Three Rivers
Three Rivers may be small, but its importance to the wider region is undeniable, thanks to its pivotal role in maintaining the Severed River’s flow and purity.
Demographics
Three Rivers is a quiet, close-knit village, with most of its population engaged in maintaining the river’s purity or subsistence farming.
Its population is primarily human, but the village’s important role in safeguarding the Severed River has attracted a few other races who bring expertise in water management.
Humans: Roughly 65% of the population are humans, descended from families that have lived in the area for generations.
Half-elves: Around 10%, many of whom have come from The Seat to work as water mages or healers, using their magic to monitor and maintain the quality of the river.
Dwarves: About 10%, drawn by the proximity of the Grasping Mountains and employed as stonemasons or craftsmen.
Other Races: Other varied races make up the remaining 15% of the population, often involved in the village’s day-to-day trades or in maintaining the waterworks.
The total population of Three Rivers is no more than 300 people, but they are highly self-sufficient, with a deep understanding of their environment.
Government
Three Rivers falls under the rule of The Seat, though it operates with considerable autonomy due to its small size. The village is led by a Village Council, with a head chosen from among the most respected villagers. Currently, this role is held by Elder Simon Fennel, an elderly human who oversees the village’s duties in managing the river and coordinates with envoys from The Seat.
Elder Simon Fennel: A pragmatic and level-headed leader, Simon manages village affairs and ensures that the Severed River is maintained to the standards required by The Seat. He is known for his wisdom and his ability to mediate between villagers and the occasional visitors from the capital.
The Village Council is composed of other senior figures, including the chief water steward, dockmaster, and local healers, who handle specific areas of village governance. They meet regularly to discuss the village's needs, especially the protection and maintenance of the river.
Defences
Three Rivers is a peaceful village, but its proximity to the Grasping Mountains means it has to be prepared for threats from bandits, wildlife, or even rogue creatures from the mountains.
Village Militia: A small militia of around 40 trained villagers, led by Captain Brodan Hale, a former guardsman from The Seat. The militia is equipped with simple weapons like spears, bows, and some light armor.
Watchtowers: A handful of wooden watchtowers have been built in recent months to monitor the area for bandit activity. These towers are manned by villagers and militia members on a rotating basis.
Support from The Seat: While The Seat does not maintain a regular military presence in the village, envoys and scouts pass through regularly, and the village can request aid if necessary. The proximity to The Seat ensures that reinforcements could arrive within a few days if the need arises.
Industry & Trade
Three Rivers has a limited trade economy, with most of its resources coming from The Seat in return for its services.
Water Stewardship Payments: The primary income for Three Rivers comes from payments made by The Seat for the village’s role in ensuring the quality of the Severed River.
Fishing: Small amounts of fish are traded or sold to neighboring villages.
Stonework: While modest, the dwarven masons of Three Rivers produce high-quality stone goods, including tools, household items, and occasionally small monuments or stone carvings, sold to passing merchants.
Crops: Small amounts of excess crops from the village’s farms are traded in the surrounding areas.
Infrastructure
Though small, Three Rivers has the infrastructure required to perform its primary function: ensuring the purity of the Severed River.
Waterworks: A modest yet effective water treatment system sits by the banks of the Severed River. Here, water mages and engineers ensure that the river’s flow is unobstructed and pure, employing both magic and simple filtration systems to monitor the water.
Docks: A small dock along the river serves to receive envoys and supply shipments from The Seat. It also allows for local fishing and some light river trade, though this is secondary to the village’s primary focus.
Housing: The village consists of humble homes made from stone and timber, built to withstand the cooler climate of the mountains. Houses are often clustered near the riverbank and along the main road leading to the Grasping Mountains.
Watchtowers: Given the recent bandit activity, a few simple wooden watchtowers have been erected at key points around the village to monitor for any threats coming from the mountain passes.
A single inn, known as the River’s Rest, serves the occasional travelers or envoys from The Seat.
Districts
Three Rivers is too small to have formal districts, but it can be divided into key areas based on function:
The Riverfront: The heart of the village, this area includes the waterworks, docks, and homes of those responsible for maintaining the Severed River. The docks and small warehouses are the busiest part of the village.
The Village Center: A simple gathering space for meetings, the local tavern, and a few market stalls where villagers sell fish, vegetables, and small goods. This is where the Village Council meets and where Elder Silas Fennel can often be found.
Outlying Farms: The village has a few small subsistence farms scattered around its perimeter. These farms produce vegetables, grains, and some livestock, mostly for local consumption.
The Watch Hill: On a small rise overlooking the village is Watch Hill, where the largest of the watchtowers stands. This area offers a view of the surrounding mountains and river valley, and it’s where villagers keep an eye out for any potential threats from bandits or wild animals.
Assets
Three Rivers’ primary asset is the Severed River itself, and its entire economy revolves around its stewardship.
Water Stewardship: The village’s most valuable “export” is its work in ensuring the quality and safety of the Severed River. For this service, The Seat pays the village a steady stipend, which provides the bulk of Three Rivers’ income.
Fishing: Though small in scale, the village’s access to the Severed River means there is a modest fishing industry, with fish both feeding the locals and being sold in nearby markets.
Subsistence Farming: While not a major agricultural hub, the surrounding farms provide enough food to sustain the village. Excess crops are occasionally traded with nearby settlements or sold to traveling merchants.
Stonecraft: The presence of dwarven craftsmen in the village means that stonework is another small industry, with some stone goods and tools crafted from materials drawn from the foothills of the Grasping Mountains.
Guilds and Factions
The Waterkeepers: A small but respected group of water mages and engineers tasked with maintaining the quality and flow of the Severed River. Led by Master Kelrin Thalorin, a half-elven water mage, they are responsible for magical purification and monitoring of the river.
The Fishers' Circle: A minor but tight-knit group of fishermen who ensure the village has fresh fish and manage the limited fishing trade.
The Stone Circle: A dwarven stonecrafters’ guild led by Barim Stonefoot, focused on local stonework. They ensure the maintenance of the village’s stone buildings and provide trade goods.
Points of interest
The Waterworks: The village’s most important structure, where water mages and engineers oversee the purity of the Severed River. It’s a mix of practical machinery and magical wards, ensuring the river flows cleanly downstream.
Watch Hill: The highest point in the village, offering a view of the surrounding valley and the first line of defense against any potential bandit raids.
The River’s Rest Inn: The village’s only inn, a cozy place where travelers and envoys from The Seat can stay. It’s known for its simple but hearty meals, mostly fish and locally grown vegetables.
The Dockside Market: A small area by the docks where villagers sell fish, crops, and simple goods. On market days, the village comes alive with chatter and trade.
Architecture
The architecture of Three Rivers is simple and functional, reflecting its practical focus on river management and farming.
Stone and Wood: Homes are built primarily from local stone and timber, with sturdy foundations to withstand the occasional mountain storms. Roofs are sloped to allow for heavy rains, and most buildings are single-story, though a few two-story structures exist near the village center.
The Waterworks: This structure stands out with its blend of dwarven stonecraft and elven magical wards, making it both durable and enchanted. The building has a distinctive look, with water flowing through carefully carved channels that wind around it.
Geography
Grasping Mountains: Rising to the east, the Grasping Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the village. The Severed River flows down from these peaks, making Three Rivers the first settlement it passes through.
Severed River: The heart of the village, the river winds through the settlement, giving life to the land and shaping the village’s way of life.
Climate
Three Rivers enjoys a cool, temperate climate, with cooler winds coming down from the mountains. The village experiences all four seasons, though winter can be chillier due to its elevation.
Spring: Snowmelt from the mountains swells the Severed River, and the village enjoys cool but pleasant weather.
Summer: The warmest season, though still mild compared to lower regions. Summer rains are frequent.
Autumn: Crisp, cool air arrives, and the village prepares for winter. Leaves from nearby forests turn bright colors.
Winter: Cold but not severe, with occasional light snowfalls that dust the village. The river’s flow remains strong, though icy patches form at its edges.
Natural Resources
Freshwater: The Severed River provides clean water for drinking, irrigation, and trade.
Fish: The river’s fish supply provides both sustenance and limited trade opportunities.
Stone: Masons gather stone from the nearby foothills of the Grasping Mountains for local construction.
Population
25Three Rivers falls under the rule of The Seat, though it operates with considerable autonomy due to its small size. The village is led by a Village Council, with a head chosen from among the most respected villagers. Currently, this role is held by Eld0
Owning Organization
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