The Crimson Barge of House Vellatrace
Rhennee Riverfolk Operating Along the Imeryds Run
The low silhouette of a black-and-crimson painted barge can often be seen moored downstream of Nulb, where the Imeryds Run deepens before emptying into the Velverdyva. She drifts in and out of the murky mist like a ghost, with smoke curling from its cookfire and soft voices echoing over the water. This is the Crimson Barge, the traveling home of House Vellatrace—a Rhenn family of smugglers, traders, thieves, and seers. Known for their cunning and flare, the Vellatrace clan rides the waterways from Dyvers to Verbobonc, and now, dangerously close to the shadow of the Temple of Elemental Evil.
Though they seldom linger in Nulb proper, the Vellatrace are a regular sight along its docks and back alleys, making deals in the Boatman's Tavern and unloading crates under moonlight. While locals whisper of curses and thievery, those who deal with them know—if you want something found, ferried, or forgotten, House Vellatrace will oblige… for a price.
The Crimson Barge
A sleek 60-foot river barge with flared crimson-painted sides and obsidian trim, its decks are covered in woven mats and hide-tanned awnings. Beneath, it hides concealed compartments for smuggling and secret storage. Small charms dangle from its railings—bones, glass beads, feathers, and bundles of herbs—to ward off evil, bad luck, and prying eyes.
- Type: Modified river barge, painted crimson with black trim
- Features: Hidden compartments, reinforced sides, and charm wards
- Function: Floating home, mobile smuggling hub, and seat of the Vellatrace family
Operations and Dealings
House Vellatrace’s reputation is built on their ability to navigate difficult waters—literal and political. Their barges have delivered contraband to Verbobonc, carried cursed trinkets from the Temple ruins, and smuggled fugitives downriver from the Kron Hills. They are known to carry coded messages between the Cult of the Crushing Wave and their agents in Dyvers, though they believe Belsornig’s cult is just another greedy sect, not part of a larger threat.
- Trade: Rare herbs, black market spell components, stolen relics, and information
- Current Base of Operations: Camps downstream from Nulb, trades in the Boatman’s Tavern
- Common Associates: Lorveth Thrask, Captain Vesrek, and Otise of the Smithy (occasional weapon repair)
- Avoided Parties: The Iron Talons and Lady Nysera’s inner circle
Politics and Motivations
The Vellatrace see Nulb not as a home, but a temporary harbor. They profit from the Temple’s rise without swearing loyalty to it, always ready to flee if the tide turns foul. Kaldrin seeks to establish a more permanent underground trade route between Verbobonc and Dyvers—Nulb is just a waypoint. Talinna, however, warns that the portents show something dark brewing in the south… something even the rivers cannot wash clean.
- Goals: Profit from Temple turmoil without getting drawn into its politics
- Long-Term Vision: Establish a smuggling route using the Fens of Tor to bypass Verbobonc taxes
- Internal Tension: Sarella believes the Temple must be avoided entirely; Zhett wants to take their gold
Encounters & DM Notes
- The Crimson Barge docks once every tenday. The family trades rare wares, offers visions, and buys secrets.
- Zhett may offer adventurers a paying job—guard a shipment, retrieve a stolen item, or deliver a warning to Captain Tolub.
- Talinna may share cryptic omens of the Temple’s awakening... if treated with respect.
House Vellatrace
Family Rhen of the Crimson Barge
Matron Talinna Vellatrace – “Mother of Smoke”
The elderly Vetha of the barge, Talinna is a seer and practitioner of illusion and minor enchantments. Her whispers guide the family’s dealings, and her presence is said to bring both protection and fear.
- Role: Spiritual leader, advisor, and keeper of the family's lore
- Traits: Calm, calculating, speaks in riddles. Rarely seen outside the barge.
- Magic: Possesses the Second Sight and Evil Eye; feared even among the Rhenn.
Kaldrin Vellatrace – “The Whisper of Velluna”
Current patriarch and barge captain. Sharp-tongued and sharper-eyed, Kaldrin is a trader, liar, and occasional killer who has contacts stretching from Greyhawk’s underbelly to the River Quarter of Dyvers.
- Role: Captain and chief negotiator
- Traits: Silver-tongued, ruthless, suspicious of outsiders
- Current Dealings: Recently struck a covert trade route with Lorveth Thrask, the Nulb broker
Zhett Vellatrace – “The Laughing Blade”
Kaldrin’s eldest son, Zhett handles security, river raids, and "difficult negotiations." Known for his charm and violence in equal measure, Zhett frequents the Boatman's Tavern to gather rumors and intimidate rivals.
- Role: River warrior and smuggler
- Traits: Quick to laugh, quicker to draw steel
- Rumors: May have ties to Captain Vesrek's Crimson Trader crew
Sarella Vellatrace – “Lantern Eyes”
Second child, and heir to Talinna’s gifts. Sarella sells charms, concocts tonics, and offers dream-readings for coin or secrets. She rarely speaks directly, instead letting illusions or omens speak for her.
- Role: Apprentice Vetha, herbalist, and scribe of the barge
- Traits: Enigmatic, watchful, otherworldly
- Arcane Focus: Specializes in illusions and divination
Torik and Jehrn – “The Iron Oars”
Twin river warriors, enforcers, and thieves. They pilot the barge, guard cargo, and break knees when required.
- Role: Oarsmen, muscle, and smugglers
- Traits: Loyal, brutal, superstitious
- Rumors: Involved in fencing Temple artifacts for unknown buyers in Dyvers
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