The Rhennee: Nomads of the Waters

The Rhennee are nomadic sailors and traders, speaking Rhopan, a secretive mix of thief cant and other tongues. Often distrusted and persecuted, they form tight-knit communities ruled by nobles and wise women, who wield arcane magic. In cities like Greyhawk, they trade, smuggle, and tell fortunes, fiercely loyal to their own but willing to deceive outsiders. Some, like Zoran Sarraith, engage in espionage and dark dealings.

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The Rhennee are a mysterious and insular people, a race of nomadic humans who navigate the rivers and lakes of the Flanaess. Though the term "Rhennee" refers to the people, it can also denote their unique culture. They speak Rhopan, a secretive language incorporating elements from other tongues and the cant of thieves' guilds. However, they have no written language and no recorded history, relying entirely on oral tradition to preserve their past. Even among their own people, the story of their true origins remains unknown.

Origins and Migration

The Rhennee are not native to Oerth. Around 450 years ago, they appeared mysteriously near the Adri Forest in the Great Kingdom. Driven away, they fled westward into the central Flanaess, eventually settling on the waters of the Nyr Dyv and its connected rivers. Some Rhennee, known as the Attloi, took to traveling by wagon instead of water. Despite sharing nearly identical traditions, the two groups harbor deep disdain for each other. One peculiar tradition among the Rhennee is the adoption of human children from the lands they pass through.

Culture and Society

The Rhennee are mistrusted by many, often labeled as thieves and scoundrels. They face persecution and exploitation, such as extra taxes, trading restrictions, and arbitrary imprisonment. Despite this, a few cities, including Veluna and the County of Urnst, welcome them. The Rhennee can also be found in Dyvers, Perrenland, and the Free City of Greyhawk, particularly in its Wharf and River Quarters.

This outsider status has made the Rhennee highly insular. They uphold strict social taboos, such as forbidding marriage outside their culture or teaching their language to outsiders. However, within their own people, they follow a flexible moral code—they may lie, cheat, steal, and deceive non-Rhennee, but betraying one of their own can result in banishment.

Physical Characteristics

• Build & Features: Short, wiry but strong
• Complexion: Olive to tan
• Hair: Black or dark brown, often curly
• Eyes: Gray, blue, hazel, and occasionally green
• Clothing: Simple, functional attire with muted colors; exceptional leatherwork

Beliefs and Magic

The Rhennee do not worship gods, and there are no known Rhennee clerics or divine magic users. Instead, their mystical traditions are upheld by the Vetha (wise women), who specialize in arcane magic—favoring charms, illusions, and divination. They are infamous for selling love potions and protective charms, which may or may not work, especially when sold to outsiders.

Rhennee Society and Leadership

Rhennee society is strictly hierarchical:

• Nobles (Lords): The highest-ranking members, often fighters (level 8-9) and thieves (level 10-13). They make key decisions and possess expert knowledge of tides, winds, and hidden bays.
• Bargewrights: Owners of Rhennee vessels, responsible for their crews. They are typically fighters (level 4-7) and thieves (level 5-7).
• Sailors and Warriors: The bulk of Rhennee men are fighters (level 1-2) or thieves (level 1-4).
• Wise Women (Vetha): The true power behind Rhennee society. Though they do not formally rule, their prophecies, advice, and arcane knowledge grant them immense influence.

A Rhennee barge typically includes:

• 2-4 Guards (fighters 3-5 and/or thieves 2-4)
• 13-24 Ordinary Folk (fighters 1-2 and/or thieves 1-4, evenly split between men and women)
• 7-12 Children
• 1 Wise Woman (with 1-2 female attendants)

The Wise Women (Vetha)

Vetha are mystics and seers, revered within Rhennee society. Their abilities include:

• Herbalism & Healing: 75% can cast Cure Light Wounds (once per day)
• Divination: Able to read tea leaves, perform augury (once per day, 8-hour limit)
• Legend Lore: A rare few can use this ability once per week with a 50% chance of success
• Weather Prediction: 75% accuracy within 12 hours

Despite their power, they do not openly lead, preferring to influence decisions through cryptic prophecy and persuasion. No Rhennee, not even nobles, will willingly contradict a Vetha.

Rhennee in the Free City of Greyhawk

The Rhennee of Greyhawk primarily live aboard their barges, conducting trade and business along the Wharf near the River Quarter. They also maintain a presence in Shack Town and Old City. Some notable establishments catering to them include:

• The River Rat
• The Green Dragon Inn

While the Rhennee in Greyhawk are cautious about using their thieving skills, they have no such reservations about outsiders. They will scheme, cheat, and deceive foreigners, but avoid angering native Greyhawkers, knowing it could threaten their trade.

Smugglers and Shadowy Dealings

Many Rhennee smuggle people into Greyhawk, making them useful contacts for those needing to enter or exit unnoticed. However, some have been drawn into darker dealings, ferrying spies, criminals, and cultists into the city.

One infamous figure is Zoran Sarraith, a Rhennee noble aligned with the Cult of the Shriven Sickle. Using his large barge, the Dyvwraith, he transports weapons, magic, and intelligence between the conquered Shield Lands and his contact, Pietain Morvannis. He also lures good-aligned priests and paladins to Greyhawk, feeding their movements to the cult for assassination attempts.

Rhennee Code of Conduct

Rhennee society enforces a strict etiquette:

• Loyalty to their own people is absolute
• Challenges to honor must be settled in combat, using whatever weapons are at hand
• Declining a duel is shameful, and underhanded tactics (magic, poison) will incur the wrath of all nearby Rhennee
• Men are dominant, with non-wise women seen as helpmates or chattel
• There is no formal marriage; powerful men take as many partners as they can afford

Conclusion

The Rhennee are a fascinating and enigmatic people, master sailors and navigators, deeply steeped in tradition and mystery. Their cunning, loyalty, and superstition make them both dangerous foes and invaluable allies—if one can earn their trust. In the Flanaess, they remain outcasts and survivors, forever sailing the waters, their true origins lost to time.