Two Roads into the Palakar Forest
As the corruption spread through Reiver's Right, fifty surviving workers abandoned the logging camp. They had seen enough of the blight to understand that remaining was dangerous, but they knew little about its origin or how far it had spread.
Rather than flee together, the workers divided into two groups. One headed toward the Cedar Court, while the other sought the Court of Endless Revelry.
Both groups avoided the road toward the Pulgari Estate. Rumors circulating among the workers claimed that the blight was particularly severe at the crossroads on the North Road, near the estate.
The evacuation was hurried but not entirely disorderly. Workers gathered what food, water, tools, and personal belongings they could carry. They abandoned the heavy logging equipment, unfinished timber, and most of the camp's supplies.
The fifty survivors understood that traveling as one large party through an increasingly hostile forest would be difficult. Dividing gave them two possible destinations and reduced the risk that a single blocked route would trap everyone.
Both parties left Reiver's Right using familiar logging paths and woodland trails rather than attempting to transport the workers and their belongings in wagons along the main road.
The first group headed into the forest toward the Cedar Court, hoping to find protection among its ancient trees and resident fey.
They followed woodland trails, relying on workers familiar with the surrounding forest to keep them away from the North Road.
Their destination offered the possibility of shelter beyond the immediate reach of the corruption, although none of the workers could be certain how the court itself had been affected.
Known: The group departed Reiver's Right intending to reach the Cedar Court.
The remaining workers chose the Court of Endless Revelry as their destination.
Their party took a different route through the forest, avoiding the North Road and the approaches to the Pulgari Estate. Like the Cedar Court group, they traveled on foot and carried only what they needed to survive the journey.
The workers hoped that reaching another established fey court would offer them refuge from whatever was consuming the forest around Reiver's Right.
Known: The group departed Reiver's Right intending to reach the Court of Endless Revelry.
Before the evacuation, rumors had reached the logging camp that the blight was especially dangerous around the crossroads on the North Road near the Pulgari Estate.
The workers had no reliable way to verify these reports. Nevertheless, the possibility of encountering a more concentrated outbreak was enough to convince both groups to avoid the crossroads entirely.
Neither group attempted to seek refuge at the estate. Instead, they accepted the difficulties of traveling through the forest rather than risk the reported danger on the main road.
Characters investigating the abandoned camp can find signs of a hurried evacuation: missing travel supplies, personal belongings left behind, and evidence that a substantial number of workers departed on foot.
Notes, conversations recorded in workers' journals, or accounts from any surviving witnesses can reveal that the refugees divided into two parties and identify their intended destinations.
The rumors about the North Road provide an additional clue, drawing attention to the crossroads near the Pulgari Estate without establishing whether the reports were accurate.
The evidence at Reiver's Right establishes that fifty workers fled in two groups. It does not, by itself, establish that either group reached its destination or was granted refuge by the fey.
The party may discover more by following the refugees' routes, visiting either court, or encountering survivors elsewhere in the Palakar Forest.
Module: The Price of Prophecy — Act 1 (Reiver's Right) | Party: 5 PCs, Level 2
Baseline: Hazard Level 1 (Simple) — 6 XP[cite: 1]. Trivial threat for a 2nd-level party[cite: 1].
Baseline: 3× Hardwood Scamp (Level 1, 30 XP each) = 90 XP (Low-Moderate for 5× Level 2)[cite: 1].
Baseline: 1× Foreman Hendrick (Creature 2 = 40 XP)[cite: 1]. Solo Creature 2 against five Level 2 PCs is Trivial[cite: 1].
Baseline: Simple Hazard 1 (6 XP)[cite: 1].
Baseline: 1× Infernal Rootling (20 XP) + 1× Infernal Thornling (30 XP) = 50 XP (Low)[cite: 1].
Baseline: Wood Wraith (Creature 2, 40 XP) + 3× Animated Log Servants (Creature -1, 15 XP each) = 85 XP[cite: 1].
Personalized Level 2 Rewards · Five-Character Party
Five unusual magical items have been placed throughout Reiver's Right. Three are found in the surface complex, while two are located in the Lower Works.
These items are intended as permanent magical rewards. Count their assigned values toward the party's normal treasure allotment.
Identification: The suggested DC for each level 2 item is 16. Identifying magic normally requires 10 minutes and a trained applicable skill. Checks are rolled secretly by the GM.
Item: Lantern of Last Echoes
Intended recipient: Necromancer
Identification: Occultism DC 16
A small blackened iron lantern rests inside a locked cabinet among Foreman Hendrick's personal effects. Its glass is smoky and its wick remains cold, yet pale blue light occasionally moves behind the glass.
Discovery: The cabinet can be opened normally if Hendrick's keys are recovered, or by appropriate lock-opening methods. No additional hidden-object check is necessary.
Story connection: The lantern belonged to a missing worker investigating nighttime activity. Its first activation reveals a fleeting image of workers hauling a covered load toward the Lower Works.
Item: Thuld's Pattern Awl
Intended recipient: Runesmith
Identification: Arcana DC 16
An old dwarven tool chest stands beneath the smithy's workbench. Among ordinary chisels and punches lies an unusually balanced engraving awl, its brass handle decorated with geometric dwarven knotwork.
Discovery: Anyone examining the tool chest finds the awl. A character familiar with runecrafting recognizes its exceptional workmanship without needing to Identify Magic.
Story connection: The awl bears the maker's mark of Barak Thuld. Its magical properties can expose altered or deliberately concealed inscriptions in the Lower Works.
Item: Brassbound Hero's Mark
Intended recipient: Exemplar
Identification: Religion DC 16
A battered leather protective harness hangs from a peg beside a collapsed workbench. Fixed to the harness is a palm-sized brass insignia depicting a shield raised above a fallen companion.
Discovery: The insignia is visible during ordinary exploration of the shed. Its brass surface remains inexplicably warm despite the cold surroundings.
Story connection: The insignia belonged to a worker who helped others escape during the evacuation. It responds to courageous acts of protection and carries an old dwarven blessing.
Item: Amberglass Reagent Case
Intended recipient: Alchemist
Identification: Crafting DC 16
(Identify Alchemy)
A compact case of darkwood and reinforced brass sits among experimental apparatus and abandoned Golden Hand research notes. Inside are precision measuring instruments, amber-lined vials, and fitted compartments for volatile reagents.
Discovery: The case is readily visible while searching the station. Its specialized purpose is obvious to anyone trained in alchemical work.
Story connection: Residue within several vials provides supporting evidence of experiments involving Infernal Seedlings. The case may be useful during Morwenna Iron-Root's neutralizer research.
Item: Cedar Whisper Charm
Intended recipient: Animist
Identification: Nature DC 16
A small pendant containing golden cedar resin hangs from a length of green cord. It is caught among blackened roots growing through the chamber wall. Unlike the surrounding vegetation, the cord and resin show no signs of corruption.
Discovery: The pendant becomes apparent when the party investigates the roots or clears the chamber. It can be removed without damaging the amber.
Story connection: The charm contains a faint echo of the Cedar Court's living magic. When first handled, it produces a momentary sensation of wind moving through healthy cedar branches.
Do not require secret Perception checks simply to discover these items. Ordinary exploration of their locations should reveal them.
Players can recognize obvious physical functions without identifying the magic. Successful identification reveals the item's special abilities and activation requirements.
The intended recipients are suggestions, not restrictions. Any character may claim an item they can legally use.
GM reminder: These are custom homebrew items. Their final item levels, traits, activation requirements, and prices should be established before including them in the permanent treasure budget.
Captain Sella Varn's Timber Barge
The Long Dividend is a familiar sight along Profit's Flow, where it serves as a working timber barge under the command of Captain Sella Varn. Its principal business is guiding large collections of floating logs from the lumber operations of the Palakar Forest toward the mills, lumberyards, and commercial docks farther downriver.
Although the vessel can carry finished lumber, supplies, and smaller shipments of general freight, most of the timber it transports never comes aboard. Instead, logs are floated directly in the river, gathered into long rafts and controlled by the barge and its crew.
The Long Dividend is a broad, shallow-drafted wooden barge with a weathered dark hull, stout railings, and a modest deckhouse at the stern. Its name is painted along the side in faded gold lettering, and thick coils of rope hang from sturdy iron fittings along the deck.
A few stacks of cut lumber, barrels, and working equipment occupy the cargo deck, but the vessel's most impressive burden lies in the water around it. Great lengths of freshly cut timber float alongside and behind the barge, gathered into broad rafts secured by heavy ropes and chains.
Crew members move along the deck with long wooden poles and boat hooks, adjusting the position of the floating logs as the vessel makes its way along the river.
The Long Dividend was built specifically for the demands of the Druman timber trade. Its broad, shallow hull allows it to navigate relatively shallow stretches of Profit's Flow, while its heavy construction and numerous attachment points make it well suited for controlling large rafts of floating timber.
Rather than loading every log onto the vessel, the crew gathers cut timber into floating groups secured with ropes, chains, and wooden crosspieces. The barge helps guide these collections through bends, narrow channels, and busy stretches of river, preventing the logs from scattering or becoming stranded along the banks.
Smaller boats and experienced river workers assist with positioning the rafts, particularly when navigating difficult stretches. During busy shipments, the timber trailing the Long Dividend can extend for a considerable distance downriver.
The barge also carries tools, spare ropes, replacement fittings, food, and other supplies needed during long river journeys. Finished planks and beams are occasionally transported directly on deck when circumstances require it.
Captain Sella Varn is an experienced river captain who has spent much of her working life navigating Profit's Flow. She is familiar with its changing currents, shifting sandbars, seasonal water levels, and the many docks and landings serving the timber industry.
Varn is practical, direct, and attentive to the safety of her vessel and crew. She maintains a disciplined operation, particularly when handling large timber rafts that require careful coordination.
When in Old Macridi, she is frequently found at the Gilded Ledger Tavern, where she meets with lumber merchants, mill operators, and other river captains to arrange shipments and discuss conditions along the waterway.
The Long Dividend carries a small but experienced crew of boatmen, timber handlers, and river workers. Their responsibilities include managing the vessel, maintaining its equipment, securing timber rafts, and guiding floating logs through difficult sections of the river.
Timber handling requires strength, balance, and considerable experience. Crew members frequently work with long poles, boat hooks, ropes, and winches to keep the timber moving safely and prevent dangerous logjams.
During major shipments, additional workers may accompany the barge in smaller boats to help control the floating timber.
Life aboard the Long Dividend follows the routines of a working river vessel. The crew rises early, checks the timber rafts and securing lines, and prepares for the day's travel before the river becomes crowded with other commercial traffic.
The deckhouse provides modest accommodations and a sheltered place for meals and rest. Most of the open deck is reserved for working equipment, provisions, and whatever cargo the barge happens to be carrying.
Meals are simple, workdays can be long, and the crew is accustomed to spending several days at a time on the river between established landings.
Although timber transport is its primary purpose, the Long Dividend occasionally carries smaller commercial shipments between settlements along Profit's Flow. Tools, foodstuffs, building supplies, and personal goods may be accepted when sufficient deck space is available.
Captain Varn also accepts a limited number of passengers when her schedule and working conditions permit. Accommodations are basic, and travelers must remain clear of the crew and timber-handling equipment.
Because the barge travels at the pace required to manage its floating timber, journeys are generally slower than those made by dedicated passenger vessels. Nevertheless, passage aboard a working barge can be an economical and dependable way to travel between river settlements.
Timber has long been one of the important commercial products moving through Macridi. The forests of the Palakar region provide lumber used in construction, furniture making, shipbuilding, and numerous other trades.
Profit's Flow offers a practical means of transporting large quantities of cut logs without the expense of moving them overland. Barges like the Long Dividend help keep timber shipments organized and moving safely toward downstream markets.
With the gradual recovery of the region's lumber operations, river traffic continues to provide work for boatmen, timber handlers, dockworkers, merchants, and the many businesses dependent upon the trade.
When docked at Old Macridi, the Long Dividend is usually occupied with unloading supplies, preparing timber shipments, inspecting equipment, or taking on provisions for its next journey.
Visitors seeking Captain Varn can inquire aboard the vessel or leave word at the Gilded Ledger Tavern. Freight arrangements and passenger passage are generally negotiated directly with the captain.
A small traveling merchant, Perrin "Odds" Tallow, also maintains a stall aboard the barge when it is docked. His selection of general supplies, tools, and everyday merchandise is popular with river workers and travelers preparing for journeys beyond Macridi.
Adventuring Gear, River Supplies, Tools & Traveling Necessities
Perrin "Odds" Tallow keeps a well-stocked collection of practical goods aboard the Long Dividend. His selection changes between voyages, but the following merchandise is currently available for purchase.
All prices are listed in gold pieces (gp), silver pieces (sp), or copper pieces (cp). Stock represents the number of units or bundles currently available.
| Item | Price | Stock | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventurer's Pack | 1 gp, 5 sp | 5 | Complete pack |
| Backpack | 1 sp | 6 | Standard |
| Bedroll | 2 cp | 8 | Standard |
| Flint and Steel | 5 cp | 8 | Standard |
| Waterskin | 5 cp | 10 | Standard |
| Rations | 4 sp | 12 | 1 week |
| Rope | 5 sp | 8 | 50 feet |
| Soap | 2 cp | 12 | Standard |
| Chalk | 1 cp | 20 | 10 pieces |
| Candle | 1 cp | 15 | 10 candles |
| Torch | 1 cp | 30 | Each |
| Oil | 1 cp | 20 | Lamp oil, 1 pint |
| Signal Whistle | 8 cp | 6 | Standard |
| Item | Price | Stock | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern | 1 gp | 2 | Bull's-eye |
| Lantern | 7 sp | 4 | Hooded |
| Climbing Kit | 5 sp | 3 | Standard |
| Grappling Hook | 1 sp | 5 | Standard |
| Crowbar | 5 sp | 4 | Standard |
| Hammer | 1 sp | 5 | Standard |
| Piton | 1 cp | 12 | 10 pieces |
| Ten-Foot Pole | 1 cp | 6 | Standard |
| Compass | 1 gp | 3 | Standard |
| Mirror | 1 gp | 3 | Standard |
| Hourglass | 3 gp | 2 | Standard |
| Spyglass | 20 gp | 1 | Standard |
| Magnifying Glass | 40 gp | 1 | Standard |
| Ladder (10 ft.) | 3 cp | 2 | Wooden |
| Item | Price | Stock | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sack | 1 cp | 20 | 5 sacks |
| Chest | 6 sp | 4 | Wooden |
| Lock | 2 sp | 4 | Poor quality |
| Lock | 2 gp | 2 | Simple quality |
| Chain | 4 gp | 2 | 10 feet |
| Saddlebags | 2 sp | 3 | Standard |
| Mug | 1 cp | 10 | Standard |
| Item | Price | Stock | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tent | 8 sp | 4 | Pup tent |
| Tent | 5 gp | 2 | Four-person tent |
| Cookware | 1 gp | 4 | Standard |
| Fishing Tackle | 8 sp | 5 | Standard |
| Net | 1 gp | 3 | Standard |
| Item | Price | Stock | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing | 1 sp | 6 | Ordinary |
| Clothing | 4 sp | 4 | Winter |
| Clothing | 2 gp | 2 | Fine |
| Writing Set | 1 gp | 5 | Standard |
| Writing Set | 1 sp | 10 | Extra ink and paper |
| Scholarly Journal | 6 gp | 1 | General reference |
| Item | Price | Stock | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair Toolkit | 2 gp | 3 | Standard |
| Artisan's Toolkit | 4 gp | 2 | Standard |
| Alchemist's Toolkit | 3 gp | 1 | Standard |
| Healer's Toolkit | 5 gp | 2 | Standard |
| Thieves' Toolkit | 3 gp | 1 | Standard |
| Merchant's Scale | 2 sp | 3 | Standard |
| Basic Crafter's Book | 1 sp | 3 | Standard |
| Formula Book (Blank) | 1 gp | 3 | Blank |
| Item | Price | Stock | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caltrops | 3 sp | 6 | One set |
| Manacles | 3 gp | 2 | Simple |
| Disguise Kit | 2 gp | 2 | Standard |
| Religious Symbol | 1 sp | 4 | Wooden |
| Religious Symbol | 2 gp | 2 | Silver |
| Spellbook (Blank) | 1 gp | 2 | Blank |
| Survey Map | 1 gp | 3 | Regional |
All listed items are ordinary equipment, available while supplies last. Tallow generally sells at standard market prices and may negotiate a modest discount for large purchases.
He purchases serviceable secondhand equipment at approximately half its normal market value, subject to condition and demand.
Items not currently in stock may be ordered for delivery during a future voyage of the Long Dividend. Availability depends on river traffic and the markets visited along Profit's Flow.
Traveling Sundries, Adventuring Supplies & Practical Goods
Beneath a patched green awning near the stern of the Long Dividend, folding tables and wooden shelves display an impressive assortment of traveling goods. Lanterns hang beside coils of rope, camping equipment, tools, cooking utensils, and bundles of useful supplies.
A wiry, middle-aged halfling with an unruly gray mustache sits behind the counter, balancing a battered ledger across his knees.
"Looking for something particular? Wonderful! I've probably got three things that'll do the job, and two more you'll realize you needed tomorrow."
Perrin Tallow is a traveling merchant who rents a small section of deck space aboard Captain Sella Varn's timber barge, the Long Dividend. He purchases merchandise at river markets and sells it at settlements and landings along Profit's Flow.
Tallow specializes in practical goods useful to travelers, sailors, lumber workers, craftsmen, and adventurers. His stock changes between voyages, but ordinary adventuring equipment is almost always available.
He is cheerful, talkative, and fond of bargaining, particularly with customers purchasing several items at once. He takes pride in finding something useful for almost any situation, even when it isn't precisely what the customer originally requested.
Tallow's merchandise includes everyday traveling necessities, camping equipment, lanterns, rope, tools, containers, clothing, writing materials, and general adventuring supplies.
His selection is particularly useful to people preparing for journeys along Profit's Flow or into the surrounding forests. River workers frequently visit his stall to replace worn equipment or purchase supplies before setting out.
Although he occasionally acquires specialized equipment, Tallow primarily deals in ordinary, practical merchandise rather than magical goods or expensive weapons and armor.
Tallow purchases ordinary equipment, tools, clothing, containers, and other serviceable merchandise. He generally offers half the listed market price for goods in good condition, subject to demand and available cargo space.
He is particularly interested in practical equipment that can be resold to sailors, timber workers, and travelers along Profit's Flow.
Tallow is willing to barter, especially when customers have useful goods in good condition. He occasionally offers a modest discount for larger purchases or repeat customers.
Customers looking for ordinary goods that are not currently available may leave a request with Tallow. He will attempt to obtain the merchandise during a subsequent trading stop.
Delivery depends on the Long Dividend's sailing schedule, the availability of goods at other river markets, and the space available aboard the vessel.
Tallow makes no promises about exact delivery dates, though he is generally reliable about following up on requests.
Tallow's shop is open whenever the Long Dividend is docked and cargo operations permit.
His stall may close temporarily while timber rafts are being assembled, cargo is loaded or unloaded, or the crew prepares the barge for departure.
Because the Long Dividend regularly travels between river settlements, Tallow is not always present in Old Macridi. His inventory changes from voyage to voyage.
"A good rope, a dry bedroll, and a working lantern," Tallow says, tapping the counter. "Those are the things people remember needing after they've already left town. Best buy them while you can."