Badlands

Many merchants bringing goods to Umerus enlisted the aid of the Mercati, a group of local smugglers. But if you got caught by the Royal Mounted Rangers (often called Roamers), the penalty was death, and your head would be prominently displayed on Invidia's Traitor's Gate. The Mercati were routed in the Battle of Tamal.

Before the battle, the Impuniti, sworn enemies of the Mercati, would waylay travelers in Silong Canyon. So merchants unwilling to break the law by smuggling were forced to travel in large caravans for protection.

After the battle, the Impuniti continue to take advantage of travelers, but in a different way. As a reward for their participation in the battle, Baron Imoldo allowed them to build an inn halfway through the canyon, where they charge exorbitant prices, deliver poor food and service, and sometimes steal items from unsuspecting guests!

A couple of years ago, Tapria the Bard lost a magic item in this way, a gift given to her by the good dragon Tibomad.