Winterhaven
Location
The unimposing village of Winterhaven is situated about 18 kilometres due east of Brindol (11 kilometres northeast of Blackroot), roughly in the centre of the region known as the Kleinius Vale.
Population
Winterhaven is smaller, but much more densely populated settlement, than nearby Blackroot. With an official population of just under 500 Humans (plus a handful of Dwarves) this stone-walled village is still often considered little more than a convenient stopping point between the much larger towns of Brindol and Wayfarer's Rest. As is probably obvious, not all of the population of Winterhaven can reside inside of it's walls at all times. Instead much of the 'populace' actually live immediately outside of the wall and only inhabit the village for work or recreation.
Unlike Blackroot though, Winterhaven's physical defences mean that it serves an important function in the area as a trading post/market, civic centre and retreat for the surrounding landowners.
Description
Winterhaven has only two taverns, one inn, one blacksmith, one butcher and one baker in permanent residence. On the upside though it does have a market square where most simple mundane items (of the sort useful to adventurers) may be obtained.
Winterhaven is noted for its heavy stone walls - a remnant from when the village was once a garrison for the Imperial Army (who have long since moved to superior fortifications at Shadowfell Keep - which both cements this village as a valuable defensive structure but also, sadly, heavily limits its potential for growth.
The walls divide the village into two distinct blocks. The larger area is the village proper and is where the main road enters. The northern end of the village has a further wall which separates out the barracks, village supplies and the manor house.
Winterhaven is about 2 kilometres north of the River Brind and has no aqueduct. Hence the village is reliant on wells for fresh water.
Inns and Taverns
Inn:
- Wrafton's Retreat
Taverns:
- The Cowardly Prince
- The Empty Helm
The local taverns usually sell two types of beer: Blackroot beer and Winterhaven's Pride. Occasionally they will have a stock of Manticore Ale in but this is very dependant on time of year.
Notable Places
Notable People
Like Brindol, Winterhaven has a "town watch" which currently consists of 25 local volunteers. Although larger than the watch at Blackroot, Winterhaven's Watch is funded by the village and, as the money is not readily available, it is pretty much only there for show. Its members have practically no combat training or equipment outside of the "barracks" (effectively a long shed). In fact, it is a common joke that Winterhaven's Watch makes Brindol's Watch look like epic heroes. To compensate, the Winterhaven Watch occasionally hires local "muscle" for extra guard duties outside of the village.
In the case where serious military might is required, Winterhaven is at the edge of the zone protected by the 62nd Legion at Shadowfell Keep.
Acknowledgements
The village of Winterhaven originally appeared in the 4th Edition D&D adventure: Keep on the Shadowfell by Mike Mearls and Bruce Cordell and is ©2008-2018 WotC. This version of Winterhaven is only crudely based on the version of the town that appears in that adventure.
