Thunder Hill Keep
The Basics
During the infamous Flight and Founding, when the refugees were on the run and the Horde was closing in, a Captain of the Imperial Cavalry from the old Empire by the name of Duncan Fury devised a cunning delaying tactic that took advantage of the strange acoustical properties of the hills they found themselves traveling in. The hills magnified sound far beyond what one might expect, so he gathered what trained men he could find, provisioned them with mostly makeshift weapons, broke them into small companies and they took turns charging the leading elements of the Horde, the sound making it seem that their numbers were many times greater than they actually were. The tactic paid off and was one of the “tricks” the wily soldier had up his sleeves to buy the Witch traveling with the group to complete her spell. During the Great War, Jack Ramsey and Davvyd Hextram used the properties of the hill country to devastating effect against the Nilroggi, winning the single most lopsided victory in the grim, shared history of the two races. Not long after the Flight and Founding, the refugees began construction of a small keep on the periphery of the hills. Although too poorly situated to ever grow into a large city, a small town did spring up around the Keep and these days, it is regarded as being a strategically important location for the Council of Seven, situated such that it guards the winding pass that threads north through the mountains and into The Vales. That entire region has been overrun by fierce humanoid tribes and in recent years, the Council of Seven has had to bolster their garrison at Thunder Hill.Prominent People & Places
Thunder Hill isn't a tourist destination, but adventurers who wish to seek fame and fortune in The Vales and beyond may venture into this area, or even use the keep as a base of operations. It has an outsized military presence, so in that regard, it's not a typical town, but adventurers will certainly find enough of a selection of goods to outfit themselves for journeys into the Wilds.Marshal Johannes Cliven (Military Commander of the Keep)
Marshal Cliven runs a tight ship. The Furies would certainly approve of his administrative abilities. He's a no-nonsense man who takes his duties seriously. He understands very well that humanoid hordes could race through the pass north of his base and threaten Council Lands at any time, so he plays a cautious game and sends out patrols on a regular basis to ensure that the pass isn't choked with those who would seek to destroy what the Council has built. He's not a hard man to get an audience with, but low level adventurers would likely struggle to do so. By mid level (5th or so), an audience is entirely within the realm of possiblitity.Nevatta Kholaan
Most people wear multiple hats in Thunder Hill, and Nevatta is no exception. In addition to being a talented blacksmith, she's also a middling level Artificer and although this fact is not known to everyone, assuming she's on good terms with the group, she could probably be persuaded to make some custom orders for them, including a modest selection of Artificer magic items.The Butterfield Inn
While characters with connections may be able to impose on the Marshal's generosity for rooms in the keep, most travelers to the area stay at the Butterfield. Run by Dwevan and Evangelina Butterfield, it's not a fancy place but the food is good, the ale is reasonably priced and the rooms are kept neat as a pin. The Butterfield is, of course, the best place to pick up rumors about the comings and doings in the region, making it the most popular destination in town (and it has a Crier's Board out front for low level adventurers looking for work).Sharlee's Mercantile
Sharlee is an ancient fellow - eighty summers old, at least. He moves slowly but he keeps the town supplied with whatever it might need. Again, there's nothing fancy here, but adventurers can find most of the provisions they'd need here, and what Sharlee doesn't have on hand, he can probably get, special order.Doc Brumley's Apothacary
Doc has a bit of a drinking problem and can often be found at the Butterfield when not minding the store. Drinking problem or no, he's a passingly good healer and has all the supplies an adventurer might need to keep his or her group patched up while in the Wilds. Or, if someone is hurt, he can ply his natural healing talents to get them back on their feet. At the back of his shop, he's got an 8 bed infirmary, where he does his best to care for the injured and infirm who come seeking treatment.Temple of the Hearth
Reyhue & Laernan are the dominant deities in Thunder Hill, although travelers will find shrines to both Kaylaar and J'honsa here as well. Father Arwynn McDonnough runs the temple and will happily provide lodgings to fellow members of the Faith if they're passing through. He and his small staff can also provide healing services to any injured soul that Doc Brumley can't seem to help.The Order of Silence (Free Sword Company)
The Order of Silence is a small Free Sword Company based in Thunder Hill. They assist Marshal Cliven with patrolling the "backdoor to the Vales" and can be hired as guides when the need arises. Given how much time they spend in the Thunder Hills, they've mastered the art of stealth, and for those with connections or who are willing to join the Order, those skills can be taught for a price. Members of the Order of Silence can be recognized by the hooded figure with a finger to his lips on their shields.Plot Threads
It’s such a fun part of the history of the Basin, used twice against the Nilroggi, centuries apart, and you never know, one of the Kings of Candle’Bre could have secreted some long forgotten treasure away somewhere in those hills. It might not be enough for a full length campaign, but as an adventure centered elsewhere, it could be a fine addition indeed.
Type
Large town
Population
5346
The Council of Seven
Goods Availability
- Food and Lodging
- All Mercantile Goods
- Apothecary
- All Weapons
- Light and Medium Armor
- Special Orders
Available to Characters w/Connections
- Quick Potions
- Some Artificer Creations
- Heavy Armor
- Masterwork Items
Prices
Standard List
(Masterwork and Specialty Orders have a premium set by the DM)
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