Verbeeg Hill

This bustling settlement stands at the point where the valley of the Velverdyva narrows sharply as it cuts through the meeting of the Yatils and Clatspurs. The tumbling waters of the great river are difficult to negotiate even for skilled rivermen, and many travelers prefer to use the narrow trail running alongside the river through the dangerous mountain valley.

The town takes its name from a high peak just to the north, which is considered by some to resemble the head of a verbeeg. Indeed, verbeeg are among the hazards in this area as are prowling mountain lions, bears and eagles. Rarely, a monster such as a manticore may be encountered, although it is thirty years since a red dragon slew over 200 townsfolk at Verbeeg Hill.

The 1,100 folk who live here conduct their trade of fishing, and trapping in more peaceful times. The spear fishers of this town, work from small and highly maneuverable boats, resembling canoes. Their boating skills are a wonder to behold.

The salted eels in herb jelly made here are renowned throughout the Highfolk, although their preparation is fairly repellent. Eels are boiled alive in vinegary water. As the mixture sets they are chopped into chunks and herbs are added to the congealing pot. On a good day (or a bad one, depending on how one looks at it), this can be smelled a couple of miles away.

The townsmen also make a good living off of the passing river traffic. They build and repair river boats, and hire out to transport goods through the mountain valley.

Verbeegers are fine hillmen and trackers and if anyone wishes the service of a scout in the mountains, this is perhaps the best place to find one. Of course, locals can always sell the hopeful adventurer a genuine, guaranteed-to-be-accurate treasure map or two.

Verbeeg Hill is a cheerful place, untouched by battle. Some folk here fought in the wars, especially in the Badlands, and they are glad to be back home after the horrors they saw there.