Overview The Hillfollow River is a modest but strategically important tributary in southeastern Karameikos, flowing from the foothills near the Altan Tepes Mountains and skirting the northern edge of the Dymrak Forest before merging with the Rugalov River. Though not as commercially significant as the Highreach or Windrush Rivers, Hillfollow plays a vital role in defining the southeastern frontier, serving as a natural boundary between settled lands and the wild, often hostile terrain of the Dymrak region.
Appearance The river is narrow and swift in its upper reaches, tumbling over rocky beds and cutting through forested ravines. As it descends, it widens into a slow-moving stream bordered by marshy banks and tangled underbrush. The water is clear but cold, fed by mountain runoff and seasonal rains. Fallen logs, moss-covered stones, and overhanging branches give the river a secluded, almost claustrophobic feel in places. Mist often clings to the surface in the early morning, especially near the forest edge, adding to its eerie reputation.
Ecology and Inhabitants Hillfollow supports a modest ecosystem of trout, river eels, and amphibians, with herons and marsh birds nesting along its banks. Beavers and otters are occasionally seen in the quieter stretches, and deer and boars come to drink from its shallows. The proximity to the Dymrak Forest means encounters with goblinoid scouts, giant insects, and even undead are not uncommon. The river’s banks host rare herbs and fungi, some with mild alchemical properties, making it a destination for cautious herbalists and druids.
Territory and Boundaries The river flows southeast from the Altan Tepes foothills, forming a natural border between the Dymrak Forest and the southern plains near Rugalov. It marks the edge of Karameikan patrol routes and is often used as a reference point in local maps and military planning. While no major settlements lie directly on its banks, several watchposts and ranger stations monitor its course, especially near known goblin trails. The river also serves as a boundary between the wilder forest terrain and the more cultivated lands near Haven and the Lake of Lost Dreams.
Resources and Utility Fishing and freshwater access are the river’s primary resources. Its banks yield herbs such as marshmint, ghostcap, and ironroot, used in healing and potion-making. The river’s course is too narrow and unpredictable for large-scale transport, but small boats and rafts are used by scouts and smugglers. The surrounding terrain offers timber and game, though harvesting is limited by the dangers posed by nearby Dymrak denizens. The river also serves as a natural guide for patrols and adventurers navigating the southeastern frontier.
Threats and Hazards Natural hazards include flash floods, slippery banks, and sudden drop-offs. The river’s proximity to the Dymrak Forest makes it vulnerable to goblin ambushes, bugbear raids, and magical anomalies. Certain stretches are rumored to be cursed or haunted, with travelers reporting strange lights, whispers, and disorientation. Wildlife can be aggressive, especially during mating seasons or droughts. The river’s isolation and lack of infrastructure make rescue and reinforcement difficult in emergencies.
Cultural and Strategic Value To the Traladaran people, Hillfollow is a quiet, watchful river—less revered than the Highreach, but respected as a boundary between the known and the unknown. Local legends speak of spirits that guard its banks and ancient battles fought along its course. Strategically, the river is a natural defense line and a key feature in southeastern patrol routes. Its role in separating the Dymrak Forest from more settled lands makes it a focal point for military planning and wilderness monitoring.
Reputation Hillfollow River is known as a quiet but dangerous frontier. Locals speak of it with caution, warning travelers not to stray too close to the forest edge. Rangers and adventurers see it as a useful landmark and a potential hazard, while druids and mystics regard it as a place of subtle power. Its reputation is one of quiet menace—a river that watches, waits, and remembers.