Near the center of Trinsdale, the second largest city of the unassuming Glademarch kingdom, sits a tavern named Drakkon's Beard, but it is better known as "Caravan's Dawn." This was an alias it had taken on after several stories began to spread of adventurous groups having formed and had their renown originate therein.

    It would seem that the surrounding area was a hotbed for ancient caves, tombs, abandoned temples and every kind of lure for the freelance journeyman. So much so, in fact, that many were of the opinion that an entire other society must have once grown, flourished, declined and eventually disappeared and been forgotten before the current Glademarch lands were settled.

    Whatever the case may be, Caravan's Dawn, and the whole of Trinsdale by proxy, became the starting point for many individuals looking to earn their fortunes and glory through spelunking, mercenary work, and blatant acts of heroics. The host and head barkeep, Larson "Hops" Grammal, eventually posted a bulletin board for hopeful thrill seekers looking for companions. Thus, the name Caravan's Dawn took hold.

 

    Many have suggested that Hops instigated the whole bazaar quite purposefully, perhaps to increase business at the tavern, at the behest of the local lords hoping to increase Trinsdale's economy, or because he simply enjoys hearing the stories. The latter is the prevailing theory and is based on the fact that before he became "Hops" he was once a traveling cleric and a hero in his own right. This has never been confirmed, as he generally ignores the question and offers a drink.

    No one knows why he doesn't like to talk about his own exciting past or how he came to be a brewer and barkeep from religious service as a divinely empowered warrior. The only vestige of his past that remains seen is a large ceramic stein bearing the symbol of his deity, Vartuul, god of oaths. Some say he is awaiting a group of adventurers that could help him atone for some mark against Vartuul, or fulfill an outstanding oath.