Highfolk Independant Town
The Worthy Sir, Loftin Graystand, Mayor of Highfolk
Population: 2,500 (excluding demi-humans) Demi-humans: High Elves (5,000 ) and some others
Humanoids: None
Resources: gold
Highfolk is independent and of importance simply because it is the southern outpost of the Olvenfolk of the Quagflow Valley (the Fairdells in Olven). The town itself is a trading center and home to some 2,000 humankind. It is well fortified and protects the homeland — the 100-mile stretch of valley above, which lies between the southern arm of the Yatils and the Vesve Forest to the east. There are many thorps set in beautiful dales along the banks of the river, and the Lord of the High Elves dwells in the region, along with some 10,000 of his kin and numerous Sylvan Elves as well (the latter in the fringes of the Vesve on the east bank). The folk of Highfolk and the valley above are at peace with their neighbors to the north and south. The more restless sometimes take service with mercenary bands of Perrenlander soldiery.
The Living Greyhawk Gazetter (LGG) is a sourcebook for the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Setting is 591CYProper Name: Highfolk, Free Town of; Valley of the Velverdyva (Highvale)
Ruler: The Worthy Sir, Tavin Ersteader, Mayor of Highfolk Town (NG male human Wiz11 and, His Most Excellent Highness, Kashafen Tamarel of Flameflower, Lord of the High Elves of the Vesve (CG male elf Wiz14/Ftr4)
Government: Mayor of town elected for life or retirement by popular vote of household leaders; elf communities are governed by hereditary monarchs from noble families
Capital: None
Major Towns: Flameflower (500 high elves), Highfolk (pop. 8,700), Verbeeg Hill (1,200)
Provinces: No strict provincial structure—city claims a patchwork of farm, fishing and forest com munities along Velverdyva River valley (the Highvale region elves of the Vesve have separate holdings
Resources: Gold, rare woods, gems (I), livestock (sheep, goats), vegetables, wild game, timber Coinage: Solar (gp), great lunar (ep), small lunar (sp), wheat (cp)Population: 46,000—Elf 79% (high 60%, sylvan 40%), Human 9% (Os), Half-elf 5%, Halfling 3% (tallfellow), Gnome 2%, Dwarf 1%, Half-orc 1%
Languages: Elven, Common, Sylvan
Alignments: CG*, NG
Religions: Elf pantheon, Oeridian agricultural gods, Ehlonna, Phyton, Fharlanghn
Allies: Furyondy, Veluna, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Duchy of Ulek, Knights of the High Forest
Enemies: Iuz, independent Vesve nonhumans and monsters
The term "Highfolk" is applied both to the largest city in this small realm and to the land as a whole. The Mayor is the elected spokesman for the free town, but also speaks for the region when this is deemed appropriate by the populace. It is principally a realm of high and wood elves, without a fixed boundary, since control over the southern and western parts of the Vesve Forest (named the High Forest by the Highfolk) fluctuates between the demihumans and rangers of that domain and the fell creatures of Iuz. The Highfolk are all strongly independent and free-spirited. The Lord of the High Elves usually speaks for the Highfolk on grand, formal occasions, or the Mayor speaks with the Lord's consent. The word of a gnome prince or village elder of the human woodsmen or farmers counts for at least as much within their own communities, if not more.
This domain is strategically important to Furyondy, whose diplomats, spies, and military advisers work closely with the Highfolk. Preventing its fall to Iuz keeps Furyondy's north western flank unexposed and maintains the vital trade link to Perrenland. Furyondy needs the products of the forest, especially its strong woods.
The Highfolk people are all well-trained warriors who specialize as lightly-armored, mobile bowmen and specialists. Their only heavy troops are the Knights of the Hart (High Forest), an order that has links with the Furyondians of the same name.
The Pact of Greyhawk did not set precise boundaries for Iuz and the Highfolk within the Vesve for the simple reason that no accurate map of the internal features of the Vesve could be found. Iuz feels free to interpret the Pact as giving him domain over all of it, and the Highfolk can look forward to skirmishes and battles for many years.
The town of Highfolk is also important as a stop-off point for adventurers heading for the Yatils or Clatspurs. While monsters aplenty are ready to greet such brave souls, the Yatils in particular have a whole host of legends pertaining to lost magical treasures, any one of which would make a man's fortune for life. There are still those who wish to seek fame and fortune by searching for them. Most do not return, of course.
Overview:The land along the Velverdyva River, from the Clatspurs to the southeastern spur of the great Yatil range, has long been nominally claimed by Furyondy. Here is a land of beauty, of pleasant, bountiful farmlands tended by simple, honest folk. Everything in the Highvale functions upon a spirit of cooperation. Man, gnome, elf, and halfling live together in harmony, and strangers are greeted with a hearty handshake and an invitation to share a place at the table.
The elven folk call the Quagflow Valley the Fairdells. Because of their numbers, many consider Highfolk an olve realm. In reality, though most in the valley defer to the lord of the high elves, representatives from several races and factions have a voice here.
Trade in the valley follows the Quagflow Road from Highfolk Town to the northern town of Verbeeg Hill, there to Perrenland and beyond. Most heavy cargo is transported by barge along the river, which flows at a comfortable pace. The quality of the roadways, and the halfling taverns along it, are unparalleled. The folk of the valley are proud of their home, and care for it accordingly.
Highfolk is protected from harsh winter weather by the Yatils, which block the furious winds common in the north. Light blankets of snow are common in the colder months, and it has been many decades since the last notable blizzard. For most of the year, the weather mimics the spirit of the people, temperate and good-natured. In times of danger, the laid-back spirit of the chaotic Highfolk vanishes, and neighbor stands with neighbor against the common foe. Despite their easy natures, these are frontier folk; nearly everyone here learns to wield some type of weapon before they learn how to ride a horse. In times of muster, Highfolk can field frightening bands of halfling slingers, as well as dangerous hill and forest troops. Veluna, a strong ally of the Highfolk, has stationed more than two hundred elite cavalry and footmen in Highfolk Town, to assist the mayor and the lord of the high elves. Highfolk's Knights of the Hart, made up of elite elven and half-elf warriors, represent hope to the people of the valley, and are justly celebrated as heroes.
History:The Fairdells and the Vesve Forest were home to high elves for untold centuries. When humans first arrived, as emissaries from the Viceroyalty of Ferrond, the two races developed a kinship that exists to this day. In the ensuing years, though the folk of the valley remained strong allies with Furyondy, it became clear that they were a people unto themselves, and that the king held no true authority here.
Highfolk has always been dominated by three geographic features. The first, the Velverdyva, provides food and livelihood for many in the vale. The Yatils, home to most Highfolk gnomes, provide gems and precious metals that fuel the region's economy. Last, the Vesve, the largest forest in all the Flanaess, provides both crucial timber resources and most of the trouble Highfolk has suffered in recent years.
The Pact of Greyhawk that ended the so-called Greyhawk Wars did not settle the borders of the Vesve Forest. A vicious, low-grade war has thus continued within the woods for much of the past decade—a war that has taken a toll on the Highfolk. Orc patrols seldom break the defensive line within the forest, but nearly all thorps and villages within the woodland were abandoned. As a result, the population of Highfolk Town has increased, straining its capacity and raising tensions even among these easy-going folk.
The town of Highfolk is primarily constructed of wood. Many of the buildings feature intricately carved arches and steeples. Elven architecture is as evident here as in any "human" settlement on the continent, matching even Verbobonc's elegant, woodsy style. The mayor of Highfolk, twenty-eight-year-old Tavin Ersteader, was of low birth, coming from one of the region's northern villages. Ersteader distinguished himself as a young man, exploring several mysterious sites within the Yatils and Clatspurs and fighting against the forces of Iuz in the Vesve. Said to be a one-time apprentice to Melf Brightflame, Ersteader enjoys a warm relationship with the local elves, and is a good friend of Loftin Graystand, the former mayor, who retired in 589 CY. Ersteader is a sworn enemy to Iuz, and sponsors far more reconnaissance and attack missions against the Old One than did his predecessor.
It is said by some that the honorable mayor seeks audience with the leader of the Vesve's sylvan elves, though such a meeting is unlikely to occur. Unlike the clans of wood elves living along the periphery of the forest, the tribes of the heartlands are often as antagonistic toward humans as they are toward Iuz's orcs. In fact, many blame humanity for Iuz, observing with anger that the cambion-god was not only born of a human woman, but was apparently freed from captivity by humans, as well.
Ersteader has stronger allies in the form of the twenty clans of high elves who live along the river and within several leagues of the forest edge. Led by Kashafen Tamarel of Clan Shandareth, these elves see Iuz and his armies as direct threats to their lives and culture. Though less prone to simply attack than their human allies, the elves defend their realm with vigor, and are expert at setting traps and confounding invaders with forest magic.
Mayor Ersteader is wise. Without a grand alliance between all goodly forces in the Vesve, the entire region stands to fall under the heel of the Old One.
Conflicts and Intrigues:Several children of prominent elves were recently abducted from Highfolk by parties unknown. Highfolk's branch of the Knights of the High Forest was scandalized by reports of financial corruption. Fires of magical origin plague the inns along the Velverdyva.
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