Salmonsen Mine
Overview
Salmonsen Mine, nestled in the rugged crag fields upland of the Darkwood Forest and its swamps, serves as a significant source of employment and wealth for Westkeep. The mine, now under the control of Andre Salmonsen, has a notorious reputation for its questionable practices and the enigmatic figure at its helm. Located just off the Gauntlet Road, it is strategically placed to be accessible yet distant enough from the immediate dangers of the Darkwood Forest, making it an ideal location for various nefarious activities.It's back-breaking work, but at least we're free. Andre gave us that much, even if the pay keeps us scraping by.
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There's been talk among the miners about strange noises coming from the deeper tunnels—sounds like whispers and shifting rocks. Some say it’s just the mine settling, but I’ve got a bad feeling it’s something more. The deeper we dig, the closer we get to whatever’s lurking down there. I need a group willing to brave those depths and find out what’s really going on before we have a disaster on our hands. There’s coin in it for anyone who can solve this mystery, and maybe a bit more if they manage to come back in one piece.
The Mine Office
The Salmonsen Mine office is a modest but bustling hub of activity. It stands as a two-story wooden building with reinforced stone foundations, an emblem of both practicality and Andre's desire for a semblance of authority. The office has an open-door policy, ostensibly to foster a sense of community and approachability among the workers. However, this open-door policy is a facade for Andre's tight control, as the office is always under the watchful eyes of his loyal goons.Interior
The interior is sparsely decorated, with worn wooden furniture and maps of the mine and surrounding areas adorning the walls. A large desk dominates the room, where Andre conducts his business, surrounded by ledgers, contracts, and mining equipment. The air is thick with the smell of tobacco, as Andre is often seen smoking a pipe while conversing with workers or overseeing operations.Security
Despite the open-door policy, the mine office is heavily guarded. Andre's "unarmed" goons, identifiable by their ever-present pipes or pickaxes, linger around the office. Their presence is a silent reminder of Andre's reach and control, ready to intervene at the slightest hint of dissent.The Mines Themselves
The Salmonsen Mine is a sprawling network of tunnels and shafts that burrow deep into the craggy hills. The entrance to the mine is marked by sturdy wooden beams and a large, weathered sign bearing the name "Salmonsen Mine."Layout
The mine’s tunnels are dimly lit by oil lamps, creating an eerie, flickering light that casts long shadows along the walls. The air is damp and cool, filled with the sounds of pickaxes striking rock and the distant echo of miner's voices. The deeper tunnels are perilous, with unstable walls and frequent cave-ins, a testament to the mine’s rapid and unsafe expansion.Working Conditions
The workers, though no longer slaves, toil under harsh conditions for meager wages. They bear the tattoos and brands of their former enslavement, a constant reminder of their past and the new master they serve. The mine’s depths are filled with the dangers of collapses, toxic gases, and the occasional encounter with subterranean creatures disturbed by the mining activities.Surrounding Crag Fields
The mine is surrounded by rugged crag fields that rise and fall in a series of sharp, rocky outcroppings. These highland hills are dotted with sparse vegetation and hardy trees that cling to the rocky soil.Landscape
The landscape is harsh and unforgiving, with jagged rocks and narrow pathways that make travel difficult. The crag fields provide a natural barrier, isolating the mine and its activities from prying eyes.Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including mountain goats, hawks, and the occasional predator. The miners have grown accustomed to the presence of these creatures, which sometimes wander close to the mine in search of food or shelter.Strategic Location
Salmonsen Mine's location is both a blessing and a curse. Situated just off the Gauntlet Road, it is easily accessible for trade and transport, yet far enough from the immediate dangers of the Darkwood Forest to be relatively safe. Its position on the edge of Westkeep's control allows Andre to conduct his operations with a degree of autonomy, free from constant oversight by the town's authorities.Accessibility
The mine’s proximity to the Gauntlet Road ensures a steady flow of goods and workers, while its distance from the Darkwood Forest provides a buffer against the forest’s dangers.Secrecy
The relative isolation of the mine allows Andre to engage in various illicit activities with minimal interference. The surrounding crag fields provide ample hiding places for contraband and serve as a natural deterrent to curious wanderers.New Pathway to the Mines
Recently, the adventuring party known as "We-Haul" discovered and cleared a treacherous path to and from the mines. This path, unused for many years due to a northern yeti blocking its way, has now been reopened. The group bravely dealt with the beast, slaying it and unlocking a new route that significantly shortens the travel time between Westkeep and The Rabid Wolf.Pathway Description
The newly cleared path winds through the craggy landscape, offering a more direct route between the mine and the tavern. It is a narrow, rugged trail, flanked by steep rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. The remnants of the yeti’s lair can still be seen, a grim reminder of the dangers that once lurked along this route.
Clearing of the Yeti Cave - Session 49
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