Timberveil
Timberveil describes a group of borderland farms in the Self-play Tutorial series, in a taiga-based region.
In the early afternoon on May 5th, emerging from the Dratgash Hills#Rustling Wood of the Dratgash Hills, Arliss and Bertrand encounter the Vilkko family farm, calling out a greeting to any who might be there. There is a mother and four children, with a father and his brother working nearby. Bertrand's considerable charisma ensures the party is invited to dinner; the missing adults are fetched and greetings are made all around.
During dinner, the characters learn of the other 13 farms that have been founded along Timberveil stream, which comprises the surrounding "neighbourhood" (6-mile hex). They learn of the village, Kurkijoki, which can be reached by the path that follows the stream. Bertrand confesses that the party is short on food (after their morning's breakfast, they have but 10 lb. between them) and, saying that he was raised by farmers, which he was, he offers to work in exchange for food. His suggestion is gratefully accepted; there's no roll, every farm needs more workers and food is easy enough to supply in good times.
Arliss suggests that he'll walk through Timberveil the next day, to learn about the neighbours; the eldest son, Antti, whose 13, offers to show him the way and the mother consents.
6th day of the campaign, May 6th. Arliss is granted breakfast and sets out with Antti to learn if there are any young persons who might have the fortitude to accept employment as a porter and supportive combatant. Learning that the village is two days walk away — though Antti isn't exactly certain of this — at the second farm the pair visit, Arliss meets Conrad, aged 17, who wishes very much to quit Timberveil. He is the only son of his parents, who can look after themselves easily enough if he goes. Conrad assures Arliss, and this is accurate, that he's the only person in Timberveil who could conceivably serve in the capacity Arliss wishes for. He's hardened, has a 15 str, 11 int, 10 wis, 9 con, 9 dex and 9 chr, is -1 to hit with a spear (THAC0 21), no penalties with a club, has padded armour and a round shield of his own, a morale of 9 ... and has 8 hit points. Plus he can bring along 100 lb. of food, which is his, as an "enticement" to make his being hired more attractive. Arliss provisionally hires him, but does not know at this time if it will be to return to a place they know in the nearby wilderness (Grimstone) or to seek out the village he has heard of.
to be continued...
