Rivain is the capital of the Rivain Prefecture in the Valorian Empire. It was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Engwaeld until the country was conquered and subsumed into the Valorian Empire.

History

The area where Rivain is located was once the site of a small elven fortification chosen due to a nearby natural spring and its proximity to orcish lands. As time went on humans began to settle and the surrounding area organized into the Kingdom of Engwaeld. Rivain grew from a small village to a large city and was designated as the capital of the kingdom and given the name of Rivain by the first king of Engwaeld, Aethelwold.

Several hundred years later, and the Valorian Empire has been engaged in a series of conflicts with Engwaeld, each resulting in a loss of territory for Engwaeld. At long last, the Empire laid siege to Rivain, and Hildebeorht, the last king of Engwaeld, was trapped inside the walls. Due to the circumstances surrounding The Battle Hardbrin, the Emperor ordered that no quarter be given. When the city walls fell a terrible slaughter ensued, the king's hall burnt, and some of the royal tombs were looted.

During the War of Northern Rebellion the rebels/seperatists/freedom fighters used Rivain as a base of operations. The Emperor sailed north with several legions and attacked Rivain. Following his victory the Emperor ordered that the city walls be razed and commanded that no walls ever be constructed around the city again. To this day there are no city walls to be found.    

Geography

The city center has a very distinct feel. Older architecture with lots of wood and intricate scrollwork carved into the wood. The outer part of the city is constructed in a more traditional Valorian style. There are no city walls, and only the Imperial Army garrison has fortified walls.

The land surrounding Rivain is largely farm land with occasional stands of trees and small forests.

The city has a large hill, King's Hill, with barrows at the top. These barrows are the resting place of many Engwealdish kings.    

Demographics

Rivain is a less diverse city than places like Kirkwall or Crosswater. Humans are prevalent with a sizable half-elf minority. Other species can be found in small groups, but there are no other large enclaves.

Factions

  • Northern Independence Movement - Many nobles who trace their lineage back to old Engwaeldish families support the idea of the north reclaiming its independence. The commonfolk are more split on the matter. 
  • Imperialists - Those loyal to the Empire
  • The Badger Crew - A gang of ruffians and hoodlums that roam the streets of Rivain
  • The Gauntlet - A mercenary company headquartered in Rivain
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Notable Locations

  • King's Hill - A large hill with standing stones carved into the visages of ancient kings on top of several barrows.
  • Sword of the Ancients - At the center of the city there is a large stone arm coming out of the earth. The hand is clutching a sword thrust into the sky. Some say it is the petrified arm of a giant, others say it is a memorial to a king long forgotten.
  • A food bank run by the Church.
  • The Fountain of Fortune is a popular destination for the superstitious. This deep, wide fountain is said to be possessed of a magic humor that causes the surface of the water to play out scenes of love or conquest when coins are thrown into it. The fountain seems to have a sense of humor; when other objects are thrown into it, it is known to throw them back.
  • Prefect's Palace - The home of Aufidius Orestes, prefect of the Rivain District.
  • Legion Garrison - The X and XXI Legions are currently garrisoned there. The only location within Rivain that has actual fortress walls. 
  • Oak and Spear - An blue-collar alehouse, often patroned by those sympathetic to Northern Independence.
  • Five Flagons - A respectable Inn and Tavern. A popular destination for traveling merchants.
  • The Drunken Elf - Another blue-collar establishment. Has various (inexpensive) elven artifacts displayed on the walls.
  • The Griffons Nest - a tavern run by a retired Valorian soldier. Popular watering hole for off-duty soldiers and officers.
  • St. Rowan's Cathedral - The main church in Rivain. Overseen by the Archbishop Hydroc Beckett. Northerners are very proud of this church and consider St. Rowan to be the epitome of northern courage and martial prowess.
  • Primilla's - A Valorian style bathouse and spa. 
  • The Humble Skull - Magic shop run by Eadwig. 
  • Potions & Lotions - Run by Tecca.
  • The Gilded Compass - Adventurer's Guild  

Notable People