Imeryd's Run
Imeryd's Run, a small yet significant tributary of the mighty Velverdyva River, carves a winding path through the rugged landscapes adjacent to the Gnarley Forest, culminating in the notorious swamp known as the Fens of Tor. This navigable river, notorious for its treacherous waters and the dark legends that haunt its banks, plays a pivotal role in the life of the village of Nulb—a haven historically favored by pirates and outcasts.
Geographic and Ecological Description
- Course and Features: Imeryd's Run flows south to north, emerging from the depths of the Gnarley Forest and passing through the Fens of Tor before merging with the Velverdyva River.
- Flora and Fauna: The river is teeming with life, predominantly crayfish and gars, including their more formidable giant counterparts, which contribute to its reputation as a challenging but fruitful fishing ground.
- Ferry Crossing: The Low Road crosses the Imeryds Run about 7 leagues north of Oakham. A ferry there allows travellers to cross the river and remain dry. The ferryman, Chub, is in the pay of the largest group of river pirates based in Nulb.
Historical Significance
- Piratical Foundations: The inception of Nulb as a pirate stronghold is deeply entwined with the geography of Imeryd’s Run. The river’s route through the perilous Fens of Tor provided a natural barrier, deterring those unaccustomed to its dangers and giving rise to a secluded haven for those outside the law.
Dangers of Imeryd's Run
- Navigational Hazards: The waters of Imeryd’s Run, while navigable, are fraught with hazards. The river's treacherous bends and the swampy morass of the Fens of Tor are notorious for ensnaring unwary travelers and seasoned mariners alike.
- Wildlife Threats: Beyond the physical dangers of the river itself, the aquatic life, particularly the giant varieties of gars and crayfish, pose a significant threat to fishing and navigation.
Economic Impact
- Trade and Piracy: Despite the risks, a small but steady stream of commerce persists along Imeryd's Run. The river serves as a crucial conduit for goods entering and leaving Nulb, especially for small river vessels that offload and embark cargo north of the ford.
- Decline of Overland Routes: With the establishment of safer routes such as the New or Low Road from Hommlet, many travelers and traders now avoid the perilous paths along Imeryd's Run, leading to a decline in the river's commercial use but an increase in its strategic value to those operating outside the law.
Politics and Law
- Lack of Patrols: Neither the Verbobonc, Viscounty nor the The Gnarley Rangers oversee the security of Imeryd's Run, a fact that has allowed Nulb to persist as a den of piracy and lawlessness.
- Local Governance: The village of Nulb, under the shadowy influence of pirate crews and the burgeoning power of the rebuilt Temple, operates with a degree of autonomy that is both a blessing and a curse, providing sanctuary for some while serving as a base of operations for less savory elements.
Conclusion
Imeryd's Run is more than just a river; it is a lifeline for the embattled village of Nulb, a source of both sustenance and strife. Its waters, rich in both bounty and danger, mirror the complex history of the village it supports—a community continually balancing on the knife-edge between survival and ruin. As Nulb evolves, so too does the role of Imeryd’s Run, serving as a stark reminder of the wild, untamed nature that defines this tumultuous region of the Greyhawk realm.
Imeryd's Run by 3orcs
Type
River
Lizardmen Imerdy's Run by 3orcs
Nulb Random Encounter River (including Imeryds Run)
Roll the Dice
| 1 | Id4 crayfish, giant |
| 2 | 1 gar, giant (small size only in a Run) |
| 3-6 | 1 Merchant Ship or 2-4 barges |
| 7 | 1 Pirate ship (see "The River Pirates" Article) |
| 8 | Id4 + 8 Rhenee bargefolk with 2-4 barges |
| 9 | Shoalar Quanderil often visits Nulb with his ship and crew of the Rivermaid. |
| 10-12 | No Encounter |
Comments