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Difference between revisions of "Geography: Pullman's Crossing"
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| − | Pullman’s Crossing and Roadhouse is located on the west bank of the Peaseblossum River in the western Culverwood. It is one of the few spots where a reasonably wide, firm and flat landing area occupies an otherwise steep-sided valley. The unique terrain offers perhaps the only place that carts and draft animals can approach the river and be loaded and unloaded. The river here is deep, dark, and swift. The sun does not find the valley floor until well into mid morning, and abandons it by mid afternoon. | + | Pullman’s Crossing and Roadhouse is located on the west bank of the Peaseblossum River along an ancient track known as the Spice Trail in the western [[Culverwood]]. It is one of the few spots where a reasonably wide, firm and flat landing area occupies an otherwise steep-sided valley. The unique terrain offers perhaps the only place that carts and draft animals can approach the river and be loaded and unloaded. The river here is deep, dark, and swift. The sun does not find the valley floor until well into mid morning, and abandons it by mid afternoon. |
The roadhouse itself is little more than a large cottage with a wood shingle roof. There are four small guest rooms, each with two beds and a wash basin. The kitchen occupies the back of the house and a large common room joins it. It is in the common room that any meals are served and guests can pass the evening with ale by a large fireplace. Beside the cottage is a small draughty, where the mule resides and horses or other draft animals can be stabled for short periods. | The roadhouse itself is little more than a large cottage with a wood shingle roof. There are four small guest rooms, each with two beds and a wash basin. The kitchen occupies the back of the house and a large common room joins it. It is in the common room that any meals are served and guests can pass the evening with ale by a large fireplace. Beside the cottage is a small draughty, where the mule resides and horses or other draft animals can be stabled for short periods. | ||
Revision as of 20:53, 18 January 2008
Pullman’s Crossing and Roadhouse is located on the west bank of the Peaseblossum River along an ancient track known as the Spice Trail in the western Culverwood. It is one of the few spots where a reasonably wide, firm and flat landing area occupies an otherwise steep-sided valley. The unique terrain offers perhaps the only place that carts and draft animals can approach the river and be loaded and unloaded. The river here is deep, dark, and swift. The sun does not find the valley floor until well into mid morning, and abandons it by mid afternoon.
The roadhouse itself is little more than a large cottage with a wood shingle roof. There are four small guest rooms, each with two beds and a wash basin. The kitchen occupies the back of the house and a large common room joins it. It is in the common room that any meals are served and guests can pass the evening with ale by a large fireplace. Beside the cottage is a small draughty, where the mule resides and horses or other draft animals can be stabled for short periods.
Traveller's arriving at Pullman's Crossing are often greeted by the surly voice of Luther Armson, the ferryman and owner. Luther became the proprietor of the business after cheating the previous owner (Malto Pullman) in a game of cards. A half elf, Luther is always seeking advantage and is a ruthless bargainer. He will always ask for 4 times the value of an item as an opening bid, and will take advantage of any weakness in the bargaining position of his ‘customers’. Along with operating the ferry, Luther runs the roadhouse where the plainest of food and ale is served, and travelers can get a night’s rest under a dry roof. Traveling supplies can be purchased from Luther at exorbitant costs. Luther’s daughter, Lucy helps keep the place clean, cooks and serves the meals, and helps care for the mule. She is a kind and gentle soul, and a devoted daughter who sees few of her father’s faults. She tires of the day to day drudgery of her life, listens for hours as passing travelers tell of their journeys and of far way places.
Luther operates a cable ferry during daylight hours for anyone wishing to cross the river and can afford the fare. The ferry itself can carry as many as 10 horses with riders, although with that many passengers, the small mule harnessed to the wheel makes slow progress against the currents.
The road leading to the crossing (the Spice Trail) is little more than a dirt cart track, worn down to bedrock in some areas by the passage of countless travelers over many, many years. The trail is maintained by the elves of the forest as an alternative to the more traditional trade routes that service the Windborne Hills from the Southern Ports. Merchants and caravan masters must make prior arrangement to use the road, usually involving a toll. Those that choose to use the spice trail without having first made the necessary arrangements are often never heard from again, or return to their starting point after weeks of being lost in the shifting nature of the Culverwood.
