A land where forgotten kingdoms crumble, monsters carve out their own realms, and every road hides an ancient secret.
Rivenhold is a wild frontier shaped by centuries of war, magic, and abandoned civilizations. Once ruled by a mighty empire, the land is now divided only by geography and the strength of those who can survive it. Ancient roads still connect the regions, but they are cracked, overgrown, and haunted by the remnants of the past.
At the very heart of the realm stands The Overlook City, the last great bastion of civilization. From its towering walls, one can see nearly every road leading into the wilderness, earning it its name. Merchants, adventurers, scholars, mercenaries, and treasure hunters all pass through its gates, seeking fortune in the dangerous lands beyond.
Every direction from the city offers a different kind of peril.
The largest and wealthiest city in Rivenhold.
Built atop a massive rocky plateau overlooking the surrounding countryside, the city commands every major trade route. Tall walls, ancient towers, bustling markets, noble estates, and crowded slums make up this sprawling metropolis.
It serves as the center of politics, commerce, religion, and adventuring.
Far north of civilization lie the shattered remains of the First Kingdom.
Broken castles, fallen temples, underground crypts, and forgotten cities stretch across the cold landscape. Treasure seekers venture here hoping to recover lost relics, but few return.
Undead are common.
Ancient constructs still guard forgotten halls.
Some claim a sleeping king still rests beneath the ruins.
A dark woodland where little sunlight reaches the forest floor.
Twisted trees seem almost alive, and strange lights drift between the branches at night. Travelers frequently vanish without explanation.
Home to:
Goblin tribes
Orc clans
Giant spiders
Witches
Fey spirits
Bandits
Many whisper that the forest itself watches those who enter.
North-east of Blackhat Forest lies a vast swamp of black water and endless mist.
Rotting trees rise from stagnant pools while poisonous insects cloud the air.
Creatures found here include:
Trolls
Hags
Giant crocodiles
Lizardfolk
Will-o'-wisps
Swamp hydras
Hidden ruins sink beneath the muddy waters.
Nestled between Blackhat Swamp and the Forest of Morigue is the notorious goblin settlement known simply as Blackhat.
Despite its fearsome reputation, it is one of the largest trading hubs outside the Overlook City. Goblins form the majority of its population, but orcs, kobolds, ogres, bugbears, and even adventurous humans can be found here.
The town is chaotic rather than orderly, governed by powerful clans instead of laws. Mercenaries, monster hunters, smugglers, and outcasts are all welcome—provided they can defend themselves.
South of Blackhat stretches a haunting woodland cloaked in perpetual twilight.
The air carries the scent of old flowers and damp earth, while strange songs echo through the trees after sunset.
Legends tell of an immortal witch known only as Morigue, whose spirit is forever bound to the forest.
The forest is home to:
Dryads
Cursed wolves
Fey courts
Witches
Ghosts
Ancient shrines
In the south-east stands an enormous crimson stone tower visible for miles.
Originally built as a military fortress, it now serves as the headquarters of the mysterious Order of the Crimson Watch.
The order studies monsters, magical anomalies, and forbidden relics. Some believe they are heroes. Others claim they secretly collect dangerous artifacts for their own purposes.
Its beacon burns every night, visible across the southern plains.
South of the Crimson Watch lies a strange frozen wilderness.
Although surrounded by temperate lands, this region remains locked in eternal winter.
Snow falls year-round.
Frozen lakes conceal ancient creatures beneath the ice.
Frost giants, winter wolves, and white dragons are rumored to roam these desolate plains.
The far south is dominated by a marsh where winter and summer seem to battle endlessly.
Parts of the swamp remain frozen while others bubble with warm springs.
Steam rises from the wetlands throughout the year.
Many believe an ancient elemental battle still shapes the land.
To the south-west lies the largest swamp in Rivenhold.
Unlike Blackhat Swamp, this region is vibrant and alive, filled with towering mangroves, massive reptiles, colorful fungi, and dangerous predators.
Ruined temples of forgotten swamp civilizations lie hidden beneath thick vegetation.
East of the Overlook City grows a peaceful-looking woodland famous for the soft sounds carried by its leaves.
Travelers claim the trees whisper names, warnings, or forgotten memories.
A magnificent stone bridge spans the Silverflow River, serving as the primary eastern entrance into the Overlook City. Every merchant caravan from the east must cross this bridge, making it one of the most strategically important locations in the realm.
North-west of the city lies the Verdian Glade, an ancient primeval forest untouched by civilization.
Towering oaks and colossal pines form a lush canopy over crystal streams and hidden meadows.
It is considered sacred by druids and rangers, who fiercely protect it from exploitation.
Powerful beasts, ancient treants, unicorns, and elusive fey creatures dwell within its depths.
Several ancient roads, built by the First Kingdom, still connect the major regions:
King's Road runs north from the Overlook City to the Northern Ruins.
Blackhat Road leads northwest into Blackhat Forest and onward to Blackhat.
Whisper Road crosses the great bridge through Whisper Forest into the eastern lands.
Crimson Way stretches southeast to the Crimson Watch.
Southern Trail winds toward the Thawing Mire and Southern Swamp.
Verdian Path disappears beneath the towering trees of Verdian Glade.
Though maintained near the city, these roads quickly fall into disrepair, where monsters, bandits, and forgotten magic await unwary travelers.
Rivenhold is a world where every road leads to adventure, every forest hides forgotten legends, and every ruin whispers of an empire that refused to stay buried.