Blackwater
Blackwater is a rough and tumble town, full of pioneers and trappers who eke out a living on the fringes of civilization. It's a place where you need to have a sharp wit and even sharper knife to survive. It is a shadowy and dismal place, characterized by its harsh environment and the dangerous nature of its inhabitants' livelihoods. The town is not a common destination for traders, as the treacherous terrain of the Hills of Shade makes it difficult to transport goods in and out. The roads leading to Blackwater are narrow and winding, and are often blocked by landslides or steam eruptions. The few merchants who do venture into the town typically sell essential supplies like food, water, and equipment to the prospectors and tomb raiders who operate out of Blackwater.
The town itself has a grim atmosphere, with few amenities or luxuries to be found. The buildings are functional but plain, and there is little in the way of entertainment or leisure activities. The streets are often empty, as most of the inhabitants spend their days out in the hills searching for treasure. Day and night, the town is shrouded in a thick fog, making it difficult to see more than a few feet in front of one's self, which adds to the eerie atmosphere.
The inhabitants of Blackwater are a rough and unsavory lot, who have been hardened by the harsh environment and the dangerous nature of their work. They are not known for their hospitality, and outsiders are often met with suspicion and mistrust. Crime is rampant in the area outside the town, as prospectors and tomb raiders often return from the hills with valuable treasures, making them targets for thieves and bandits. However, violence is strictly prohibited within the town's walls. Gambling and other vices also thrive in Blackwater, as the inhabitants look for ways to pass the time and alleviate the stress of their difficult lives.
Overall, Blackwater is a difficult and dangerous place, where few outsiders are welcome and even fewer choose to stay. It is a town that is built on the backs of those who brave the Hills of Shade in search of treasure, but it is a place where one should tread carefully, as danger is always lurking around the corner.
Points of Interest
The Council Hall
This is the center of governance for the town, where the Council of the Hills meets to discuss and make decisions that affect the community. While the council is technically all equal, some are more equal than others, and its defacto leader is Korgoth Stoneheart. The Council Hall serves as the hub of political activity in Blackwater. Here, the council members discuss issues affecting the town, make decisions about resource allocation and distribution, and hear petitions from the townspeople. The Council Hall also houses administrative offices and archives, as well as a small armory and a jail cell for holding criminals. The building is typically closed to the public, except during council meetings or special events. Guards stand watch at the entrance to ensure only authorized individuals are allowed inside. Despite its importance to the town, the Council Hall is not particularly grand or luxurious. Its simple design and lack of ornamentation reflect the no-nonsense attitude of the council and their focus on practical matters rather than extravagance.The Ironclad Inn
The Ironclad Inn serves as the hub of social activity in Blackwater. It is the largest and most popular in town, with a large common room and private rooms available for rent. It's a popular spot for adventurers passing through the area. It is run by a close friend of Branwen Redbeard named Haldor Ironfist. Haldor is a master blacksmith who settled in Blackwater after traveling the world in search of the perfect ore, and he still lends his smithing services in times of need. In addition to serving as a gathering place for the people of Blackwater, the Ironclad Inn also provides lodging and meals for travelers passing through the town. The inn has several comfortable rooms available for rent, as well as a small kitchen that serves hearty meals and refreshing drinks. Overall, the Ironclad Inn plays a vital role in the community of Blackwater, providing a much-needed social hub, as well as essential services for travelers passing through the area.Brell's Hammer
Brell's Hammer is the only blacksmith shop in Blackwater, run by the Dwarf blacksmith and member of the Council of the Hills; Branwen Redbeard. The shop is well known for producing high-quality weapons and armor, and many of the adventurers passing through Blackwater stop here to equip themselves before heading out into the dangerous Hills of Shade. Branwen is a skilled blacksmith who takes great pride in her work. She is often found in his shop, hammering away at a new creation or repairing a weapon or piece of armor. She is gruff and blunt, but has a good heart and is well-respected in the community. Brell's Hammer is a vital part of Blackwater's economy, as the shop's goods are highly sought after by adventurers and hunters. Branwen is known to charge high prices for her work, but his customers are willing to pay for the quality of her goods.The Hunting Lodge
The Hunting Lodge is the headquarters of the Blackwater Hunting Company, an organization of skilled hunters and trackers who provide meat and hides for the town's inhabitants, as well as protecting the town from dangerous beasts in the surrounding wilderness. The lodge is run by a gruff, no-nonsense half-elf named Garrick Ironclaw, who is the leader of the Blackwater Hunting Company. Garrick is a veteran hunter who has lived in the area his whole life, and he knows the local wildlife like the back of his hand. He takes great pride in his work and is always looking for new challenges to test his skills. Inside the Hunting Lodge, there is a large common room with a fireplace and a well-stocked bar, where hunters can relax and share stories after a long day in the wilderness. The walls are lined with animal heads and hunting trophies, which serve as a testament to the prowess of the company's members. The Hunting Lodge is also the place to go if you need a guide for a hunting trip or if you want to purchase high-quality animal pelts, meat, or other hunting supplies. Garrick and his fellow hunters are always happy to help newcomers learn the ways of the wilderness, but they do not suffer fools lightly and are quick to dismiss those who prove to be incompetent or unreliable.The Healing House
The Healing House is a well-known establishment in Blackwater, founded and run by a Human woman named Elspeth Winterthorn. It is a small, unassuming building located near the outskirts of the town, but its reputation for effective and affordable healing services has drawn many to its doors. Elspeth is a skilled healer with a deep understanding of natural remedies and the use of magic to mend wounds and cure ailments. She and her small team of assistants offer a variety of healing services, from simple poultices and salves to more complex procedures that involve magic. The Healing House also serves as a place of refuge and recovery for those who have suffered physical or emotional trauma. Elspeth is known for her compassionate and empathetic nature, and her clients often speak of feeling a sense of peace and comfort within the walls of her establishment. The Healing House is funded in part by donations from the community, and Elspeth is known for her willingness to provide services to those who cannot afford to pay. She believes that healing should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.Temple of Many Paths
The Temple of Many Paths is unique in that it allows for the worship of all deities, regardless of their alignment or domain. It is a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to pay homage to their chosen gods and find common ground in their beliefs. The temple is led by High Priestess Thalia Brightwater who is knowledgeable in the ways of all the gods and goddesses, and she is assisted by a group of clerics and acolytes who tend to the daily operations of the temple. The Temple of Many Paths is also known for its outreach programs, providing aid and assistance to those in need, regardless of their faith. It serves as a beacon of hope and unity for the people of Blackwater, and is a place where all are welcome to find solace and guidance.Blackwater Prison
Blackwater's prison is a large foreboding stone building located in the center of town. The prison has thick stone walls and heavy iron bars on its small windows, making it nearly impossible for anyone to escape. It even has anti-magic safeguards for those more versed in the arcane arts. The prison is managed by rotating wardens appointed by Korgoth Stoneheart, who is responsible for keeping order within the prison and ensuring that the prisoners are treated humanely. Though the town is made mostly of grave robbers, theives, bandits, and the like, most crime occurs outside the walls of the town. The prison's primary role in Blackwater is to detain criminals who have committed serious offenses within the town walls, such as murder. The length of a prisoner's sentence is determined the Council of the Hills, and prisoners are expected to serve their full sentence before being released back into society. Despite its intimidating appearance, the prison is generally regarded as a necessary institution to maintain law and order in Blackwater. However, there are rumors that some prisoners have been subjected to inhumane treatment, including torture and forced labor. Although these allegations have never been proven, they serve as a warning to those that would test the council.Government
Blackwater is governed by the Council of the Hills, a group of the most respected and influential inhabitants who make decisions on behalf of the community as a whole. The council is made up of the most successful prospectors, tomb raiders, and merchants, who have the most at stake in the town's well-being. The council is responsible for maintaining order, settling disputes, and making decisions on issues that affect the entire community.
Defences
The stone walls surrounding Blackwater rise up to a height of 20 feet, made of dark, rough-hewn stone that seems to blend in with the surrounding hills. Thick wooden gates reinforced with iron bars provide entry and exit points, and guards patrol the ramparts above. The walls serve as the first line of defense against the dangers of the Hills of Shade, keeping out dangerous creatures and hostile raiders. They also provide a sense of security for the people of Blackwater, giving them a measure of protection in an otherwise unforgiving land.
Infrastructure
Blackwater's infrastructure is relatively simple, yet efficient. It was built where the main river of the Hills of Shade splits, allowing it sea travel in multiple directions. It also allowed them to build a formal sewage system. This water is the lifeblood of the town, allowing not only its citizens to survive, but it's flora as well.
The roads and bridges are all made of worked stone and shale from the hills outside and emphasize function over form. There are a few main roads that lead into and out of the town, but most of the streets are narrow and winding.
There are a few basic amenities, such as a blacksmith, a general store, and an inn. Most of the buildings in Blackwater are made of wood and are one or two stories tall. There is a main market on the west side of town that serves as the distribution center for all of the towns goods, as well as its center for commerce. There is a temple in the west that serves as a place of worship for all of Norrath's deities.
Maps
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Blackwater
Founding Date
5150
Type
Town
Population
1000
Location under
Owning Organization
Comments