Day 1
A steamy haze hangs over the entirety of the Dessarin Valley, like gossamer wisps from a translucent shawl. The air is unusually humid for mid-autumn, and the heat more reminiscent of midsummer.
No wind stirs the leafy branches of the High Forest in the east, as elves roam beneath the strong boughs of the trees and wonder at the weather. A heavy pall also hangs over the Dessarin Hills in the north, as barbarians wipe sweat from their brows, stooping over preparations to cook the day’s hunt. Perhaps there are those who wonder at the heat in dark Kryptgarden forest in the west, though none can say if anyone still roams the paths of that lonely wood.
Travelers pass each other on the Long Road, each pausing to rest for a time when the need and opportunity arises - the shade beneath a solitary tree, a tall rock, or a stopped wagon is duly appreciated.
Red Larch is a town on the Long Road, a few days’ travel north of Waterdeep and a few days’ travel south of Triboar. It’s a way stop for caravans coming to or from the cities of the North, with an inn named the Swinging Sword, a tavern called the Helm at Highsun, and many craftspeople who cater to travelers.
The streets of the town are not stocked with people, but neither are they empty. Travelers and townsfolk alike browse the goods and services available, seeking any respite from the relentless heat. A ring of wagons on the outskirts of town encircles a small horde of shoppers, haggling over all manner of in-season produce from outlying farms.
On the main road, the Swinging Sword is also abuzz with activity. A faint breeze kicks up in the dining room on occasion, as servers and helpers rush in and out of doors preparing the evening’s meal from a makeshift kitchen in the yard. The proceedings are overseen by a sturdy woman of perhaps forty-odd years, wearing a stained apron. Despite her firm directions to her charges, she bears a pleasant smile to patrons. She pauses to glance around and take in the occupants of the dining room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:42, Thu 13 Oct 2016.