ATCL16 In Gallo

The date in Cerwyn calendar is 337 - Brth - Delve - Obrerra (Birt - Delf - oh-BREHR-uh) (337 - 2 - 3 - 7 - 107). There is half cloud cover, the rain has returned and it is heavy. The temperature dipped again to Cold (0-10C) and thre is a light breeze.

The Marketplace

Despite the poor weather, the market in Gallo is bustling with the usual life and color, the air filled with the sounds of haggling, the calls of vendors advertising their wares, and the scent of fresh bread, herbs, and livestock mingling. Covered stalls line the square, laden with fresh produce, handmade goods, and tools. Villagers move between them, exchanging coins, greetings, and stories.
Suddenly, the lively hum of the marketplace dulls as a squad of militia, clad in mismatched armor but carrying themselves with practiced authority, march into the square. At their head is a tall, gaunt man with a hawkish face and a black leather cloak—a lieutenant, a figure well-known and equally feared by the townsfolk.
The lieutenant raises his voice, his tone sharp and unyielding. “By the order of Lord Thorne, each stallholder will pay a tax of two silver pieces immediately. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of goods and further penalties.”
A hush falls over the square. The stallholders, including the caravan merchants, exchange uneasy glances, and whispers of frustration and fear ripple through the crowd. Two silver pieces—a sum that, for many, represents nearly half their daily earnings—is no small demand. A fruit seller nervously steps forward, fumbling for coins from his pouch, while a potter nearby clenches her jaw, clearly debating whether to protest.
The militia move systematically from stall to stall, their boots clinking against the cobblestones, their presence oppressive. Some villagers hand over the silver reluctantly, their faces pale with anger or fear. Others try to plead their case.
“Please,” begs a weaver, her hands trembling as she holds out a single silver coin. “This is all I’ve made today. Surely you can take one?”
“No exceptions,” barks a militia member, snatching the coin from her hand. “Find the rest, or we’ll find it for you.”
The tension mounts as a butcher—broad-shouldered and visibly angry—folds his arms and stands firm. “This is robbery,” he growled. “Thorne's already bled us dry with his 'taxes.' Enough is enough.”
The lieutenant turns sharply, his eyes narrowing. “Do you intend to defy Lord Thorne’s authority?” he asked, his voice icy.
The butcher hesitates, glancing at the surrounding villagers who avoid his gaze, their fear evident. With a growl of frustration, he reaches into his pocket, tosses two silver coins onto his counter, and spits on the ground as the militia move on.
The oppressive scene continues until every regular stall had been visited. The cheerful energy of the market is gone, replaced by a somber stillness. Vendors stare at their depleted earnings, some on the verge of tears. Conversations are hushed, their frustration shared in low murmurs.
The militia turns towards the wagon merchants.

Persuade the miltia lieutenant to not enforce the tax
Suilven roll for persuasion DC10 - success

Matrox steps forward, offering words of guidance and reasoning. The merchants are simply passing through and not a burden to the Lord. Reluctantly the lieutenant accepts the arguments and moves on.
As the militia depart, their coin purses heavier and their boots echoing on the cobblestones, the market’s life slowly resumes, though the joy has been sucked from the air. Stallholders pack their goods more tightly, and customers hesitate to linger, casting wary glances toward the departing soldiers.
The adventurers, watching from the edge of the square, can feel the weight of the villagers' plight pressing heavily around them, a stark reminder of the grip Varrick Thorne holds over Gallo and its people.

Rumours overheard in the village and the inn.

Rumours can be overheard, or can be gathered by talking to other NPCs in a location. Sometimes, the over hearing may require skill checks to be done. Do you seek to hear rumours in Gallo? 1d6 / 2 rounded up ie between 1 and 3 rumours can be over heard. Here are some rumors that could be overheard: Roll 1d10 for which rumours.
These rumors provide a mix of intrigue and local color, offering the adventurers opportunities to dig deeper into Gallo’s undercurrents or simply enjoy the charm of its people.

1. Varrick Thorne's True Ambitions:

"That Thorne’s got the lord wrapped around his finger. Some say he’s lining his own pockets with the taxes meant for the garrison... wouldn’t be surprised if he’s eyeing the castle for himself."

2. A Missing Villager:

"Young Alden, the miller’s apprentice, hasn’t been seen in days. He went to deliver grain up to the castle and never came back. Strange, isn’t it?"

3. Lord Hawkehurst’s Declining Health:

"The old lord’s been seen less and less. They say Thorne keeps him behind those stone walls, claiming it’s for his health. But what if he’s being kept away to silence him?"

4. The Garrison's Heavy Hand:

"Those soldiers are getting too comfortable. Heard old Ferris got a beating last week for ‘insulting’ one of them. Poor man’s just trying to sell his apples."

5. Unrest Among the Soldiers:

"Not all the garrison’s happy with Thorne. I heard Captain Meryn’s got a sharp tongue when he thinks no one’s listening—might be some cracks in their loyalty."

6. A Ghost in the Castle:

"They say the castle’s haunted. A maid swears she saw the figure of a woman in the north tower—could be the spirit of the old lord’s wife, warning us of what’s to come."

7. Suspicious Activity in the Woods:

"There’ve been strange lights in the woods at night. Folks think it might be bandits or something worse. Some swear it’s witchcraft."

8. A Secret Alliance:

"Word is, Thorne’s been meeting with strangers in the dead of night. Some think they’re merchants, others say mercenaries. Either way, it’s not good for us."

9. A Hidden Treasure:

"Rumor has it the old lord hid something valuable in the castle long ago—maybe a relic or gold. Thorne’s men have been digging in the cellar. Makes you wonder what they’re after."

10. A Festival on Hold:

"The spring festival’s been delayed again. Folks are saying it’s because of ‘security concerns,’ but some think Thorne just wants to keep us from gathering and talking too much."
Despite the events in the market place and any rumours heard, he caravan must move on. The harsh weather over the last few days is making the merchants weary and they are now looking forward to reaching the City League.

Parent Plot

337-088 Arncastle to the City League

Related Locations

• Gallo