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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.
★★✩✩✩
Vennaugh
That is where Vennaugh lies, right alongside the Mesmenir. Truly, this Haven occupies a peculiar spot compared to all of its fellows. Most Havens benefit from being right besides the road in some manner, and in fact roads were constructed with the Havens in mind in many cases. Others, such as Cotisse in Leide, or Owlyss far up in Ravatogh, are slightly more niche, and yet invaluable to those who have cause to stumble upon them. Yet Vennaugh has little to its name that would make the average driver stop in relief at the sight of it when Galdin is so close, and there lay scenic views or valuable trasures which would make one consider taking a pause.
However, I propose that Vennaugh is actually a hidden gem for those who travel not for business or urgency but instead for sight seeing. It may not seem obvious at first glance. After all, while Vennaugh is a welcome pocket of protection for those who need it in case their car breaks down whilst traveling through Saulhend Pass, it still seems to be only a pocket.
Indeed, a pocket with fresh greenery such as Eos green peas and Aegir root, which make fine additions to the traveler's pantry, but still only a pocket.
The key word in such a description is "seems". Vennaugh is in fact more connected than one might first perceive. I mean this in a rather literal sense. The Pass is often noteworthy for the rocky arches which cast a shadow across the road as one drives into it, similar to the much grander archres which are regular tourist spots over in Duscae. One such arch actually connects all the way down right across the pocket where Vennaugh rests. Many will find the path useful for the collection of minerals which can be found nestled within the rock walls as you traverse up high. Others may appreciate the outcrop of chocobeans which flourish on the grassy cliffs just a little beyond.
Yet I said this was a Haven and area for the sightseers. For those who relish in the journey more than any destination or physical reward. I think those truly curious will understand what I mean when they make it up past that path and stand out along the cliff.
Galdin Quay is a truly beautiful sight to see there, with the way that the light reflects off of the water.
Enjoy this sight all the more by preparing Miss Mercenary's Cassoulet the night before using the fresh chocobeans you'll have access to. Cook them alongside killer tomatoes while you grill some anak meat, and then let them cook together overnight. By dawn, you will have an excellent meal. I promise that if you take a bowl for yourself and spare a little time for walking... The only thing which will make this meal better is to eat it alongside someone as you watch the dawn break.
4/5 stars
the peanut gallery
chocobro: hey quick question are ppl taking chicks up the Vennaugh arch path or,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
fishfearme: on the road means immediate naptime but also you're almost RIGHT at galdin so like 2/5 stars