Olc Skerry

Olc Skerry is a town set in the center of an island of the same name, at the southeastern outskirts of a nearly one mile-wide hole in the earth that leads to the portion of the Underdark known as The Maw. Most of it is located in about a one mile stretch along that edge, though buildings and farms are spread out to other portions of the island as well as at occasional spots around The Maw's lip. Heavy cables descend along the edges through a complex pulley system to be used as a lift for messages and packages from those who delve below, though these only stretch into the first thousand feet or so. There's a port nearby that serves to accommodate incoming ships, allowing them a safe place to dock and barter with the locals.

• Olc Skerry Research Archive: Officially, the Cobalt Soul no longer maintains a presence on Olc Skerry due to the war. In actuality, this library and information archive is run by the Cobalt Soul, maintaining direct contact with the Rexxentrum Archive. Run by an older halfling woman, Nedris Noakesburrow
• The Pits: A colloquial name for an odd residential district of shared housing for those who delve into The Maw. Those who make a career out of such a thing - basically, the people who'd call themselves locals - pool money to pay for housing with the understanding that it'll be shared among them. It's common for five people to own a small house but for each of them to only see one of the others every month or two. A hobgoblin man named Ozrar, lower end of middle age, manages the properties here and makes sure no funny business happens while people are down; he's reasonably well-regarded and able to spur people into action to kick out problematic sorts.
• The Hag's Brew: One of the two major taverns frequented by traveling adventurers. L-shaped (top of the L vertical), with a bar area jutting out in front and lodging in the taller section in the back. The sign depicts a hag stirring a mug of ale. This one's mostly a spot for those new to the town; it's the flashiest, for sure, well-maintained and carefully built to precise specifications. Owned by a younger but still experienced human woman named Cosette Havenbow.
• Spelunker's Bane: One of the two major taverns frequented by traveling adventurers. Single-story and wide, taking advantage of the amount of space in Olc Skerry. This one also is frequented by locals who often come here for a pint and to swap tales. As such, it's a bit louder and more cramped, so some looking for a place to sleep prefer The Hag's Brew. Owned by a solidly middle-aged duergar woman named Jinri Goldenbrow.
• Skerry Supply: The general store most commonly frequented by locals but not the biggest (that honor goes to Olc Skerry General). Run by an eager wood elf man who's young for an elf but old for a human named Sylsalor, called Syl.
• Hammer and Steel Smithing Collective: A group of associated smiths and leatherworkers who do their best to keep up with the demand for adventuring gear in the area. Most notably: a gnomish woman (Inatra, leatherwork), a human man (Seth, smith), a halfling man (Flynry, smith).
• Rhukk's Retrieval and Holding: owned by an older orc man named Rhukk. Technically a free service, but tips are expected. Accommodates a winch that hoists objects from the upper parts of the depths as well as levitated or teleported goods from lower down. A shack that's been reinforced and expanded to include a storage space and a living space. Rhukk and Twigs don't seem to have separate living spaces, but Twigs might just sleep with her inventions.
• The Travelers' Market: not referencing The Traveler but instead serving as a place for merchants from abroad to come buy and sell
• An older elven woman who's a bit quiet works as a physician, known as Dana
• Alfric's Garden is a spice and herb shop run by Alfric Misham

Government

Olc Skerry has no official government, though a council of local business owners and trusted adventurers serves a similar purpose. The Kryn Dynasty maintains token ownership of the land; however, it's far enough outside of their grasp that they pay its governance little mind, especially during the throes of war. They do request taxes be paid from the occupants of Olc Skerry on trade that happens between the town and traveling merchants, but most pay well below the requirements if anything.

Industry & Trade

Olc Skerry makes its money primarily from those who seek to profit from The Maw's contents. Its industry primarily serves adventurers and explorers, and merchants come from all around to peruse the treasures brought up from beneath the surface.

History

Olc Skerry was, at some point in the past, a settlement with a mostly unknown history that was abandoned, all entrances to The Maw sealed with druidic magic. After the initial expedition discovered The Maw's presence beneath the old settlement, enterprising entrepreneurs broke through the thin layer of stone covering its entrance, revealing the approximately one mile-wide hole descending deep beneath the earth. Adventurers in search of a payday from harvesting relics, scholars in search of forgotten lore and secrets, merchants in search of interesting cargo, and tradesmen in search of a secluded place to practice their trade all flocked to Olc Skerry, populating the town with a mostly-adult, mostly-working set of individuals and small families. Many people journey beneath the town for their own reasons, and though less than a thousand call this place home, at least as many come to trade or try their hand at exploration.

Architecture

Most of the lumber used to create the buildings within Olc Skerry was harvested from the nearby peninsula. Buildings in Olc Skerry are generally practical and designed to serve the needs of travelers and explorers first and foremost. Some buildings were constructed on the foundations of the ruined stone buildings left here by Olc Skerry's historical inhabitants, with the old stone bricks occasionally even used in the construction.

Alternative Name(s)

Base Camp, The Tip of the Maw

Type

Town

Population

892

Location under

Blightshore

Included Locations

• The Maw