Encyclopedia
The encyclopedia contain background information about the Riverlands and it`s inhabitants. None of this has any direct impact on how the game is played, but as a resource for imagination in the effort to make the world come alive.
Summerhall
Summerhall is a town located on the temperate seashore, where the vegetation is desolate. Summerhall grew around a coastal harbor, and is comprised of almost every race, no one race being the clear majority. They are an overwhelmingly patriarchal feudalist magocratic republic that worships many deities, the most common being Poseidon.
The nearest landmark is the Drow Stone – Jutting at an odd angle off the side of the path is a towering pillar of stone which is made of a dark glass like material. Stories abound of how it marks the entrance to the Underdark, however, it’s simply Volcanic glass from an ancient volcano. A population of 3700, the denizens live a modest existence. A royal address or proclamation is currently taking place.
Government in Summerhall
The people of Summerhall work the land in exchange for working their lord’s lands. Affairs are handled by the wizards, but they all answer to the old island king: Kethrus Arrithur.
Economics
Trade is reasonable in Summerhall, and people live a modest existence because of it; some taxes are applied to certain goods and services that are rendered in the city. Welfare is below average. Citizens are largely left to their own fate except in extreme cases. Healthcare is neglected, and education is an afterthought. Most citizens would have better luck from private benefactors or the church than relying on the government
Law and Order
The policing presence in Summerhall is more of a militia; some of the members of The Justisaris are part time, and there is little need for the use of force outside of intruders. Law in Summerhall is almost non existant for the members of the kleptocratic government that controls Summerhall. For the common people, though, one can expect to lose a hand for stealing a loaf of bread without paying your Guild membership fees. Magic is reserved for the ruling class of mages, who govern Summerhall. Those found practicing magic without a license are considered to be undermining the council of wizards’ authority.
FACTIONS
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“The Justisaris”
Guards Watch (Huge)
“The Justisaris is a guards watch. It’s somewhat old, and the huge faction has an excellent reputation, and is motivated by money. They are highly involved in the local community.”
Policing
Summerhall is policed by The Justisaris, rather than a separate guard. The guard is slightly underfunded, and their equipment sometimes falls into slight disrepair. Their officers are held accountable for their actions, though The Just Police does not have the funding to perform regular training exercises.
One can recognise a member of The Justisaris by the forest green and gold livery adorned with an image of a set of crossed spears.
Law in Summerhall
Law in Summerhall is almost non existant for the members of the kleptocratic government that controls Summerhall. For the common people, though, one can expect to lose a hand for stealing a loaf of bread without paying your Guild membership fees.
Governance
It’s ruled by Anglo Lamb, who was the most charismatic of the group. He is quite incompetent, and his position is very unstable due to conflicts with rivaling factions. Bribes are uncommon, and frowned upon.
Members
Members of The Justisaris are identifiable by their distinctive headgear. Membership requires some social status, and costs twenty gold pieces. The initiation into The Justisaris involves a secret ritual.
Resources
They have limitless resources. A significant number of magical trinkets are part of those resources. Also at their disposal are a drawer of magic scrolls, a chest of gold, a significant number of gems, and a significant number of magical weapons.
Politics
The Justisaris have a considerable number of allies;
A veritable army of priests will answer a call for aid, as will a veritable army of monks, a veritable army of rangers, and a veritable army of artisans. The Justisaris have a couple enemies; A guild of bandits are the enemies of The Justisaris.
“The University of Unknown Casters”
(Wizards College) Huge
“The University of Unknown Casters is a wizards college. It’s quite new, and the average sized faction has an excellent reputation, and is motivated by knowledge. They are highly involved in the local community.”
Governance
It’s ruled by Claira Erenaeth, who was able to rise to power through nepotism. She is quite incompetent, and her position is stable due to internal power struggles. Bribes depend on circumstances.
Members
Members of The University of Unknown Casters are identifiable by their lack of table manners. Membership requires a display of skill, and costs a hundred gold pieces. The initiation into The University of Unknown Casters involves a secret ritual.
Resources
They have limitless resources. A significant number of artifacts are in their proverbial warchest, as are a significant number of magical weapons, one or two valuable gems, drawer of blackmail material, and a handful of contacts.
Politics
The University of Unknown Casters have a handful of trusted allies;
A veritable army of rangers and more than a couple craftsmen can be called on for aid. The University of Unknown Casters have some enemies; A guild of seers and a guild of assassins are the only that wish The University of Unknown Casters ill.
“The External Legation”
Foreigners Embassy (Average Sized)
“The External Legation is a foreigners embassy. It’s well established, and the average sized faction has an excellent reputation, and is motivated by peace. They are rumoured to employ dangerous criminals.”
Governance
It’s ruled by a board of 9, who were the most charismatic of the group. They are very incompetent, and their positions on the board are stable due to internal power struggles. Their meetings are held every third day, and are open to those that can find them. Bribes to the board will be met with laughter.
Members
Members of The External Legation are identifiable by their large earrings. Membership requires an expressed desire for citizenship, and costs twenty gold pieces. The initiation into The External Legation involves a sufficiently large bribe.
Resources
They have limitless resources. A fair few favours are part of those resources. Also at their disposal are a drawer of blackmail material, a handful of artifacts, a handful of old favours, and a handful of magical weapons.
Politics
The External Legation have a handful of trusted allies;
A veritable army of bards and a veritable army of merchants can be called on for aid. The External Legation have enemies around every corner; A guild of wizards are enemies of The External Legation, as are a guild of wizards, a guild of commoners, and a guild of priests.
“Encyclopaedia Uniformatica”
Scholars Guild (Slightly Above Average Sized)
“Encyclopaedia Uninformatica is a scholars guild. It’s somewhat old, and the slightly above average sized faction has an excellent reputation, and is motivated by fame. They are extremely secretive.”
Governance
It’s ruled by Astyn Ford, who was the wealthiest of the group. He is of mild incompetence, and his position is very unstable due to conflicts with rivaling factions. Bribes are uncommon, and frowned upon.
Members
Members of Encyclopaedia Uninformatica are identifiable by their pride. Membership requires a display of skill, and costs a hundred gold pieces. The initiation into Encyclopaedia Uninformatica involves a simple form to be filled.
Resources
They have many resources. A handful of gems are jealously guarded, as are a significant number of trade goods, and a handful of magic scrolls.
Politics
Encyclopaedia Uninformatica have a handful of trusted allies;
A veritable army of commoners and a veritable army of bandits can be called on for aid. Encyclopaedia Uninformatica have some enemies; A guild of bandits and a guild of seers are the only that wish Encyclopaedia Uninformatica ill.
Racial Demographic
Summerhall is comprised of almost every race, no one race being the clear majority.
| Race | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Dragonborn | 27 | 0.74 |
| Dwarf | 246 | 6.67 |
| Elf | 1178 | 31.85 |
| Gnome | 82 | 2.22 |
| Goblin | 0 | 0.00 |
| Half-elf | 520 | 14.07 |
| Half-orc | 0 | 0.00 |
| Halfling | 411 | 11.11 |
| Human | 1123 | 30.37 |
| Lizardfolk | 27 | 0.74 |
| Tiefling | 82 | 2.22 |