| Reedhaven | |
|---|---|
 Reedhaven area map, by Phillip Gladney ©1999 | |
 Location of Reedhaven in the Angle | |
| Statistics | |
| Other names | N/A |
| Type | Hobbit village |
| Location | The Angle, Rhudaur |
| Realm | Rhudaur |
| Capital | N/A |
| Founded | mid-Third Age |
| Ruler | Dallo Point, elder |
| Summary | One of the last remaining hobbit settlements in the Angle |
| Inhabitants | Stoor Hobbits |
| Language(s) | Westron (Hobbitish) |
| Lifespan | ? |
Reedhaven was a small Hobbit settlement in the Angle of Rhudaur during the mid-Third Age.
Reedhaven ca. T.A. 1640-1650[]
Reedhaven ca. T.A. 1640-1650:
For close to three decades the Hobbit community of Reedhaven has lived in close proximity and harmony with the nearby Dwarven settlement Smallforge. Each village has between 75-100 inhabitants and a strong friendship has arisen between the two. Smallforge is led by Beleg. Reedhaven is led by Dallo Point and is one of the last remaining hobbit settlements in the Angle. Reedhaven has profited from the presence of the Dwarven colony and is glad to have the dwarves living nearby.
Beleg and Dallo are old friends, and have even adventured together in the past, acquiring renown in addition to a sizable quantity of gold and items of worth during their many years of wandering. Dallo can still be seen occasionally in his complete set of Dwarven arms and armor. Dallo had already settled down and bought an inn in the village where he was spending his retirement.
The ties that bind these two colonies are economical as well as political. Both groups are far from any other settlements of their own kind and consequently are dependent upon one another for various commodities. The dwarves need fish, game, grain, and other foodstuffs; and the hobbits need finished metal products such as arrows, spearheads, and farm implements, as well as hard currency. In addition, both settlements band together for the common good when threatened with outside intervention. In the past, the two groups held off a minor incursion of Dunlendings during the Stonearm Wars.
Refer to the Reedhaven area map above right:
- The Frothy Tankard: Owned and operated by Dallo Point, an ex-adventurer who settled in Reedhaven, this is the sole building in the entire community which can accommodate human-sized individuals. It consists of a large drinking hall, a moderately sized kitchen, and some rooms for let. Dallo also owns a brewery situated next door in a separate building. The common area of the tavern is where the hobbits of the area meet to discuss important matters. In addition, any negotiating, whether they are merchants, mercenaries, or representatives of Fennas Drúnin, is done here. Dallo oversees these sometimes raucous affairs and is generally considered the spokesman of the village.
- Stables: The donkeys used by the hobbits to transport goods are stabled here. They are well looked-after. Hay is kept in the extra stalls and two wagons are located out back. There is also a small residence for the hobbit that works here.
- Farmstead: One extended family of hobbits dwells in each of these homes. Some are large and some small, depending on the number of hobbits who live there. Each has a garden, fields for grain and grapes, as well as fruit trees and livestock. Excess food is shipped to Smallforge or Fennas Drúnin in exchange for worked iron goods or gold.
- Smallforge: A trail leads right up to the wrought iron doors of Smallforge. During the day these doors are generally kept open.
- Riverbank: A few boats lay moored here for the hobbits who ply the river for fish. Nets, hooks, paddles, etc. are stored in each boat awaiting use.
- Fields: This is the main area for farming for the hobbits of Reedhaven. A number of fruit trees, primarily apple, are also located here.
- Barn: This is the largest building in the village. It houses approximately twenty cows. These draft animals are used for milk and are led out during the day to feed. Extra hay is kept in the lofts above for the winter months.
- Watchpost: This ingeniously disguised wooden tower serves as the two communities' sole means of being alerted to invaders. Thirty feet tall and barely poking out above the trees around it, this post is impossible to see from a distance. Wooden planters, built all along the rail, house various plants, which hide the tower and make it blend in with the surrounding foliage. An ancient Dúnadan eyeglass, picked up in one of Dallo's myriad adventures, helps the sentries see farther. At any given time there will be two sentries, one from each community. This procedure has in turn bolstered the friendship and trust between the two villages, since the inhabitants spend long hours together here with nothing to do but talk.
References[]
- Minas Brethil campaign, "Ready-To-Run Adventures: The Scourge of Smallforge", by Phillip Gladney ©1999 (published by The Guild Companion)