Trouble in the Mines

The economy of Larm is based on resource extraction: crops are raised in the fertile river bottom lands; the legendary Iron Pines are harvested from the nearby forest; stocks of wild salmon are caught from the river; and copper ore is mined in the hills north of the village. There is a natural rhythm to the farming, woodcutting, fishing, and mining operations. Wealth is extracted from the rich frontier lands, profits are made, and a small tribute is sent back to noble houses in Dolmvay. This arrangement works for everyone, and until recently there have been few problems.

All that changed when the trouble in the mines began. Copper mining has slowed in recent months. As the deposits of ore in the hills closest to Larm have been exhausted, the miners have been forced to push farther north toward the mountains. Despite early successes, the mining operations soon met with notable setbacks.

Strange "accidents" began to happen. At first, this was simply equipment that went missing - pick axes and shovels disappearing - but then something started driving off the mules and work horses.

Finally, the cave ins began. Nine men were lost, buried under a pile of rubble despite all proper safety procedures being followed. As the rescue crews dug out the victims, they found strange carvings on the nearby tunnel walls. Written in Dwarven runes, the message read, "Stop digging now."

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Larm: The Lay of the Land

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Shrine of St. Cuthbert

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