The Old Mill
“There’s something about the place that just feels like home. Whenever I’m in town I’m drawn to it like a moth to a flame. They stock anything a traveler could need, no matter the quest ahead. Those looking for something exciting and unexpected will surely do so at the monthly auctions.”
-Helena Brightbow, ranger of the moongrove
Built right on a riverbank in an idyllic glade, this disused watermill has been converted into the Old Mill general goods store and auction house. Well-loved throughout the province for its expansive product range and friendly service, the Old Mill sees a steady stream of visitors all year round. The store’s regional renown
far outshines its aged exterior’s appearance. Quality goods, fresh produce, and adventuring gear can be purchased at fair prices, always with a kind smile from the staff. Most of these goods arrive at the Old Mill from across the river, which still serves as a major trade route throughout the countryside. The nearby tri-land crossing sees a constant flock of travelers, many of whom choose to spend the night at the Old Mill and stock up on supplies.
The wooden mill towers above the forest canopy. The landmark is easily spotted when traveling the roads that branch off from the tri-land crossing. Visitors are greeted by chickens freely roaming the perimeter. A finely painted wooden sign with a carved mill hangs from the patio roof. Inside, you get a sense of the breadth of stock available for purchase. The ground floor is filled with overflowing shelves packed with adventuring gear. Dried rations, waterskins, backpacks, bedrolls, tinderboxes, torches, rope, string, climbing spikes, harnesses, 10-foot-poles, walking staffs, candles, ink, parchment, mirrors, soap, and spyglasses are just some of the goods available. The first floor has a quaint little taproom and basic accommodation for folks who need a place to stay for the night. Though there’s not much room to spare, the bar is always filled with quest patrons, fellow adventurers, and people looking for help. In fact, the place has become a rendezvous point where traders and travelers from far and wide come to meet, trade stories, and share a meal. Suppliers access the expansive storage rooms through a large sliding door, large enough for carts to enter.
Trade Winds
The mill’s tattered vanes still gently turn in the wind. It has been ages since they powered the wheat grinder. Nowadays, they rally visitors from all directions to come and enjoy the store’s fine wares. The most prominent part of the establishment is the old mill itself; its round, towering structure is lined with circular shelves packed with goods all the way to the ceiling. Toward the back of the mill is a warehouse proper: aisle upon aisle of shelves stacked high with everything you could ever need. At the rear of the warehouse is a long wooden counter carved out of a huge tree trunk, behind which are staff rooms and the entrance to the enormous cellar. Also on the other side of the warehouse is a spiral staircase that leads up to the tavern. Their vast collection of adventuring gear is sourced from the finest manufacturers available, and all kept at affordable prices thanks to the generations of connections forged with artisans all over the world. The entire place is always filled with laughter and chatter as the patrons and staff mingle throughout the warehouse, and the tavern above which looks down on the place from the gallery. Hanging from the ceiling are dozens of chandeliers made from elk antlers, whose magical candles cast a never-faltering orange glow throughout. As well as stocking general adventuring gear chosen specifically by the establishment, the warehouse also provides the finest quality weaponry and armor. This section of the store is carefully monitored by staff to ensure no dangerous activities occur while the items are being tested. There’s a small archery range to test your new bow, straw-filled training dummies to refine your axe-swing, and even cloth-wrapped wooden weapons to test out suits of armor. The resident wizard, Thorodell, is always on hand to repair any breakages or buff up a dented breastplate.
Related Report (Secondary Locations)
