Harnic Caravans:
Trials Along the Salt Route

The Settlement of Trowbridge

by John Scammato
art by Chris Dornaus



Trobridge Inn (Terlin of Wesindan)
Size: 12
Quality: ***
Prices: high

House of Erlindis, freemaster woodcrafter.
Hall of the Mangai (a member's hostel).
House of Grepile, freemaster weaponcrafter.
House of Olsath, freemaster metalsmith.

Trobridge Ford

Since the bridge washed out in 717, this has been the only crossing over the Farm for Salt Route traffic. Kurson of Ondailis levies standard tolls to cross here, ostensibly to build a new bridge. Those who refuse to pay (a toll on a ford is rare) are beaten and robbed, sometimes killed.

Village of Trobridge

The villagers, mainly former tribesmen or social misfits, farm the open fields to the east and south. Many keep livestock on the commons and tend private vegetable plots. Almost all households pay some kind of tribute to Kurson of Ondailis and live in a state of informal serfdom to the resident brigands. Trobridge attracts outlaws and misfits from all over Harn. A few settle in the village, but most find employment with Kurson of Ondailis.

Upper Trobridge

This part of the village is of more recent construction. The cottages are more pleasant and the tenants more prosperous. They are all firmly under the control of Ondailis.

Ondailis Manor

The name preferred by Kurson although most would call this pretentious. The "manorhousell is situated in the northwest corner of the compound. The second largest building is a stable operated by the bonded master - Irikis of Ethael. In addition to his family of about eight, there are ten or twenty "retainers" in residence at any given time. There is an orchard to the east, planted in 716 but yet to yield a reasonable crop.

Ostler/Tollhouse

The ostler's yard is owned by Kurson, and administered by his bondsman. The building has two functions; a stable and a guardhouse for Kurson's toll collectors, who are kept well armed.

Hideworker (Jarinal of Uthlaften)
Size: 6
Quality: **
Prices: average

The tannery is the northern building. The inn's own tannery is able to meet most of the inn's day to day needs. Uthlaften does most of his business with the Chelni. For much of the year the tannery is used as a stable for his several score livestock. He lives in the house to the south and grows vegetables in his own plot to the northeast.

Old Tollhouse

One of the village's few stone buildings. The old tollhouse was built at the same time as the bridge by Lothrim and has stood ever since. At 25-feet (three stories) it is the settlement's tallest structure and is used as a watchtower by Kurson of Ondailis. There was once a beacon located on the roof. The tower is noted for its unusual interior and exterior wall reliefs which depict many different humanoid species.

The tower's original purpose remains obscure, although some villagers will tell you that this was the womb of the foulspawn. There are creatures depicted on the interior walls of the second floor that vaguely resemble the Gargun and a trapdoor on the main floor leads to dank passages below. Other than Kurson's men, most locals will not approach the tower at night. In past years, sages often visited the site to study the carvings; their presence is now discouraged by the murderous thugs employed by Kurson.

Clothier (Hirepa of Aphas)
Size: 6
Quality: **
Prices: average

Mercantyler/Glassworker (Lysa of Amael)
Size: 3
Quality: ***
Prices: high

Lysa acts as a clearing house for glasswares and other goods from the Shava Forest. Visiting Sindarin usually deal only with her. She trades silver and gold bullion, raw gems and the like for the products of Evael which she resells to passing mercantylers. Her business is very lucrative and her house is probably the most luxurious in Trobridge. It is also built like a small fortress.

The granite walls are three feet thick and there are no windows on the ground floor. The gate was crafted by a Sindarin metalsmith and is made of a solid metal alloy that is both light, yet strong. In addition to her two apprentices, she employs six full time (expert) swordsmen. She is a member of and pays dues to both the Glassworkers' and Mercantylers' guilds.

Tentmaker (Rybal of Querind)
Size: 5
Quality: ***
Prices: average

Querind does a good business with the Chelni and actually has to import extra tents to meet the demand.

Physician (Hadael of Kardy)
Size: 2
Quality: ****
Prices: average

Hadael hails from Melderyn. His skills are very good and some whisper he dabbles in magic. His abode is humble and his prices are low for a physician of his knowledge.

Woodcrafter (Nilosh of Habas)
Size: 4
Quality: ***
Prices: average

Temple of Sarajin

The clanhouse of the Maael family, from Orbaall who are "missionaries" to the Chelni. The tribesmen who adhere to Sarajin bring food (etc.) to support the institution. The Maaels are often out among their flocks preaching.

The Severed Hand (Chasar of Iabis)
Size: 6
Quality: ***
Prices: average

By agreement with Terlin of Wesindan, Chasar will accept no overnight guests unless Trobridge Inn is full. There is no ostler. The tavern is often as quiet as a graveyard except in spring and autumn. Sometimes Chasar will even close the establishment and take a holiday during off times.

Embalmer (Inain of Balis)
Size: 2
Quality: * P
rices: average

Inain's guild credentials are forged. Although incompetent, the guild has not taken action against him, largely because he pays his dues regularly and supports Terlin of Wesindan against Kurson.

Brothel (Brelene of Rikisil)
Size: 8
Quality: **
Prices: average

Brelene owns 12 female slaves (some of them Kath beauties) and, needless to say, does very well during the Chelni gather and merchant caravan layovers. Brelene will pay 200-300d for a suitable female slave, sometimes 50% more if a Kath maiden.

Apothecary (Bral of Sharain)
Size: 2
Quality: ***
Prices: high

Like many of his profession, Sharain does most of his business supplying common folk with placebos and love potions.

Miller/Millwright (Herl of Pherisa)
Size: 4
Quality: ***
Prices: average

The mill is under the protection of the Inn rather than that of Kurson. The granaries here store most of Trobridge's grain.

Harnic Caravans Trials Along the Salt Route


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