Fallcrest Times: A collection of news and rumours from across the Vale

Call for Mercenaries
"A call has been raised for capable and intrepid individuals in the town of Oakhurst on the Old King's road. A giant chasm has opened close to the village and creatures are issuing from it. Unconfirmed reports say these creature resemble bunches of twigs. They are causing nuisance and commotion in the community. Mecenaries are required forthwith to deal with the menance. Good pay and lodging. Contact Odell in the Blue Moon Alehouse for interview."


((This brewhouse on the banks of the Moonwash Stream is the best tavern in Fallcrest. The owner is a nervous, easily flustered fellow of fifty or so named Par Winnomer. The true genius behind the Blue Moon is the halfling brewmaster Kemara Brownbottle. She is happy to let Par fret about running the taphouse, while she spends her time perfecting her selection of ales and beers.

The Blue Moon is popular with halfling traders whose boats tie up along the Lower Quay, well-off town merchants, and the farmers who live in the countryside south of Fallcrest. The old dwarves Teldorthan and Sergeant Murgeddin hoist a tankard or two here on frequent occasion, and both can provide good leads on potential adventures.))

Warning to All Travellers on the Kings Road North
"Several travellers have been attacked by, or have caught sight of, Ogres and other monsters on the Kings Road north of Fallcrest as it winds through Gardbury Down. 'It took the Horse, thanks be to Pelor', exclaimed one such traveller who last fortnight was assaulated by a hideous ogre while traveling in the Downs.

'It was hiding behind a boulder beside a tree and jumped out at me. It seemed mighty hungry and took the horse out with one swipe of its club, and I managed to run away. I hope the bugger likes those turnips that I was plantin' for the Winterhaven market.'

All travellers should take extra precautions when travelling the road; travel in large groups, make the journey without pause or rest, and stay alert for ambushes and wandering monsters."


((The site of Fallcrest‘s failed attempt to hold back Clan Bloodspear ninety years ago, Gardbury Downs is said to be haunted by the spirits of the fallen defenders of the Nentir Vale. Remains of that ancient battle litter the Downs – broken swords, shattered armor, and old bones. Travelers on the King’s Road rarely see any sign of ghosts, but the folk of Winterhaven know better than to wander out on the Downs at night. Orcs from The Stonemarch also appear in the Gardbury Downs from time to time, circling the Cairngorm Peaks to raid into the Nentir Vale.))

House Azaer Trading
"for all your provisions

Special Sale Prices
Iron spikes; 10/5 silver
Sunrods; 2 gold each
Canvas Tent; 5 gold
Silken Rope; 5 gold per 50 ft"


((A small, well-off trading company, House Azaer is owned by the tieflings of the Azaer family. They import goods (including arms and armor) from Hammerfast, Harkenwold, and the lands to the south, and organize caravans up to Winterhaven several times a year.))

Trouble at the Old Keep
"Several reports from Winterhaven have indicated that there is activity, yet again, in the old ruined keep north of the village. It has a poor repution among the locals who tell of a band of adventurers that cleared Hobgoblin Slavers out the keep only last year.

'Its a nuisance that place. Nothing but trouble,' claims Tom Hogdart, Trader. 'I need to travel the Kings road close to the place on the way to Oakhurst. We've been attacked by shadowy creatures on both occasions. Someone needs to do something about that place once and for all.'

Lord Padraig has put out a call for the adventurous to investigate the keep and destroy the creatures for a reward.

His local representative Sir Godfrey can be contacted at the Blue Moon Alehouse."


((Winterhaven's population is nearly a thousand souls, with most living in the farms to the west and south of the village.

Ernest Padraig, the Lord of Winterhaven, is descended from the noble family that ruled the area under edict of the old empire. Folks around Winterhaven were happy with Lord Padraig’s father’s authority, and they have found answering to the rules of the new lord no more arduous. Padraig commands the Winterhaven Regulars, a core group of soldiers who perform guard and police functions in and around the walled portion of the village.

The population of Winterhaven is predominantly human, with a scattering of dwarf families, and a handful of individuals of other common races, including a couple of elves.

Winterhaven is primarily an agricultural village based on barter and trade, though Lord Padraig keeps a monetary system afloat with his own coin.))

Teldorthan’s Arms
"Best Arms and Amour in the Nentir Vale

Shields, Chainmail, Scale and Plate. All Axes, Swords.
Can accomodate custom request for Magical Arms and Armour.
Just talk to Teldorthan for all your needs."


((This dwarf is Fallcrest’s premier weaponsmith and armorer. He is a garrulous old fellow who spends his time trading stories with his customers with a pipe clenched in his teeth, while his apprentices (two of whom are his sons) do the work. Make no mistake – Teldorthan is a master armorer, and under his supervision his apprentices turn out work of exceptional quality. He can be frequently found at the Blue Moon Alehouse drinking with his friend, Sergeant Murgeddin of the Wizard’s Gate.))

Growing Threat from the North
"Reports from traders tell that the Tigerclaw tribes are warning of rumours of trouble among the orc tribes throughout the Winterbole forest and the Stonemarch.

The raiding between the tribes has recently escalated into all out war; The Bloodspear tribe have swept away the Black fang of Winterbole and the Severed Eye of the Stonemarch. Although elements of each tribe continue to resist.

There are rumours of a new orc leader and many have speculated that once the Bloodspears have quelled the tribes they will turn their attention towards the Nentir Vale once again."


((Ninety years ago, a decade after the Fall of Nerath, a fierce horde of orcs known as the Bloodspear tribe descended from The Stonemarch and swept over the Nentir Vale. Fallcrest’s army was defeated in a rash attempt to stop the Orcs out on Gardbury Downs. The Bloodspears burned and pillaged the Lowtown portion of Fallcrest and went on to wreak havoc all across the Nentir Vale.

Some say that the attack of the Bloodspears was the last act of the Yeenoghu-worshipping hordes that swept out of the west to cause the Fall of Nerath, others say the tribe perceived the weakness of the Nentir Vale after Nerath’s fall and exploited it.))