Silver SpringThorny ashbrush grows wildly along the outside walls of this burnt-orange brick compound; acting as a deterrent for anyone thinking of entering uninvited, or who has managed to get past the elven guards who stand along top of the walls. The dun-colored, tart-smelling plants cling to life, fed by the underground waters of Silver Spring.
The compound, built and inhabited by elves, appears to be a fortress of mud-brick, rising above the barrens along the road that travels between Altaruk and Urik. But do not be deceived, there is nothing silver about this oasis, except for the coins the tribe collects in payment for offering a bit of shade and enough water to quench the weary travelers thirst. The water is foul tasting and less than clear, but it is safe to drink and therein lies its attraction to the elves and travelers. Although its location has made it a natural stopping point, its poor appearance and less-than-perfect water never inspired anyone but the Silver Hand tribe to settle here. Prior to their arrival and development of this oases, it was commonly known as Bitter Springs.
The tribe’s chief, Toramund, has a passion for silver, and saw a better opportunity to fill his packs and pockets with it by controlling access to the oasis, than by robbing the weary wander. Better to let them come to you, and then rob them.
Everyone is welcome at Silver Spring, provided they have the funds to pay the fees associated with resting and watering within the compound walls; a few well-placed arrows quickly turn away those who refuse to pay. If a group of visitors seems especially powerful, however, Toramund may decide to open the gates and give them free access to the oasis in order to avoid a battle in which his tribe may not win.
Within the crumbling walls of the compound the elves have erected, the oasis gives new meaning to the phrase, ‘ Let the buyer beware.’ Here, a traveler and his money are soon parted. The elves require payment for everything, from watering at the pond to receiving a small area to sleep on. Once a traveler steps through the fortified gates, he or she receives the endless attention of peddlers, thieves and entertainers. Everyone from children to old elves assault the travelers, hoping to sell or trade some trinket for more than its worth or seeking an opportunity to secretly swipe a prized possession. After the gauntlet of peddlers, other elves appear to level a series of annoying minor fees, charges, and gratuities for the privilege of resting within the protection of the fortified walls.
1- Gates – When travelers approach to within bowshot of the walls, elf guards call out the rules of the compound: "One silver piece each to water here and rest in relative safety. Pay or turn back." Then an elf appears from a hidden entrance to collect the fees. The gates will not open until payment is received, and most violence is returned in kind by elven marksmen archers from atop the compounds’ walls.
2- Corrals – The elves maintain this facility to keep and tend beasts brought in by visitors. The small numbers of kanks that the tribe own are also corralled here. The fee of one silver piece must be paid for all beasts brought into the compound that wish to partake of the water at the oasis. If an owner decides to spend any amount of time at the oases, their beast must be left in the corral. The fee for this service requires yet another silver piece. Mekillots and inix are not permitted in the compound, but water may be brought to these creatures outside the walls if the normal fee is paid.
3- Oasis Market – The tents of the oasis market are filled with cheap, gaudy goods that carry hefty price tags. All items have been "improved" with decorative elements to justify prices that are sometimes three to four times more expensive than those offered elsewhere. Improvements include a few extra beads here, a few feathers attached there, etc. Common goods of all descriptions can usually be found here, as can a few exotic items that are often only slightly altered common goods. For example, a battered bone sword might be engraved with a few meaningless runes and sold as the legendary weapon of Colwyn of Bodach. The elves also sell spell components, and every so often a real treasure is to be found. But in order for a genuine treasure to escape Toramund’s private collection, it must be so obscure or disguised as to appear to have little or no true worth. If visitors anger or insult the Silver Hands, the items sold to them here will be of inferior quality, or possibly even poisoned. Occasionally, the elves will use a deadly but slow-acting poison on a particularly wealthy traveler, and then follow him into the desert in order to loot the dead body.
4- Tent of Delight - The drinks served here are strong and often as foul tasting as the water outside, but the singers, dancers and musicians are good. Friendly customers, who can afford to pay, may avail themselves of elven company here during their stay in the compound.
5- Traveler’s Camp – The Silver Hands provide space within their compound for travelers to make camp. For a silver piece, the elves provide a sleeping area (devoid of shade and next to the corrals), and access to a small fire area near the western wall (but no burn-rock). Those travelers who take advantage of the elves’ "hospitality," are also continuously bothered by peddlers and wandering entertainers throughout their stay. They must also beware of the elf thieves who regularly prey upon the campers. It is the wise traveling group that keeps at lest one member up to keep watch. The thieves do not steal so much from a single person as to be readily noticed, but they often take possession of a valuable item or two.
6- Living Tents – These tents serve as living areas for members of the tribe who are neither warriors nor traders. These elves are often the hunters, the thieves, the entertainers, or the older members of the tribe. It is unwise to venture into these areas unless invited or escorted by one of the Silver Hand elves.
7- Warrior’s Tents – The warriors charged with defending the oasis live in these long tents spaced evenly around the compound. If trouble occurs, all of the warriors can be assembled within minutes. Every warrior carries a long bow, plenty of arrows, a long sword made of bone, and an obsidian knife.
8-Warrior Leader’s Tent – Basettu, the Protector of the Oasis, and his officers share this tent. Their personal belongings are stored here, and this is where they come to sleep and relax. The accommodations are less spartan than the warriors, but not nearly as opulent as the chief’s. Four leaders live here, including Basettu.
9- Water-Singer’s Tent – Among the Silver Hand tribe is often born a water-singer; which is possibly why the tribe has had such luck and good fortune with this oasis. Typically many desert oases will go dry after a few phases, or even a couple quinths, but Silver Spring remains well supplied of its life-giving waters. The Water-singer may be encouraged to heal those travelers who have been beset by injury, but beware; an injury that heals slowly keeps visitors from leaving.
10 - Chief’s Tent – This huge tent serves as Toramund’s personal living area and court. There is also room, in a portion of the tent blocked off by flowing curtains, for special guests to stay, as well as those tribal members who have nowhere else to go. The large common area is clear so that Toramund can hold meetings or entertain important visitors. Toramund’s private collection of silver and treasure is also stored here, under the watchful eyes of his personal guards.
