Welcome to Rivenshore

Taken from original art work "Mistwood" colored by blaidd

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Expanded 11/12/15

Rivenshore

Rivenshore is a small village set in an isolated valley that lies south of an ancient and sometimes dangerous world. It's surrounded on three sides by wilderness that leads to the Forbidden Highlands mountain range, and on the southwest side sits the Choral Beck river. The mountains and river both protect and isolate Rivenshore. The entire area is simply known as The Valley.

Beyond the mountains to the north lies what is known to the people of Rivenshore as The Great Realm. To the south, beyond the falls, is another village known as Fairfall, which is also part of The Valley at large. A smaller mountain range known as Bear Cliffs separates the two villages.

Rivenshore is a very peaceful place to live. Its people live simply; farming, logging, and fishing. Since the village is secluded, surrounded by mountains, and the fact that the Choral Beck river ends at a

giant waterfall, Rivenshore sees few traders. The traders they do see mostly come from the north down the river. Although it appears that the river ends at the waterfall there is also a cut off to the east. Those traders who know the way travel the river south past Rivenshore and then follow it to the east where the river escapes The Valley through a narrow passage only large enough for small trading boats.

The traders by land are usually from Fairfall. Rivenshore has been in commerce with Fairfall almost from the beginning. Traders make their way along the eastern pass which runs along the mountain. It's the safest route between the two villages. To those travelers whose business brings them by Rivenshore, the village is known for it's hospitality, a fine marketplace and as a great place to get freshly cut lumber for any boat repairs that might be needed.

Rivenshore is also known to be home to several races - humans, elves, halflings and even a handful of gnomes. There's also a dwarf named Hastreath Grayhelm who stopped for a rest while traveling south to the dwarven town of Hordohr. That was over twenty years ago, and Grayhelm wasn't the first traveler through the centuries to get lost enroute to one place or another, and wind up settling in this valley by the water fall. What began a few hundred years ago as a small fishing camp set up by a few humans and elves who were tired of fighting the wars in the north, grew into a diverse village of peaceful people.

As peaceful as life is in Rivenshore there are plenty of dangers outside of the village that can make their way down the mountain, through the forest or down the river. The two biggest threats to the village are wolves and bandits. Although most of the traders are peaceful folk, there are bandits that find their way to The Valley and foolishly see the people of Rivenshore as easy marks.

Up the northwestern passage that crosses the river there is the Wolf Den. It was discovered over two-hundred years ago when the then tiny village had no fence for protection and only a few skilled warriors, rogues or mages among them. The village was attacked by a pack of wolves. The next day some of the surviving townsfolk tracked the wolves up the northwestern pass, over the river then down the western pass to their den. On the west side of the river they were greatly outnumbered by what they assumed were demon wolves with red eyes. They made a quick retreat back home. There have been no wolf attacks on Rivenshore since. Rumors abound as to what exactly is to the west, but all those who have traveled there have never returned. The western pass is no longer used.

Not long after the wolf attack the watchtowers were built, and eventually the fence that walls the entire village in. It was also the beginning of the tradition of all townsfolk being trained in basic defense from a young age. For the last hundred years those with an adventurous spirit and a sense of duty to their home receive advanced training at the Rivenshore Academy.

At the academy young men and women specialize in different fields, learning the tools and techniques of warriors, rogues, and even mages - for those who have a predisposition for magic. They train and practice daily, even venturing out to the forest and up the mountain for survival training. They also help around the town when needed.

Throughout their academy training cadets may be called upon by Guard Captain Jack Harker or Sheriff Ira Skeen to help with situations that may arise, such as the recent infestation of giant rats in the tunnels below The Murky Ale Tavern. These small tasks help build the cadets skills so that when they graduate they will be ready for the much larger adventures to come.

Graduates split duties between becoming adventurers - bringing back goods and treasures not readily available in the small village - and joining the Town Guard which is run by the Guard Captain. There are nine guard posts strategically placed outside of the fence surrounding the village. In their second year, cadets become part of the guard post rotation.

Saving Jimmy, Finding the treasure

Last we left our party, the four cadets from Rivenshore - Alexander, Green, Potter and Blue - along with their new "friend" Tyler - a Loup de Noir that has been sent to make sure the party saves Jimmy and gets Fagan's treasure - are locked in two prison cells with nothing but their clothes on their back.

With nothing but bones from dead rats, Potter amazingly manages to pick both cell locks. They break out of the cells and then hear footsteps down the hall. Then they hear Johnny telling Nate to pay attention, they don't want those "Rivenshore Rats" to get away. "Fagan has lots of torture in mind for them." Green recognizes their voices as two of the four thugs they fought when they first got to town.

Footsteps then move away and they hear Nate saying "they're not going anywhere." Which causes Potter to call out, "Yeah, we're not going anywhere." More words are exchanged until Nate comes down the hall and gets punched by Alexander. Potter and Green try to get him to help them, by offering a safe haven in Rivenshore and not having to work for Fagan. Blue says "You're a kid just like us, we shouldn't be fighting." (So cute from the 4 year old)

Nate finally agrees and unlocks the store room where they're equipment and weapons are. Once all armed, they make their way to the main room of the basement (where the jail and some housing is) and see three men, along with Potter's dog. They attack them and although a couple of party members take some hits they manage to knock them all out, killing one. Green was psyched to get to use one of his invisibility potions to get to the dog and sneak attack.

They make their way downstairs (the only way to go) and find themselves in a large hall leading to what looks like a chamber. They can see a 10 foot by 20 ft crack in floor, pitch black in the center with no way to see just how deep. They hear noises in the other room. With no chance for stealth one by one they jump over the 10' crack and are faced with half a dozen Kobolds who look to be guarding large double doors that are on the other side of the chamber. Tyler (the Loup de Noir who is helping them) turns into a wolf before jumping into the room and is the first to attack the Kobolds.

Between a wolf, throwing knives, long sword, crossbow and Arcane Blast they make quick haste in killing the Kobolds. Then they notice that Nate is no longer with them. Potter manages to pick the lock and opens the double doors. Stepping into a cavern of sorts they see that they're underground. In front of them are several stone steps leading to a massive double door. A Man is trying to pick the lock and they call out to him.

His name is Damon and he is Jimmy's uncle. He tells them that Jimmy was taken from his home and he knows they have him here - probably beating him up right now. They fill Damon in on what's been happening with them, why they're there. Damon tells them that Gregor is his brother. If Gregor wants the treasure it's to help rebuild after the civil war that's raged through Wolfwater, known to outsiders as the Wolf Den, for the past five years.

Potter picks the lock and gets them inside. In the middle of a large room is a long table with a fire pit on the opposite side. They can see Jimmy and the guard that took the bribe from Alexander back at the tavern, letting the PC's get the kids. Both are tied to chairs and are beaten. Two men on Jimmy and a woman punching on the other man.

Splitting forces, some take the men others the woman. Damon helps. There's a cook by the fire pit who makes his way out as the fighting ensues. The woman makes her way out, injured but mobile, as the others talk with the beaten guard, trying to enlist his help.

Once the dust settles they search the premises finding several other rooms. Alexander finds some flint and steel, Potter finds a wet stone and Green finds a small sack with broken pottery that can be used as caltraps.

With further searching Alexander finds the treasure chest.

(There was so much more to this section but we wound up crunched for time. I took out Fagan and the information the boys would have learned before fighting or fleeing him. Much more intrigue was planned, but that's what happens when a lacrosse game ends our gameplay. They'll still learn the info through Damon or Jimmy.)

To be continued...

Save the kids!

It's been 24 hours since our last encounter, To Fairfall We Go, and the cadets have spent that time resting and making plans for the rescue of the kids held at Fagan's.

The plan is to get the kids and take them to the docks, where they'll steal a couple of boats and take them across the river. This will place them on the east side of the river - the side with The Wolf Den. but at least safely away to come up with a way home. (See Welcome to Rivenshore)

Jimmy draws out a map of the area and marks where Fagan's Tavern is. He knows that the kids are held on the second floor, and Fagan's rooms are on the third floor. He notes to Potter that it's the third floor where Fagan's treasure is. Then Jimmy heads out to get more help, planning on meeting at the Tavern.

The cadets checkout the dock and find a couple of boats. Feeling confident they head to the tavern. It's the middle of the night and the streets are dark. They hear a voice. From around the corner comes not one but three friends from Rivenshore. Two fellow cadets - Gilil-Gand and Amariand - and Rivenshore Academy graduate, now a Rivenshore Guard - Tilmarion. They warn the PC's that Jimmy is not to be trusted. His friend and cohort Sarah has been caught. She's a Shapchanger and it was her, not sheriff Ira who told them to go with Jimmy and who helped keep Potter out of trouble after getting caught stealing from June at the tannery. Although that last incident isn't brought up. (See Jimmy and the Thief)

However, there still is the question of the kids. That part was true. Sarah overheard the sheriff discussing it with Guard Captain Jack Harker and knew it would be the perfect ploy to get Jimmy help breaking into Fagan's.The cadets decide to continue on the mission to get the kids out of Fairfall and head to the tavern. The three newcomers stake out the alleyway and plan to keep it free for the cadets escape out the second floor window.

Deciding on the front door approach, they enter a dark tavern with a handful of patrons in it. Alexander makes his way to the bar asks for a drink. Potter then asks where the outhouse is. He heads to the back door and slowly the others join him. They detour down the back hall and make their way up the stairs, only to be greeted by who they assume is one of Fagan's thugs. He tells them to leave. Alexander tells him they just need to talk to the kids. Then offers him a bribe. That gives them 5 minutes.

They meet Amelia, the oldest of the six kids that are there. She tells them that they were lured in with offers of food and a roof over their head. All together there are six children there. Amelia tells them that there are others, teenagers who've been there for a while. The cadets tell her they can get all six of them out.

They get the kids out through the window, the three Rivenshore friends waiting below. They all head to the dock. They split into two boats and go across the river with only one casualtiy to sea sickness.

Letting the kids set-up camp. I use both paper & regular minis

Once on the otherside they decide to make camp and figure out what to do in the morning. It's a long way to Rivenshore and they're on the wrong side of the river. Heading north leads them up the western pass. They all know what lies in the western past. The wolves with red eyes.

After the others fall asleep, Blue takes watch, walking around the camp (for those who've been following the adventures, "James" is now "Blue". The 4 year old decided to follow his older brother's example and have a color for a name)  and suddenly hears a wolf howl. He stops. Then there's another one. This wakes up some of the others. Out from behind a tree comes a wolf, the largest wolf Blue has ever seen. The others are up, but before anyone can react the wolf lets off a fierce howl that brings fear to them all. Several find themselves frozen in place, paralyzed with fear.

The wolf speaks. He wants the treasure. The cadets who aren't as frightened ask what treasure, not quite putting together what he means. Some think to attack only then realizing how many red eyes are peering at them through the darkness of the forest. Potter then remembers. He quickly tells the others of Jimmy's real plan for them to steal Fagan's treasure. The wolf suddenly transforms into his human form. He's Gregor, Jimmy's father. Jimmy was supposed to find others who were expendable and then go to Fairfall and get Fagan's treasure. When asked why, Gragor tells the cadets "To feed my family." That was not the answer they were expecting. Several wolves and humans walk into view. Red eyes continue to peer out of the dark. He explains that they are called Loup du Noir, but doesn't give a lot of details at first. The cadets press on (and make amazingly good rolls, naturally) and discover that the Loup du Noir can become wolves by covering themselves with wolf hide. Unlike werewolves they are always in complete control and retain all memories of both human and wolf. The cadets remember Jimmy having several hides with him when they met.

Alexander was brave enough to press on with questions about stealing the treasure and was told how Fagan gained all that treasure and that it was no more Fagan's then his. So he might as well have it and put it to good use. (They never thought to ask how Gregor knows all about Fagan, so I won't write about that backstory. As River Song would say, "Spoilers".)

They agree to get the treasure. They're informed that the children will stay with Gregor to ensure they come back with both the treasure and Jimmy - alive and well. Upon hearing that they ask for someone from Gregor's group to come with them and help. One steps forward, named Tyler. He's young like the cadets, but has the power of the Loup de Noir.

They make they're way back to the tavern. This time sneaking in. Once again leaving Tilmarion, Amariand and Glil to guard the outside for their escape. It's surprisingly easy for them to make their way to Fagan's room. The door is neither trapped nor locked. Potter peaks in - darkness. He can just make out the bed and desk from the low candlelight in the hall. They step in and even with his elven darkvision, Alexander sees only blackness other than the bed and desk.

Flick

A candle lights and they all quickly turn to it. A man they assume is Fagan sitting in the corner smiles.

Then a bump to the head and blackness.

They're each knocked out.

Waking up one by one they realize they're in two jail cells with bars separating them and solid stone walls behind and to the side. Trying to peer out side to side all they see is hallway.

In the corner of one cell is dried blood. The other a dead giant rat. Their weapons, armor and equipment are gone.


Continued in Saving Jimmy, Finding the Treasure

Survival training aka Hunting trip

The players (ages 4-10) drew their campsite & what they made.

The party of three; Alexander (warrior), Green (rogue) and James (mage) headed into the forest to the north. They were heading to the foothills where they would find boar, deer and rabbits, plus a stream that was a hot spot for fishing, even more so then the river on the other side of the village.

They were lead by Faerenal Derendil who was the head of the rogue department of the Academy. Once they made it to the clearing where the cadets would spend the next 32 or so hours, she reminded them that they were being tested, and then she left.

The first thing they tended to was putting up their individual tents. Then went in search of wood for the fire pit that James had dug. Alexander built up the wood and Green worked on starting the fire. Once they had a good fire going Green headed out to hunt for Boar while Alexander set a bear trap just outside the camp. The cadets knew they would be selling the meat they did not eat from any game that they caught, plus the pelts if in good shape. Alexander and Green had decided they would make themselves coats from what they killed.

Green took his time and after about an hour found several boar. He took aim with his bow and fired at the largest one. The arrow struck but didn't drop the boar, instead the boar charged at him and Green had to act fast. His second shot got the boar in the shoulder and dropped him. Then Green was able to finish the job and he dragged the boar back to camp.

Alexander wanted a bear. Being a warrior it was natural that he wanted to test himself against the largest beast in the forest. However, he settled on deer. It took him a while but he found one grazing in a clearing and was able to sneak up on it and make a quick job of it. He wound up with two deer by the afternoon.

James went fishing. He enjoyed the tacktile aspect of fishing. Holding the rod and hooking the bait, then waiting for a catch... and waiting... and waiting... finally something was on the line and he pulled and pulled, seeing it was a large trout, he worked with all his might when suddenly - snap! The line broke. He decided if he was gonna eat dinner he better go look for some rabbits. He caught one fairly quickly and was able to go back to camp and have rabbit stew.

Meanwhile Green ate a wonderful meal of boar meat that he had slowly roasted skewered over the fire. While the meat was cooking he began work on the pelt. His goal was to make two coats from it. Quickly realizing he may need another boar to complete both, Green went on the hunt again. This time finding a smaller boar, but enough to complete his coats.

Alexander decided to also make coats from the deer he had caught. His first one though was a bit damaged, but he found it fine for himself. He'd need to make a better one to sell though. With the undamaged pelt he was able to make a fine one that he would sell when they went to the market square.

Alexander headed back out before dark to do some fishing and after loosing a 30 inch carp, he wound up with a large cod. Not a bad day fishing.

Then it was time to bed down for the night. All the meat that was not eaten (and there was a lot) was prepared and hung so it would survive the night. The cadets would finish their work on the pelts the next day, then break camp and head back to the village.

Will the cadets pass their survival training?

Will they get full price from Mrs. Padmore in the academy kitchen for the meat? And what about those pelts they plan to sell at the market?

What about those bears that Alexander wanted to catch? Are any close enough to smell the delicious meat hanging right in the middle of camp, ready for the taking?

We'll find out next time!

The Martek Mines

Taken from "Hero Kid Adventures"

Sheriff Ira Skeen caught up with the cadets and asked for their help.

The Martek Mines, which have been abandoned these last hundred years, have collapsed. The probem being that just last week two miners reopened the mine to seek their fortune. Their family had expected them to return to the village several days ago. When they didn't show the sheriff went out to check on them and found the entrance collapsed, trapping the miners inside. So, she's asked if the cadets will go in and try and find them.

There was a gap in the fallen rock slide that they crawled into. Once inside they found the minors bedrolls, along with a pick ax, rope and a shovel. They spotted tracks leading west and ventured forward. They came to a section where they could go straight or turn north. While discussing where to go a giant bat flew in from the north tunnel and attacked. It bit the Mages shoulder before eventually being killed.

The cadets split up, Green heading west and the others heading north. Green enters a cavern with a giant pit and hears a man yelling for help. He uses his rope to pull the minor out. After making sure he's okay, Green finds out that the miners hadn't seen a giant bat. John, the miner, had fallen in the pit during the earthquake that must have caused the entrance collapse.

Green catches up with the others as John heads back to the mine entrance. The cadets find themselves at an underground river, their only way to continue is a tunnel to the west. Suddenly a swarm of bats (normal size) swoops down, as they rush to get out of the way, Alexander falls into the river. Luckily before getting swept away he is able to climb out. They rush down the tunnel, only to be stopped by a broken rope bridge - their only means to cross the raging river.

Alexander and James come up with a plan involving a grapling hook and lots of rope. Alexander is the last to cross, and holds the end of the rope as the other two slowly make their way over the bridge. Both almost fall several times - Alexander holds tight, keeping them from falling. Once on the otherside Green holds onto the other end while Alexander crosses.

Around a bend they come to giant webs, all entangled, blocking their way. They rip through it. On the other side their in another cavern. There are two sacs hanging to the left and another web wall to the right. They burn the sacs, knowing that they are spider sacs. Then a large spider enters from behind the webbing and attacks. They fight and kill it, then go down the pit  that was behind the webs.

They see another two sacs, and across the room they see a spider 3x's as big as the others. It quickly runs across the cavern and attacks them. While fighting, two spiders drop from the sacs. Melee ensues.

Once they kill the spiders they hear yelling for help in the next cavern. It's the other miner, Thomas. He's hanging wrapped in a web. They cut him down and help him out.

Searching the cavern they find remains from others who were not as lucky as Thomas. They search and find 15 gold coins, a compass, some twine, a grappling hook and a spike.

They gained 250 XP.


This story was taken from "Hero Kids Adventures" and adapted for Fantasy AGE. Although I kept the village name Rivenshore, everything else about the world has been changed.

Rats Under The Murky Ale Tavern

The boys painted their own minis & the 4yr old did the spider.

After an afternoon of target practice, Alexander, Green and James headed inside the academy to the mess hall for lunch. Before they could make it that far they were called into the Guard Captain's office.

Captain Jack informed the cadets that Maise, the owner of Murky Ale Tavern, has been complaining of giant rats. She said they were as big as her little dog. The Captain figured she was exaggerating, and asked the cadets to take a look, with the instructions that if there were rats, get rid of them.

As hungry as the boys were, they headed over to the tavern. Maise was beside herself, and grateful the boys were there. Willie the bartender had been bit. The bite mark was just below his knee. The cadets knew that couldn't come from an ordinary sized rat.

They headed down to the basement and immediately smelled the fowl stench of rat droppings. As they rounded the corner of the stacked barrels, they saw a giant rat, chewing on something. Alexander used his sword and cut it, Green shot an arrow, James threw a fireball - missing and catching a barrel on fire. eventually they got the rat only to be faced with a second one.

After dispensing of the rats they made there way to the second room of the basement where Alexander heard a cry from a child. It sounded like it came from below the basement. Heading to the back of the room they find two more rats. Fighting in close quarters, Alexander gets bitten. It's nothing too serious and the cadets finish off the rats. Grabing a healing potion on the way, they head down the hole in the floor boards towards the cries of the child.

Once down below, their only light is blue fungi along the rock and dirt walls. Suddenly a rat comes out of a hole in the wall and attacks! While Alexander and James fight the rat, Green investigates the hole. He sees a rat and tries to stab it with his dagger. The other two kill their rat and Alexander explores further down the tunnel, finding another hole. Meanwhile, James burns the rat in the hole that Green found to a crisp. Alexander sets a trap of small caltrops and cheese at the third hole. Sure enough the cheese is enough to get a rats attention and the boys kill it.

They split up after that. Alexander continues down the eastern tunnel, while Green and James make their way west. Alexander finds a cavern with stalagmites and a small pool of water. He spots something sparkling in the water he believes is gold and goes in to get it. He is attacked by a giant Spiny Rockfish that had camouflaged itself in the rocks. Although bitten he manages to get an attack with his dagger, and the fish quickly retreats. Fully camouflaged, Alexander could no longer find the fish so he turned his attention to what was indeed 5 gold pieces. He then searched the cavern and although not finding the child he did find an arrow that he thought might be magical.

Meanwhile in the western tunnel, Green and James come upon a 4 foot ledge where they fight two more giant rats. Both cadets get their ankles bit, but prevail in the end. Jumping down the other side they enter the rats den. By this time Alexander has joined them and they fight several giant rats, plus the rat king, which Alexander kills. Green discovers one more rat in a hole and sets a small caltrops and cheese trap. This time the rat bites down on the cheese and gets a caltrop piercing the roof of its mouth. Green quickly kills it.

They discover the child, a young boy, hiding in another hole.

With the boy safe and sound they search the cavern. James finds 3 gold, Green finds 4 gold and Alexander finds a dagger. After asking Green what kind of arrow he had found, Alexander winds up selling the Arrow of Accuracy to Green who is the archer in the group.

They head back up to the tavern, tired and starving, to find a feast laid out for them as a thank you from Maise. After they eat Alexander sells the dagger he found to Willie the bartender. Then Green, realizing he spent all of his gold, washes glasses for Willie for a gold piece.

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This story was taken from "Hero Kids Adventures" and adapted for Fantasy AGE. Although I kept the village name Rivenshore, everything else about the world has been changed.