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Brockham Test
For those first stepping foot outside of Insomnia, the Brockham Haven will very likely be their first introduction to the safe havens which keep weary travelers save from that which lurks in the night. All that they need to do as they make their way past the checkpoint is turn their head towards the left, and they will see the outcropping of rock which juts out from the hillside and glows a welcoming blue.
However, while the first Haven available to most travelers, it is not often the first choice of most. Instead, it is often only chosen by Hunters venturing down into the depths of the Crestholm Channel to clear out the daemons which plague its dim waterways, or the occasional fisherman who seeks reeling in the Dawn Lucian Carp in the early hours of morn. If there are any outside of those two groups who seek shelter there at Brockham, it is a traveler who only made it out of the city far later than they could have ever hoped, and do not believe themselves capable of making it to the Hammerhead in time.
There are multiple reasons for this, although they all seem to amount to the same thing: Brockham does not have very much to offer. Squashed between the Channel and a nearby Impereial fort, it is rather lacking in any appealing views which might soothe a tired soul after a long day's journey or when they awaken from a rought night of camping. The only wild food which might help bolster their stores would be a nearby outcropping of Aegir Root, should they tire of the Reservoir's fishing.
Still, Brockham does offer a fascinating view of abandoned construction that is but across the road. When viewed from the peak of Brockham, while one is sipping at their morning coffee, seeing those would-be towers of brick and concrete leaves one with a sort of melancholy, and reminds them of how fortunate they are to have lived in a city fully formed and reliable.
This does, of course, require one to be able to be able to ignore the dead-eyed robotic stares of the Magitek Troopers stationed in the nearby fort.
Yet despite the proximity of both Fort and Channel, or perhaps because of such proximity, very few monsters actually lurk around the immediate area of Brockham. This perhaps is something that will no doubt appeal to those travelers who are not so equipped to handle the local wildlife in the way that skilled Hunters or independent fishermen are, for all they need do is make a short break from the road up to Brockham.
Still, for those whose sense of aesthetic is particular and thus will find no satisfaction in such a place where the reminders of civilization are so overbearing, the fortunate news is that Brockham has a sister Haven just on the other side of the Fort. A small drive away (or walk, if one's vehicle happens to be incapacitated) will find them at Palmaugh Haven. The view is one of the few differences between the pair.
For a meal to eat at the campside, I recommend a simple Multi-Meat Sandwich. Any well prepared traveler will no doubt have Daggerquill breast and Gighee ham in their supplies, along with some bread that should still be decent. Augment the meal with Aegir root, and one will find themselves having a nice simple meal befitting of the scenery.
★★✩✩✩
However, while the first Haven available to most travelers, it is not often the first choice of most. Instead, it is often only chosen by Hunters venturing down into the depths of the Crestholm Channel to clear out the daemons which plague its dim waterways, or the occasional fisherman who seeks reeling in the Dawn Lucian Carp in the early hours of morn. If there are any outside of those two groups who seek shelter there at Brockham, it is a traveler who only made it out of the city far later than they could have ever hoped, and do not believe themselves capable of making it to the Hammerhead in time.
There are multiple reasons for this, although they all seem to amount to the same thing: Brockham does not have very much to offer. Squashed between the Channel and a nearby Impereial fort, it is rather lacking in any appealing views which might soothe a tired soul after a long day's journey or when they awaken from a rought night of camping. The only wild food which might help bolster their stores would be a nearby outcropping of Aegir Root, should they tire of the Reservoir's fishing.
Still, Brockham does offer a fascinating view of abandoned construction that is but across the road. When viewed from the peak of Brockham, while one is sipping at their morning coffee, seeing those would-be towers of brick and concrete leaves one with a sort of melancholy, and reminds them of how fortunate they are to have lived in a city fully formed and reliable.
This does, of course, require one to be able to be able to ignore the dead-eyed robotic stares of the Magitek Troopers stationed in the nearby fort.
Yet despite the proximity of both Fort and Channel, or perhaps because of such proximity, very few monsters actually lurk around the immediate area of Brockham. This perhaps is something that will no doubt appeal to those travelers who are not so equipped to handle the local wildlife in the way that skilled Hunters or independent fishermen are, for all they need do is make a short break from the road up to Brockham.
Still, for those whose sense of aesthetic is particular and thus will find no satisfaction in such a place where the reminders of civilization are so overbearing, the fortunate news is that Brockham has a sister Haven just on the other side of the Fort. A small drive away (or walk, if one's vehicle happens to be incapacitated) will find them at Palmaugh Haven. The view is one of the few differences between the pair.
For a meal to eat at the campside, I recommend a simple Multi-Meat Sandwich. Any well prepared traveler will no doubt have Daggerquill breast and Gighee ham in their supplies, along with some bread that should still be decent. Augment the meal with Aegir root, and one will find themselves having a nice simple meal befitting of the scenery.
★★✩✩✩

Cotisse
Cotisse is one of the first Havens which showcases the wide plains and towering peaks which make up the Leigne area; some may even say that it is one of those which does the best at this particular aspect in comparison to many other Havens in the same area. On a good clear day where the winds are calm, it is possible to see even the Rock of Ravatogh off in the distance. For those who can appreciate the desert's beauty, Cotisse is perfect in this respect.
Additionally, proving itself to be more preferable than the two sister Havens off to the east, Cotisse is in possession of some native vegetation which a hungry traveler would find useful. Finding Eos green beans is easy enough; so too is cooking them. If one ventures a little further east, they will find tomatoes to augment their stores of food as well.
However, while Eos green beans may be easy enough to harvest, reaching the destination may be somewhat more difficult. This is because they lay in a small basin which houses a spring. No doubt it is access to this water which allows them to flourish. Another which flourishes thanks to the presence of this small spring would be the Bandersnatch. According to local gossip, it is common for the beast to be found near and often within the basin, using the only source of fresh water for miles around in order to cool off its constantly red-hot body.
For the more conservative camper who is already well prepared in supplies, likely the most they will ever see of such a creature may be the sight of its steam, a thick haze noticeable even at a distance. Yet for those who are inclined to a refreshing morning hike or some hunting of the local Reapertail population, they may want to make sure never to venture down into the basin or slip off of the ledge which circles it.
Cotisse is still an excellent test even with such a dangerous creature off in the east. For those who are not truly certain if the camping life is for them, then Cotissse will serve as a challenge that they either overcome or do not.
In celebration of those who are daring enough to procure fresh produce (or pragmatic enough to simply buy it at Hammerhead, where both green peas and tomatoes are cheap alongside the Leiden pepper which makes this dish), then I would recommend a recipe I call robust bean soup. Whether one is looking to fill their stomaches to go straight to sleep, or awaken feeling healthier than ever, I find this dish compliments the view beautifully.
3/5 stars
the peanut gallery
chocobro: so like i totes thought oh man this place actually does som great snaps p. photogenic nice profile of the mountains yadadadadada. and then. i got. ALL THE SAND IN MY HAIR. FROM A SUDDEN WINDSTORM. omfg. 1/5 stars
womenwantme: Baby's first real camping trip. Yeah that sums it up pretty well. 3/5 stars