River's Rest
River's Rest is a small town near the mouth of the Tempest River on Maelstrom Bay. It is a part of the Turamzzyrian Empire and the County of Torre. Due to the town's size and relative isolation, it is generally ignored by both county and imperial authorities. As such, River's Rest is considered a safe haven for those wishing to avoid the law. Its isolation also results in a small but tightly-knit player community.
History of River's Rest
River's Rest, while a small town today, is heir to a long rich tradition of history. The founding date of the town is unknown, but the town is believed to have received its name from a corruption of the trollish name for the island, "rhee v'reskha" which means turtle's egg. The island town was one of several towns that came to compose the Kingdom of Elanith which later was absorbed by the Kannalan Empire. Within the empire, River's Rest flourished due to its location at the mouth of the Tempest River, which at the time facilitated trade deep into the interior of the continent. In time, River's Rest became the cultural center of the empire, reknown for its architecture, most notably, four great bridges which extended to the shores of the river, as well as an epicenter for the spread of poets, artisans, and intellectuals. The collapse of the Kannalan Empire in 3961 dramatically altered River's Rest fate.
The empire was over run by humanoids and River's Rest soon became one of the last bastions of resistance. The chief reason for this was the proximity of The Citadel, a fortress responsible for defending the region. The Citadel, originally ruled by a traditionally nameless "Commander," came under the control the Council of Mages, who became implicated in the murder of the Citadel's Commander. Their rule ended in 4058 with the invasion of a combined force of Krolvin and Trolls which wiped out the town and the defenders of the Citadel. The town was slow to recover, but did so under the banner of trade, both legal and illegal.
The Kingdom of Torre and the Grand Era of Piracy
The town again began to prosper and was incorporated into the Kingdom of Torre. In the 43rd century, River's Rest experienced what has become known as the "Grand Era of Piracy," which lasted from 4275 to 4325. Famed pirates included Ketain of the Scars, whom has a statue erected in the town and is buried there, as well as Oteska the Corsair, Bloody Malovor, and DeGaspard. In the 45th century, the Kingdom of Torre was annexed into the Turamzzyrian Empire and became the County of Torre. River's Rest was included in this transfer and soon became the recepient of an Imperial settlement plan to populate the trade town with more honest citizens. The measure was somewhat successful, but the rogue population remained regardless and were commonly referred to with a title they took on with pride as "River Rats."
River's Rest role as a trade town came to an end in 5018 with a great cataclysm which shook the earth and drastically affected the town. Most of the town's buildings were either leveled or consumed in fire and more dramatically, the quake forced the ground east of town upwards of thirty feet. In one day, the Tempest Falls were created and river trade down the Tempest to River's Rest was destroyed.
Recent History
In recent history, the year 5103 stands out as a year marked by violence and change that was marked by a blue comet in the night time sky. Seen by trolls as a divine sign, they began a migration to a holy land called G'bruk and departed entirely from the region around River's Rest. This was not done without battle, as the trolls chose to take an emmigration route through the town which led to an inescapable conflict between trolls and town defenders. The second and worse event concerned the invasion and occupation of the town by the Krolvin under the command of Sankir the Bloodfist. Sankir, a former second in command to a failed invasion of Teras Isle, controlled the town for several months before departing to expand his enterprise of conquest. In his wake, a lieutenant and Bloodmaster, known as Khortal, was killed by Half-Krolvins who had come to avenge their people's torture and subjugation under Sankir. They were named Airn and Colgan. Soon after, the occupying Krolvin force dispersed for lack of leadership, stalwart resistance of the oppressed, and request by Airn.
Prior to 5103, the worst Krolvin attack in recent time had been the 5101 raid by Krolvin slavers and corsairs, which resulted in the destruction of a magical transportation portal.
In late 5107, violence erupted again marked by smuggler, Casler Huntington's return to River's Rest sparking a new round in the Smuggling Wars.
Other Lore, Stories, and Songs
There are many assorted stories, legends, and songs that have happened in and around River's Rest over the years. While not as epic and history-making as the Krolvin Occupation or Smuggling Wars, they have defined (and amused) the small community and deserve to be remembered.
Travel to River's Rest
Originally, River's Rest was accessible via a magical portal adjacent to Wehnimer's Landing created by the necromancer Syssanis. The portal, activated by dropping a crystal amulet into it, was accessible on the Wehnimer's Landing end by a large magical boot in the vicinity of a kobold village and an old fishing vessel. The River's Rest end of the portal was located at a magical log. The portal was destroyed in a 5101 attack by Krolvin, when the invaders blew up the log. Soon after, smugglers stepped in to fill the travel vacuum that was left in the smoldering remains of the log. The chief smuggler in this business is Captain Knaydl of the cutter Live Bait. Travel by cutter is never a sure trip, as the Imperial Navy will successfully interdict the smuggler's route from time to time, forcing the smugglers to dump any evidence of their trade. In 5106, the smugglers expanded business to hiding travellers and other contrabrand inside barrels to completely fool Imperial inspectors. However, they charge a premium on top of passage for the opportunity. In 5107 the chronomages set up shop in the same place the only log was located. They also charge a premium fee.
Town Geography
The town of River's Rest is known well for several businesses, as well as notable buildings and institutions. Perhaps most iconic is the Stone Eye, a massive rock construction at the north end of the island. A multi-storied building, the Stone Eye is the sole location of the famed Winterberry Ale and a bar operated by a mongrel kobold named Byron. On the cliffs above the town sits the light house and home of the Beacon Hall Archives, an institution dedicated to the preservation of history and serving the needs of the town. Another instutition dedicated to the preservation of local history, the River's Rest Museum is located near the Pavilion of the Bells, one of several popular spots for town weddings.
Around town, an ever present and loved symbol of River's Rest is Fluffy, a one-eared rabbit who lives in the town and is often seen nibbling on pieces of grass. Another familiar creature seen around town is Snuffy the aardvark.
A favorite resting spot for many town citizens is the town Commons, a grassy commons area shaded by a great willow tree. Another special place within the town is the point at the northern end of the island, near the Stone Eye. It is a quiet beautiful place, haunted by the ghosts of two tragic lovers, Estamil and Tandrik.
Recently (5107), the River's Rest Graveyard has been opened up to the west of the drawbridge outside of town.
For a complete list of town businesses, see River's Rest Shops.
For a complete list of town personalities, see River's Rest NPCs.
For a list of town adventurers, see River's Rest PCs
Town Traditions
Due to its isolation, River's Rest has developed several traditions unique to itself. The longest running tradition is the fast breaking or breakfast on Restday morning, usually in a tree house in the Commons or in the Commons itself. Winterberry Ale is the unofficial (official if you ask Aubery or Kretan) drink of the town. Many of the citizens almost always carry a green tourmaline on their person for Estamil and Tandrik. Despite its shadier reputation, River's Rest has a strong tradition of restricting the presence of theft within the town.
Religious Traditions
The denizens of the Rest are hugely varied and follow a diverse set of beliefs. A few spirits and Arkati, however, have a larger presence in the town than others. The lesser spirit, Aeia, is the patron goddess of the island. There are a number of shrines, gardens, and statuary dedicated to her. Niima and the Huntress, both have shrines in the area.
Town Activities
Like any other small town, the locals must be inventive to keep themselves occupied during the slow periods. Add in the unconventional, some would say insane, mindset of many of the residents of River's Rest and many interesting, often deadly, ways to pass the time are created. Some of the more notable activities include Gem of Fate, Dodge the Void, Bridge Jumping, Turban of Death, and the sensation of the Warrens Dock Diving. Be forewarned, participating in these activities will most likely result in being severely maimed or killed.
Places of Interest
- The Citadel
- Hidden Vale
- Karazja Jungle
- Krolvin Carrack
- Krolvin Ship
- Maelstrom Bay
- Miasmal Forest
- Oteska's Haven
- River Tunnels
- The Ruined Tower
- Sea Caves
- Shattered Moors
- Troll Lair
- Marsh Keep
External Links
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