Among the Fenarchan Isles in the frigid Storm Sea, there is an especially jagged island known as Green Valley. The island has a tiny, rocky harbor attached to a small fishing village, which seems to be crowded between the sea and the cliffs behind it. At the back of the village of Herring is a broad, well-traveled tunnel lit with many fine gas lamps.
The tunnel leads from Herring to Green Valley proper, cauldron of a long-dormant volcano -- guaranteed dormant by Sheila Greywand herself. As is common with volcanic soil, the valley is quite fertile. In addition, the high cauldron walls protect it from the worst of the region's storms.
Legend has it that, nearly a thousand years ago, this uninhabited island had a Chaos Gate, which Sheila Greywand sealed by raising a volcano under it. Some centuries after that, Lady Greywand declared the island safe for settlement, and people (mostly Ferencians) came to live and build there. Now it is a gentle place, slightly warmer than the other Fenarchan Isles. A wide variety of crops will grow here. Green Valley is famous for its bountiful orchards, vineyards, fields and paddies. The people are kind and peaceful. The prosperous town in the valley, Coldbridge, spans the river that flows from the northern wall of the cauldron. Coldbridge is built of quarried lava; buildings are mostly black, but with colorful clay roofs.
The hot springs in the valley are a popular gathering place and a good way for weary gladiators to ease their sore muscles. There is flammable gas as well, in caves under the farmlands, which the natives have piped around Coldbridge and Herring to light their homes and cook their food. Sometimes, there are unexpected explosions, but it is considered a small price to pay for convenience.
Green Valley, the island (including the village of Herring), is ruled by a Council of Elders with seven members.
Drinking and dining are excellent in Green Valley. Coldbridge has half a dozen restaurants and two taverns (Snake-Head Tavern, and Brunnhild's Bar). Herring has a single inn/restaurant/tavern called Green Gate, next to the mouth of the tunnel.
Because it is their nature, the islanders are polite and welcoming to the newly come gladiators, but privately they feel that Green Valley would be better without a blood sport. However, Sheila Greywand insisted. Perhaps she worries that the Chaos Gate might open again, and the island folk will need defenders?
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