The Near Woods: Northeast Section

Trail to Mines

The central feature of this section is the worn and rutted wagon trail heading to the nearby mining operations to the North and East of Town. It’s about a 15 mile trek to the mining camps. Normally the miners will bring ores down to the town about twice a year (early spring and before the snows set it). The road cuts diagonally through the section on a North-by-Northeast angle and is generally in a fairly passable state. As the road really only sees traffic a few weeks of the year, there aren’t any stopping spots and the miners just usually stop on the road when it’s time to rest. Several creeks and small streams are available for water, but only the largest will still have water late in the year.

Abandoned Cottage

This site represents an old cottage for a logger. The cottage has survived fairly well for despite being unoccupied for years, but has been abandoned for nearly a decade and no building remains untouched by time or nature for long. The door still stands but the shutters are all askew from harsh storms last winter. When the shutters failed the elements had easier access and thus the decay has started in earnest.

A party exploring this area should make a listen check while outside to see if anyone hears noises from inside the cottage. On a successful check they can hear digging sounds or clawing sounds. On a failed check the winds and noises of the woods mask those sounds. Inside the cottage is a small den of badgers who have taken up residence.

Badger AC: 15, HP: 7, 5, 4, No. Attacks: 1 (1d6 Bite), Morale: 8

While threated the creatures will attack, but if left alone they will stay in the cottage.

Searching around the cottage will find a disused well. At the bottom of the well is a leather sack with a small box inside containing 15 sp, 8gp, and a copper brooch worth 50gp.