95 rooms · levels 15–27
A low timber shop smelling of brine and river weed. Nets hang drying from the rafters, and fishing rods of ash stand in a rack by the door. Baskets of the day's catch line a long scrubbed counter, where the fishmonger weighs fish for anyone who brings them in.
At this point in the road several resting places make themselves available to the weary traveler. The overhanging trees that cluster in on the west and north shed a bit of shade from the afternoon sun and the light green turf looks like a most comfortable spot to sit. The North Ride runs through this area leading east, toward the center of the Village of Daleville, and south out into the open country. A small pool lies to the north.
A hard packed dirt trail winds its way east and west. Small trees are huddled together in clumps along the sides providing small pools of shade to rest in. The occasional tired looking traveler wanders by.
This little shop is filled with all things magical. Strange and exotic items line shelves on the back wall. The most noticeable item is a large skull of what appears to be a purple dragon. Myron must have a sense of humor because he uses the skull as a knife holder. A little sign sits on the countertop.
A deep green patch of grass gives way to a small pool situated in the center of this small clearing. A narrow, but well traveled path, leads to the pool's edge. Gentle ripples waver across the water as a few small silverish fish search for lunch.
The trail goes straight here, heading off towards the east and west where it seems to disappear into the distance. A large grove of trees off to the side contains the remains of a campfire.
The trees are sparsely scattered here and the wind is picking up creating small whirlwinds that skim across the trail. The trail twists and turns its way east and west.
This desolate intersection is marked only by an illegible, faded signpost. A brackish puddle of brown liquid has filled in the huge pothole in the center of the trail. A foul odor emanates from it and several small rodents lie lifeless next to it. A small grate covers a runoff for the puddle. The North Ride continues west toward the Common and to the east it meets a small wooden bridge that spans the River Ashaba and then continues on through Daleville. A smaller and less frequented trail winds off to the north through the thickening woods in that direction.
This small dirt trail runs north and south. To the south it intersects the North Ride and northward it winds into the thickening woods.
The trail through the trees branches here. The main trail leads southward toward the North Ride. A wide path branches off to the west and a clearing in the trees lies to the north.
The path widens here almost into what appears to be a spot large enough for a dragon to land. Quite strange in these parts, what with all the trees and grass. To the west you spot a towering and to the east is a path.
Jutting out from the green growth of the dale, a large gray tower reaches toward the sky. The wide path leads directly up to the tower door, which appears to be made of a silverish metal banded with a darker steel. As you look up, the tower does not appear to have a single window. It must be dark in there.
A thick copse of trees lies off to the north and a small path winds its way through them, stopping at a small building. A small boulder with a picture of a needle and thread carved into it has been placed at the start of the trail. The main trail heads east and to the west it crosses the River Ashaba before continuing on.
A small bell chimes merrily as the door opens. Brightly colored swaths of cloth have been tacked up on display all over the walls, covering the rough wood. Sunlight shines in through the doorway, lighting flecks of dust floating in the still air, and the smell of freshly cleaned and pressed cloth gives the place a peaceful, comforting feel. A table in the far corner holds a wide assortment of tools: scissors, knives, measuring tape and others only a weaver could name. A large shelf hangs behind the counter. An open doorway to the west leads into the work room, and the North Ride is back to the south.
The smell of damp wool hangs so heavily in this small room that it is hard to breathe. Wet piles of gray wool lie in heaps, waiting to be turned into cloth. A giant, well-used loom sits in the far corner beside an assortment of small tools much like the ones out front, and sheets of coarse white cloth fill a basket, ready to be dyed. On the floor lies a makeshift mattress of wool and cloth scraps sewn together: this must be where Sarinda spends her nights. The shop is back to the east.
Here the North Ride meets a large path that leads south. An oak tree grows off to one side, throwing a broad shadow across the trail, and a little brown squirrel scurries out from behind a bush and up its trunk, chittering angrily. A short way north lies a small square, where people can be seen trying on some donated training equipment. The Ride continues east and west.
The cool shade on the trail is inviting. You are startled by some young birds that were nesting in the bushes, they flutter out of the bushes and make a raucous noise. Those blackberries sure do look good! Have a few!
The trail seems to bend north to east here, and it looks a bit more narrow. You want to brush back the leaves from the ash trees, but those squirrels seem to dare you. There are some pieces of rusted iron and moldy leather here.
The road seems to end abruptly at a thick, impenetrable hedge. All manner of forest creatures move about in it and scamper across the trail, and from somewhere beyond comes the lowing of cattle. To the east, a scorched gap has been blasted through the hedge into a ruined clearing; the run bends back west, and a path leads south to the edge of the Dwarven Sink.
The trail runs east-west here, with buildings lying south and north of you. The signs hanging over the door of each tell you that Hoareb's Curatives is the southern one, and Latha's Boarding House is the one to your north. The smell of food wafts from the boarding house, countered by the strong smell of herbs from the healer's shop.
To the north of here stands a large stone building. No sign is needed here for the smell of freshly baked bread emanates from within making your mouth water. Small children cluster around the front of the shop hoping for a free pastry or other tasty treat. The trail itself continues east and west.
A small shop to the south catches your eye. There is a large glass window in the front, displaying an assortment of hand crafted wooden animals and games. You notice a young girl with her face pressed against the glass, staring longingly at a little wooden horse. She sighs, shakes her head, then runs off to the west. The trail continues to the east and west.
Loud clacking sounds come from a building north of here where two robed men are sparring with staves. A sign above them reads, Sticks and Staves. As you watch, one of the men sees an opening and delivers a sound blow to the other man's head. The trail continues east and west.
The smell of burning leaves and wood is strong here. Over to the north is a small stone shop where a thick column of smoke emanates. The outside of the shop is covered with brightly colored glazed ceramic tiles. The trail continues east and west.
Laughter and shouting emanates from a large tavern to the north of here. Smells of cooked meat, pheasant, and baked bread tickle your senses. A patron will occasionally stagger out the front door with a large tankard of ale, down it in a few gulps and head back for more. A large sign above the door depicting a grinning skull reads: Tavern of the Old Skull. The trail continues east and west.
This stretch of the North Ride is the busiest in Daleville. Just to the south stands the old Message Post, and to the west, the Old Skull Inn, where the noise of the tavern spills into the street. Weregund Trading can be found a little to the east and south. A short way west is Sticks and Staves by Flick Stick, where any wand or staff can be bought or sold, and farther west still lies Bronn Selgard's smithy.
This is a small courtyard between two buildings. From the east you hear the sound of metal on metal. The sign hanging over the building says The Smithy of Bronn Selgard. This courtyard connects the smithy to Bronn's home, which lies to the west.
This is the place of business for Bronn Selgard, the local blacksmith. Various weapons lie about, in different states of disrepair. In the back corner an apprentice pumps the bellows on the coals used to heat the steel. Other apprentices scurry to and fro, doing whatever tasks assigned to them by the journeymen working under Bronn, occasionally jumping to complete an order from the master himself. Sparks fly as the journeymen forge weapons of various shapes and forms. Standing behind the counter is Bronn himself, offering to help you however he may. The exit to the smithy lies west.
This is the home of Bronn Selgard and his wife, Leath. The laughter of children and crying of babies washes over you as an army of children runs to and fro. Standing in the middle of the chaos about you is Leath Selgard, snatching up one child for every two running about. Judging from her size another is not far away.
This large stone building is used to store supplies for the surrounding population. Here they sell bread, meat rolls and several other delightful yet not-so-tasty-after-a-week-on-the-trail items. A plump gent sits behind the gray stone counter willing to offer his goods to anyone with coin.
You have entered the shop of Flick Stick, seller of wands, staves, and sticks. The customers looking about the store are an odd assortment of mages, warriors, and travelers. Tall, well made walking sticks are leaning up against one wall, while quarter staves, half staves, and other staves used for fighting are displayed nearby. There is a glass cabinet near the counter in the back of the room. Upon closer examination you see it is full of magical wands of every type. While looking at it you notice a small sign hanging from the counter. Flick himself stands behind the counter, turning over an oddly U-shaped stick in his hand. With a mischievous grin he throws it out the door. After a few seconds it comes flying back in to the store, returning to his outstretched hand.
Here is the place of business of Meira Lulhannon, the city potter. The smell of smoke grows stronger here, coming from a large kiln in the corner, and the haze hanging in the air gives the shop an almost mystical feeling. Meira's daughters carefully fire and paint the pottery, and a few broken shards are scattered about the floor. Everything from elaborate urns to simple drinking cups can be found here. Behind a curtain of beads, a narrow stair climbs to the family's rooms above; the North Ride is outside to the south. As you walk up to the counter you are bumped softly by Meira's fairest daughter, Jassa, who blushes and hurries out of your way.
The center of Daleville's traffic and information is the Old Skull Inn and Tavern. Food, wine, ale and many other things can be had here, as well as rooms and a warm place to rest, and news of travels and work comes to the right listening ears. A large sign hangs above the long oaken bar. The foyer and the guest rooms are to the north, the warm glow of a fire can be seen to the east, and a set of stairs leads upwards to another part of the inn. The North Ride is outside to the south.
This wooden structure has only three walls, its northern side open to the street. A large porch roof covers most of the entrance, and inside stands an empty desk with a bell nobody answers. Behind it, a rack of pigeonholes is now just a rack of holes: the pigeons were let go when folk learned to send word to each other without paper, ink or birds. A note is pinned to the desk. The North Ride is just outside to the north.
The main trail splits here, the haze of a city to the west, a path leading north and a lesser used path to the south. A small sign next to the southern trail tells you that the world renowned Weregund Trading Post lies further down the path. The surrounding area is lightly wooded and full of small game animals.
Weak sunlight filters down through the trees, giving this place an almost magical feel. Tiny gray squirrels scurry about foraging for nuts. The trees grow a little thicker to the north, where a small path has been cut and looks to be well used. The main trail continues south and east.
This trail is less worn than the main run to the north. As you walk down it you pass a few farmers, heading from their farms to the city to try to sell their goods. Off to the west lie vast stretches of farmed land. There are also a few travelers strolling by, some heading for the woods lying far to the south, while others head north for the city. A few leave east to replenish their supplies at Weregund Trading. The trail continues south towards the woods.
The trail here is a continuation of that to the north and south. Off to the east there is a slightly more well used looking trail, as if most people arriving from the south turn east here. Perhaps it is a short cut of some sort, but you cannot see far enough down it to tell. More fields lie to the west, and the trail continues to the north and south.
Small field mice scamper about here, dashing across the trail from the well tended farms lying to the west to the more overgrown fields lying east. Tall weeds grow along the trail, and it continues north and south.
The more brave of the forest creatures have come from the south to search for food. As they hear your approaching footfalls, they hurry into the underbrush. Forest growth mixes in with that of the farmlands. To the south lies the woods, while the trail to Daleville continues north. A small overgrown trail lies east of here.
The trail here is entirely a woodland one. Trees surround you to the west and east, providing shade from the sun, and homes for the forest animals. The leaves rustle as a southern wind blows from the forest. Northwards you can see large tracts of farm land. A slightly overgrown path winds into the forest to the west and a wider path winds through the Southern Daleville Forest to the east.
You have wandered off the trail into the shop of Brant Weregund. The shop is comfortably spacious, with wooden benches both inside the shop and outside near the entrance for weary travelers. For those leaving Daleville for other lands this is the last stop before heading for the southern woods. This is also where travelers coming to Daleville replenish their supplies. Weregund was once a ranger, but now has settled down by himself in a cottage in the woods not far from here. He chats with his customers, learning news from abroad. He looks at you as you walk into the shop and smiles. He asks you 'Any news from abroad, traveler?'
This scenic path runs north and west here, twisting and winding its way through the trees. Small clusters of mushrooms grow at the base of one tree and vines and moss have climbed their way up its trunk. A tiny red robin is perched in the upper branches singing a merry tune.
As if on a whim, the path takes a bend to the east and south. A fresh patch of wild mulberries has taken root here, and tiny little bees buzz about it collecting pollen. There is also the sweet smell of decaying leaves hanging in the air.
The North Ride continues to wind across the Dales here as it leaves the Village of Daleville to the west and bends north. There can be seen several old campsites scattered about underneath the trees where weary travelers have stopped to rest and recover. Just off the path is a small grave mound where some poor soul ended his days. The main trail leads west through some light woods. The Daleville Forests stand on either side of the North Ride to the north and south.
A well-used wooded path runs north and south here. The main road is just to the south, and a little way north the path opens into a clearing around an old well. Small birds and squirrels chirp and chitter in the trees overhead.
An old stone well has been sunk here by some farmer ages ago. Its stones are covered with lichen and moss, and tiny insects scurry in and out of the cracks. A simple rope and pulley has been strung over an overhanging branch so a bucket can be lowered into the well, and someone has nailed a crude wooden sign above it. A well-used path runs north and south from here, and a smaller trail leads east to a little stable.
A well used wooded path runs to the north and south. Many small game trails lead off into the trees and tiny little animals scurry around in the underbrush.
This small path leads between a small farm house to the south and the main trail to the west. Directly south can be seen a nice looking farm house and to the southeast stands a matching barn. A small path leads east to the small barn.
This small path leads between a small farm house to the west and a barn to the south. The Southern Daleville Forest seems almost impenetrable to the east.
This is a large, well stocked barn, belonging to Sulcar Reedo, a local farmer. Sulcar is known for his particularly resentful attitude towards city dwellers. The barn is dark, with light filtering in from the door behind you. A ladder ahead of you leads up to the second story where the hay for the livestock is kept. Bushels of wheat and barrels full of various fruit and vegetables are pushed up against the eastern wall. Stalls line the other walls, holding cattle, horses, and other livestock. They rustle around uneasily in your presence. As your eyes adjust to the lighting you also notice well kept farming equipment about the barn.
Here is the home of Sulcar Reedo, perhaps the most bitter man in the land. He is well known for his endless supply of sarcasm and irritation. His is the oldest farm in the area, and he will be more than eager to tell you his opinion of the ever expanding borders of Daleville, and how it will be the ruin of all the farm lands in the realm, or at least his, which is all that matters to him. The room is well furnished, and it appears that Sulcar and his wife and sons have very little in the way of needs and wants. As you walk in Sulcar almost immediately pulls you to one side to begin his usual barrage of opinions on the world situation. Perhaps mumbled excuses and a hasty departure are your best options.
This is where the city healer, Hoareb Nimblefingers works her magic. She is a trained surgeon and offers midwife services to all those who need it. Shelves line the walls, with carefully labeled and organized bottles filling each shelf. She smiles at you as you walk in, carefully looking to see what ails you and checking her supplies to see if she has it in her power to aid you.
Here is the boarding house run by Latha Brannon. The southern wall is made up entirely of an enormous fireplace that burns continually, day and night. There is always a boiling pot of stew to be found there, kept full for the less fortunate citizens of the city. It is through the goodness of Latha's heart that some of the less respectable people in this room are able to have a place to rest and eat. He also offers boarding to travelers from far and wide, giving each a warm bed to rest in and a meal to those desiring it.
You have wandered in to the shop of Bucko Hammerhand, the city carpenter. Wood works of every type are being worked on with great care by Typyas, the journeywoman who works under him and lives with him and his wife Leeta. Running about the store fetching everything from tools to wagon wheels are Hammerhand's apprentices, Skulp, Fennir, Tulpas, and Naith. You notice a few signs for other shops in the city leaning against the wall. Besides the usual assortment of wooden goods you notice small figurines carved by the master himself. The counter of the shop has been elaborately carved by Bucko and Typyas.
Beregon Hillstar, speaker for the local farmers, farms all the land from here to the Dwarven Sink. Recently however, he has fallen upon hard times, having lost his wife and son due to a plague. To make matters worse, hordes of locusts have swarmed through his lands and destroyed his crops. His sister, Milda, takes care of the house and forages for edible roots and berries to keep the family from starving during this ill period. His fourteen year old daughter Pelda, tends to the sickly farm animals. A muddy path winds its way east.
What was once a pleasant little clearing, is now a scene of utter devastation. Many bizarre and strange sights are scattered around the area. A tree on the northern side of the clearing has been completely flipped upside down and is now growing into the ground, the skeleton of a little rabbit has been seared into a large rock to the south, and strangest of all is the body of a small gnome half embedded in the stump of a large oak tree. In the center of all this chaos is a very large and very deep hole. The sides of it are composed of melted rock, giving it a slick, glassy surface. At the very bottom of the pit lies the shattered remains of a small sign, and beneath it the melted rock gives way to a strange, shimmering haze. You could climb down into the pit, or leave the way you came, to the west.
The road ends here at this very nice and peaceful glen south of Daleville. There are many small animals and lots of sweet smelling flowers here. It is a very lovely place to rest and take a nap.
The smells of fresh hay and horse manure are nearly overpowering in this little barn. A large bale of freshly cut hay sits in the corner next to a trough of water, and four tiny stalls separated by thick wooden timbers fill most of the space. The only way out is along a small trail to the west, back to the well.
The North Ride stretches north and south here. To the northeast can be seen the small grassy area of Daleville known as the Common. To the west the North Daleville Forest borders the ride and plains border the east. The North Ride continues south.
The long North Ride continues on north and southwards. To the west is is a dark forest and further to the east can be seen more forest.
The long North Ride continues on north and southwards, the forest is deep, dark and thick to the west. To the east a forest can be seen off in the distance.
The long North Ride continues on north and southwards. The forest to the west is deep, dark and dense. To the east a forest can be seen off in the distance.
The long North Ride continues on north and southwards, the forest following most of the western side. To the east the grassy plains meet up with yet another forest region farther eastwards.
These are the private rooms of the Lulhannon family, above the pottery. Meira's wife, Sulatha, sits on a chair in the corner with the youngest of the three daughters, Maria. Even here clay-working tools lie scattered about, and small figurines line the mantle of the fireplace. The fireplace looks unused: the family probably gets all the heat it needs from the kiln below, whose smoke winds slowly up the stair. Now and then Meira climbs up to ask his wife's opinion on some sale. The stair leads down to the shop.
A small walled garden has been laid out behind the inn's foyer, adding a touch of warmth and beauty to the Old Skull. Flowers and young trees grow in neat rows, and a small brick path weaves its way between them. The foyer is back to the west.
A tall mooring tower of tarred timber rises above the Common, and its top is this wide, railed platform. Mooring lines as thick as a man's arm run from iron rings in the planks up to a great airship that strains gently against them, its painted gasbag blotting out half the sky. A gondola of polished oak hangs beneath it, and a gangplank runs down from its rail to the dock. The wind is brisk up here, and the whole of Daleville lies spread out below. A broad stair leads down to the Common.
You stand in a large building decorated with black marble and red satin. Huge pillars support an arched ceiling far above your head. You wonder at the skill the dwarves have for detail as you examine the trim. Fine silver separates the polished blocks that make up the floor.
Battered shields and dented helmets hang from hooks along every wall of this cramped workshop, waiting their turn at the anvil. A workbench under the window is covered in rivets, leather straps and half-mended mail, and the air smells of oil and hot iron. The repairman mends armor and weapons of every kind for a fair price. The North Ride lies back to the north.
The long North Ride continues on north and southwards, the forest following most of the western side. To the east the grassy plains meet up with yet another forest region farther eastwards.
The long North Ride continues on north and south. The dense forest on the west begins to taper and recedes to the west as it reaches its southern border.
The North Ride stretches north, toward Daleville Village, and south here. A small path branches off the ride to the west and leads through the sparse trees that mark the border between the North Daleville Forest to the north and the Spider Haunt Forest to the south. The path leads toward the plains of Daggerdale.
The long North Ride continues on north and southwards. To the west is a forest and a bit off to the east can be seen more forest.
Mystical fog wafts about your feet sliding across the almost now hidden path. You feel drawn southwards towards a more damp, yet warm area.
The flowing mists seem to whirl about causing a vortex that seems to lead south. You catch a flash of light and see a deep jungle behind the vortex.
As you enter the room, you see the innkeeper's smiling face behind a counter. A patron walks in from the hallway to the north and exchanges a few pleasantries with the innkeeper as some gold changes hands. Another traveler looking for a room walks in from the south, and the innkeeper gives him a broad smile: "Aye, you'll be wanting one of me better rooms, better hurry, they be fillin' up fast." A door to the west leads to a storage closet, a garden opens to the east, and a narrow stair behind the counter goes down to the servants' hall. The tavern is to the south.
You are standing in the hallway of the Old Skull. A crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, shedding just enough light to give the hallway a warm, welcoming feeling. Portraits of past, well-known adventurers line the walls, while a hand-crafted oaken bench lies against the wall. The exits to the east and west lead to the rooms. To the north, the hallway continues leading to the guest rooms, while the foyer lies to the south.
As you continue down the hallway, you notice that the portraits seem to span the entire wall. Beautiful tropical plants randomly line the floor and are hung from the ceiling. Guest rooms lead off to the east and west, while you can see the end of the hallway to the north. Southwards takes you back to the beginning of the hallway and guest quarters.
You have reached the end of the hallway. There is a life-size portrait of Gord, the owner of the inn, on the northern wall. Large plants flank the portrait, giving this room the smell of a large, grassy field. To the east and west, you can see guest rooms, while to the south lies the hallway.
This low cellar room beneath the foyer is where the inn's hired help comes to rest and eat. A couple of tables with benches and a large closet are the only things that keep it from being completely bare. A narrow stair leads up to the foyer.
This is the inn's storage room. Shelves line each of the walls, stacked with linens and anything else that might make a guest's stay more enjoyable. The foyer is to the east.
Entering this room, the first thing to catch your eye is the colorful rug. It is made up of every color of the rainbow. There is a matching dresser and nightstand, both made of oak. The table in the far corner is surrounded by four chairs. The bed looks so inviting, you are tempted to pull back the covers and take a short nap. The only exit is west, leading back to the hallway.
As you enter this quaint room, you conclude that it must be for those adventurers that haven't quite found their road to fame yet. There is an average looking bed, freshly made up at the far side of the room. To the north of the room, you notice a plain looking table with two chairs. On the east wall, hangs a tapestry from some far off land. The only exit is to the east.
You are standing in the center of an elegantly decorated guest room. There is a small fireplace off to the side, with what seems to be the end of a warm, cozy fire. There is a fur rug on the floor in front of the fireplace. As you look out the window, you are overwhelmed by the magnificent scenery. The only exit is to the west.
As you walk into this room, you notice that the furniture seems quite expensive. The wooden headboard of the bed has intricate designs carved into it. The armoire seems to be quite large, as if it was meant to hold enough clothing for two people. A large mirror hanging on the wall gives this room the appearance that it is twice its actual size. The door to the east leads back into the hallway.
Walking into this room, you cannot believe your eyes. There is a huge canopy bed which appears to be made entirely of gold! Expensive tapestries cover the walls, while rare tropical plants decorate the corners. A finely crafted antique table rests against the wall, with crystal glasses and a bottle of expensive wine resting on top. You are positive that this room is only for the elite guests of the inn.
The smell of expensive perfumes fills your nose as you enter this room. A large bed with silky soft sheets lies at the far end of the room. Resting on the table, you notice some glasses, a bottle of wine, and some paper. Looking out the window makes you feel restful and at ease as you see a stream gently flowing through the forest.
This smoke filled room smells of home cooked food and mulled ale. A large fireplace sits in the east wall, its flames warming every corner of the room. Placed in the center of the room are several large tables with long benches. Several local citizens talk to each other as they eat their meal or drink their ale.
You have wandered off the path into a small clearing. The forces of nature seem to be very powerful here, yet there is not a trace of magic to be found. In the center of the clearing there rests a large rock, almost chair-like. A very large, wise, and powerful looking man is reclining there. He appears to be looking for others upon which to bestow his knowledge. The thick forest that surrounds the clearing is broken only by a small path that leads south toward the North Ride.
This hallway ends in this small room. It is plain, yet very respectable. A small bed with a feather mattress is here, recently made up by some maid. A small bureau has some personal items on it, showing you this room is in use.
A light breeze blows through the trees here. Birds sing and squirrels chatter high up the tree. This area has a feeling of peace to it.
Spread out in disarray are several training weapons and practice stations. Poles with mock arms and legs, some just large hacking poles are placed strategically about for the most basic weapon skills practice.
This small path winds through the thin woods between the Daleville Forest and the Forest of Spider Haunt. The trail meets up with the North Ride to the east and opens up onto the plains of Daggerdale to the west.
This small path winds its way between the edge of the plains of Daggerdale to the west and the North Ride near Daleville to the east. The trees of the North Daleville Forest and the Spider Haunt Forest line the path to the north and south.
This sturdy wooden bridge crosses the gap caused by the rushing of the River Ashaba below. The wooden expanse is large enough for two to pass abreast. The North Ride continues east and west.