The Town of Merchants Way

The short history of Merchant's Way is one full of adventure and bravery. Merchant's Way was created five years ago as an outpost for the town of Loudwater. Its purpose at the time was to help protect caravans coming and going along the Black Road. The Zhentarim controlled Black Road is the only safe passage across the great desert of Anauroch.

The outpost was built on the ruins of an old city, it's name lost in times. This was not the only reason this spot was chosen. On a hill overlooking the ruins stands a tall wizard's tower which is home to a powerful Gnomish wizard Gnosis. It was hoped that his presence would act as an additional bit of security for the fledgling outpost.

As time went on, and the outpost took shape, it became obvious that the wizard really did not care to help or harm the people in the small town below. Today he is a complete recluse whose mind is known only to a few that work for him.

Five years later the once small outpost has grown into a town. It's location in the North, so far from any other towns of size, has made it a natural magnet for anyone traveling in the area seeking a safe town. The travelers brought merchants and the merchants brought their families.

In addition to caravans from the East the town sees a lot of adventurers passing through it. They come seeking the rumored treasures of this area. It seems that each one of them has an old map or a guide that will lead them to riches. While most are never seen again some do indeed come back with great treasures.

The town of Merchant's Way now has an expanded mission set forth by Loudwater. With the spread of the Zhentarim's control over the area and the shift in power in the region's other large town, Llork, Loudwater is worried about being overrun by the Zhentarim. It is hoped Merchant's Way will help maintain a balance of power in the region. If this does not occur the Zhentarim will have total control over the Black Road and all of the towns on its Western edge.

The town is at a precarious time in its development. Zhentarim agents have been rumored to be slowly making their presence felt in the area. Attacks on non-Zhent caravans are at an all time high. Rumors place the blame for these attacks on Zhentarim backed raiders from the south. Rumors are dangerous things these days.

Your adventure begins in one of the harshest, richest, and oldest ares of Forgotten Realms. No matter what you're background, what you're running from, or in search of you're sure to find your fate in the Savage Lands.