Post by Brandwyn on Aug 17, 2020 17:20:41 GMT -5
[OOC: This thread is for everyone to read, but staff only is allowed to post here. Please do not post on this thread. If you have questions, post in the Chatter Board.]
The year is 667, several years after the White Death has ended and the Scotti were stopped from invading the Kingdom. Things have been back to normal except that there still is a low population in the northern fiefs, Norgate and Highbridge in particular. People seem to be afraid to move back to those fiefs, or they have found better opportunities further south.
In the center of the Kingdom, there seems to be a lot of criminal activity in the areas around Gorlan Castle, more so than was normal before the plague. There are also many stories about the ruins and surrounding woods being haunted by the vengeful spirits. People still shun the area and travel miles around the fief to avoid it. Very few have chosen to live there because of the rumors.
But then, those have been the rumors for nearly two generations now, and nothing has come of it. Most believe the tales are just foolish stories told to frighten children into behaving correctly.
And now, there are new rumors emerging from the mountains south of Gorlan. The mountains that run from Gorlan, south through the center of the Kingdom, nearly to the Southern Cliffs and along the edge of Solitary Plains on the west and the Uthal plains on the east. These mountains are not particularly high, but they are deceptively treacherous. Canyons and cliffs are overgrown with vines and can suddenly open beneath your feet. The vegetation is thick and makes traversing the mountains an ordeal. And then there are the animals that live in the mountains from large bears, wild boars and huge mountain cats to the terrifying Kalkara, that are so hard to kill, and other creatures yet to be discovered. There have even been sightings of Wargals in the mountains since the plague years.
There is a new threat from the mountains, though most would not see it as such. It is a threat fueled by rumors and whispers of great wealth. People are gathering at the edge of the mountains on the northwest corner of the mountain range. The river from Gorlan Castle that runs west to the sea has a branch to the east, flowing out of the mountains and that is where a new trail leads up into the wilderness and where a new town is forming. A town hastily built from the timber and stones in the area. A town booming with activity and very little law. A town of chaos and noise, shouting adults, blustering youths, braying donkeys, and the hawking of merchants. A town born of Desperation...
_______________
Late night in Araluen City…
“Come on, Jon, it’s a sure thing.” Randolph pleaded. “Zeb showed it to me and everything. I just need a claim stake. You’ll get it all back in a year with interest.”
Jon rubbed his grizzled chin, “I don’t know, Ran, it sounds like a big risk to me.” He tapped the bar table with his index finger. “First, you don’t know this guy or if he’s on the up-and-up. Second, you are not only staking your money on this, but your life as well, not to mention your wife’s. What does Mol think about all this?”
Randolph squirmed and looked down at the knife scars in the worn table. “Well, she doesn’t know yet. I wanted to surprise her and show her the map.”
“Randolph,” Jon shook his head, “You know my Sis likes to plan everything. She is not going to take kindly to this idea if you just spring it on her after you have spent all that money. Yer talking about dragging her halfway across the Kingdom, away from her family to live in a tent in the mountains and dig dirt.” Jon thumped his brother-in-law on the back of the head, “Wake up, man! What is she going to like about this idea of yours?”
Randolph flushed red, “The gold we find, that’s what!” He blurted loudly. Looking around sheepishly, he lowered his voice and leaned in, “so you going to help me or not? At least the 30 gold pieces for the map? I can figure some other way to get the gear we need.”
Jon’s shoulder’s sagged, “I see your mind’s set on this stupidity. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He reached for his belt pouch and counted out the coins. “This is a loan. If you find what you’re looking for, you pay me back. If you don’t, you owe me work in the smithy when you get back.” He handed over the coins reluctantly. “You tell Mollie, before you go buying that map, you hear?”
Randolph nodded, “sure thing, Jon. Thanks!” He rose from the table.
Jon grabbed his arm, “If Mollie agrees, you both come back here and I can loan you a wagon and some mules.”
“Thanks Jon!” Randolph pumped his hand excitedly, “You’re the best!” Then he dashed out the pub’s door. Jon stood there shaking his head, “young and dumb. Poor Mollie.”
The year is 667, several years after the White Death has ended and the Scotti were stopped from invading the Kingdom. Things have been back to normal except that there still is a low population in the northern fiefs, Norgate and Highbridge in particular. People seem to be afraid to move back to those fiefs, or they have found better opportunities further south.
In the center of the Kingdom, there seems to be a lot of criminal activity in the areas around Gorlan Castle, more so than was normal before the plague. There are also many stories about the ruins and surrounding woods being haunted by the vengeful spirits. People still shun the area and travel miles around the fief to avoid it. Very few have chosen to live there because of the rumors.
But then, those have been the rumors for nearly two generations now, and nothing has come of it. Most believe the tales are just foolish stories told to frighten children into behaving correctly.
And now, there are new rumors emerging from the mountains south of Gorlan. The mountains that run from Gorlan, south through the center of the Kingdom, nearly to the Southern Cliffs and along the edge of Solitary Plains on the west and the Uthal plains on the east. These mountains are not particularly high, but they are deceptively treacherous. Canyons and cliffs are overgrown with vines and can suddenly open beneath your feet. The vegetation is thick and makes traversing the mountains an ordeal. And then there are the animals that live in the mountains from large bears, wild boars and huge mountain cats to the terrifying Kalkara, that are so hard to kill, and other creatures yet to be discovered. There have even been sightings of Wargals in the mountains since the plague years.
There is a new threat from the mountains, though most would not see it as such. It is a threat fueled by rumors and whispers of great wealth. People are gathering at the edge of the mountains on the northwest corner of the mountain range. The river from Gorlan Castle that runs west to the sea has a branch to the east, flowing out of the mountains and that is where a new trail leads up into the wilderness and where a new town is forming. A town hastily built from the timber and stones in the area. A town booming with activity and very little law. A town of chaos and noise, shouting adults, blustering youths, braying donkeys, and the hawking of merchants. A town born of Desperation...
_______________
Late night in Araluen City…
“Come on, Jon, it’s a sure thing.” Randolph pleaded. “Zeb showed it to me and everything. I just need a claim stake. You’ll get it all back in a year with interest.”
Jon rubbed his grizzled chin, “I don’t know, Ran, it sounds like a big risk to me.” He tapped the bar table with his index finger. “First, you don’t know this guy or if he’s on the up-and-up. Second, you are not only staking your money on this, but your life as well, not to mention your wife’s. What does Mol think about all this?”
Randolph squirmed and looked down at the knife scars in the worn table. “Well, she doesn’t know yet. I wanted to surprise her and show her the map.”
“Randolph,” Jon shook his head, “You know my Sis likes to plan everything. She is not going to take kindly to this idea if you just spring it on her after you have spent all that money. Yer talking about dragging her halfway across the Kingdom, away from her family to live in a tent in the mountains and dig dirt.” Jon thumped his brother-in-law on the back of the head, “Wake up, man! What is she going to like about this idea of yours?”
Randolph flushed red, “The gold we find, that’s what!” He blurted loudly. Looking around sheepishly, he lowered his voice and leaned in, “so you going to help me or not? At least the 30 gold pieces for the map? I can figure some other way to get the gear we need.”
Jon’s shoulder’s sagged, “I see your mind’s set on this stupidity. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He reached for his belt pouch and counted out the coins. “This is a loan. If you find what you’re looking for, you pay me back. If you don’t, you owe me work in the smithy when you get back.” He handed over the coins reluctantly. “You tell Mollie, before you go buying that map, you hear?”
Randolph nodded, “sure thing, Jon. Thanks!” He rose from the table.
Jon grabbed his arm, “If Mollie agrees, you both come back here and I can loan you a wagon and some mules.”
“Thanks Jon!” Randolph pumped his hand excitedly, “You’re the best!” Then he dashed out the pub’s door. Jon stood there shaking his head, “young and dumb. Poor Mollie.”