At the confluence of three rivers, some wise fellow established an inn called the Singing Bargemen where those who ply their trade on the rivers could quench their thirst. Around this inn a village has grown up, built on pilings driven into the slowly-flowing muddy river, preferable to the thickly forested shore. It's home to river guides and others who earn their keep on the water, not a rich place but for them it's home, and for others a welcome stop on their journey.
The village is described in detail, with rumours and personalities and details of the various buildings in the complex. As well as the inn, there is a Rivermen's Guildhall, a temple to the river god, a marketplace and a handful of private homes. Oh, and an, ahem, house of ill repute for those whose need for refreshment takes other directions than a few pints of ale. The sole access to shore is guarded - it's far easier to approach the village by water.
The village survives on fishing and hunting in the forest, and on passing trade from people travelling up and down the rivers. Some come to visit nearby caves which are rumoured to contain treasure. Oh, and pirates are said to lurk in the forest.
A few random events to liven the party's visit and details of a couple of notable residents round out this work, a small and likely disregarded little place that makes a handy stop if your plotline takes the characters along the river (or even loses them in the woods!).
Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!] |