West Yorkshire, early 1760s. David Hartley is returning to his family's remote moor-top dwelling after seven years away in Birmingham. Gravely wounded and dragging a mysterious bag of tools, he receives help from six mythical stag-men.
After finding his community destitute, David introduces his kin to 'clipping', the illegal forging of coins and David's scheme to bring back dignity and security to his people.
David's gang partake in their first mission, focused on the rent-seeking, exploitative Clothier. David also aims to make amends with Grace, the 'jilted' love of his life.