Silverwell

Silverwell is situated on The Wild Coast at the end of a 5 mile inlet which affords a fair amount of protection from the rough seas and wild weather that comes in from the east. It is the northern most town in the region of Weildon and despite its location is a flourishing market town with links down the coast road to the city of Seahaven and westwards through the mountains to Tarlant. It is also the final stopping point for those making the trip over the Wilderland or by the coastal sea route (summer only) to Rovanna, a fertile and production but remote region.

Some 230 miles to the east is Tarlant, a small principality situated in a girdle of mountains. The journey is long but well served with villages and roadside inns along the way. The journey, to Rovanna, on the other hand, is arduous but only 140 or so miles. Only the experienced traveller, such as the cattle drovers, itinerant pedlars and merchant caravans are recommended to make the journey but the Protectors, based in Silverwell, and with a small garrison at Moorthan on the Wilderland help to escort travellers.

The countryside to the north is wild and barren and home to wild creatures and the occasional bandit group. The journey is exposed to the elements, although at one time some thought was put into the creation of the drove road as it passes through deep gullies which offer some protection from the elements. Every 20 – 30 or so miles, camp sites have been created, whether in an old quarry or hollow in the heather in which fire pits and rudimentary shelters have been built. Each campsite has its own water supply. To the south and west, the land is fertile and farmed with numerous farmsteads, villages and deciduous forest punctuating the landscape. The people are friendly for the most part and have a reserved respect for adventurers.

Silverwell straddles the Silver River, renowned for the shimmering salmon that swim its waters up to the spawning grounds beyond Silverlake in the west. The main commercial centre is on the north bank with fine half timbered buildings radiating from Well’s End Square. This section of the town is protected from the Wilderland by a stone wall which wraps round the northern edge from river bank to river bank. The wealthy of the town tend to live in the two or three storey buildings, with the middle classes in single storey houses at the back of the finer buildings. The poorer folk tend to live to the south of the docks.

The Docks
A small dock is situated at the mouth of the river allowing berthing for the small cutters that ply the coastal waters. Most of the trade is with the coastal towns and cities of the south, but during the summer months a few brave captains will make the journey up the Wild Coast to Huntsford in Rovanna. Even in the summer, this journey is fraught with danger as the Spiroan currents can catch sailors out and send them out to the ocean or, worse still, drag them down to the depths through treacherous whirlpools.

Dragon House
This part brick, part half timbered house stands in its own grounds to the north of Well’s End Square. It is the Protector’s headquarters where prospective recruits are trained and where most of their activity is controlled from. Chief Protector Ranok is based here.

The Inns
Silverwell has several inns, but the most popular is The Meithrel Inn. The name is a corruption of the Elvish for ‘silver’ (mithril) and ‘well’ (eithel). It is owned by an ancient Elf, Eöl Nénharma, who forsook his lands over 100 years ago. His meads and ciders are famed in Weildon for their recuperative qualities and weary travellers will always make the Meithrel their first port of call, even if they are not actually staying there.

On Oak Road, one of the oldest buildings in the town, miraculously still standing, despite leaning timbers, is the Oak Tavern. It only has three small guest rooms but be warned that the sloping floors and walls can seem incredibly unstable if you have imbibed of too much ale. Other inns include ‘The Sailor’s Arms’ in the dock area and the quaint ‘Appledale’ at the end of Broad Street opposite the orchard.

The Guild Hall
The hall in the south east of the square, by the river is used by the townsfolk as a meeting place. It is effectively the town hall where the townsfolk meet for any discussions, festivals, disputes are settled and it is used as the courthouse.

Silverwell