Rivervale
Rather than stay with the Humans after the collapse of the Combine Empire, Halflings wandered about until they uncovered the rolling hillsides and lush grasses of the Misty Thicket. They dubbed their city Rivervale as a result of the body of water that flows through the valley. Rivervale is a popular stop for travelers moving through the area and is famous for some of its baked goods, but offers little that can't be found in any reasonably large city. It has just enough trade to keep its economy bustling, and that's all most if its citizens really want.
The community of Rivervale is home to thousands of Halfling burrows, all neatly tucked within the rich soil of their prized forests. Many Halflings follow the god Bristlebane and spend most of their time in uproarious revelry, while some others throw off the call of trickery and follow the calling of Karana and his druids. Many travelers come to Rivervale for a taste of these druids' famous jumjum, whether it be in the form of smoke, juice, pastries, or whatever the special of the week is. The northern part of the village features a lake which is fed by a stream rolling off the mountains of High Pass. Many residents can be found fishing these waters on any given afternoon.
While Halflings are generally laid back, they will often surprise those not welcome in the town with their ferocity. The city is safe for those friendly with Bristlebane's children thanks to the masked deputies patrolling town, except for maybe when Mangler, the crazy guard dog, gets loose. Overall, the city is protected quite well, not just by the sheriff's deputies, but by the granite mountains descending from High Pass and the Wall of Serilis built outside in Misty Thicket. Although Mayor Gubbins is the richest Halfling that ever lived and runs the city's day to day affairs, many would tell you that Beek Guinders, the High Priest of Mischief, is the city's true leader. Guinders and his clerics maintain the Abbey of Mischief and he is the one who represents the halflings in foreign affairs.
The revelry of Rivervale stops with increasing regularity when the Goblins of Clan Runnyeye and its Orc allies assault the outer wall the Halflings have constructed and patrol in the Misty Thicket. Sheriff Roglio and Mayor Gubbins are always looking to hire anyone with an eager blade, bow, or spell in hopes of pushing the marauders further away from the city's crops and families.
With the dreaded state of Kithicor Forest since the Bloody Kithicor War, few Halflings will travel at night. As a result, adventurers are frequently hired as caravan guards or messengers.
Comments