Tharrick’s Hollow
Hamlet, pop. ~110 (85% Human – mostly Flan, 10% Halfling, 5% Other)
Located along the east bank of the Zumkend River, southeast of Rutherton
Tharrick’s Hollow clings to the bend of the Zumkend River where wooded hills press close to the water, leaving only a narrow shelf of fertile ground. Mist gathers here often, rolling in from the boggy gullies that drain toward the river. Once a seasonal fishing camp, the Hollow has grown into a year-round hamlet serving hunters, river traders, herbalists, and those who prefer to keep one foot in the wilderness.
The hamlet’s name comes from Tharrick the Red, a Flan trapper and folk hero said to have fought off river trolls using nothing but pitch and fire. A carved post depicting his likeness still stands near the ferry dock — birds perch on his shoulders, and children smear him with red dye each spring to keep the legend alive.
Despite its size, the Hollow sees surprising river traffic, thanks to its location between Rutherton to the north and the broader river trade headed southeast. With the Grimwold boglands encroaching just east of the rise, it has its share of trouble: from bandits and smugglers to wandering beasts and rumors of bog spirits or root-bound revenants.
Places to Go
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The Shrouded Cup
(Tavern & Teahouse)
A low-roofed, timber-frame building with woven reed mats for walls and a moss-covered roof. Known for herbal teas, bitterroot wine, and its hearty “hunter’s pie.”
Proprietor: Mivven Kell, a quiet Flan woman who listens more than she speaks. Rumored to be wise in herbcraft and secrets alike.
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Ferry Crossing
(Rope-guided river raft)
Maintained by the Hollow’s founding families. It provides a critical link for trade wagons, caravans, and travelers heading to or from Rutherton.
A toll (1 silver per wagon or group) is collected by rotating families. In times of trouble, crossings may be suspended.
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Greenvault Hollow
(Abandoned shrine + root cellar)
An ancient, vine-covered structure once dedicated to Beory or an older earth spirit. Locals store root vegetables here, but no one stays inside long — the shadows inside are too still. Some say something breathes beneath the floor.
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Shed of the Spear
(Trapper’s guild hut & post box)
Shared shack used by three or four professional trappers and hunters. Game is hung, skins are scraped, and messages can be left for those “out in the thickets.”
A ceremonial spear, cracked with age, is mounted above the door in honor of Tharrick.
Mivven Kell
(Teahouse Keeper, herbalist)
Once traveled as a midwife and herb-witch. Settled here ten years ago after “seeing too much.” Her teas are both healing and unsettling. She says little but always knows when someone is lying.
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Brannoc Thatch
(Ferry Rotan and Senior Elder)
Thick-bearded, heavyset, and eternally sunburned, Brannoc commands the Hollow’s ferrymen. He has seen river monsters, smugglers, and soldiers pass by in equal measure. He believes in preparedness and has a weather-eye like no other.
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Tessik & Holva Darn
(Twin Trappers)
Grimy, sharp-eyed siblings who rarely speak unless spoken to — and then only in half-finished sentences. They disappear into the bogs for days and return with pelts, twisted stories, or nothing at all. Said to have found and buried a river spirit.
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Old Samel Greel
(Storyteller & Ex-soldier)
Once served as a border scout. Now retired to a crooked cottage by the river’s edge. He tells tales of old Flan wars, haunted things in the marsh, and the time he saw Baron Veymar kill a troll with a single word (he didn’t, but it’s a good story).