Minions of Waymeet
Alturiak, 1358
Hillsfar
The fall of Maalthiir unlocked a key node for trade along the southern Moonsea. The return of demi-humans, cruelly banned by Maalthiir until usurped by Mordak has heralded a surge in craftsmen from the surrounding dalelands and high forest to bring their unique skills to market.
The danger of the routes through the ancient forest, to speak nothing of the warring Zhents, Red Plumes and monsters that inhabit these fey lands calls the sword and spell of many adventurers. There is talk of a “Scourge of Waymeet, defeated by heroes now slaughtering Damaran nobles in revolutionary fervor;” but all speak of the immolation of the Coinfather and the subsequent expansion of Thayan merchants throughout as related events. The word that an orc walks among human and elven warriors is taken as some Banites to be a sign of the final fight; but mostly their sermons repeat the stories of the assault of orcs and giants out of Thar. These tales are told to both reinforce the endless power of the lord of death, and paint the monster races as savage and only useful for slavery or slaughter. Regardless of the policies on demi-humans, the Moonsea remains a dangerous place for all.
However one makes their way to Hillsfar, the docks spill out below the great ramp. Masses of humanoids, stock animals, and cargo make their way from the docks to the open staging area between the great stone ramp and the buildings lining the streets near the docks. The Red Plumes monitor all; having grown with the influx of trade it appears Mordak has nearly doubled the city’s guard force. All move with the practiced skill of veterans, likely with Zhentil Keep.
A well paid group of Waukeenite clerics from Elventree keep warm around fire near the docks; using magic to keep the harbor from freezing over and thus not damaging the vessels. The return of commerce with Elventree beyond the river is a welcome boon to both communities.
Every post has an offering of ten silver for a week’s work of caravan guard. You’ve heard of special opportunities at a special store.
As you stop for a pint and a bowl of soup at one of the kettles worked by priest of Bane, a stringy human in spike leather trimmed with fur nods.
“Cold nights still; bowl of good stew and your entry fee if you mind sharing what you see when you get in there? Arruk’s the name. Only asking for who and what you see. More coin for when.” He pats one of several medium sized pouches along his belt beneath his leather overcloak. He points to the ramp full of Red Plumes shaking down merchants and locals alike.
Arruk can always be found in the docks
Offers to pay cash for items of interest
Will front up to 25 gold for information
The winter winds of freedom blow in Hillsfar. Terrible weather for travel, and the recent stalemate with Zhentil Keep makes a night at Gondal’s arena all that much more enjoyable.
And rumors are Barla’s Rug Shop is more than just a craft good store revitalized by the return of demi-humans; it may be a front for interplanar fencing.
Word went out on the word of thieves and merchants. Barla pays well for muscle, clever minds, sharp spells, and silent mouths. 45% cut of take less magic, which always goes to the house. But her shop is so thick with enchanted items it’s said every sword awarded in a deal at Barla’s carry’s a magic blessing and the sigil of a Zhent forge.
Thus do heroes arrive, having come up the great ramp from the harbor below to find the squat square tower of Barla’s Emporium and Elvish Eldarym Querios, as gold filament painted on a deep crimson wooden shingle hangs over double doors.
The outer courtyard is full of table merchants; fresh food off the pot; healing jewels; gnomish tools for you looking glasses; outlying religious tokens, including the darker gods.
Two immaculately oiled humans stand naked in the elements astride the double entrance with nothing but a wispy toga and enormous hammers they lean upon. Something magical protects them from the blustery winter wind, and glyphs on their necks mark them as former slaves in Malthiir’s arena.
