Westward Bound
I've spent many a night at Westward Bound, where the hustle of trade & travel meets the quiet of the northern night. It's a place where journeys pause, always with a warm hearth and a helping hand. On my travels from the Duchy of Aerik, I always find solace here before continuing my journey into the heart of the Prelacy.
Unsettling Success
While Merric's success in bolstering Westward Bound is undeniable, his uncanny ability to anticipate and counter threats has raised more than a few eyebrows. Endra, ever vigilant, has begun to suspect that the halfling's talents may be rooted in powers not entirely benign. The Church of St. Ygg, wary of any influence that might challenge their authority, has started to scrutinize Merric's every move.Westward Bound thrives on trust and careful manipulation of opportunities. It's not about force; it's about the art of persuasion and the power behind the curtain.
Designer's Note
Westward Bound does not fit the typical theme of a northern borderlands location. This place and its operator, Merric, are a curious anomaly, offering a glimpse into distant lands and cultures far south of the Prelacy. The mystery of this location and its connections are intentionally left unexplained here, allowing players and GMs to enjoy the process of uncovering its secrets.Appearance and Construction
The caravanserai of Westward Bound is a blending of Southern Sands elegance with the rugged, functional style of the northern borderlands. Constructed with sturdy timber and reinforced stone, the buildings feature sloped roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall and harsh winds. The outer fenced walls are fortified enough to provide a sense of security without resembling a fortress.Its main courtyard is expansive, designed to accommodate multiple caravans at once. Cobblestone pathways lead to various sections of the caravanserai, including the stables, storage areas, and the central lodging house. The stables are well-ventilated and spacious, providing shelter and comfort for animals. The storage facilities are secured and dry, protecting goods from the elements.
A central lodging house, where travelers find rest and respite, is the heart of Westward Bound. It is a large, welcoming structure with a wide front porch adorned with lanterns that cast a warm glow during the evening. Inside, rich tapestries, colorful cushions, and intricate rugs, offers a taste of the southern sands, creating a convivial atmosphere where travelers can share stories and information.
Services
Aside from providing a safe place to store caravan goods and horses, Westward Bound offers travelers a haven to stretch their legs during long journeys. A significant part of its success lies in the exceptional care and attention to detail afforded to each traveler.Merric has employed some of the best stable hands, including his renowned Wainwright, Thompson Wainright. Thompson is famed for his ability to swiftly repair nearly any caravan damage, and his wheelwork is recognized even among the nobles in the capital of Threshold.
The lodge at Westward Bound offers rest and relaxation, a privilege not typically open to locals or adventuring types. This lodge is designed to allow travelers to stay within the caravanserai without interacting with the local taverns or patrons. Inside, cultural touchstones from the southern sands are showcased: vibrant colors, tapestries, spices, incense, and exotic dancers with sun-kissed skin, all uncommon in the northern lands. This blend of quality service and unique experiences ensures that wealthy merchants, nobles, and the well-to-do often have no reason to interact with the village proper, much to Merric's delight and exactly as he prefers.
Stepping inside, I felt transported to a different world. The rich colors, the aroma of exotic spices, and the mesmerizing gypsy dancers—all made me forget the harshness of the crag road.
Accept this offering, for it holds the key to unlocking a safe passage through the trials you do not yet foresee. The road is long and fraught with mysteries. This humble token will serve you well when the sands of fate shift unexpectedly.
Extra Prepared
Gildshade has a knack for being extremely organized and well-prepared, bordering on paranoia. This meticulousness permeates the operations at Westward Bound. Every caravan entering and leaving the caravanserai is thoroughly inventoried to ensure the protection of both Merric and his clients.In addition to this rigorous check-in and check-out process, Merric outfits each caravan with a personalized list of equipment based on their direction of travel. He also provides advice drawn from his extensive network of contacts. Occasionally, Merric's peculiar behavior includes offering a caravan a "gift" that mysteriously ends up being crucial or helpful on the next leg of their journey.
Far and Wide
Westward Bound, true to its name, is often the last stop for those leaving or the first stop for those entering the region via the Isendun Road, which parallels the waterway of its namesake.This makes it a main staging point for travelers heading to regional destinations, such as the Capital of Threshold or the northwesterly Duchy of Aerik or the far southern endless lands of the sands. A caravans support and resources utilized here can significantly impact the success or failure of your next journey.
Near and Dear
Given the strategic importance of Westward Bound to the Church of St. Ygg, this caravanserai is crucial to maintaining the trifecta of influence in the region. Frequent visitors, supplies, and messages are received and sent through Westward Bound from the closest established safehavens of Eastdale and Kirkliton. This information hub ensures that the village of Westkeep remains connected and supported, playing a vital role in the survival and industry of the entire area. By efficiently managing the flow of resources and information, Westward Bound fortifies Westkeep's position as a key point of contact and support in the Northern Reaches.Power Struggle
Shortly after the founding of the Prelacy, Merric Gildshade arrived and settled in Westkeep. It took some time for him to gain the trust of the locals, but against all odds and without force or bribery, Gildshade managed to take over the operations of the caravan square that was in its infancy. With his experience in the bazaars of the southern markets, Merric quickly galvanized his position at the helm of the unnamed establishment. The name Westward Bound is an unofficial one, coined by the locals. How and why Merric remains in this powerful position remains a question unanswered; he does not technically own anything, but somehow maintains a subtle dominance over the operation.There have been several attempts by the Church of St. Ygg to remove him and install a more controllable operations manager, but each time they have failed. Merric, never through means of blood or violence, ends up uncontested. Recently, there has been another push to remove him from his threatening position as seen by the Church. If there is any sign of concern or worry about this struggle of power with the Church, Merric shows no concern or outward appearance of effort on the matter. His enigmatic control over Westward Bound continues to baffle and frustrate the authorities, leaving them to wonder what hidden influences he might possess.
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