Riverbend

The Last Homely Hearth of the Nehalem Southlands - Jasper Cottonwood, halfling storyteller

    Riverbend is a quaint and picturesque halfling village nestled in the rolling hills along the southernmost border of Nehalem. While much of Nehalem bears the scars of ancient war magic, with twisted landscapes and shattered remnants of old forests, Riverbend has remained largely untouched. The region's natural magic, bolstered by the halflings' harmonious lifestyle, created a protective buffer around the village. This serene haven stands as a testament to the resilience of its people and their connection to the land.  

Geography & Location

  Riverbend is nestled in the rolling hills along the southern edge of the Nehalem region, positioned where the River Thistle gently meanders before flowing into the dense Mistwood Forest. The village sits on fertile land, spared from the devastation of the war magic that scarred most of Nehalem. The Mistwood provides natural protection and an abundance of resources, while the river serves as a vital lifeline for trade and sustenance.

Economy

  Riverbend thrives on agriculture, primarily cultivating hearty crops like barley, wheat, and root vegetables that have adapted to the magical residue lingering in the soil. The village is known for its vibrant orchards, producing a variety of apples, pears, and berries used in their famous cider and pies. Fishing is also a staple of the economy, with the Thistle River teeming with freshwater fish.   Trade caravans from the Astorian Republic often make a stop at Riverbend to purchase their prized cider, preserves, and honey. The halflings also produce intricate textiles, known for their vibrant colors and unique patterns, woven from fibers collected from the Mistwood.

History

  Riverbend was founded over two centuries ago by halfling families seeking refuge from the escalating conflicts of Nehalem. While most settlements were destroyed or abandoned during the war, Riverbend’s remote location on the outskirts shielded it from the brunt of the destructive war magic. Over time, the village became a sanctuary for halflings, a place of peace amid the chaos.   In recent years, Riverbend has seen an influx of refugees and travelers seeking respite from the troubled lands of Nehalem. The village elders are wary of how this influx might affect their tight-knit community.

Culture & Society

  The halflings of Riverbend are known for their hospitality, merriment, and love for storytelling. The village celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, the most notable being Harvest Home, a week-long celebration of the bountiful autumn harvest, featuring music, dance, and a grand feast.   Community life is centered around The Commons, a large open area surrounded by cozy cottages with thatched roofs and blooming gardens. Halflings here value self-sufficiency and simplicity, though they are not opposed to a bit of luxury when it comes to food and drink. They are proud of their traditions, and the village is filled with vibrant murals depicting scenes from their history and folklore.

Points of Interest

 

• The Thistledown Inn - A warm and inviting inn run by Merrilee Thistledown, the heart and soul of Riverbend’s social life. The inn’s cider and mead are famous across the region.
• The Great Hearth - A communal hall used for village meetings and celebrations. It features a massive stone fireplace carved with images of halfling heroes and mythical creatures.
• The Weaver's Row - A street lined with workshops where skilled halfling weavers create their distinctive textiles. The street is alive with the colors of dyed yarns hanging to dry.
• The Shrine of Verdantis - A small but lovingly maintained shrine to Verdantis, the Great Artist, where villagers leave offerings of flowers and crafted trinkets for good harvests.
• The Mistwood Gate - The path leading into the Mistwood Forest, marked by ancient stone arches covered in moss. It is said that stepping through the gate brings both fortune and mischief, as the Mistwood is known for its fey presence.

Threats & Dangers

• The Encroaching Blight - While Riverbend was mostly spared from the corruption of the war, there are signs of the magical corruption slowly creeping from the south. Strange plants with twisted, blackened roots have started appearing along the riverbank.
• Fey Mischief - The Mistwood Forest is home to playful yet dangerous fey creatures who occasionally cause trouble, stealing food or leading travelers astray.
• Bandit Raids - With the recent instability in Nehalem, bandit groups have started targeting the outskirts, seeing Riverbend as an easy mark due to its remote location.
• The Wandering Wraiths - There are rumors of restless spirits from the war lingering near the river at night, drawn by the magical residue in the land.

 

Notable NPCs

 

• Merrilee Thistledown - The matronly owner of the Thistledown Inn, known for her storytelling and unmatched cider brewing skills. Merrilee is a former adventurer who settled down after her husband passed away.
• Bramble Mossfoot - The village’s most skilled weaver, who claims that her patterns are inspired by visions from Verdantis himself. Bramble is also the unofficial leader of the village council.
• Jasper Cottonwood - A charismatic bard and abolitionist, Jasper is a well-loved figure in Riverbend, often seen chronicling the stories of travelers and organizing performances at The Commons.
• Fern Underbough - A reclusive herbalist who lives on the outskirts of the village, known for her knowledge of the Mistwood’s plants and her uncanny ability to concoct remedies for almost any ailment.
• Constable Darrick Hilltopple - The local constable, Darrick is a stout halfling with a stern exterior but a soft heart. He is dedicated to protecting Riverbend and its people, though he is often overwhelmed by the increasing dangers.

Rumors & Hooks

• A Glowing River - Villagers have reported seeing a strange, faint glow in the Thistle River at night. Some say it is a sign of the blight spreading, while others believe it is a hidden treasure.
• The Lost Caravan - A merchant caravan from the Astorian Republic vanished near the Mistwood Gate. Their goods were highly valuable, and a substantial reward is offered for their recovery.
• A Stranger in Town - A hooded figure has been seen speaking with several of the village’s elders late at night. Rumor has it they are searching for something—or someone.
• A Fey Pact - Some claim that the village owes its protection from Nehalem’s destruction to a pact made with a powerful fey lord. If true, the price of this deal might soon come due.

 

Map

  W.I.P. Description of Riverbend for map: Riverbend’s layout includes The Commons at the center, surrounded by clusters of cottages. The Thistledown Inn is on the north side, near the river. To the east, the Weaver’s Row leads towards the Mistwood Gate. The Shrine of Verdantis is located at the western edge, overlooking the river. The Great Hearth stands proudly near the middle, acting as the heart of the community.)

Government

  Riverbend is governed by a Village Council, composed of five respected elders chosen by the community. Decisions are made through consensus, with Bramble Mossfoot acting as the unofficial head due to her wisdom and experience. The council meets in the Great Hearth to discuss matters of importance, from trade to defense.   The village values equality and participation, with every halfling given a voice in major decisions during community gatherings at The Commons.