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, who let him know that his work on earth isn’t done yet.

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.