Right now it is the middle of a hot, dry summer. It's hard not to be sweaty and dusty, in particular if you're wearing heavy armor or bulky clothing. Rainfall is infrequent, but when it comes down, it really comes down. Thunderstorms and tornados are fairly common.
History of the Vale (Knowledge check (Local or History) or Gather Information DC 10)
About five hundred years ago the nearby city of Rhest came to control the vale and a large swath of land north of the Giantshields as well. Soldiers from Rhest secured the roads all the way to Dennovar and beyond, creating a safe passage for trade. More and more traders traveled the Dawn Way, and the kingdom of Rhestilor grew wealthy on the tariffs exacted from the passing merchants. Under the kingdom's shield, the towns along the Dawn Way-Brindol, Talar, Terrelton, and the rest-grew up from tiny hamelts or lonely soldier's posts to flourishing human settlements.
The kingdom of Rhestilor eventually collapsed under civil strife, monstrous incursions, and magical blights. Almost two hundred years ago, the city of Rhest was burned by a savage horde out of the Wyrmsmoke mountains. Although the warriors of Rhestilor killed many of the goblins and their kind, the city was abandoned and the already weakened kingdom broken. The locks and canals surrounding Rhest fell into disrepair, and the Blackfens swallowed the ruined city.
In the years since the kingdom's fall, the towns of Elsir Vale have come to look after themselves. Most of the local lords, such as Jarmaath of Brindol, still hold titles derived from the old kingdom of Rhestilor. While everybody knows that the kings of Rhestilor are long dead, no new realm has arisen in the vale.
However as you're enjoying your food or gambling or getting drunk or whatever you like to do at a tavern, there's the sound outside of a horse quickly approaching and suddenly stopping, then a man in a dusty cape suddenly barges inside the tavern breathing heavily, clearly fatigued.
"The goblins and hobgoblins of the land have banded together under a charismatic warlord and are on the move! Thus the great Lord Jarmaath of Brindol has issued summons for any and all available and capable hands to support our soldiers and militia in guarding our lands! Any interested and able people from this area are to head to Drellin's Ferry as soon as you can to join the defense preparations! There you will be offered an advance payment in gold for your help!"
The local farmers shyly turn their heads away from the messenger, focusing on their plates and cups. None seem that motivated to risk their lives, even with the promise of a reward.