As anyone who has traveled to the small viliage of Blackvine can attest, it is a place that, while at first a little bare, is full of warmth and hospitality. However, it is important to note that the road to Blackvine, and the village itself, can at times be rather dangerous. If you follow these few tips, you should be able to make a safe, fun, and perhaps profitable journey.
Meeting Others
It is quite possible that while you make your journey to the sea-side village, you will encounter strangers upon the road. For the most part, these are loyal, law abiding citizens of Iridine, or peaceful visitors from other countries. However, now and again there are other, less savory types about.
These folks are often distinguishable from friendly travellers through a variety of means. The brigands that inhabit the forest just to the east of the road are usually unkempt and dirty, and at times you can smell them coming a mile off. They usually carry axes or swords, and sometimes are wearing old, dented bronze armor. These men often travel in packs, and are best to be avoided.
Another type of person you may encounter lives up beyond the forest, in an old sea port known as Gray Sands. This town has been abandonded by most people for sometime; however, outcasts from society can sometimes be found lurking about in the dark corners. Sometimes, when the mood strikes them, they will wander through the woods and onto the road, or worse, into Blackvine itself. These people are often a little cleaner than the wood-dwelling brigands, and usually a little faster. They seem to favor blades and staves over the larger, heavier weapons, and are quite capable in fending for themselves. They are always very greedy, so it is wise to keep away, lest they take a fancy to your clothing.
As most know, the wearing of hoods and masks is quite illegal within city limits, and it is generally frowned upon without. While not everyone who conceals their face is a would-be robber, it is often better to be safe than sorry.
Occasionally, raiding parties made up of Cinerans will show up around Blackvine, and have been known to make pushes into the village itself. These raiders are highly-trained, and almost always travel together, or within yelling distance of one another. Unless you are quite skilled, these Cinerans are to be avoided at all costs. They can be identified by their often dark features, their harsh language, and the blade that they will always be carrying.
What to do if you meet these people:
If you ever come across people who you think to be dangerous, it is a good idea to run away, unless you feel confident enough that you can take them on in combat. Getting off the road is smart, as it is easy to lose followers in the vast grasslands. Also, try to think out for help, including just what the problem is, and exactly where you are. At all costs, do not stop running until you feel you are out of harm's way.
Gathering Salt
Blackvine is well known for the salt that it harvests from the sea. Generally, there are companies consisting of teams of men that gather this salt for dealers; however, it is possible as an individual to gather salt yourself, and sell it off for a profit. All you need are a few tools, available in Blackvine. Gathering the salt can be quite lucrative, but with the denar comes danger. While out gathering the salt, one must always be watching the tide. If it comes in swiftly, there is a great chance that the would-be salt seller will be swept out to sea, and badly injured on the rocks of the coast. As of this time, there is no healer within Blackvine, and the trip down to Fiona's is quite a ways, so it is best to keep your eyes open and your wits sharp when you are out among the saltbeds.