The Silver Way
The Silver Way is the only road into Azadmere, the Kingdom of the Khuzudul. It is one of the four major overland trade routes that converge on Tashal, one of the most important and lucrative trade routes on Hârn. It is also one of the most dangerous.
Altitude and other mountain perils make the Silver Way uniquely treacherous. Heavy snowfall and lingering ice make the trail impassable from mid-autumn to late spring. The trail is a challenge even in summer, sudden torrential rains can cause flash flooding and rock slides can imperil travelers. The ancient Khuzan construction is not completely impervious to the ravages of weather and age; every year it must be repaired by Khuzan work crews. For most of its length, the trail is wide enough for two laden mules to walk side by side, with turnouts for camping and passing at periodic places. The way is steep and winding for long stretches and a slip for one mule can easily cause the loss of two or more. The looted remains of unlucky animals and travelers below can sometimes be glimpsed from the trail above.
As if physical dangers were not enough, the route traverses brigand and Gargun invested territory. The lower reaches of the Silver Way are haunted by bands of human brigands who prey on small groups before they can join the great caravans that depart from Naniom Bridge. Closer to Zerhun, the former Khuzan mines of Fana are now infested with an aggressive and dangerous colony of Gargu-Viasal. The foulspawn raid any caravans or groups that appear weak or disorganized. Experienced travelers never travel the Silver Way alone.
The Silver Way's terminus is the great fortress of Zerhun, virtually no traders are allowed to enter the Kingdom of Azadmere proper, instead they are required to exchange goods on the great marshaling yard outside the gates of Zerhun. Each year stout hearted merchants make the perilous trip because a successful caravan can be very lucrative, Khuzan goods are of exceptional quality and fetch high returns and the dwarves trade generously for certain goods only the humans outside Azadmere have access to.
Altitude and other mountain perils make the Silver Way uniquely treacherous. Heavy snowfall and lingering ice make the trail impassable from mid-autumn to late spring. The trail is a challenge even in summer, sudden torrential rains can cause flash flooding and rock slides can imperil travelers. The ancient Khuzan construction is not completely impervious to the ravages of weather and age; every year it must be repaired by Khuzan work crews. For most of its length, the trail is wide enough for two laden mules to walk side by side, with turnouts for camping and passing at periodic places. The way is steep and winding for long stretches and a slip for one mule can easily cause the loss of two or more. The looted remains of unlucky animals and travelers below can sometimes be glimpsed from the trail above.
The Silver Way by Richard Luschek
The Silver Way's terminus is the great fortress of Zerhun, virtually no traders are allowed to enter the Kingdom of Azadmere proper, instead they are required to exchange goods on the great marshaling yard outside the gates of Zerhun. Each year stout hearted merchants make the perilous trip because a successful caravan can be very lucrative, Khuzan goods are of exceptional quality and fetch high returns and the dwarves trade generously for certain goods only the humans outside Azadmere have access to.
The Silver Way
Route: Gardiren to Zerhun
Distance: 56 leagues
Average by Foot: 8 days
Average by Horse or Mule: 6 days
Wagon: Impassable
Route: Gardiren to Zerhun
Distance: 56 leagues
Average by Foot: 8 days
Average by Horse or Mule: 6 days
Wagon: Impassable
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