In the turmoil of Mizahar's early post-Valterrian years, Cauldric Chivan recognized the precarious position that his Akalak brethren were in. Their race had just barely survived the Valterrian. He and the Council of Elders worried that if they did not grow quickly in numbers and strength then their very existence could be wiped out in a war or a siege. It was Cauldric who determined that Riverfall needed a refuge and escape plan should such an event occur, and so plans for The Warren were conceived.
The Warren, which took two centuries to fully construct, is a circular stone structure spanning from the top of Riverfall's cliff into its very base. It has twelve levels connected by a long, winding stone staircase. Each level consists of a stone hallway, a number of chambers, a repository, and open arched windows that overlook The Warren's drop to the bottom. A circular window at its roof allows sunlight and fresh air to make its way into the refuge.
Food repositories exist on the third, sixth, eighth and nineth levels up from the ground, weapons repositories exist on the seventh, tenth and eleventh levels, and travel equipment (which includes tents, flasks, flint, and small boats) is stored on level two and seven. The fourth level is reserved as a large meeting hall that could, in theory, fit every Riverfall citizen, and the first level is unusable due to its unfortunate dampness and tendency to become waterlogged.
The further down one travels in this safe house, the darker it gets. Torches line the hallways, though they're rarely lit for anyone but The Warren's Keeper, his staff, or a member of the Council. Despite The Warren having fallen into minor disrepair over the years, The Warren's Keeper and those he employs still faithfully ensure that a relatively large supply of weaponry and food are constantly available.
A well-kept Riverfall secret is that The Warren has two hidden tunnels that allow for escape from the city. One is located on the second level, and leads the passage-goer on a dark, damp, and lengthy trek to a secret exit (a small cave concealed by thick moss) that opens onto sand next to the Suvan Sea. The second tunnel, found on the eighth level, leads the traveller down a seemingly endless stone hallway, up numerous sets of stairs, and out onto the Sea of Grass. This tunnel's exit can only be unlocked from the inside, which keeps out monsters and strangers alike.
NPCs
Name: Kavalor Furat
Race: Akalak
DoB: 172 A.V.
PoB: Riverfall
Title: The Warren's Keeper
Skills: Organization 93, Food Preservation 82, Masonry 64, Camouflage 54
Kavalor is the first and only Keeper that has ever watched over The Warren. He feels a strong connection to the structure (especially since he also worked on it during its last decade of construction) and often grumbles about how its importance is too frequently overlooked. His primary personality is paranoid and over-cautious, and has been known to establish strange rules for his assistants to follow. He is the only person in Riverfall (besides the Council of Elders) who knows every single nook, cranny, chamber, and secret passage in The Warren, however, and his extraordinary caution makes him a tremendous secret keeper.
Name: Raistren Iman
Race: Akalak
DoB: 224 AV
PoB: Riverfall
Title: The Warren's Head Guard
Skills: Longsword 87, Unarmed Combat 81, Observation 76, Leadership 63
Raistren is a vigilant and headstrong Akalak. He expects those under his employ to follow his instructions to a T, and he doesn't have any patience for laziness. He has strong opinions about nearly everything related to The Warren and doesn't hesitate to share them, which means that he and Kavalor frequently bicker about the way things are run. Raistren does realize that there is a stark contrast between their two jobs, however, and will more often than not let Kavalor have his way when it comes to storage and Warren organization.
Employment Opportunities
Kavalor is always looking for new assistants, as the position tends to have a high turnover rate. A competent level of Organization or Food Preservation skill is requested, although he occasionally takes on novices (depending on his level of desperation). A healthy ability to put up with strange requests is also recommended.
Guards are also needed for The Warren's constantly rotating watch. Guards patrol Riverfall's entrance to The Warren, and walk the levels of the structure twice daily. Applicants are expected to be competent in a weapon of their choice, and preferably have at least a novice level of Observation skill.
* Location credit goes to Thalia!
