Riverkeep
The Crossroads of Rivers
River Trade City and Fishing Hub
Settlement Summary
- Population: 11,000 (primarily humans, halflings, and elves, with some dwarves)
- Government: Governed by a Trade Council composed of local merchants, overseen by a representative of the Crown of The Tooth
- Alignment: Neutral Good
- Languages: Common, Halfling, Elven
- Notable Locations: The River Market, The Forkside Docks, The Tradehouse, The Netmaker’s Guild, The Watersong Tavern
Notable Features
- The River Market: A bustling hub where merchants and fishers trade goods, ranging from fresh river fish to crafted nets and imported items.
- The Forkside Docks: The lifeline of Riverkeep, these well-maintained docks accommodate trade ships and fishing vessels, connecting the town to Wildacre and Westrun.
- The Tradehouse: A central administrative building where the Trade Council meets to oversee commerce and resolve disputes.
- The Netmaker’s Guild: A cooperative of skilled artisans producing high-quality fishing nets and equipment, renowned across Kyneshelm.
- The Watersong Tavern: A lively gathering place for locals and traders, known for its riverfront views and tales of adventurers passing through.
Special Qualities
- Trade Crossroads: Riverkeep’s location at the confluence of two major rivers makes it a vital point of exchange between Wildacre and Westrun.
- Fishing Expertise: The town’s fishers are adept at navigating the rivers and harvesting their bountiful resources, supporting both local consumption and trade.
- Strong Community: The residents of Riverkeep work together to maintain the town’s prosperity and resolve challenges, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Defenses
- Crownguard Patrols: Regular patrols ensure the town’s safety and protect trade routes along the rivers.
- Watchtowers: Strategically placed along the riverbanks, the towers provide early warning of potential threats or accidents.
- River Defenses: A small fleet of armed riverboats protects the docks and trade vessels from piracy or Abyssal remnants.
Notable NPCs
- Master Trader Deryn Swiftcurrent: A human merchant and leader of the Trade Council, Deryn is known for her keen negotiation skills and fair governance.
- Harbormaster Elric Tidefisher: A halfling responsible for managing the Forkside Docks, ensuring smooth operations and resolving disputes among traders.
- Guildmistress Taryn Brightweave: An elven craftswoman who leads the Netmaker’s Guild, renowned for her innovative designs and dedication to sustainability.
- Captain Rodric Strongmoor: A dwarf who commands the town’s riverboat defenses, ensuring the safety of trade and fishing operations.
- Barkeep Lina Riversong: A charismatic human who owns and operates The Watersong Tavern, serving as a de facto community leader and source of local news.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Trade Rivalries: As a key hub between Wildacre and Westrun, Riverkeep occasionally faces tensions over trade routes and pricing.
- Smuggling Concerns: The busy docks and rivers provide opportunities for smugglers, requiring vigilance from the Crownguard and local authorities.
- River Hazards: Seasonal flooding and shifting currents pose risks to both residents and trade operations, necessitating careful planning.
- Cultural Exchange: The town’s position as a trade hub fosters a unique blend of traditions and ideas, enriching its cultural landscape.
The Netmaker’s Guild
"Weaving Prosperity"
The Netmaker’s Guild produces some of the finest fishing equipment in Kyneshelm, supporting the town’s economy and reputation. The Netdroppers are a unique feat of engineering that enable the nets to remain out of the way of the intense river traffic, while still maximising the fish yield from the nets.
Life on the Rivers
"Flowing Together"
The people of Riverkeep are deeply connected to the rivers, relying on them for trade, food, and their way of life. As one of the few towns on more than one border line, Riverkeep sees one of the biggest crossovers of culture in Kyneshelm, with the different goods and services provide by the Tooth, Westrun, and Wildacre all coming together.