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The village is a waypoint and dock for the shallow draft barges that are poled upstream. A jetty built into the bank of the South Fork creates a small impoundment and docking area for the barges. The North Fork of the Orryn is generally too small for significant navigation.
Most of the buildings in the community are wood-framed, with several roofed with local red and gray slate.
Asat Ildusker (Ftr5, 22HP, plate/shield, +1 longsword, light crossbow, 391 GP, potion of Fire Resistance) considers the post an honor, protecting the flanks of the Duchy and keeping watch on ‘his’ river. Accordingly, he keeps his troops well-drilled and disciplined, and is a stern, but not unsympathetic arbiter of local legal matters.
His lieutenants are old campaign companions. Tosh Ordyn (Ftr3, 14HP, chain, +2 spear, light crossbow [46 GP, 33 SP, silver feather pendant (40 GP)]) enjoys the relative remoteness of the post, a safe distance from past clan disputes and indiscretions. “Chud” Whachaen (Ftr3, 15HP, plate, flail, shortbow) chafes at the isolated position but doesn’t wish to alienate his commander. He has been skimming road tolls, though (77 GP, 331 SP, rose quartz necklace (50 GP)). Militia are billeted in the tower and blockhouse: Infantry (9) - Chain/shield, spear, dagger; Archers (12) - Leather, shortbow, dagger.
A domed temple to the local river gods squats along the road. In front of the temple is a shrine to the gods, polished by generations of travelers’ hands touching it as they leave the river’s environs, praying for luck on their journeys along the Ring Road. For every person touching the stone, there is a 1 in 6 chance that it imparts a small (one day) boon to the individual: 1) +1 to all saves; 2) protection from evil; 3) luck (re-roll one failed roll); or 4) 1d4 temporary hit points. The temple is administered by Sister Gwynn (Cl3, 11HP, plate, +1 staff (holds one additional 1st level divine spell/day), 103 GP, tourmaline holy symbol (120 GP), two potions of Cure Light Wounds).
The warehouse and trading post along the river has a good stock (85% chance) of standard adventuring items and supplies at 1.5 book price. Per Kelasos and his wife, Trina, have owned the establishment for 20 years, inheriting it from her father (41 GP, 76 SP).
“The Pilgrim and Flask” inn is owned by a heavyset halfling, Dannay Burrfoot, who employs members of her extended family from a nearby commune. The inn, like other structures in the settlement, is built of heavy timbers with a red slate roof. Lodging is a simple common room with cots. The inn has an attached stable. Burrfoot will have 1d4 horses and/or mules available for sale – animals either left by travelers or impounded/pawned by the halfling from destitute souls (31 GP, opal medallion (40 GP), 111 GP buried under stable floor).
Adventure prompts and/or rumors:
1) The gnomes have been spotted with a barge that needs no poles or rowing – the Bargers Guild is greatly interested in a specimen for study.
2) A caravan hauling spice from the Woggan foothills has gone missing along the Ring Road north of town.
3) Odd coloration of the North Fork portents displeasure from the old river god. Desecration of the sacred headwaters is suspected.
4) Ildusker approaches the party in need of discreet scouts to investigate rumors of a druidic cult raising forces along the frontier.
5) Ordyn has heard rumor that a former dalliance is of royal blood, and needs more information. Any bastard child could be a political complication. His pendant is a gift from the former lover.
6) Hunters and outriders have spotted undead near an old battlefield past the border, and mysterious cairns have been thrown up around the grave barrows.
7) Copses of trees have been suddenly dying. Sister Gwynn senses that it is more than a simple disease or infestation…
8) Bulettes are migrating into the area, causing much alarm for the halfling community just over the border.
9) Scouts of Chaos forces have been reported in the area. Waylaying or dispatching these squads, as well as better understanding the threat, would be quite valuable to the realm.
10) Smugglers may have absconded with a relic from the capital’s chief temple. They may be following local trails to transport it out of the territory.
