Once a humble trading stop on the Zumkend River, Hillmeet has grown into a vital waystation between the western frontier and the baronial capital of Rutherton to the east. Merchants from Westwatch bring goods and coin by caravan and ferry alike, feeding Hillmeet’s bustling river trade.
The Lay of the Land
Hillmeet rises over two broad hills overlooking the river.
On the southwestern peak stands Duke’s Point, a rocky bluff said to bear the carved steps of an ancient shrine to Beory and Obad-Hai. Legends whisper of a hidden lookout chamber built beneath the summit — a watch post to guard against trouble along the Zumkend or deep inland.
The southern hilltop is fortified by a small provincial stronghold, home to two dozen of the Duke’s men-at-arms and their mounts. Ten-foot wooden palisades and watchtowers overlook the town and river. Within lie barracks, a stable, and a great smithy where ore from the local mine is smelted into weapons, tools, and armor.
Beneath the stronghold, miners delve for iron and rare platinum, always taking care to seek the druids’ blessing before cutting into the earth.