Beginner's guide to River's Rest

This article is a work in progress!

River's Rest town

River's Rest is a small, isolated town in the farthest southwestern corner of Elanthia normally available to access by players. Without Premium, it is impossible to start a character in this town. Travel to and from the town is considered a game secret, but rumors abound that the fastest way to get there is by water. There are no jobs for novice adventurers (such as delivering messages, making iron, etc) beyond the normal bounty system. There is also no way to join a society, although there are small outposts nearby for inducted members. There are, however, plenty of creatures to hunt over a wide range, from giant rats and pale crabs all the way up to the toughest local foes, putrefied Citadel heralds and phantasmal bestial swordsmen. There's even a Guide to Hunting in the Rest. New and experienced players alike may find the ways of the town quaint, but usually it isn't too difficult to make friends, hear some local lore, get help with bounties, or ask for some buff spells.

Local Geography

One thing to strike new comers is that the town is not just small in population but geographically small for most day-to-day purposes as well. Learning your way around town will not take long at all! One can start outside the pawnshop, travel directly to outside the gemshop, then directly to outside the furrier, and finally to the bank. Of course, there may be a lot more to explore than first meets the eye, so don't be deceived!

Hidden all about town are public storage areas; if you're new, please take care to use common decency and contribute your fair share. It is extremely disruptive and inappropriate to take these items for sheer profit, like selling items to the pawnshop. Of course, if you're about to bleed to death, the locals will surely welcome you to raid any herbs you may need in a dire plight. It may also be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local cleric, Saltwater Sal, before trying to be helpful and cleaning out odds and ends you think are only trash.

Popular Resting Areas

Although there are plenty of places to explore or rest around town, most people like to gather in just one of two places. If you're new around town, it's a good idea to spend some time in these areas and get to know some of the locals. In particular, it's difficult to get help after you die if no one knows you're adventuring in the region.

The Sanctuary

Located just through the pillars on the west side of town, this is a natural sanctuary, holy place, and Super node. Visitors here are usually looking for a little peace and quiet while resting, a place to cast spells in armor without hindrance, or perhaps looking for a healer or cleric. An abundance of herbal remedies, as well as some other goodies, can often be found stashed behind the altar. It is also one of the target locations for Spirit Guide (130) as well as where a former corpse will end up after decaying. If you see dangerous creatures roaming town and you're looking for shelter or help, it's usually safe to come here, too.

Town Commons

Located conveniently in the center of town, either up the path from the south or down the walkway from the north of the Commons Circle, this is a Super node where a variety of folks enjoy gathering. Most spell casters offering buff spells, locksmiths, healers, clerics, and others wishing to provide or receive services will often be found here. Resters often get distracted in telling stories and gossiping, so don't feel shy to waltz right in and (politely) ask for some help, even if you don't see anyone; lots of people like to lurk in the shadows. The circumstance of potentially dangerous work like lockpicking being performed at one of the same place as healing is some of the local flavor, but perhaps arose because the Sanctuary is so quiet. A graceful willow tree not only shades the Commons but also partially obscures a slew of public containers for stashing treats, herbal remedies, and assorted junk.

The Stone Eye

The Stone Eye is an ancient ediface, located at the northwestern corner of town right at the tip of Maelstrom Bay. Inside on the first floor is a bar on the east with a quaint kobold bartender named Byron. Up the stairs on the second floor are tables for a private chat or a discrete break from the hustle and bustle.

Beacon Hall Archive

Located just over the draw bridge at the south end of town and to the west is the only Great House in River's Rest. The Common Room is one of the few local super nodes, and on the east side near the kitchen are some additional tables. The house is fully open to the public and its members welcome you to seek refuge here at your leisure. There's even a workshop on the second floor near the library.

Getting Help for the Dead and Wounded

In line with the difficult of the local infestation of monsters—which can be quite a challenge even for skilled adventurer's—getting patched up after a fight also isn't too easy. The town has no local healer besides the herbalist, who is not even known to stock a basic remedy like rose-marrow potion. If you can't find an empath about, check the basket at the herbalist, the crate in Town Commons, and behind the altar at the Sanctuary if you're too poor to afford some new herbs.

Although there is the local cleric Saltwater Sal, she has several spots about town she enjoys spending time at, and sometimes she's too exhausted to offer her services. Her services are, however, not free, and you never know what she'll ask for. In addition to nice local gems and shells, she's known to request chipped bricks, pieces of iron, scarves, sticks, table legs, tree bark, muffins, tiaras, or chalices. Some of these can be found in the community chest in Town Commons or behind the altar in the Sanctuary.

See Also

• River's Rest (main article)
• New Players' Guide

References

• GemStone IV New Player Guide

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