Nettle’s Crossing

Nettle’s Crossing was once a sturdy wooden bridge spanning the Shrike River, constructed by Davik Nettle, an engineer and tollman. It served as a vital connection point for travelers navigating the Greenbelt. The bridge, though modest, was well-built and practical, a testament to Davik’s engineering skill. However, tragedy struck when the Stag Lord and his bandits refused to pay the toll and, in retaliation for Nettle’s defiance, burned the bridge and Davik’s home, killing him in the process.

Now, Nettle’s Crossing is a haunted site. The charred remnants of the bridge and nearby structures stand as a stark reminder of the violence that claimed Davik’s life. His restless spirit lingers, driven by vengeance and a demand for justice against the Stag Lord. The crossing is steeped in an eerie atmosphere, with mist often clinging to the ruins and an unsettling silence hanging over the area.

13 Pharast 4710
Djames awoke from a restless sleep, plagued by nightmares of an undead figure calling for justice. This figure would later turn out to be Davik Nettle.

16 Pharast 4710
After defeating the cursed bear at the Temple of the Elk, the party found their way to Nettle’s Crossing. Upon arrival, the group observed the ruins of the bridge and the tollman’s house. A rusted bell stood near the riverbank.

Curious, Lizzy rang the bell, summoning the specter of Davik Nettle. The tollman’s spirit emerged from the ruins, recounting his tragic fate and demanding vengeance. He tasked the party with killing the Stag Lord and throwing his body into the river to appease his restless soul. While the party sympathized with Davik’s plight, they hesitated to promise outright vengeance, instead vowing to pursue justice in their own way.

Lizzy attempted to reason with Davik, even offering to rebuild the bridge, but the spirit was blinded by his hatred and dismissed her gestures. Her attempt to calm him with a healing spell angered him further, prompting a violent response. Though injured, the party chose to retreat, unwilling to engage in further conflict with the specter.

• 21 Pharast 4710 After the Stag Lord’s defeat, they carried out Davik’s demand, casting the Stag Lord’s body into the river. As the corpse touched the water, the currents darkened and swirled. Davik’s spectral form appeared one final time. A flicker of peace crossed his ghostly visage before he faded into the mist, leaving behind a +1 Ranseur as a token of gratitude.

• 24 Pharast 4710 We’ve returned to Nettle’s Crossing to search the area and confirm that Davik’s spirit had been pacified. The riverbank, once darkened and violent, now felt calm. We took a moment to reflect on Davik’s tragic end, but at least we could finally close this chapter.