Description:

Haunted Hills is a small area hidden within the sandy hills of Fosbir. If someone is looking for it, it is nearly impossible to find. However; when someone is down on their luck, lost within the dunes of Fosbir, cold, alone, hungry, and tired... Someone who is on their last leg will first feel the chill in the air. That slightly uncomfortable reprieve from the heat before they can see the shambling silhouettes of the town of Haunted Hills.

Relief may flood their bodies, but as they near, instead of feeling relief, it becomes more uncomfortable. There are reports of beings getting the chills as soon as they step foot into the area. Tumbleweeds roam across each street. There appears to be no one around. Yet, whoever is there, feels that there is someone or something there, watching. Each building is broken down and looks like they are barely put together. The shop opening signs are off-kilter if they are present at all. A few of them have missing letters, and many of the buildings have no signage at all. All the windows are in the same shape as the structures--broken, cracked, or not there at all.

Adventurers can find some nourishment within the buildings, but that is very scarce. Many of the homes and places are vacant. Yet, entering any of them, it feels like there is a presence there. Some shadows may appear that seem lifelike, but as soon as one turns around---they’re gone.

Only a few beings are actually within the city. A bartender, an older couple who hates any stranger that dares tread within the city, and a figure with a cowboy hat and spurred boots. However; to see these people is a rare sight. And as soon as they are seen, they seem to disappear right after someone glances the other way.

Landmarks:

• Saloon - The saloon is close to the entrance of the small city. Its porch has three rocking chairs. Many would like to think that the faint wind is the reason why the rocking chairs are moving. Inside the dilapidated building there lies a bar. Many swear that they can hear the familiar sounds that usually accompany a bar, but other than the aloof bartender, there isn't anyone else within the vicinity. Must be their imagination.
• Barbershop - Walking into the barbershop, one can immediately see a wall of mirrors that are in front of barber chairs. The funny thing is---all the mirrors are cracked. The tools are all out--but do you chance a look to see? Something tells you you shouldn't. Within the walls, there seems to be hearty laughter. Yet, as you explore, you can't place where it's coming from. At least there are a few sinks to grab some water---yet, when one turns them on, black liquid comes out. Best not to get a drink here.
• General Store - On the outside of the general store, there are cardboard signs that read "Stay out!" "Keep out" "Solicitors will be shot on site!". Unfortunately, it's the only store that is within the city. Many go in as a last resort and are immediately met with a hot end of a barrel and the croaking voice of an older gentleman. "Why are you here?! Didn't you read the signs?!" If one plays their cards right, they may be able to get a sweet reward here. The bartender warns not to anger the store owner--unless they'd like to stay in Haunted Hills.
• Creepy Caves - As one approaches one of the edges of the city, they are met with stronger winds. Many swear they can hear moaning as they approach each cavern entrance, and the foreboding feeling becomes stronger. Best not to tread here.
• Jailhouse - On one of the edges of Haunted Hills lies a jailhouse where grunting and the sound of shackles can be heard. Once again, there's no one around. Perhaps it's just the winds hitting wind chimes, but you don't see any wind chimes around. Going into the jailhouse, you aren't able to find anyone. But all the noises that you were hearing suddenly vanished. Here, you can collect any supplies that seem to be left--or forgotten. Whatever the case may be, they are dusty.

Lore:

The older woman, if they care for you, will tell you about the short history of Haunted Hills. It used to be a lively city once, and very prosperous at that. Haunted Hills used to be called something else that celebrated how lucrative the town was--but no one remembers the name any longer. The mayor founded the town when he and his team stumbled upon the caves where they found gems and precious stones of all kinds.

Yet, as the city grew and grew--so did the mayor's greed. He ordered workers to mine as many gems and stones as they could. One day, one of the workers found a satchel, encrusted with precious stones. Opening up the satchel, there was a paper and on that paper was one simple question-- "What would you wish for?" The worker, tired of the mayor's pushy and greedy tactics, wished that the city would turn to ruin.

And so it did. Many of the inhabitants died unexpected deaths. Those that did not die of rare natural causes died due to the environment. Scorpion stings, snake bites, heat stroke, poisoning. People turned on each other in their time of need, until there were just a few left. The older woman claims that whoever is left is cursed to stay there. Ask any of the other inhabitants, and they would say differently. Some don't say anything at all.