Carver’s Outpost

Several days journey south from The City of Gates is a small settlement that draws folk from all Auvrynon. Part wild and part tame, this outpost was built on “The End of Civilization.”

Oak and spruce, redwood and walnut – the ancient trees of the Amberleaf surround a few low hills upon which hearty buildings have been constructed. The pathways that meander through the woods are lacking cobblestone, instead they are constructed from the compacted dark dirt of the forest. This means that sometimes the roads are muddy and other times they are rough and dry, but the feet that travel here just accept this as part of the settlement’s charm.

Tucked into shaded groves a traveler might find:

Several pubs. Including – The Bronze Faun. Warm and inviting, this tavern welcomes most anything inside. Most that that come here are elf and nature-touched human but any are welcome. Food is simple because it is the sweet alcohol that people enter for.

An Inn – Hideaway Lodge. Partially constructed from the original settlement, construction was added because of the growing number of Auvrynoners traveling to the Outpost to get away from the city. A large Welcome Center is where travelers arrive, part of this rustic building is a large common area where one can rent a bunk bed for only a few copper a night. But for those with more funds, small cabins spread into the woods, with many built on the banks of a feeder stream of the Mistroil.

A Hospital – Run by clerics of nature including Women of the Woods and Sunlords. This is the largest building at the outpost, and near the middle of the settlement. The thick walls have been created with care, forming an organic structure that is more like a clinic than the ‘civilized hospitals’ of Auvrynon. Because of the wild nature of some of the patients, every care is taken to practice herbalism and natural remedies before resorting to magical ones.

A Market – Semi-permanent buildings are surrounded by temporary tents, all are filled with an assortment of items. Merchants that come here are artisans and farmers with a small supply of handmade goods to sell. While most items are fresh and made with ‘care in every stitch’, a buyer still needs to keep a sharp eye out for scammers and thieves.

The Wall – 200 years ago Sir Conan Carver founded this “World between Worlds” on the edge of the Amberleaf Weald. Here, with a group of well-meaning soldiers, he split the woods and constructed a large wall under the misguided prospect of taming the land of faerie. Naturally, the forces of nature didn’t agree with Carver’s plans. After what must have been several long, embarrassing years, Sir Carver opened the gate. Apparently, it was in his best interest to work with the fae rather than against them. To this day, the wall still stands. The fae didn’t mind, it was only about 400 yards long, and made for a nice conversation piece. What it lacks now are doors. The forest has done a glorious job of reclaiming it by covering it with vines and flowers and wildlife.

The Outpost – Between the hospital and the wall, the old Outpost remains and is currently in use by the Outpost’s Sheriff. Not terribly large, the building houses only a few holding cells, and the Sheriff reserves the right to lock up the unruly or overly intoxicated. Anyone more troublesome than that, and the offender could find himself teleported to the Iron Citadel in Auvrynon.

Hummingbird Hollow – A clearing just the fae side of the Outpost’s wall. So named because of the trumpet flowers that cover the wall now attract numerous nectar loving hummingbirds, faeries and tiny divas. On occasion nymphs and satyrs dance through this Hollow to entice the foolish deeper into the woods.

The Mistroil Flow – The Mistroil flows along the northern side of the Outpost, on its path from the mountains to Auvrynon. Here the water is crystal clear and cold all year, fed by Ancient Child Falls and other mountain springs. Fishing and swimming are favorites of locals.

Gypsy Camp – On the road from Auvrynon, before the woods get too deep, is a clearing where gypsies have taken up residence. Typically, they come and go, traveling with their families. But a traveler might be welcomed in if they have coin and are in need of a special service from the gypsies. The sheriff has no jurisdiction here, so travelers take care. You are in their world now.

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** As we walk through the town, there are plenty of small shops, not nearly as fancy as those in Auvrynon. All are closed. There is song and laughter coming from a few pubs but mostly the noise just dulls together as we navigate down the main street of Carver’s Outpost. In the center of the town is a building standing alone and the sign outside reads, Carver’s Outpost, The End of Civilization. Welcome to the World between Worlds! There are bars on the windows and the word ‘Sheriff’ painted onto one of the front windows. They must not put many in jail if that’s what it is because the building isn’t very big.

*Saul sidesteps to get out of the way of a boy who darts around us, the child is chasing a hoop that tumbles ahead of him. A couple of other kids take chase, all lost in laughter. Throughout the city, lanterns have been lit. And strands of luminous balls run from tree to tree along magnificent magical strings. “This is just brilliant! I have heard stories, but they don’t do the celebration justice.” Joyous, silly music flows from one open area accented by laughter while everyone, especially the adults, wiggle their butts in a ridiculous dance that you know all too well as the Faerie Flit. “Is this just an excuse to act like children?”

* Darren gives you a huge, boyish grin. “Yes sir!” And with that he laughs, grabs your elbow and propels you towards the music. “You’re going to learn a new dance, Saul, my old friend.” We step through an opening of people cheering the dancers and musicians on. He keeps going, joining the circle of dancers and if you don’t join him, you get to observe. There is no hint of rigidness in his body as he squats, wiggling his ass and flapping his arms. Hell no! That wide grin of his never leaves his face as the music plays faster, forcing the dancers to shake and wiggle at amazing speeds.

* Saul pulls himself free just as we reach the circle. You. Are. Making a complete fool of yourself. And it is hysterical. He can’t help but laugh out loud, along with everyone else that is whooping to see who can keep dancing as the music speeds up to impossible levels. But you know the silly dance and you execute it perfectly through to the end. “I can’t believe you did that!!” he shouts over the crowd who start to chant, “Weeki Walky FLIT FLIT FLIT!! Weeki Walky FLIT FLIT FLIT! WoooooOOOOOO SHOOT!!!” And then everyone with an ale gulps down as much ale as they can in that breath. “This is insane!”