Rumors of Greenest & The Uldoon Trail

[LivT]

A suspected Drow was spotted along the Uldoon Trail and outside Greenest. It is said the suspect was confronted by a Druidess and her companion before leaving the area; the encounter did not result in violence, but locals have been cautioned.

[DM Spartacus]

A volunteer patrol cautiously, almost comically pushes out from Greenest each encouraging the others on slowly. Rumours of Drow sightings demanded some action. When others were busy a volunteer Militia patrol was the way. There on the trail something, but no not Drow, a Druid patrol, all was well. Soon the volunteers returned to town embracing a more relaxed mood. There was talk of planting a celebration tree or two along the way.

[LivT]

Greenest has recently welcomed forty of the refugees as new residents. Their safe arrival has been credited to the Rocky Creek Trade Co., the Radiant Heart, the Druid of Greenfields and Companion Aiden Vega, and House Darius Trading.

[VDub]

Solomon posts a notice upon the board outside the Inn in Greenest. He spends the rest of the day packing his things and loading them on the wagon due for Berdusk along Rocky Creek's trade routes. He asks around the village for those that may need the Luckbringer before he leaves. He prays with those that ask it, and shares drink with some of the villagers the night before his departure.

[BDobolina]

Although more often buried deep in his ledgers and less often socializing as he had, Jackard can be easily found within Orniff's tavern in Greenest. Quick to offer aid in matters of trade, mediation, and financial matters to any of the villagers in need, he is otherwise occupied with keeping track of inventories and personnel in the the bustling caravan business of Rocky Creek Trade Company.

Word is he still enjoys a drink over a good story, however, and those with stories to tell are a welcome break from the grind.

///Life is crazy, and play times sporadic, but PMs to meet for RP are always welcome!

[RedLancer]

Here and there, a man in black case with a crimson favor is seen in the fields and woods about Greenest. His slow march is often paused as he waits in the wintry breeze, but there's no clear catalyst for its renewal, and what's there one day is gone the next.

[VDub]

With the coming of spring, Solomon can be seen moving about the village. Offering aid to those that need it. He directs some of the employees of Rocky Creek to assist the villagers in getting their implements ready for planting once the thaw is complete.

He purchases several rods and pounds of bait to give to the children of Greenest. Instructing them on the best ways to land fish from the creek that runs through.

He gives the stable master a pouch of coin to look after Lucky, making sure he is groomed and fed while he is stabled there.

After receiving a letter from Queen Scatterheart he sits and writes a response with haste. Once finished he sends it off to her abode within the bounds of the small hamlet.

Wagons are readied to leave upon the trade routes. Berdusk and Irieabor being the focus for the time being. Routes to Elturel being halted due to the fight that rages in the North.

[LivT]

The Druid of Greenest became aware of the growing needs of the population; she guides the farmers to plains of grass already open and better for farming wheat or rye, but (rather stubbornly) resists the logging of any forest nearby. To compensate, she shows some locals how to forage medicinal plants to cultivate into medicines to trade with other hamlets.

A few of the old or incapacitated might hear an Eldathyan governs some lands near by.

[VDub]

The Queens Errand

As spring rains swept through the Greenfields, the wagon of Rocky Creek found themselves in a bind. The trail had become sloppy, causing an axle to snap. Without any other option the group made camp just off the road and sent one of the workers back to Greenest. They unhitched the fastest horse and sent him along with blessings of a safe trip and speedy return.

Over the course of the two day delay they had seen very little activity along the Uldoon Trail. Most just passed by the camp with a look in their direction. One wagon, with a family inside, stopped to share the fire for a night. They were welcomed with open arms by the folk of Rocky Creek. Sharing stories of home and offering blessing of hope and well-being. The Luckbringer, offering a sermon to the travelers and crew about toils of the road and the luck of finding friends in odd places.

Once the rider had returned with the company's last wagon hauling the fresh axle, the broken axle was repaired and the horse hitched. The two wagons of the company parted ways, one heading back to Greenest as the group pressed on to Berdusk.

After another day or so upon the Uldoon Trail they finally crested a hill to reveal the Jewel of the Vale, Berdusk. The city was a sight to behold with its bustling traffic, both upon the roads and the River Chionthar. They descended the road toward Moondown Isle crossing over the river through Riverroad Gate. The stone and mortar towers pierced the skyline like sentries to the city as they made their way to Shondaleir Street. The steep roofed stone houses crowded together like so many books on a shelf, along cobbled streets. The company carved a path to the corner where The Sign of the Silver Sword Inn resides. The place they would be staying while conducting business within Berdusk.

It was here that Jackard and Solomon split ways. The Waukeenar would head off to negotiate with the owners of Alamather's by the Water and Thunderwood Forays, while the Luckbringer would head to Amberside, the bustling market of the sprawling city. Solomon would throw his men a pouch of coin and tell them to go have fun and to meet them back at the inn once the sun set below the horizon.

* * * *

In Greenest, or even Baldur's Gate herself, the haute couture, at times gaudy, garb Jackard was known to wear could turn heads and lift brows. Not here in Berdusk. The streets were crawling with minstrels and performers. Ladies holding as still as a statue, jugglers and flautists busking for coin where they could. As the merchant stopped to enjoy them each in turn, his elegant fur cloak covering his own zalantar flute, he happily handed out coin and praise, alike. Enjoying a particular lutist's tunes he gave him a full tradebar, valued at one thousand coin-weight, with promise of another if he brought his lute to Orniff's in Greenest before Highharvestide that fall.

As he strolled farther upon the Gollahaer, and thus nearing Alamather's shop, his glee became more focused, as his attention turned inward. Alamather would be the first contact on this trip. Tasked by the Queen to find a source for greater armament and adventuring gear, rumors of the unique nature of Alamather's goods seemed worth a visit. His success today would be vital to not only strengthen their ties with the Queen, but secure commerce for her people.

Just before he reached the shop itself he ducked within an alley. Waiting for a moment alone he spoke words of self-enchantment. His skin prickled as he felt a cool breeze overcome him, and his confidence was steeled. His fingers worked deftly as he gestured as he worked through the magic he'd cast a thousand times before. Repeating the lines of a poem he'd known since his early days of performing, he exited the alley and approached the shop. Only the last two lines were trailing on his lips as arrived.

"And thus Raheel el Abid,
the Golden Pasha of the Purse;
Did win away the north-lord's jewels,
with a smile and a verse.."

As he passed the threshold into the crammed shop, his excitement quickly faltered as he noticed some of the goods on the shelves. Neatly arranged were the tools and curiosities of professional killers. Trapped goblets, needle-rings, and other tools widened the Tethyrians eyes only momentarily. He nodded once to himself, and moved deeper into the shop. It was there he found what he was looking for - trinkets and baubles with minor magics, both protective and benign. Amulets that lent knowledge, rings that offered strength, and other marvels of the realms. It was there, too, that he found the shopkeep, Alamather, and did his best to find common ground. His mission was to secure goods to be sold in Greenest, but he was clear what he was after - and what he wasn't. Laying it out clearly for the man he poured on all the charm and significant experience he held in trade. He did his best to arrange for wagons of unique and wondrous items to be traded in Greenest, in the name of the Queen.

Satisfied with his efforts, he left the store, stowing a simple scroll into his bejeweled leather hip case. Straightening his hat, running his finger along the brim of his feathered cap and down his waxed goatee he looked right and left with a smile. One down, one to go.

As he crossed over the Handspan Bridge on his way to Thunderwood Forays, he stopped a moment to peer into the Clearspring below, taking in the beauty. A short water, its head and mouth both visible to the eye, it was not unlike Rocky Creek back in his new home of Greenest. An unexpected sigh of longing escaped him then, refocusing him toward his goal.

Jackard smiled as he past the Three Brave Harpists tankard house; a bawdy chorus spilled forth as the doors opened and a pair of maidens exited, laughing and stumbling upon one another. If he had the time, he would be sure to return to that spot. He turned upon the Minstrelride, a finely paved road, cleaner than others. The stained glass windows, the door men in fine raiment, and the just-so flower beds marked these as the homes of the wealthy.

A few more coins gone to the waiting hands of children and performers, Jackard rounded the corner and caught sight of his next destination, Thunderwood Forays, a highly recommended shop for adventuring gear of all sorts. It was less than he had expected. A tall stone house like all of the others, but with its stonework crumbling, and dark green trim unassuming. The sign said he was in the right place, but he wondered.

The chaotic labyrinth of displays, stairs, balconies and catwalks above were difficult to take in, but through it he found the proprietor - one Olbrimsur Thunderwood - and made his case for the village of Greenest. He offered respect and courtesy for the man, who he had heard was once (and perhaps still) a powerful adventurer. He explained his need - crossbows, bolts, and other weapons of simple folk and militia - to be sold in Greenest at the behest of her grace, Queen Dharva. It was her hope, and the hope of Rocky Creek Trade Company, to build up commerce, and Thunderwood's goods would do nicely within the Greenfields. He tells tales of Jackard and Solomon's exploits on the Sword Coast, if he will hear them, and ensures the old ranger that Greenest is a goodly land.

It was late in the day when he finally exited the shop. A second scroll in his case, and a broad smile upon his lips, he hastened toward the Sign of the Silver Sword.

* * * *

As the Luckbringer made his way through the city he spread his wealth among the street performers and vendors. Stopping to watch displays of sleight of hand and juggling, as well as sampling the local food provided by curbside peddlers. He always enjoyed his time within this city, appreciating the diversity of the entertainment and regional cuisine. He made sure to offer blessing of Lady Luck to those partaking in games of chance, cheering for those who won and offering smiles of encouragement to those down on their luck.

As he entered Amberside he kept his eyes peeled for those of his company. They had arrived a few days before and were sure to be selling wares from the Rocky Creek tent stall. Upon spotting them he smiled upon his approach and was met with welcoming jubilation. He informed them of where he and Jackard were staying, offering them a meal if they wished to meet after the sun had set. Seeing as they were quite busy haggling with inhabitants of the market, he moved on to seek out the vendors from Asbravn.

As he spotted the red standard of the farming village to the north, he drew near to their stall and perused their goods. Grains and vegetables as well as canned meats and fresh cheeses seemed to be the main staple of what they had to offer. Talking to the man in charge, Solomon struck a conversation with him about an ongoing trade agreement with Greenest, in Queen Scatterheart’s name. As a token of trust and goodwill, the Luckbringer told the merchant to sample the goods from the Rocky Creek stall. He assured him that some deal could be struck, should the Asbravnian merchant see something he likes. Solomon spoke to him of Greenest in length, telling him of the local wares. Wagon parts and furs, grains and hand woven baskets, just to name a few. He praised the Queen, speaking of her in the highest regard. Promising the merchant that an agreement with Greenest was a solid and sure thing that would provide blessings to both communities. With a firm handshake and a warm smile, Solomon parted ways with his newly found acquaintance.

With the evening fast approaching, Solomon made his way back to The Sign of the Silver Sword to meet with Jackard and the workers of Rocky Creek. There they would tell tales of their day and accomplishments over plates of hot river crab and tankards of ale. The chef, Shundasza Broadaxe, a one eyed dwarven lass would bring plate after plate to the table for the company. She was met with praise and showered in coin for providing them with this wonderful delicacy. Jackard even seemed to sweet talk her into writing down the recipe so that he could give it to Orniff. Those of Rocky Creek drank and feasted through the night until early morn before parting ways.

* * * *

When the sun rose to begin the day Jackard and a few of his men took to the wagon, to return to Greenest. He would provide Queen Scatterheart with an accounting of their journey and hand off a letter that Solomon sent along with him. While the others would return to their stall to continue selling their wares until the wagon from Ireiabor returned to join them on the trip home. The Luckbringer would stay behind. He would tell Jackard he had other business within the city that he needed to see to. Telling him that he would return to Greenest upon completion of his tasks.

As the laden wagon left Berdusk, Solomon would wave them on with a broad smile upon his face. Proud of the company he was a part of and the friends he has in Jackard and his men. As they disappeared into the bustling city, Solomon would make is way toward Castle Hill. His business was his own and not that of his company. Something he needed to do. He knew this both in his heart and his soul. The Luckbringer blended with the crowd as he made his way on to fulfill his destiny....


///Written by VDub and BDobolina
///Approved by DM Soulcatcher

[MissClick]

 
A maiden approached the day after last, the township of Greenest, in afternoon light. Greenest, as was named; the place where rope's slithering sounded as chain and others, as witness, seemed not to see. Alone approached she, no company in sight, a cowl pulled up overhead in cover of the most discernible of features: those of fiendish appearance, rare well received. The woman, unknown, sought speak with those whom bore witness to shackle's snaking, and the events of a township linked to a devil. One man, drawn aside to falls, converses quiet with she and whence two parted, seemed they on more familiar terms.

[VDub]

After receiving a letter from a merchant friend, Solomon makes his way back to the hamlet of Greenest. He finds comfort in the fires of the inn while sharing stories of his trip with any who will listen. Upon his return he sends word to Queen Dharva letting her know he is back for a time and invites her to share a cup with him, should she find the time. The Luckbringer helps the villagers by day with tasks that need completion on their respective farms as well as offering council and blessings for those that ask.

In his free time he might be seen dipping a line in the creek that runs through the village, offering caught fish to those in need of a little extra food on their table. He might also be seen conversing with the men and women of his company about trade routes and any recent happenings upon the road. He orders a few riders to head north toward Elturel to check the safety of the route, telling them to ride fast and to try to avoid any confrontation upon the roads.

Each night he returns to the inn to partake in Orniff's cooking and a few cups of wyvern whiskey. Some nights sharing the evening with friends and employees and other nights remaining quiet and just soaking in the sense of community he feels while he is home.

[BDobolina]

Having arrived back home to the village of Greenest, Jackard Marks immediately sends word through his company men to the Queen's own people. Rocky Creek had returned, with results of their trade delegation to Berdusk on her behalf.

Quickly falling back into work, trade goods are re-inventoried, separated, and repacked for distribution along their normal routes. Their men are paid handsomely, and rewarded well for their long days on the trail. He makes rounds through the village often, meeting as many folk as he can and using his significant interpersonal skills to determine the goings-on and the needs of the people, offering immediate help where he can and gathering information where he can't. Rocky Creek will incorporate those needs into their plans.

A large load of meat is purchased from a regular hunter returned from the field, pork and bear. A load of dried fish as well. Mushrooms from the nearby wood, and a miscellany of leaves, moss, and flowers round out the newest stock purchased.

Huddled in a corner late one evening, Jackard is said to have been discussing his homeland with a few of his trusted men. The company had received an invitation to join a very specific trade mission, and Myratma may see their far-flung native son before long. A mixture of nervous contemplation and excited planning begins.

[BDobolina]

Things continue to build in the village of Greenest along the Uldoon Trail. Within the last year Rocky Creek has brought in several refugee families, over 35 new citizens swelling the populace while providing them with work and livelihood. New merchants have arrived, bringing in further mercantile success, results of a trade delegation to Berdusk. Their relationship has blossomed with the 'Queen' Scatterheart, while ever more retainers have come under the employ of Rocky Creek; hunters, procurement agents, and other temporary help as needed. With 20 employees scattered about their footprint, Rocky Creek is looking to an ever-brighter future.

Passing traders may hear word that lumber is being stockpiled from their regular routes, taking temporary losses to hold an ample supply for internal work. Word is dispatched that skilled wainwrights are sought, and those with previous experience would be paid well to sign on with Rocky Creek.

[electric mayhem]

Claret of Clarity Cellars would be seen arriving in town, with a pair of travel companions and make for Orniff's tavern. She would make it known to those that would approach, she is in town for a tenday or so, to meet with fellow merchants and strike up interest in wine sales.

[AgentOrange]

A day after the hard-won victory at Dragonspear Castle, two known Zhents who partook in the campaign enjoyed their first breath of peace for a long time by taking turns flying a kite inside the idyllic village.