related products from dairy, to meat, to fiber, to a variety of other products derived from bone and fat. The town would argue to their importance to the Drakes, but whether or not the Drakes agree, has yet to be determined. Either way, it is a town incredibly proud of its existence.
Rumors: The most notable rumor currently going around states of a large bovine seen nearby. There is speculation the lush green fields of the area have drawn it close; however, it is unknown if it is truly a large bovine or simple one that look large in relation to its surroundings (as the rumor has been traced to a halfling passing through town, there is some doubt as to how large it might be). A handful have wondered if it might be a descendant of the desert giant's lost herd. Still, if true, it would possibly be an incredible addition to any herd, whether for milking or for breeding, and has therefore caught the interest of more than a few of the ranchers in town.
Notable Individuals:
- Beulah Borden, human female, descendant of Elmer and Elsie, and retired rancher. While she still helps out on the original Borden ranch, she does not work with the cattle. Her old age prevents her from getting around much, but she fiercely defends her property and herd from any threats.
- Beauregard Borden, human female, daughter of Beulah Borden, and current rancher. She runs the ranch with a near-iron fist. Their cattle are the most prized, and much like the rest of her family, she is very protective of them, almost more than she is of her own family.
- Larabee and Lobelia Borden, human females, twin daughters of Beauregard Borden. While still a bit young, they're learning the ways of the ranch they will one day take over. They're very fond of one of the cows which they've named Buttercup, and who acts more like a dog than a cow. Sometimes the girls can be found leading her around town as if she really is a dog.
- Clara Bachmeier, human female, descendant of one of the first ranchers to the the valley. The Bachmeier family has a friendly rivalry with the Borden family as the two families produce the best cattle within the valley. In truth, Clara and Beauregard can often be found together hanging out at the tavern after a long day of work. It is there Beauregard frequently attempts to find Clara a new husband who could better survive a stampede.
- Gail Bachmeier, human male, son of Clara, ranch hand. After his father passed away a few years ago, Gail was thrusted into a central role of helping to run the ranch and care for their herd. While some days the responsibilities seems to overwhelm him, most days he claims he is happy to make his mother, as well as his father's spirit, proud.
- Jerome Monroe, human male, rancher, and relative newcomer to the valley. Although his herd is still rather small in comparison, Jerome has made it quite clear that his eventual goal is to have the best and biggest herd in the valley. No one is quite sure what his beef is with the Bordens, but there is clearly contention between the two families.
- Arthur Poulin, human male, farmer. His father first came to the valley believing it to be a good place to raise chickens. They were nearly laughed out of town until Arthur decided to put their land to better use raising crops. Some of these crops are now used to supplement the diet of various cattle herds, while the rest goes back to the town. A small flock of chickens is still allowed to roam their land, but they have no plans to replace them once they are gone.
- Elliott Kruse, human male, dairy farmer. Although there are a handful of other dairy farms in the region, Elliott has made his stand out from the rest by the freshly churned creams, butters, and other products he sells straight from his farm, quite a few of which cannot be found elsewhere. It is arguably incomparable to those sold by other merchants due to its fresh nature.
- Hope Kruse, human female, daughter of Elliott, dairymaid. Unbeknownst to most of the town, Hope is the reason for the many innovative and delicious products her father sells at the farm. She regularly experiments with the milk to create things never seen before, but secret even to him is the untrained magic she incorporates into her experiments. The only one aware of her skills is Gail Bachmeier, who regularly encourages her as any secret lover would do.
- Terich Greenflower, halfling male, husband of Wiola, rancher. No one is quite certain how they do it, but the Greenflowers have managed to raise cattle specifically for their fiber. The cattle are quite unlike any other seen in the valley, with long, glorious hair in the winter, and bald as can be in the summer. The hairs are highly sought after for all manner of textile products.
- Wiola Greenflower, halfling female, wife of Terich, rancher. They are a true team, raising and shearing large cattle as if they were a flock of sheep. While the town initially thought the halfling couple mad in their quest of raising cattle for textile production, the respect they have gained in achieving what was once thought impossible is undeniable.
- Lady Matilda, human female, midwife. Not a noble, but someone who was simply named Lady, Lady Matilda (who does use her full name) is considered a miracle worker. For reasons unknown, for some time the town, humans and animals alike, seemed cursed with infertility, or worse. It was the arrival of Lady Matilda, who brought with her a wondrous set of skills and potions, that seemed to break the curse. She is a kindly, eldery woman, sharing her knowledge with those who seek it as her only goal is to help mothers of all kinds deliver healthy babies, but those who try to take advantage of her should beware.
- Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie, human male, worker. A wanderer who travels from town to town searching for work, Badger-Bluff has remained in Bovine Valley for many years now. No one is certain of his true name, or if he just had simple-minded parents, but there are few in town who care anymore. Rumor has it he's a good farm worker, but even better in bed.
True Founding Story: 20180302c
[Master] no cannons, catapults
[Carissa] With cows.
[Master] Branwyn hit a couple of cows with hers
[Carissa] Make it extraorin-dairy.
[Lisa] cows won't fit up the stairs in her tower
[Kel (MarioCS)] does that make them ground beef then?
[Master] down range cattle
[Carissa] And suddenly I want a cow-themed town
[Carissa] With a catapult.
[Carissa] And for Branwyn to visit. Should be fun, right?
[Kel (MarioCS)] Elmer and Elsie, the founding family
[Lisa] Deep in the heart of Bovine Valley
[Master] you can shoe horn it in
[Carissa] You have to hoof it to get there.
[Master] don't go sour on the idea now
[Lisa] this is udderly ridiculous
[Master] and you cannot keep buttering me up
[Master] or you will get creamed
[TMO] Mooving on
[Kel (MarioCS)] if you live in the pasture not going to get ahead
[Carissa] I'll try not to butcher it.
[Kel (MarioCS)] think about it while on vaca-tion
