Thenn
The Hidden Haven
Large Town, Out-of-the-Way Refuge
Settlement Summary
- Population: 10,000 (a mix of outlaws, outcasts, and hardy locals, with some transient populations)
- Government: Unofficially self-governed by influential figures, but nominally under the jurisdiction of Southreach and the Empire
- Alignment: Neutral, with Chaotic tendencies
- Languages: Common, Halfling, and various regional dialects
- Notable Locations: The Black Market Square, The Hollow Crown Inn, The Riverwatch, The Forgotten Shrine, The Ironroot Woods
Notable Features
- The Black Market Square: The centre of trade in Thenn, this hidden marketplace is known for its illicit goods, including stolen items, rare contraband, and forged documents. It operates sporadically, with traders arriving and disappearing quickly.
- The Hollow Crown Inn: The de facto social hub of Thenn, this inn is a smoky, chaotic establishment where deals are made, secrets are exchanged, and brawls are frequent.
- The Riverwatch: A cluster of ramshackle buildings near the Black River, used by smugglers to ferry goods and people in and out of the town unnoticed.
- The Forgotten Shrine: A crumbling shrine deep in the woods, overgrown with vines and moss. It’s unclear which god it was originally dedicated to, but it is often used for clandestine meetings and rituals.
- The Ironroot Woods: The dense forest surrounding Thenn is filled with ancient trees, hidden paths, and bandit hideouts. It provides both a barrier to outsiders and a haven for those seeking to avoid the imperial gaze.
Special Qualities
- Rogue’s Refuge: Thenn has a reputation as a den of thieves, bandits, and outcasts, making it a magnet for those seeking to escape the law or start over.
- Hidden Network: The town’s inhabitants have developed a network of hidden trails, tunnels, and hideouts that make it difficult for outsiders to navigate or enforce imperial law.
- Self-Reliance: With little strategic importance and minimal oversight, Thenn is largely self-sufficient, relying on hunting, gathering, and black-market trade.
Defenses
- Informal Militia: While there’s no official military presence, Thenn’s inhabitants are resourceful and quick to band together when threatened.
- Natural Barriers: The dense woods and hilly terrain surrounding Thenn make large-scale assaults impractical.
- Bandit Alliances: Many of the town’s inhabitants are either former bandits or have connections to active groups, providing an informal layer of protection.
Notable NPCs
- Raya Blackthorn: A cunning and charismatic human who acts as an unofficial leader of Thenn. She brokers deals between factions and ensures the town remains united against outside interference.
- Kellan “Hollow” Greaves: The halfling owner of The Hollow Crown Inn, Kellan is both a storyteller and an information broker, with ears everywhere in Thenn.
- Arvik “Shade” Stonehand: A gruff dwarf who oversees the Riverwatch. He has a reputation for getting goods past even the most vigilant imperial patrols.
- Lorien Darkbranch: A mysterious elf who guards The Forgotten Shrine. Lorien is rumored to be a former priest who fell out of favor with the empire.
- Captain Marik Vayne: A disgraced human soldier turned mercenary who trains Thenn’s militia in exchange for shelter and coin.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Imperial Crackdowns: While Thenn is mostly ignored, occasional imperial patrols venture into the area to root out bandits or enforce the Emperor’s will, creating tension.
- Bandit Conflicts: Rival bandit groups sometimes clash within Thenn, threatening the town’s fragile unity.
- Smuggling Risks: The Black River is a vital smuggling route, but its use has drawn the attention of imperial spies and bounty hunters.
- Forest Dangers: The surrounding Ironroot Woods are home to wild beasts, dangerous terrain, and unexplored ruins, creating both threats and opportunities for adventurers.
The Black Market Square
"A Trader’s Paradise"
The Black Market Square is a shifting, semi-hidden marketplace where traders deal in rare and illegal goods. The market’s location changes frequently to avoid discovery, though over the years of being neglected by the Imperial Army, more permanent stalls have started to hang around.
The Forgotten Shrine
"A Place of Secrets"
Overgrown and abandoned, the Forgotten Shrine is a popular meeting spot for clandestine dealings. Some believe it still holds faint divine energy.
Smugglers of the Black River
"Masters of the Current"
The Riverwatch operates as the main hub for smuggling goods and people in and out of Thenn. The network is so efficient that some imperial officials suspect it has inside support.
Tales of the Ironroot Woods
"What Lurks Among the Trees"
The Ironroot Woods are rich with legends, from haunted groves to hidden bandit lairs. Few outsiders dare to venture too deep. Hunters have reported strange tracks in the woods, too large to belong to any known creature.
The Hollow Crown Inn
"The Heart of the Town"
The Hollow Crown is the rowdiest place in Thenn, with nightly brawls, shady deals, and music from wandering performers.