Rald's Keep

Rald's Keep is a small village located along the banks of the Andor River in the northern part of The Valley of Andor. Rald's Keep is primarily a logging village, focusing on the harvesting of select Iron Wood trees in the northern region of Andor. Rald's Keep is overseen by Keeper Rald Kairn III.

History

Rald's Keep was founded in 3428 A.L. by Rald Kairn. Kairn led a human contingent from the village of Thundertree at the direction of the Draconian general, Anthraxos. Anthraxos desired a more stable supply of Iron Wood, which only grew further north in the valley and closer to the Andor River. Kairn was charged with planning and starting up the supply operation, having proven himself a good woodsman and woodcutter. Kairn was given a remarkable degree of latitude to select the site of the new village. His only orders were to ensure a steady supply of Iron Wood flowed to Phandelver. After nearly two weeks of hiking through the Great Wood, Kairn and about two dozen humans, plus a small Incendium detachment, arrived at the banks of the Andor. Here Kairn decided would be the best spot. It was far enough north to ensure a good selection of Iron Wood Trees, but not so far north as to put them in danger from the more ferocious beasts that dwell in the Cascian Badlands. The might Andor River would also serve has a natural protective barrier, provide freshwater, and allow the floating of timber down the river to Phandelver.

Points of interest

Rald's Keep contains one of the largest and oldest known Iron Wood trees. Dubbed Father Ferrum by Rald Kairn, the old tree was deemed too remarkable a specimen for harvesting. Ferrum has stood at the center of Rald's Keep since its founding. The denizens of the village regularly gather beneath its might branches to share communal feasts.