Riverbend Market

The oldest day-market in Dungol City. The Riverbend Market, a name that whispers of a lost past, is slowly stirring back to life at the northern edge of Dungol City. While the memory of its vibrant former location, now occupied by the imposing Riverbend Castle, still stings, a spirit of resilience is taking root. The market, though smaller and less grand than before, is gradually regaining its footing, a testament to the enduring spirit of Dungol's merchants and the slow but steady return of hope.

Alterations

Today, the Riverbend Market is a patchwork of old and new, a blend of lingering sorrow and budding optimism. The original vendors, those who endured the relocation, still occupy stalls and spaces, their faces etched with the memory of what was lost. But alongside them, new vendors are arriving, drawn by the market's enduring reputation and the slowly growing promise of renewed prosperity. The market is expanding, though cautiously, with new stalls and shops appearing along the edges, gradually reclaiming some of the space that was once theirs.

The atmosphere is changing, too. While the older vendors still speak of the past with a touch of bitterness, the newcomers bring fresh energy and ideas. There's a sense of community rebuilding, a shared determination to make the Riverbend Market thrive once again. It's a place where old traditions meet new innovations, where the wisdom of experience blends with the enthusiasm of youth.

The market is also becoming a haven for those who chafe under McNaird's rule. It's a place where whispers of dissent are exchanged, where plans for resistance are hatched in secret. The shared hardship has forged a bond among the vendors and residents, making them more willing to challenge the status quo.

Tourism

Stalls regularly located at the market:

• Elara's Everlasting Eats: Elara, an elderly elf with a twinkle in her eye and a wealth of knowledge about preserving food, sells dried goods, preserved fruits and vegetables, travel rations, and enchanted snacks that stay fresh for months. Her stall is always filled with the aroma of dried herbs and spices, and she's happy to share recipes and cooking tips with her customers.

1. The Wandering Willow's Brews: This stall offers a variety of freshly brewed teas, including unique elven blends made with herbs and flowers from the Forest of Dungol, as well as refreshing fruit juices. The owner, a dryad or an elf with a deep connection to nature, is knowledgeable about the properties of different plants and might offer insights into local flora and fauna.

1. The Honeycomb Hive: This stall specializes in honey-based products – mead, honey cakes, honeycomb itself, and beeswax candles. The owner, a bee-loving elf named Bramble, keeps his own hives in the nearby forest and is passionate about the importance of bees to the ecosystem. He might have information about the local bee populations or the magical properties of certain honeys.

• This mysterious elf, known only as Lyra, sells enchanted tapestries that can induce vivid dreams or even transport the dreamer to another place. Her stall is often shrouded in incense and whispers, adding to her mystique. She is rumored to be able to see into dreams and might offer cryptic advice or warnings to those who purchase her tapestries.
• Old Man Hemlock's Herbs & Sundries: Hemlock, a gruff but kind-hearted half-elf, sells a little bit of everything – dried herbs for cooking and healing, basic tools, candles, soap, rope, and other household necessities. He's a good source of local gossip and might have a few interesting stories to tell. Possible Hook: Hemlock might have a rare herb that's needed for a potion, or he could have information about a missing person.
• Bertha's Bakery: The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries wafts from Bertha's stall. She sells a variety of loaves, cakes, pies, and other treats. Bertha, a stout and cheerful woman, is always happy to chat with her customers and offer samples. Possible Hook: A special ingredient in one of Bertha's baked goods could have magical properties, or she might have overheard a suspicious conversation while serving customers.
• Crum's Clothiers: Crum, a nimble-fingered gnome, sells clothing and textiles. He offers a range of garments, from simple tunics and trousers to more elaborate dresses and cloaks. He also does repairs and alterations. Possible Hook: A hidden pocket in a repaired garment could contain a clue, or Crum might have information about a local tailor or fashion trend.
• Oakhaven Provisions: This stall sells fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. The owner, an elf with a green thumb, grows much of the produce himself in the fertile lands outside Dungol City. He's passionate about sustainable farming practices and might have insights into local agriculture. Possible Hook: A rare or unusually large vegetable could have magical properties, or the owner might need help protecting his crops from pests or thieves.
• The Daily Grindstone: This stall offers freshly ground flour, grains, and spices. The owner, a dwarf with a booming laugh, is a master of his trade and can offer advice on the best ingredients for different dishes. Possible Hook: A specific type of grain could be needed for a ritual, or the owner might have information about a hidden granary or a shortage of supplies.

Type

Market square

Parent Location

Dungol City