Reedham
Reedham is a small lakeside village, located where the lake, swamp, forest and hills join - and was originally little more than a lookout point at the very edges of the frontier, with a minimal garrison. Since then, it has grown into a regular village, with an Inn and Jetty, while the lookout point has been converted to a Shrine.
Originally developed to supply reeds for thatching, the economy now revolves around fish, and their main export is preserved fish, that is taken down to Edgemoor for distribution to inshore settlements, and even shipped further down to Tusk. Distinctive black pots are made locally, using a local clay and a wood firing process, which makes their products recognisable when it gets to market. Other minor exports are feathers and herbs that are collected locally, as well as reeds for thatching, mats and baskets. Many of the residents wear some blue, as part of their clothing, as the woad leaves are used for dying.
1) The Flying Fish is the largest building in the village. This small inn serves as the community centre, meeting place and even as the town hall when required, and is overseen by an impressive half-orc called Helga. She doesn't work in the kitchens or behind the bar, but she owns the place and is, most definitely, in charge. In fact, she appears to be in charge of the whole village, and questions and strangers are always redirected to her.
As an Inn, it isn't much. A common room, bar and small kitchen with two rooms to rent out - each capable of sleeping four people in bunk beds. It only sells ale, and the evening meal is nearly always fish soup served with a flat bread. You probably shouldn't enquire too closely what sort of fish it is, but be surprised by the different textures and flavours that you encounter when you eat.
Helga is also skipper of the best boat in the village, and has the toughest crew. Before they settled here, they sailed widely, as a charter vessel - and were often contracted by the military, while her crew aren't soldiers, they know how to look after themselves.
2) Fish Shed and Jetty The Fish Shed is used for everything to do with fish. There is a small smoking area in one corner, in another area there are vats for stewing and jellying eels, and pots for a fermented fish sauce. It smells very fishy, with overtones of smoke and herbs, but is quite acrid, it is not a pleasant place to be, although the locals seem innured to the smell.
The jetty is seen as community property, and anyone can moore their boat here. You will find small rowing bows for local use, larger sailing boats that are used for deeper water fishing and a skiff or two, that is particularly useful in the swampy areas. They bring in waterfowl, reeds, fish and occasionally eggs. Some fish, particularly Siver Grunters (Smoked) and Eels (jellied) are preserved for sale in the town, while various off cuts, and less commercial fish, are turned into fish sauce. Gar are taken, occasionally, by the bravest of fisherfolk, and Gar Steaks are smoked and pickled, then sent south as a delicacy. The fishers use inshore nets to take shoals of Silver Grunters, traps for Mud Eels and use rod and line to fish for Gar and other fish.
Note: Garskin is particularly strong and has the same properties as Eel Hide.
3) The Shrine is dedicated to Sarenrae, and has her Angelic Ankh symbol painted on the door. On the ground floor Brother Goddas works in a room decorated with images and icons of The Dawnflower. As well as caring for the local community, he creates herbal remedies and sends them back to Tusk, via the apothecary in Edgemoor. His shrine was once a small watchtower, at the end of the military road, and Brother Goddas lives in the small bunk room above the shrine. There always seem to be a small flock of pigeons around the roof of the shrine, and Brother Goddas can sometimes be see on his flat roof, enjpying their company. The villages smile, but leave well alone.