It is a fishing hamlet that has seen better days but is a welcome sight compared to the blustery hills on either side of the River Zumker. As you approach, you notice some other adventurer-types on the road making their way – clearly some have answered the call, and clearly it is more than a one person job.
As you approach to town, the last mile or so is a patchwork of farmland: crops of wheat, barley, spelt, onions, cabbage, turnips, and just about any other staple can be seen peeking up above the furrows of dirt between mule-drawn plows or carts with farm hands working the fields. The smell of manure and earth occasionally blows from the east along with wildflowers and grass. The town itself is ringed in a palisade and you make out the south gate where two guards in chainmail stand at attention, at least while a sharp-eyed woman with black close-cropped hair (Militia Captain Asha Zumkyri) attentively observes merchant and manual laborer alike coming past the gate.
The Duke’s Respite (Taven/Inn)
The adventurers may pick whether they’d accept the common lodgings compliments of the Constable, or pay their own way for something nicer. If they do, Gerthold will start to thaw as paying customers serves basic courtesy.
“I’m Gerthold, owner of this establishment. Just a few simple rules really: be decent, pay your due, and no funny stuff. Courtesy goes both ways around here; I assume you met the Militia Captain on the way in? Well, word to the wise, she’s less tolerant than I am…”
Gerthold will entertain a question or two before attending to other business (drink orders):
- What’s To Eat…
(Prices in silver pieces unless noted)- Stews & Mains
- River Trout Stew – Fresh-caught trout simmered with barley, turnips, and onions. (4 sp)
- Barley and Smoked Pork Pottage – Slow-cooked with garlic and wild herbs. (5 sp)
- Roast Mutton Shoulder – Served with river reed stuffing and gravy. (6 sp)
- Fried Spelt Cakes – Crispy flatbread with butter and honey. (3 sp)
- Salted Fish Platter – With hard cheese and pickles. (4 sp)
- Breads & Sides
- Black Bread Loaf – Dense and filling. (1 sp)
- Oaten Biscuits – Good for trail rations. (1 sp)
- River Greens Salad – Fresh cress and vinegar dressing. (2 sp)
- Drinks
- Dark Spelt Ale (pint) – House specialty. (2 sp)
- Flinty Hills Brandy (glass) – Warming and potent. (3 sp)
- Honeyed Cider (mug) – Sweet, lightly alcoholic. (2 sp)
- Small Beer – Mild, good for long days. (1 sp)
- Boiled Water – (free)
- Lodging
- Common Room Bunk – In the loft over the stables. (5 cp)
- Private Room – Simple bed and chest. (5 sp/night)
- Private Room with Meal – Includes breakfast and dinner. (8 sp/night)
- Stews & Mains
The Magazine (Equipment & Adventurer Goods)
A long, low building of squared timbers, the Magazine serves as the local armory and supply depot.
The magazine has a few tradesmen coming and going and the quartermaster is somewhat busy but will pull himself away from his duties to attend to new faces.
Adventurers may come across a rather friendly bespectacled gnome, Termon Facett. If the party is friendly towards him, he’ll be happy to talk on about the town and it’s many merits and fine folk until the quartermaster gives him a look to find someone else to talk with.
- Magazine Equipment Inventory
- All standard prices per PHB; no magical items.
- Weapons
- Spears (20)
- Halberds (10)
- Longswords (12)
- Shortswords (8)
- Shortbows (6) with 40 arrows
- Crossbows, Light (3)
- Armor & Shields
- Padded armor (4)
- Leather armor (6)
- Chain shirts (2)
- Shields (6)
- Adventuring Gear
- Hemp rope (50 ft bundles)
- Torches (bundle of 10)
- Lanterns, hooded (3)
- Oil flasks (12)
- Rations (2 weeks worth)
- Waterskins (10)
- Simple packs (bedroll, mess kit, tinderbox, 10 torches, rations, waterskin, 50 ft rope)
- Tools & Supplies
- Hammers (5)
- Pitons (20)
- Fishing tackle (4 sets)
- Carpenter’s tools (2 sets)
- Mason’s tools (1 set)
- 1 Cart (medium) available for rent or purchase
Rust Lantern Inn & Tavern
There is another Tavern/Inn just outside the palisade to the north and if anyone is asked about it, residents will simply say the town is growing and so is it’s thirst. They may also add it sometimes is a bit rougher being on the edge of town but the Sheriff keeps ‘em in line.
Run by a cheerful but (seemingly) oblivious woman named Tala Brightmead.
Rustic tavern with cheap ale and a mule pen.
Other Trades and Shops
- Fishing and Fish Oil: Still the mainstay, with most households having kin on the river.
- Boatwright and Carpenter: Small shipyard constructing canoes, flatboats, and repairing ferries.
- Salt Trade: Caravans bring blocks of salt for preservation and barter.
- Farming: A minority of families farm along the river, growing barley and oats, modest spelt fields beyond.
Ashforge Smithy – Smith & Discreet Artisan
Operated by Bronn Tarnak, a grizzled human blacksmith. Trusted by the Rustjaw Circle and known to craft ‘special orders’ for the right people.
- Public Inventory:
- All common weapons and armor (non-magical)
- Armor will need 30-60 days to complete and will be 125-150% PHB prices for a ‘rush’ order
- Arrowheads, nails, hinges, horseshoes, and metal tools
- Custom fittings for wagons, carts, and door reinforcements
- Discreetly Available:
- Thieves’ Tools (3 sets, 25 gp)
- Grappling Hook (iron) (2)
- Metallic darts or hollow coins (for rogues/spies)
- Lock blanks & picks (used for crafting kits)
Town Hall (Gaol and Courthouse)
A sober rectangular hall of whitewashed plaster and heavy timbers, adorned with the Duke’s crimson banner emblazoned with a golden trout. The town hall is usually staffed by the Sheriff who is fairly stern and has little patience for risk. This demeanor is mostly protective over the townsfolk but he may open up a bit to those who seem well disciplined or serious-minded.
Interior:
- A podium and lectern for the Duke’s representative.
- Carved benches, polished smooth by decades of stoic townsfolk listening to proclamations.
Functions:
- Contract witnessing, dispute arbitration, the occasional sentencing to the gaol in the cellar.
Tradition:
- A brass bell rung to open and close each hearing, echoing the formality of the Duchy.
Recent Developments:
- A fresh notice pinned to the door warns of barbarian raids upriver and some concerning news from the west, raising tension among the town elders.
Docks
A series of weathered piers extending into the Zumker, busy in all seasons. Vessels include fishing boats, flat-bottom ferries, and the occasional trading skiff.
Commerce:
• Crates of smoked fish, barrels of fish oil, bundles of river reeds.
• Salt and smoked meats traded with caravans and boats.
Tradition:
At dawn, the bell is rung to bless the day’s fishing, with a brief invocation for safe return.
Recent Change: The ferryman keeps his ferry close and ropes ready, in case sudden flight from marauders is needed.
Market Hall
The largest mud-brick hall along the promenade, the Market is the village’s economic heart. And the streets to the south of the market bustle with traffic to and from it.
Merchants:
• Salt traders from the hills.
• Carpenters offering barrels and fishing tackle.
• Wives of fishermen selling dried and smoked fish, jars of lamp oil, vinegars, and spices.
Tradition:
A weekly fair draws farmers from the inland plots with sheaves of barley and sacks of oats.
Mood:
Lately more guarded, with more guards posted at the market gate and trade slowing from the north.
Fishmonger and Smokehouse
A squat, soot-streaked building permeated with the scent of brine and charred oak.
Interior:
- Baskets of fresh fish.
- Rows of casks filled with salt and vinegar.
- Large hearths kept hot for smoking.
Smokehouse Hut:
- A newer structure adjacent, where long racks of river fish cure slowly over smoldering alder wood.
Family: The fishmonger’s kin have run this operation for generations, fiercely proud of their trade.
Tradition: A small shrine in the corner dedicated to the River’s Spirit, with fresh reeds laid each morning. There is a local priest, Father Avidhakur who will bless the fisherman in the mornings on his way to chat with the Fishmonger about any local gossip or news.
Town Palisade and Gates
A tall wall of sharpened logs, reinforced by the blacksmith’s iron bands, provides basic protection and has watch platforms in the north and south gates. Recently extended to enclose the bustling riverside quarter and all docks.
• North Gate: Leads to the rocky track toward the flinty hills where salt is mined.
• South Gate: The main entry, larger and broad enough for wagons.
Tradition: Gates are closed at sundown, reopened after a short dawn ceremony invoking the Duke’s protection.
Recent Measures: Two extra guards on each gate, vigilant for rumors of raiders.
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