Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #264

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #264 

September 22nd, 2023 

• Number: 264 

• Name:  Deep Dive on a Site of Interest: The Banks of the Red River’s Run of Taodeas  – Part 5 

• Location: Central Taodeas between the Tuton Maug and the Danthas River 

• Population (approx.): 863 (Itusisifo) and 762 (Itusasae) 

• Brief:  The southern half of the lands of the Feebra Tribe surround the Red River between the last and greatest of the river waterfalls, the Crystal Falls, and the junction with the Danthas River. Settlements dot either side of the river along its length. As the Red River is too deep to be forded south of Crystal Falls, Ferrymasters of the Travellers Guild provide an essential “bridge” for the locals. But their monopoly on travel across the river is being threatened by a Builders Guild proposal to build a bridge across the Red River between the sister towns of Itusisifo and Itusasae. 

• Netina Undercreek, 45, female Halfling, is the proud owner of Undercreek Ferry and Water Tours. She is short and has a muscular upper body. Her auburn hair and green eyes turn many heads, even those that aren't Halfling. Netina wears green leggings and a blue tunic with the name of her business embroidered on it. She wears a belt around her waist that holds her daggers and a pocket or two for a snack. 

• Netina's family has owned the Ferry for several generations. Once Netina took over, she got the idea to add water tours up and down the Red River. They have become quite popular as part of the tour now encompasses Crystal Falls (planning ahead for a potential shortfall in business once the bridge is completed). Netina's family all work for the business, keeping them busy.  

• With business booming, Netina is considering moving her husband, Tarner, 47, Halfling, and two sons, Finlos, 15, and Osner, 13, to a larger house. Their current home is near the river but comprises a single level and is cramped. Netina is president of the local chantry of the Merchants Guild and proudly hosts meetings in Itusasae. The proposed bridge over the river is a very contentious topic. Her best friend, Samita Cinderwillow, 38, female Halfling, joins her for a weekly book club. They enjoy meeting to discuss books whenever they can. 

• Geography: The western half of Feebra tribal lands stretch from the Crystal Falls (location 5 see below) to the Danthas River. The Crystal Falls although only about 150 feet tall, stretches for several hundred yards along a ridgeline. It is named for the sparkle of the stones revealed by the grinding action of the water of the falls. A small community of Dwarven miners has worked the ridge for years with some success, there being gold in and about the ordinary crystal deposits. 

• The Lower Tribal Circle of the Feebra, their capital, is about a day's travel west of the major ford over the Red River at the highway between Blackstone Fortress (#15) and Aai Lau (#21). The river covers about 27 miles from the falls, mostly directly southward except for a brief jaunt to the west at the beginning. The twin towns of Itusisifo and Itusasae (location 6 see below) sit astride the main road and the river about midway downstream of the falls. The towns are remarkably similar, circular in shape, truncated on one side by the water and centered about a main town hall.  

• The Red River is quite busy with all sizes of ferries crossing between the two towns at all times of the day and some number headed up or downstream to other settlements of the Feebra. Barges drift downstream toward stops along the Danthas or perhaps even a major voyage to ports on the Sea of Hethichol.