OFFICIAL GAME ACCESSORY THE BLOODSTONE LANDS by Bob Salvatore

Table of Contents

Introduction: How to use this Book...... 2 Section 1: Overview of the Bloodstone Lands ...... 3 Section 2: What the Neighbors Think...... 15 Section 3: Societies of the Bloodstone Lands ...... 20 Section 4: Cities, Towns, and Villages . . . . .26 Section 5: The Geography of the Region...... 32 Section 6: Strongholds, Ruins, and Dungeons ...... 36 Section 7: Movers and Shakers ...... 45 Section 8: Travelling Bands and Organizations...... 54 Section 9: The Bloodstone Lands Campaign...... 61

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ISBN 0-88038-77 1-8 $8.95 US 9267 9267XXX 1501 INTRODUCTION: THE BLOODSTONE LANDS

Using this Book The next two sections, Section 7: To the west, beyond the Earthspur Movers and Shakers and Section 8: Mountains, is the wicked land of Thar, This sourcebook is divided into nine sec- Traveling Bands and Organizations, the Moonsea, and the independent city- tions. These offer the Dungeon Master a give a Dungeon Master many of the state of Mulmaster. To the south is Im- solid overview of the region, plus details NPCs that his players will encounter in piltur and beyond that, the Sea of Fallen of some specific places and personalities. the region (or PCs they may choose to Stars. To the east looms Narfell and the Section 1: Overview of the Bloodstone run). These are the characters who Great Dale. Lands introduces a Dungeon Master to might help the PCs out of a jam—put One might assume that the nickname the region, particularly to Vaasa and them into one! of this rugged region comes from the Damara. This section covers the history Finally, Section 9: The Bloodstone quantity of blood spilled in the area, es- of the region, with a close-up on the last Lands Campaign gives some suggestions pecially in and around the Galena two years—the Year of the Prince and for potential adventures. It must be Mountains. There have been numerous the Year of the Shadows (FR1357 and noted that one of these involves having battles with goblinkin and giantkind. 1358). Present day is 1359, the Year of your players run through the H-series of The sturdy inhabitants have also faced the Serpent. Recent events, created by modules, rewriting the last two years of the relentless forces of the climate, and playing the H-series through to a logical history. This could pose a problem to even fought among themselves over the conclusion, have reduced Vaasa to its Dungeon Masters using this sourcebook, years. In truth, this would make “blood- former status as an unclaimed wilder- as the outcome of the game may alter stone” an apt label. ness (rich adventuring territory!). The the situations described herein. However, the phrase refers to the un- various provinces of Damara weave a Therefore, this section also offers tips countable mineral wealth found in the web of political intrigue that should to less-experienced Dungeon Masters. area, a deep-green chalcedony flecked provide plenty for PCs to disentangle. The Dungeon Master may have to deal with red jasper. Bloodstones were once Section 2: What the Neighbors Think with his players deciding on different mined throughout the Galenas and the introduces Narfell and Impiltur, neigh- life-courses for the major PCs, particu- Earthspurs, luring men here in droves. boring kingdoms with a vested interest larly for Gareth Dragonsbane who is re- Bloodstones established Damara as a in Vaasa and Damara. Narfell and Im- garded here as the central power figure major power in the Forgotten Realms. piltur could themselves support a fine of the entire region. Crafty Dungeon campaign. For this book, however, and Masters will slip around this by focus- Geography and in the context of the Bloodstone Lands, ing on other NPCs. For example, Baron Ecology they are treated as icing on the cake Tranth or Lady Christine can fill in any that is Vaasa and Damara. gaps in the political structures left by an The Bloodstone Lands are a cold region. Section 3: Societies of the Bloodstone uncooperative Gareth. Freezing winds roll down from the Lands presents the culture and flavor Great Glacier and swirl through the of the land. This section details religion, Enough said. Let us now explore this mountain peaks, making the long currency, races, and classes, all of dangerous and exciting region called winters of Vaasa and Damara longer which transform a campaign from a the Bloodstone Lands. All the ingredi- still. Yet though their temperature dice-rolling exercise into a role-playing ents are here for a long and enjoyable ranges are similar, the geography of event worthy of daydreams. campaign, or for a welcome diversion these two states is vastly different. Section 4: Cities, Towns, and Villages, from the mainstream events of a cam- and Section 5: The Geography of the Re- paign set in some other region of the Vaasa gion look at the physical geography and vast Forgotten Realms. Go to it! The northernmost of the two states, locales that PCs will encounter. In- Vaasa is also the smaller. The kingdom cluded are descriptions of various com- lies in a triangular region bounded by munities, their usual attitude toward Overview of the the Earthspur Mountains, the Great Gla- strangers, and a general feel of the Bloodstone Lands cier, and the forbidding Galena Moun- more distinctive locations. tains. For centuries untold, Vaasa The phrase “Bloodstone Lands” refers Section 6: Strongholds, Ruins, and remained an unclaimed wasteland of to the region between the Great Glacier Dungeons goes a step further, providing frozen moors and broken clumps of tun- and Impiltur, particularly the two states specific adventuring sites and “home dra, a captured pocket of deep winter. of Vaasa and Damara. The whole area base” locations for the players. In the Summer does come here, if only for a encompasses roughly 150,000 square Bloodstone Lands, knowing where to few short weeks. Even then, Vaasa feels miles in a roughly triangular shape, us- find trouble, and where to go to escape the edge of its climate’s wickedness. ing the southern line of the Great Gla- it, can mean the difference between a When the moorwaters melt and the top cier as its northernmost boundary. successful adventure and disaster. layers of tundra soften, the entire re-

2 gion becomes one vast bog of sludge farmers, all pitifully poor and eking out value. The crest of a Damaran noble and mud where “the tallest horse a squalid, uninteresting existence. house marked every bar, and on the op- would wet its belly,” as the saying goes Damara, though, had a different tale posite side was the year in Damaran in Damara. to tell. This kingdom traces its noble reckoning. Nearly 1,000,000 gold pieces Even more insidious, many bottom- lines back almost three centuries, to the worth of the stone was taken annually less bogs open up, particularly in the time when Heliogabalus was founded from the mines in the Galenas alone. central region, above the Beaumaris by Feldrin Bloodfeathers, the first king Particularly rich was the small region River. These deadly moors would do of Damara. Thereafter, his long, unbro- surrounding Bloodstone Pass, aptly much more than “wet a horse’s belly!” ken line of kindly heirs ruled Damara named the Barony of Bloodstone. This Where small farms have been well, only ending with King Virdin’s annual yield of raw wealth more than scratched in Vaasa’s rocky soil, harvests death. Until the most recent genera- kept the interest of merchants and show a somewhat fertile land. How- tion, the kingdom was a force on par speculators, and therefore the crafts- ever, nowhere in all the kingdom has a with Impiltur. men, farmers, and ordinary folk of Da- large enough stretch of arable land Damara maintained strong trade rela- mara lived quite well. been found capable of supporting a tions with the city-states along the Furthermore, Damara had little to large-scale community. Moonsea and along all the reaches of fear from its neighbors. Protected by Few people live in Vaasa. Even they the Sea of Fallen Stars. The narrow gap imposing natural boundaries, with the probably wonder why. between Rawlinswood and the south- noble houses united under the rule of a ern expanse of the Earthspurs is still single well-accepted king, there was lit- Damara known as Merchants Run, though few tle cause for unrest. The king main- More hospitable is the land of Damara. merchants use it today. tained an army only to protect the The hardy people of Damara get along At the height of Damara’s glory, long caravans, and to defend the outlying ru- fairly well overall, but even so, deadly caravans of merchants transported ral communities from bands of raiding winter takes its toll among the folk who chalcedony down this pass to the for- goblins or other wretched creatures. live here. Summer brings a short but tress of Ilmwatch along the Easting Certainly, the scattered tribes of Vaasa fruitful farming season. Game is plenti- Reach. They were welcomed and even could never unite or pose more than a ful and the rivers tame enough to be use- protected by the legions of Impiltur. marginal threat. Peace was the norm, ful. Generally speaking, the lands south Fortified by brigades of Impilturian sol- and the expectation of future prosper- and east of the Galenas provide a tolera- diers, the Damaran merchants then ity, obvious. ble life, if not a comfortable one. crossed through the Traders Bay region Or so the Damarans thought. The Damara’s northern border runs along and into the great port of Sarshel. Ships merchants could never have guessed the Great Glacier, while the Earthspurs from Thesk and all the nations floating that the bloodstone bars would in time demark most of Damara’s western and vessels on the the Sea of Fallen Stars be called “cursed money,” shunned by southern border. Impiltur is an impor- met the merchants with open arms and all outside the region for fear that it tant neighbor around the southern tip open purses. would bring to the user the same disas- of this mighty mountain range. A second trade route, shorter but trous fate that befell Damara! Natural boundaries separate Damara more difficult, carried the precious from Narfell to the east. Huge stone through Bloodstone Pass, the only The Rise of the Witch-King Rawlinswood, the Giantspire Moun- sensible trail through the mighty Ga- Barely twelve years ago, in FR1137, a tains, and Icelace Lake have kept the lenas. From there, the stone went to calamitous event in the wastes of Vaasa two nations further apart than their lit- points north and west. Because it rocked the stability of the entire region. eral proximity would seem to indicate. crossed through the wilds of Vaasa and In a single night, the evil fortress Castle through the Earthspur Mountains Perilous arose on a lonely crag only 60 History of the along Garumn’s Climb, this route was miles north of the Galenas and the Da- not preferred. But Garumn’s Climb has maran border. Bloodstone Lands proven invaluable to Sembia and the Out from this bastion of wickedness For centuries, the story of the Blood- city-states on the Moonsea, especially in stepped Zhengyi the Witch-King, a lich stone Lands was simply the story of Da- times of heavy pirate activity, or on of unspeakable powers. The Witch- mara. The cold wastes of Vaasa such occasions as when the Moonsea King claimed the sovereign powers of attracted little attention from scholars was cut off from the main waterway by the kingdom of Vaasa. Winning the cold (or anyone else!) outside the mountain- a particularly nasty dragon turtle, as hearts of the countless goblins, orcs, ous barricades of the region. The peo- happened a few decades ago. and giants living in the mountains, the ple of Vaasa gathered in scattered The bloodstone was traded in bars, Witch-King pulled them all into his fold. communities of hunters, trappers, and each measured at 25 gold pieces in Zhengyi enlisted the aid of powerful

3 denizens of the lower planes and sur- Wolf Winter fell that same year. Early proved victorious. Yet though they rounded himself with the foul priests of frosts destroyed the harvest and the sided with Damara in principle and for Orcus, who could raise and command winter that ensued was therefore dou- practical reasons, the nearby kingdoms legions of undead. With this vast army bly terrible. Starvation was common of the region had problems of their swiftly assembled, and further aided by among man and beast alike. Packs of own. In turn, they had too many oppor- the infamous Grandfather of Assassins dire wolves swept into northern Da- tunistic neighbors just waiting to gain and his foul guild, the Witch-King pre- mara from the Galenas, leaving little their own advantage. Neither Impiltur pared for war. but bloodied snow in their wake. Even nor Narfell offered Damara any sub- Damara’s eyes were blind to the sud- worse, many of the wolves were in- stantial assistance. Their paralysis al- den rise of Zhengyi. At the time of the fected with lycanthropy. most cost them dearly. Witch-King’s rise, the kingdom was suf- The Witch-King’s armies roared In the summer of FR1147, Zhengyi’s fering a series of catastrophies—events down to the Galenas the very next year, forces faced off against King Virdin at which, in hindsight, seem suspiciously cutting off Bloodstone Pass and effec- the Ford of Goliad. Neither side could connected with the Witch-King. tively shutting down all the mines on gain any advantage through the month First, a nameless evil awakened in the Vaasan side of the mountains. The of June and many thought that the war the Mines of Bloodstone, a force that horrid army pushed on, driving hard would hold in stalemate until the next drove the men and dwarves from the into Damara and committing one mas- winter, when the river would freeze. place in terror. These mines had been sacre after another. Then came the day that Damarans the primary source of wealth for the But the people of Damara were a will ever despise. No one can say for northern barony. Indeed, up to that tough people. After they recovered certain what occurred that foul day, time, the wealth rolling out of them— from the initial shock of Zhengyi’s light- but it seems obvious that treachery led more than 400,000 gold pieces ning attacks, they fought back bravely. the way for Zhengyi. Most scholars annually—represented nearly half of For ten brutal years, Vaasa and Damara agree that the scoundrel was Felix, King all the bloodstone flowing out of Da- fought. Neighboring nations, notably Virdin’s chief lieutenant. Long after- mara. Hundreds of brave men tried to Impiltur and Narfell, looked on with ward Felix was discovered to be a mem- reclaim the mines in the next few more than passing interest, fearing the ber of the Assassins Guild of the months, but none returned. shape of their own future if Zhengyi

4 Galenas, Zhengyi’s cohorts. Nothing RECENT EVENTS IN As he had planned, Zhengyi was left in was suspected at the time. peace to concentrate on his next moves. Felix—if it was him—tricked young THE REGION In the security of his arrogance, King Virdin into believing that a magical Two Tumultuous Years Zhengyi took no notice of the actions of wand he had acquired would allow the his cohorts, the bandit army of the Ga- Damaran army secret passage across “Pray tell, fellow bard, where will thy lena Mountains. Led by the Grandfa- the river. Actually the “wand” was a horse fly?” asked the first. “To Damara ther of Assassins, a High Priest of cheap stick stacked with twelve Nystul’s to busy my pen. ‘Tis said that more has Orcus, and an Arch-mage who had once magic aura spells. Virdin desperately happened in the last two years than in been Zhengyi’s own personal advisor, a grasped at the chance to end the long the last two centuries!” The second tribute of gold and even slaves was de- and costly conflict. Already aware of bard twirled his lute in excitement at manded from the poor people of the the deception, Zhengyi held his forces the mere thought of entering the Blood- Barony of Bloodstone. in check for several tense minutes, stone Lands. This proved to be the proverbial last coaxing in the Damarans. Then the lich- “Then surely you have missed your straw. The bandit army’s depredations king struck hard, trapping the bulk of time, good fellow,” said the first, “for bred an angry resolve in Baron Tranth the Damaran army in the river and the Witch-King is dead and his armies and in all the people of Bloodstone. Per- shattering Virdin’s forces. On a hillock a scattered.” haps because arrogance and evil so of- short distance away, the young king “Not so, not so,” argued the second. ten go hand-in-hand, Zhengyi did not watched his kingdom fall. His grief “The issue is far from settled. And al- imagine mighty heroes might arise, but ended when a dagger (wielded by Fe- though the new heroes have lived more proud people can only be pushed so far. lix?) found its way into his back. adventures in two years than most will When a group of heroes emerged to Zhengyi had spent ten years prepar- see in a lifetime, they have many more lead them, the people of Bloodstone ing for this day, and he didn’t hesitate. before them.” He spurred his horse and rose up and fought for their homes. Calling on the forces of the Grandfather galloped away. The call, “Many more!” The heroic leaders were Gareth Dra- of Assassins, the Witch-King instituted echoed back as he went. gonsbane and his company of six: Eme- the second phase of the destruction of lyn the Gray Friar Dugald, Celedon Damara. It took only one bloody night This may be a typical scene among the Kearney, Riordan Parnell, Olwen for the most loyal and powerful nobles bards of the Forgotten Realms these Forest-friend, and Kane, monk of the of Damara to be slain. days, for indeed the bloodstone region Monastery of the Yellow Rose. Men, The “peace” that ensued was not fa- has undergone tremendous changes women, and even children of Blood- vorable to the conquered. The Witch- since the victory of the Witch-King. stone Village followed them, and boldly King granted a veneer of independence Still more lie ahead before the situa- faced the bandits, even standing proud to the feeble remnants of the Damaran tion stabilizes. against the horrible undead brigades of houses, dividing the southern reaches After the Witch-King secured his hold the evil priest, Banak. The sheer cour- of the old kingdom into six poor on northern Damara, he disappeared age of the villagers rallied support, and baronies—poorer still after paying trib- for a time, presumably to reevaluate groups of dwarves, halflings, and cen- ute to their conqueror, the Witch-King. the remaining strength of his forces taurs rolled up from the woodland clus- Zhengyi gave control of the Galenas and to plan out his next moves. Deliber- ters just south of Bloodstone Village. to the Grandfather of Assassins, then ately, he left a nation in disarray. The Grandfather of Assassins was slain tightened his own evil clutch on the Zhengyi’s decision to divide southern by the monk, Kane, and the bandit north. A stream of refugees trekked Damara into separate, independent army was soundly defeated. south as best they could. baronies was shrewd indeed. In spite of The most important result of the bat- With Damara spiraling into eco- the hardships descending on the con- tle was that the races of the region had nomic ruin and Zhengyi’s power grow- quered land, the puppet rulers of these come together and mighty new leaders ing every day, the neighboring states baronies squabbled, conspiring against had been found. Quiet whispers spoke could only sit tight and hope that the each other. Each one would gladly fight of hope when rumors circulated that Witch-King would be content with his another over whatever might add to his Gareth Dragonsbane had fallen in love new domain. own power and meager wealth. with the Lady Christine, Baron Tranth’s That was only two years ago. How Combined with the terrible tribute to daughter. swiftly things can change! the Witch-King, this disarray crushed But just when Gareth and his friends the pride of the people of Damara. Un- seemed to have the region turned back der such ineffective rule, the entire toward the right course, bad luck and southern region was quickly thrown an unspeakable evil once again came into chaos, both political and economic. crashing down.

5 First, torrential rains swept through erals and bid them to build a great dark power. Castle Perilous crumbled Bloodstone for a full week in Septem- army. He recognized that Bloodstone into ruins, the priests of the goat’s head ber, and after the storm came a sudden was surrounded by the jealous lords of religion lost their strength, and the un- freeze. Unharvested wheat and hay rot- the other baronies and, of course, there dead of the Vaasan army fell to dust. ted and died in the fields and the town was still the Witch-King. Gareth drove the confused remnants of feared another Wolf’s Winter of hard- William the Lazy, eighth Duke of Ar- the wretched forces of Vaasa back ship and starvation. cata, was first to strike. In league with through Bloodstone Pass and into their Second, a scream in the night came the Grandfather of Assassins, his move dark holes in the north kingdom. Peace from the Abbey of St. Sollars, rousing began the Bloodstone Wars. seemed, at last, to be at hand. the village. What looked like a simple But William and the other leaders had worg attack was soon found to be some- no concept of the resolve of the barony, WHERE THE REGION thing much more insidious when the nor of the strength of its new-found STANDS NOW symbol of Orcus, a horned goat’s head, leaders. Arcata fell, then Carmathan, was discovered painted in blood on one and finally, the minor baronies of Ostel, Peace in Damara is far from secure, al- of the Abbey’s walls. Morov, and Polten. In a few short though the prospects for it seem much Everything pointed to the long-closed weeks, the southern provinces of the more promising. Still, difficult prob- bloodstone mines as the source of the old Kingdom of Damara were united lems face the people of the land. horror, prompting talks of a heroic ad- once again. First of all, although it united under venture. Furthermore, all the people of With so much in flux, the Witch-King Gareth for the strike against the forces the barony could see the possibilities of finally turned his eyes back to Damara. of Vaasa, Damara remains divided, in wealth if the mines could somehow be re- Assessing the problem, Zhengyi sent his spirit at least. The petty barons and opened. Although the monk Kane had vast army south. He pulled the bandit dukes who tasted power in their been called back to the Monastery of the army back into his fold, and attacked pseudo-autonomy under the Witch- Yellow Rose, Gareth and his five remain- across the Galenas. But the swelling King are reluctant to relinquish control ing friends went boldly into the mines. army of Bloodstone fought fiercely and of their lands to a single king leading a With the help of a community of drove back the Witch-King’s soldiers. reunited Damara. Several of them have svirfneblin gnomes, they routed the min- The forces reached a stalemate at the a claim to the throne left empty when ions of Orcus, a tribe of duergar dwarves. Ford of Goliad—ironically, the very site King Virdin was slain, particularly The mines were promptly reopened of the Witch-King’s first victory over Tranth of Bloodstone and Dimian Ree of and King Ruggedo, head of the Damara. With each army in firm con- Morov. None are of direct descent, svirfneblin, swore eternal friendship to trol of one bank of the river, there however, and the ascension of any the barony. Baron Tranth, confident of seemed no end in sight. claimant would be fraught with upris- Bloodstone’s bright future, gave to The stalemate was shattered by ings and covert coups. Gareth the hand of his daughter in mar- Gareth, Emelyn the Gray, Dugald, Cele- Perhaps the most popular plan has riage. As a dowry, he turned over ruler- don Kierney, Riordan Parnell, and been outlined by Tranth, the former ship of the barony itself. Olwen Forest-friend. The six brave Baron of Bloodstone. Rather than re- The people of Bloodstone dug in and friends struck out at the heart of the turning to the old kingdom, Tranth fought through the savage winter. Un- Witch-King’s power: at Orcus himself, would like to see a new state formed der the leadership of the new baron, ruler of the lower planes. The friends that encompasses both Vaasa and Da- they were confident that the spring traveled to the Abyss and stole the mara. The new kingdom would be would bring new growth and hopeful demon-lord’s wand, taking the vile in- called Bloodstone, and its first king, about the wealth to be dug anew from strument to the Seven Heavens where it Gareth Dragonsbane. the mines. The very next spring, the was ultimately destroyed. At this time, this plan is only a topic of dwarves of Clan Orothiar and the The adventure did not end there. Ba- discussion. While retaining full control svirfneblin brought out a million gold hamut, the Platinum Dragon, gave of the army, Gareth will not even hear pieces worth of the fabled bloodstones. Gareth the Tree-Gem, and sent the vic- of any permanent plans for the region With new wealth came new trouble. torious heroes back to Bloodstone. until the business at hand is finished. The promise of riches attracted thou- Once planted, the gem grew into a Still, it seems obvious that the heroes sands of new citizens to the barony. beautiful white tree, a symbol of hope are taken with Tranth’s plan. At the Perceptively, Gareth understood what with the power to forever banish Orcus very least, they are determined to pre- was to come next. He promptly put the and the other monsters of the Abyss vent one of the petty barons from grab- newcomers to work building new from the Bloodstone Lands. bing control. towns and new fortifications. Then the With the defeat of the demon-lord, The northern provinces remain in baron commissioned his friends as gen- the Witch-King lost the source of his the clutches of the Vaasan scum. Al-

6 though twice defeated, the bandit army Perhaps the most notable event in munities, thinking them fair game. The has yet to be destroyed. Furthermore, Bloodstone is the construction of “the Damarans want Vaasa put down, once Vaasa itself remains unconquered by any, Gates.” These two massive fortresses will and for all, and they envision a line of and that forsaken land holds many holes secure the entrances to Bloodstone Pass fortress-cities along the northern edge filled with goblins, giants and other re- and protect the mines. Whatever the fu- of the Galenas, each pulling its share of minders of the Witch-King’s reign. ture of Damara holds, when the Gates gemstones from new mines and patrol- Furthermore, two strange events are complete, the valley around Blood- ling the border. have Gareth and all of his friends wor- stone Pass will be secured as the mighti- For the present, Gareth keeps a wary ried about the future. First, three est region of the Bloodstone Lands, with eye on the scattered forces of his north- flights of dragons—reds, blues, and a guaranteed source of wealth. ern neighbor. He wants to make sure blacks—have flown high through Da- that no army can organize against Da- mara and over the Galena Mountains, 2. The northern provinces: mara. Moveover, he recognizes the im- heading generally in the direction of A large contingent of the Bloodstone portance of having a full understanding the ruins of Castle Perilous. It is ru- army under the command of Olwen of what he will be up against when he mored that a flight of green dragons Forest-friend has been working to se- commits his troops to a campaign in the will soon follow, and thereafter they cure the northern provinces of Da- hostile land. He seeks news of the gath- will all be joined from a huge group of mara. Never free of the Witch-King, the ering dragons, the bandit army, and whites from the Great Glacier. people of this region have no self- that mysterious cloud over Suncatcher The second disquieting situation is proclaimed leaders and should readily Mountain. that a strange cloud has engulfed the swear allegiance to their rescuers. To these ends, Gareth has commis- top of Suncatcher Mountain, a tall peak Gareth is determined to get there be- sioned Spysong, a network of scouts led found where the Galenas join the Earth- fore one of the other dukes or barons by Kane, Celedon Kearney, and Riordan spur range. This cloud seems to defy takes it upon himself to invade. In par- Parnell. Spysong has infiltrated the Ga- the winds, for it does not move. Wit- ticular, he seeks to head off the designs lenas and traveled far into Vaasa itself. nesses have said that if the mountain is of Dimian Ree of Morov. The network relays information back viewed at the proper angle when the Olwen’s mission is described as the to Gareth and his allies in the form of sun is low, the shining spires of an im- “five S’s”: squash the remaining Vaasan coded, bard-spun ditties understand- mense castle are clearly visible. scum; supply the poor people of the re- able only by the right ears. Undeniably, the people of Damara gion; secure the region and give it over still have much to do before the area to the people; seed them with hints of 4. The baronies: settles back down. Gareth and his what is to come and with news of Blood- Arguably, the biggest threat to Da- friends are working to enact a four-part stone; and scout out the happenings mara is the splintered spirit of Damara plan designed to stabilize the region. over the borders in Vaasa and Narfell. itself. The people of southern Damara The first reports from the region indi- generally aren’t so supportive of the 1. At home: cate Olwen is having great success. He goings-on in the Barony of Bloodstone. Gareth and Friar Dugald remain in is rallying support for the instigation of This is particularly true in Heliogabalus Bloodstone Village, securing their home the Kingdom of Bloodstone. Cries of and the other cities of Morov. They see base. Gareth is determined to provide “King Gareth!” resound through the Gareth Dragonsbane mainly as a con- the people of Damara with strong cen- streets of every rescued hamlet. queror, although so far a kindly one. tralized power. To do this, he strength- The southern nobles have been capital- ens the ties to his closest allies. Baroness 3. Preparations for Vaasa: izing on their wounded pride to keep Christine, a druid, has links with the Certainly Gareth intends to strike them from falling into the “King Gareth centaurs and halflings of the woodland hard into Vaasa after the situation in frenzy.” south of the village. Gareth visits the Damara settles down. (“But not until the Here is where the “Twilight Riders” dwarves and gnomes of the mines region has been reunited—in the old come in. Led by Emelyn the Gray and every week. On Kane’s advice, Gareth kingdom or the new,” Gareth has been his fellow mage, Myrddin Viligoth, this has spent some effort soliciting the heard to say with a sly wink.) The baron mighty group races through the south- goodwill of the Monastery of the Yellow and the people he rules do not desire a ern provinces after the sun has set. Rose. He has invited Cantoule, the new return to the skirmish-filled days of the Astride magically-conjured steeds of Grandmaster of Flowers, to visit Blood- past. Formerly, Bloodstone Village and light, they aid those in need and spread stone Village. If the Monastery throws indeed all of northern Damara had to the truth about the happenings in the its support behind the new baron, as constantly seek out and destroy individ- north. They take no payment from expected, Gareth’s power will be ual tribes of goblins or giants that had those they help, and ask for no oaths of greatly increased. descended upon one of the farm com- allegiance. But their message is clear to

7 the people. Cries of “King Gareth!” do confident that it is not overweening am- the kingdom itself. Present-day politics not echo through the village streets in bition motivating the paladin. If the tide in Damara have their roots in the past. southern Damara, but those words are of opinion flowed another way; if the Although the Bloodstone Wars whispered door to door after the Twi- people opposed the formation of a King- brought the armies of the land together, light Riders have passed. dom of Bloodstone; if they desired the the people remain divided. Each barony return of the old Kingdom of Damara fared a little differently during the re- Whatever their official words might with one of the blooded heirs sitting on cent wars, and therefore everyone has say, Gareth and his friends are deter- the royal throne, then Gareth would their own opinion about goings-on in the mined to make Damara, hopefully step down. The Baron of Bloodstone and north, and of the rise of the new heroes. Bloodstone, their home. Most agree his mighty friends will put their per- The selfish and deceitful rulers Zhengyi that Gareth desires the kingship of a sonal desires aside and willingly, faith- put in place have only served to aggra- united nation. But even above that fully serve the new king in the vate the already-volatile situation. wish, scholars agree that the kindly establishment of his realm. Before the Witch-King, and from the Baron desires what is best for the peo- Ironically, the people’s faith only adds days of its earliest origins, Damara was ple of Damara. He wants no further to his support. Few are those who think a single harmonious nation. An ac- bloodshed, certainly no repeat of the that Gareth and his companions act knowledged, accepted king ruled all Bloodstone Wars, and seeks an ascent to from self-serving ambition. from Heliogabalus. The provinces ex- the throne on a wave of popular outcry isted as counties, all solidly behind the so overwhelming that the other nobles Politics of the trusted decisions that issued from the won’t dare oppose him. The power- throne. Each county was ruled by a no- hungry dukes and barons can see what Bloodstone Lands ble house of long standing. is happening, and they aren’t happy The BARONIES The counties were of two types: the with the way the wind is blowing. In city provinces and the supply prov- truth, though, there is little they can do To understand the Bloodstone Lands, a inces. The city provinces of Morov, Os- to turn the tide. Dungeon Master must have a grasp of tel, and Polten serve primarily as trade It must be firmly stated that those who where Damara stands among its neigh- markets and launching sites for mer- know Gareth Dragonsbane best are fully bors, and the dynamics at work within chant caravans, and here dwell Da-

8 mara’s finest craftsmen. Farming is cerned mainly with day-to-day survival. his throne, and no penalties would be only on a small scale, and there is no Little attention was paid to the failings imposed, no reparations demanded. raw mineral wealth here. These prov- of House Horgath, which seemed harm- Gareth only asked that the Arcatans al- inces are wholly dependent on the less enough. William sent House low him to move his forces along the other regions to keep them from being Horgath to the very nadir of disrespect border of Arcata and Brandiar to meet more than simple trading communities and indecency. Carmathan, a new threat growing in suffering stoically in a cold frontier. The opening salvo of the Bloodstone the south. The supply provinces of Arcata, Wars was the conflict between Arcata The peace was quickly accepted. The Bloodstone, Brandiar, Carmathan, and and Bloodstone. In league with the new land of Bloodstone based its own Soravia are less densely populated than Grandfather of Assassins, Duke William hopes on the precept of self- the city provinces. These provinces tried to take the wealth of the blood- determination. The Baron of Blood- support Damara’s large-scale farmers stone mines by force. More than 1,600 stone gambled that Arcata would and miners, the backbone supporting strong, William’s army forged straight realize that its best hopes lay on the the cities’ economies. in toward Bloodstone Village, marching same path. The terms of the peace, Zhengyi could not change economics, through the foothills between Sleepy which have come to be known as but he shattered the ruling class that Wood and the Galenas. On their first “Gareth’s Gamble,” apparently worked kept everything working. After the night encamped on the outlying hills, their magic. Nearly half of the Arcatan bloody night when the flower of Da- Gareth sent a simple note to the Arca- army fell in behind the marching army maran nobility was slaughtered, Zhen- tan generals: “We are of common heri- of Bloodstone. Three hundred more gyi began replacing the nobles, tage, common suffering, and common troops joined in along the trek to meet hand-picking his puppets, and he got goals. Why, then, do we fight?” Carmathan. some doozies indeed! The Arcatan generals did not know of William’s power has decreased in pro- the massive fortifications that had been portion to the increasing popularity of The Duchy of Arcata built in Bloodstone, and they could not Gareth Dragonsbane and the proposed appreciate Gareth’s magnaminity. They Kingdom of Bloodstone. The majority of Ruling House: Horgath thought the note was a desperate plea Arcatans fully support the idea of a new Present Duke: William, 8th Duke of for mercy. The next day taught them a kingdom with Gareth as king of a Arcata united, self-directing people. Not too Family Crest: Diving Dagger and bitter lesson. When the sun rose on the forces of stupid to understand the tide of opinion Mountains Three Bloodstone, they were 1,200 strong, around him, William does not oppose Province Population: 15,000 fully arrayed, and entrenched in cun- the populace, covertly or overtly. Capital: Valls (1,300) ning fortifications. There was worse It is believed that the Ducal Guard in Most of the people of Arcata are either news yet for the Arcatans. Centaurs, Valls regularly runs a secret emissary to farmers or miners. The farms are pre- halflings, and dwarves had crept out of Bloodstone Village. Although the Guard dominantly in the south, around Valls. the tunnels of the Warren to encircle the traditionally bears a fierce loyalty to the Bloodstone is not common along the Ar- Arcatan army from behind. Still loyal to Horgaths, they express the Arcatans’ catan stretch of the Galenas and the the wishes of their duke, the Arcatans desire to preclude even the smallest Earthspurs, but several silver and iron attacked the walls of Bloodstone anyway possibility of renewed conflict. mines have been opened. and battle was joined—but only briefly. True to St. Sollars and the ethics of en- In a matter of minutes, 300 Arcatans The Barony of Bloodstone lay dead or wounded, and the remain- durance and perseverance, the proud Ruling House: Tranth der of the army was pinned down in the Arcatans work on in the face of any Present Baron: Gareth Dragonsbane, little vale against the outer wall of hardship. Tomrav, a mining and farm- 6th Baron of Bloodstone Bloodstone Village. Now Gareth and the ing community deep within the Earth- Family Crest: Crossed Pick and Sword people of the new Bloodstone showed spurs, is a testament to this Province Population: 12,000 their true strength of character. The determination. This tight-knit city is en- Capital: Bloodstone Village (7,500) tirely self-sufficient, often cut off from paladin and his friends raised a white the rest of the land by deep snows for flag and rode through the Arcatan For many centuries, this area in the Ga- eight full months. lines, unarmed and unescorted, and lenas was considered merely an exten- Arcata’s House of Horgath had been sued for peace. sion of the Sunderland of southern in decline even before the rise of the The terms were simple. The Arcatan Vaasa, unwanted by all but a handful of Witch-King. The common Arcatans rec- army would collect its casualties and re- brave frontiersmen and miners. But the ognized this fact, but they were con- turn home, swearing not to renew the miners had a secret: knowledge of a attack. Duke William could remain on

9 verdant valley nestled in the sheltering The Duchy of Brandiar of Morov, takes it for granted that Bran- walls of Bloodstone Pass. When the diar will support him, but the province is Ruling House: Brandebury mines’ vast potential was finally under- actually leaning strongly toward Gareth. Present Duke: None, currently repre- stood, this valley became the site of sented by Dormythyrr, Steward of the Bloodstone Village, and the seat of the The Duchy of Carmathan Duchy House of Tranth. Family Crest: Spear-tipped Windmill Bloodstone is the smallest of the Da- Ruling House: Devlin Province Population: 8,000 maran provinces, and the most recently Present Duke: Helmont the 15th, 22nd Capital: Goliad (900) founded. When Gareth Dragonsbane Duke of Carmathan Family Crest: Bloodied Scythe married Lady Christine of the House of Brandiar is a land of scattered villages, Tranth, he became only the sixth baron Province Population: 20,000 and farming is the primary occupation Capital: Ravensburg (3,500) of this land. Although the people of of the people. Once loosely ruled by the Bloodstone have always had a high re- Duke of Brandebury in Goliad, that po- Carmathan is one of the southernmost gard for the Tranth bloodline, they sition is now empty. Ebelard, last of the Damaran provinces. Like Polten and were certainly not disappointed when Brandebury line, died of a broken heart Ostel, it shares a long border with Im- Gareth was granted the barony. soon after Zhengyi’s ascent, for Ebelard piltur to the south. Although several Historically, Bloodstone has experi- was the first to concede defeat and sur- mines along the rim of the Earthspurs enced dramatic population swings. Peo- render to the evil forces of Vaasa. in the west have shown promise, Car- ple flock here in good times, seeking the The people of Brandiar had no suc- mathan is Damara’s chief farming prov- obvious wealth to be garnered from the cessor at hand, and the Witch-King ince. In years of good harvests, mines. Then some disastrous event never bothered to appoint one. Bran- Carmathan alone can feed all the peo- sends them running southward. The diar remained neutral during the ples of the entire kingdom, making it an Wolf Winter and the coming of the Bloodstone Wars. Armies from Blood- important province indeed. Witch-King are only two recent exam- stone crossed Brandiar’s borders as The ruling house of Carmathan has ples of a long series of afflictions. How- freely as those from Morov, Ostel, and been in turmoil the last two years. ever, with the rise of Gareth and his Polten. The unorganized farmers could When the Witch-King set his assassins friends, and with the construction of have done nothing to stop either side, loose in the night, the first victim was the Gates, the folk of Bloodstone believe even had they tried! Helmont the 13th, 20th Duke of Carma- their days of running away may be over After the Bloodstone Wars, when than. The assassins killed more than 50 forever. Vaasa reared its ugly head again, Bran- members of the family, leaving only Bloodstone will soon surpass its pre- diar did join in the Damaran rebellion. Zhengyi’s chosen puppet in line for the vious glories. In the year and a half A common farmer from Goliad, Dor- succession. He was swiftly appointed. since the mines reopened, the popula- mythyrr by name, assumed steward- Thus did Dashard Devlin, an incom- tion of Bloodstone Village has exploded ship of the duchy. He gathered an army, petent coward, ascend to the seat in from less than a thousand to 7,500, then turned his forces over to Gareth, Ravensrock. Dashard was Helmont’s making it the fourth largest city in all serving thereafter as an able com- fourth cousin, and he took the title Hel- Damara. It is long overdue for a name mander in the Bloodstone army. mont the 14th. The puppet played his change—“village” just doesn’t seem to Today Brandiar is a divided land. role as head of an “independent state” fit any more—and more people arrive More than any other province, Bran- well enough to keep the loyalty of the daily! diar suffered under the Witch-King. people of Carmathan. Guided by his If the new kingdom comes to pass, “Eight of the ten” is a saying in the prov- overlord, Dashard set up a very suc- Bloodstone Village will obviously be the ince: eight of the ten long years of the cessful propaganda network through- seat of power. With its swelling popula- first war were fought almost exclu- out the duchy. He also planned to move tion and growing prosperity, its gate- sively within Brandiar’s borders. The against Bloodstone. way controlling access to Vaasa, and its people won’t soon forget what Gareth When the Bloodstone army learned virtual annex of Arcata, the Barony of and the army of Bloodstone accom- of Dashard’s plans for an invasion, they Bloodstone will certainly play a major plished. Moreover, the security prom- marched south to meet the evil duke role in whatever the future brings. ised by the new Kingdom of Bloodstone head on. Dashard’s propaganda net- In addition, two new towns have is deeply appealing. work whipped Carmathan’s people into sprung up. Windless lies in the shel- However, the southern villages of the a patriotic frenzy of defense against the tered valley south of Bloodstone Village. province retain old ties to Morov and Os- invaders. Virdin, named after the last king of Da- tel, who do not favor the new Blood- The armies met 20 miles east of Valls, mara, prospers in the foothills near the stone kingdom. Dimian Ree, the Baron on the edge of the Brandiar Moor, in a mines.

10 New Quillan’s Wall Old battle that came to be known as the Kingdom Neutral Kingdom Fight of Three Borders. From the outset Arcata it was apparent to the generals of Bloodstone that this battle was going to Bloodstone be much different than the diplomati- cally-engineered victory over Arcata. Brandiar Believing Gareth to be the invader and usurper, the Carmathans advanced Carmathan with fire in their eyes and a song on their lips. Fortunately, the Bloodstone army was equally well-motivated. Morov Battle-hardened, and supported by the remnants of the Arcatan army, the Ostel forces from Bloodstone battled the Car- mathans for almost three full days. Polten Finally Gareth achieved a hard-fought victory after the bloodiest battle of the Soravia Bloodstone Wars. Five hundred of the Bloodstone forces were cut down. More And yet, in the chamber of Quillan brother of Dashard ever being born. than two-thirds of the 1,800 Carmathans the Sage, the standard of Carmathan She doubted the authenticity of the died on the field. Dashard himself was is placed squarely in the middle of the new duke’s claim. slain when he got in the way of a light- Measures of Power Scale as an unde- Gareth would not allow the Twilight ning bolt conjured by Emelyn the Gray. cided province. There are several rea- Riders to foster this unsubstantiated ru- Gareth would have continued south sons to believe that Gareth will yet mor. Instead, he brought in the well- to put things right in Carmathan, but win over this southern region, de- respected Monastery of the Yellow the alliance of Morov, Ostel, and Polten tailed below. Rose. The Monastery’s genealogical ar- had united and was marching to cut off Helmont the 15th sees an alliance chives are quite complete but, in fair- the Bloodstone army’s return home. with Morov as preferable to competing ness, they sent an expedition to Thus, Dashard’s propaganda net- with Gareth’s rising tide of favor, but Carmathan to investigate on the spot. work remained intact, as did the inter- the people of Carmathan have dis- Early reports seem to lend credence to nal structure of the court. Then played no love for Dimian Ree. The Car- the midwife’s tale. Woe to Helmont the unheralded came Theodorus, the here- mathans do not like the rumors they 15th if the proud people of Carmathan tofore unknown brother of Dashard. hear, particularly Ree’s apparent ties to learn he is an imposter! Theodorus took the ducal seat as Hel- the thieves’ guild and to the Grandfa- mont the 15th, and quickly rallied the ther of Assassins. The Barony of Morov duchy behind him. Second, the twilight Riders recently Ruling House: Banacath The new duke in Ravensrock has passed through the area, and Emelyn’s Present Baron: Dimian Ree, 27th used the misinformation network well. company helped many. They even res- Baron of Morov, Mayor of Heliogabalus, Many Carmathans are quite convinced cued the farming region of Halfling Presider of the Market, Overlord of the that Gareth was and is a power-hungry Downs from a ravaging bulette without King’s Road, Successor-in-line King of dog seeking conquest, not cooperation. a single life lost. Their aid has been Damara Carmathan may prove be Gareth’s noted and remarked on by all who en- Family Crest: Stones and Scales (the toughest nut to crack in his quest for a countered them. standard of the Kingdom of Damara) united kingdom. A third boost lies in Carmathan’s close Province Population: 33,000 Also, Carmathan has deep roots in the ties with Impiltur. Once Gareth opens Capital: Heliogabalus (25,000) old kingdom of Damara. Carmathans relations with Impiltur, he can work on were, by tradition, deeply loyal to the Carmathan from the back door. Located in the fertile river valleys of throne in Heliogabalus. Ravensrock But a rumor may have supplied south-central Damara, Morov had al- was actually Damara’s first settlement, Gareth’s strongest potential wedge. ways been a major player in Damaran the original home of Feldrin and the When the Twilight Riders were in Half- politics. Zhengyi knew the importance founders of the kingdom. Fiercely inde- ling Downs, they heard a tale from an of the region, and set up Dimian Ree as pendent, the Carmathans consider old woman claiming to be a midwife to the baron. themselves the true Damarans, found- the House of Devlin. This midwife re- Dimian Ree’s first act was to move the ers of the kingdom. membered no Theodorus, nor any seat of the barony from Morovar to He-

11 liogabalus, once capital of all Damara. Warren. In a day, the halflings of the The Barony of Ostel Previously, Heliogabalus had belonged Warren killed 100 men and captured the to no single province, existing rather as other 900. When the main body of the al- Ruling House: Praka an independent entity. Co-opting the lied army attacked Gareth’s flank, they Present Baron: Baroness Sylvia, 23rd city’s status to make it the “capital” of found themselves outnumbered two to Noble of Ostel Morov clearly stated Ree’s ultimate aims. one. The results can be imagined. Family Crest: Drawn Blade Yet Dimian Ree has not openly Ree made an even greater blunder af- Province Population: 26,000 claimed the throne of Damara, though ter the allies surrendered. By then it Capital: Praka (11,000) he is a true descendant of Feldrin—one was known that the Witch-King was on of only three surviving members of the the move and that Gareth meant to Ostel is a small city province south of line. (The others are Tranth, former fight him. Dimian Ree would not assist Morov and bordering on Impiltur. In Baron of Bloodstone, and his daughter, Bloodstone in a battle against his true the heart of the Damaran waterways, Baroness Christine.) To understand Di- master. The baron called his forces Ostel is rich in farmland, but trade and mian Ree’s hesitation, one must under- back to Morov. crafting are the staples. Two major cit- ies, Praka and Portith, are located on stand the dynamics of Heliogabalus, for But more than 1,000 soldiers of the al- the King’s Road, and they have always fully three-quarters of the people of liance disobeyed their orders and been the first stop for goods arriving Morov reside in that city. stayed. These were primarily the 900 Heliogabalus is a city of independent who had been spared and treated so from the west. merchants, with no army, only merce- well by the halflings. After Gareth’s vic- Before Morov and Heliogabalus com- bined, Ostel was Damara’s most popu- nary guards controlled by those mer- tory, many soldiers went home only long lous province, with more than twice the chants. The people of Heliogabalus were enough to collect their families before loyal to the throne out of simple expedi- relocating in Brandiar or Bloodstone. population of Bloodstone. By itself, it ency. The merchants are only con- Morov would be tricky to fight in any should have been able to raise an army cerned with the flow of trade, and they event. Although the province couldn’t sufficient to defeat Gareth’s forces. But care little whether Dimian Ree or Gareth raise much of an army itself, neither Ostel actually provided the least num- Dragonsbane rules. Wealth is the key, could Bloodstone’s forces easily take ber of men to the alliance, and most of those had to be pressed into service. and any upset of the status quo makes Heliogabalus. The merchants would op- Sylvia, Baroness of Ostel, is the whole the merchants nervous. When the de- pose any army just walking in, the bate does arise concerning the new king- thieves would hold every alley, and the reason, for she is hated by her people. dom versus the old, the inevitable battle would no doubt devolve to Appointed by the Witch-King after punchline here is: “Morov the same!” bloody house-to-house fighting. Gareth, House Praka was murdered, Sylvia was In the Bloodstone Wars, the mer- therefore, is determined to be patient, the most personally powerful of the chants’ political indifference proved to waiting for his popular support to force provincial rulers. (She is a 14th level be a great weakness. Morov and Ostel Dimian Ree’s hand. magic-user.) She consolidated her posi- allied with Polten, and they should have Dimian Ree is also in a predicament. tion quickly by using her magic and her fared better. After all, Morov and Ostel He sits in Heliogabalus with a legitimate wiles (16 Charisma) to charm the most alone counted for more than one-third claim, but his reign will be short if he influential merchants and landowners the total population of Damara! But cannot gather enough support to revive of the barony. these three provinces did not raise even the old kingdom. Baroness Sylvia of Os- But among the common folk of Ostel 2,500 soldiers to battle the army of tel remains his staunch ally, but Polten Sylvia is despised. They see her for what she is, an evil, power-hungry sor- Bloodstone. is slipping away. The merchants of He- ceress who cares nothing for them. If The wars were also disastrous for Di- liogabalus will not tolerate uncertainty Gareth does consolidate Damara into mian Ree. His first mistake came when in the region for long if that uncertainty the new Kingdom of Bloodstone, he will he and his allies, the Baron of Polten sends the goods from the supply prov- and the Baroness of Ostel, planned to inces flowing around, and not into, have to forcibly remove Sylvia. Chances entrap Gareth and his men as they Morov. are, the good people of Ostel will lead him to her palace, and help him throw marched back to Bloodstone. The With no substantial army and with a three-nation alliance set 1,200 men on rising tide of support for the new King- her down. Sylvia clutches Dimian Ree’s coattails Gareth’s heels, while another 1,000 pre- dom of Bloodstone, Dimian Ree’s only pared an ambush ahead of the Blood- chance may be to eliminate Tranth, Bar- for support. On the whole, Ostel re- stone army. oness Christine, and Gareth. It is whis- mains loyal to the old Damaran king- Unfortunately for the alliance, the am- pered that he is a personal friend of the dom, and as long as Dimian Ree holds some claim to the throne, Sylvia can bushers laid in wait in Warrenwood, Grandfather of Assassins, and he may keep the people under her thumb. With right on top of that bees’ nest called the rely on that bond in the near future.

12 Gareth’s popularity rising, though, Syl- heard out of the capital. Many were an- the three rivers. But when the Witch- via fears that her day of reckoning is ap- gered by Zorth’s refusal to join Gareth King was defeated, Soravia expanded. It proaching fast. and stand up to the Witch-King. Most of now includes all the lands west of Bran- the soldiers gathered their families and diar and north of Morov and Polten. The Barony of Polten left Polten soon after the war. This sounds more impressive than it Still only a boy of 14, Donlevy made really is. The vast proportion of this Ruling House: BelMaris his return from Tellerth at this time. To province is rough grassland and barren Present Baron: Donlevy the Young, save his own hide, Zorth quickly tundra. Although it occupies nearly 20th Baron of Polten stepped aside for the rightful heir. How- half of all Damara, Soravia can barely Family Crest: The Open Palm ever, the youth’s Tellerth counselors did support the 12,000 hardy souls who live Province Population: 14,000 not understand the situation in the cap- there. Capital: Trailsend (8,000) ital, so Zorth remained as an advisor, as The Witch-King set up one Ygor as did many of his cohorts. Those faithful the first Duke of Soravia, but he was Completing the river-valley triangle of to Donlevy recognize the peril, but dragged through the streets of Kin- south-central provinces is Polten, sited Zorth has placed himself close to brace as soon as Zhengyi was thrown across Lake Mogadore from Ostel. Its Donlevy. So far, he has deflected all down. The people are determined to capital, Trailsend, is the sister city of warnings to the new baron. Therefore, maintain their independence, and they Praka, though few polite words have Polten remains loyal to Dimian Ree and do not want their territory returned to been exchanged between the two since the throne in Heliogabalus. It is widely its previous status as squatters’ land the Bloodstone Wars. believed, however, that if the new (see the notes concerning Vaasa, below). Like Carmathan, Polten retains baron understood the situation, he Rumors indicate that the dukeship will strong ties with Impiltur. Trailsend was would throw his allegiance to Gareth. be offered to Olwen Forest-friend, who once the final stopover for caravans The barony’s best hope seems to lie in is sweeping the last remnants of the heading to Damara’s southern neigh- the efforts of the Twilight Riders, and Vaasan army from the vicinity. bor, and the first stop for Impilturian swaying Polten is the group’s chief goal. Whether these rumors are true or caravans coming north. Emelyn seeks to win people’s hearts, not, Olwen and his soldiers are bringing Baron Donlevy the Old was a wise and to do so, he has led the Twilight freedom to the province. Where they man, beloved in the province before Riders all the way to the eastern border, pass, they spread news of Gareth Dra- Zhengyi’s rise. When the Witch-King’s to Tellerth. From there, the group will gonsbane, and the scattered villages of war was joined, the baron understood make its way back across the land, Soravia are lining up solidly behind what it would mean to be defeated by so hopefully raising a tide of support be- Gareth and the notion of the new King- wicked an enemy. He sent his infant son hind them. dom of Bloodstone. into hiding. In Tellerth, the young heir Additionally, the Twilight Riders have This could prove quite important to Donlevy lived disguised as a farmer’s placed an agent inside the castle to keep the creation of the new kingdom. Sora- boy. Official word said only that Donlevy an eye on Zorth. And if they learn that via alone borders Narfell, Damara’s the Young had been taken ill and died the former baron plans a coup, they quiet neighbor in the east. Only the peo- and a state funeral was even held. will rush to Donlevy’s side, prepared to ple of eastern Soravia know anything at After Zhengyi won the first battle at crush the enemies of the rightful baron. all about the rugged Nars. Further- Goliad, Donlevy the Old’s fears were re- more, if Soravia and Brandiar swing alized. All of House BelMaris was The Duchy of Soravia completely into Gareth’s fold, the Baron slaughtered and Zorth, a pretend- of Bloodstone will have a lock on the cousin, took the seat as Baron of Polten. Ruling House: None north and on all the major river systems The impostor wholeheartedly sup- Present Duke: None in the region. ported Dimian Ree and Sylvia against Province Crest: Ice Mountain Bloodstone. Province Population: 12,000 Looking at the overall situation, Gareth Zorth fell from power when the alli- Capital: Kinbrace (4,500) and his friends have to be pleased with ance failed to defeat Gareth’s forces. what they have accomplished in the Polten had supplied half of the troops Soravia is the newest of the Damaran few months since the fall of the Witch- who fought, specifically the contingent provinces, created by the Witch-King as King. Arcata is squarely behind them, of 1,000 who were ambushed in Sleepy a buffer zone between his armies and and Brandiar and Soravia seem only Wood. The survivors returned to Polten the more populous sections of Damara. one step from pledging their allegiance telling their kin of mercy and great Originally, Soravia was about the size of to the new kingdom. If the monks of the courage of the new rulers in the Carmathan, occupying the southern Monastery of the Yellow Rose prove ru- north—quite a different tale than was sections of the wide valleys between mors, the Duke of Carmathan is going

13 to take a hard fall. With Polten slipping dragons have settled in the ruins of tle again. In pursuit of this end, Kane away from the three-province alliance, Castle Perilous, the former stronghold the monk has reportedly used his spirit- Ostel and Morov are on the verge of iso- of the Witch-King, and dragons can walking ability to go among the tribes- lation from the rest of the kingdom— only mean trouble. men as an emissary. (See p. 50 and 57 not a comfortable position for those Gareth Dragonsbane is the only ruler for more details about Kane’s mission.) that depend on the supply lines for in the south who has any say about However, the most dangerous threat their prosperity. what happens in Vaasa. Bloodstone is to peace in the north is not the dragons But Gareth is too farsighted to limit the only Damaran province which ex- nor the barbarians, nor even the rise of his plan to dealing with the internal pol- tends through the Galenas, and Blood- a giant-king. Gareth and his friends fear itics of Damara. Damara is but one na- stone Pass is the single easy route to that Zhengyi’s early success may have tion in the heart of a potentially Vaasa. For now, Gareth has not the time drawn the interest of the Red Wizards, prosperous, but often dangerous re- nor the manpower to undertake an ex- a powerful society of evil mages from gion. Rebounding from the devastating pedition into the Vaasan wastes to for- the distant southern land of Thay. wars with the Witch-King will not mally claim and tame the land. The Witch-King was himself once a prove an easy task for anyone. However, construction of the Vaasan member of the Red Wizards before he Gate at the north end of Bloodstone broke away, eventually to become Da- VAASA Pass significantly affects Vaasa’s future. mara’s nightmare. Before Zhengyi, the This mighty fortress has become an Red Wizards had shown no interest in With the defeat of the Witch-King, important home base for adventuring the Bloodstone Lands. Now, one or two Vaasa has quickly returned to its pre- companies looking to probe the north- individuals in the order might decide vious state of being unclaimed wilder- land. The Baron of Bloodstone has even that Zhengyi had the right idea when ness. There is no ruler here, and no placed a bounty on the heads of the evil he consolidated the vast army of Vaasan formal governing body. Vaasa has be- humanoids. A goblin’s ear will earn 2 scum, even if the group as a whole kept come again a squatters’ land, where gold pieces; a bugbear’s, 7; and a giant’s its business elsewhere. people can claim any empty niche as as much as 100 pieces of gold. In addi- Although presently a member of the their own. The only price is allegiance tion to taming the wilderness, Gareth Twilight Riders, Myrddin Viligoth origi- to the informal alliance of the people of hopes that adventurers will decide to nally came to Bloodstone Village from the Sunderland. Cooperation is essen- settle down there. The Vaasan Gate has the land of Thay. There he had been a tial in this wilderness. Every house is a already attracted a number of hardy member of the Red Wizards himself un- refuge, and every individual, a soldier souls, many of whom have made their til he came to understand their vile be- in the common cause of survival. way to Darmshall. liefs. Although unconvinced that Thay The only true city is the castle of Central and northern Vaasa is home to or the Red Wizards will take any action Darmshall (pop. 600) which serves as a little but foul beasts, and not much of im- in Vaasa, Myrddin has advised the he- waymeet for the miners and farmers, portance is heard from this area. Gareth roes of Bloodstone to be wary. and a launching pad for those taking is interested, however, in a large tribe of Gareth and his friends would like to the road to Bloodstone Pass. Only about barbarians who stalk the frozen steppes shut the door against the Red Wizards, 8,000 humans and dwarves inhabit in the shadow of the Great Glacier. This or against anyone who might have de- Vaasa, and these live primarily in the tribe, called “White Worm,” fought be- signs in Vaasa. But with energy and re- Sunderland along the Galena Moun- side Zhengyi in the war with Damara, sources tied up coping with the politics tains in the southernmost section of the but seemed to break away from the of Damara, they must rely on less direct country. They are a hardy folk, con- Witch-King near the end of his reign. methods. Most important are the ef- stantly fighting bands of goblins and The few adventurers who know White forts to establish good diplomatic rela- orcs, and battling horrible weather. Worm speak of them as fierce but hon- tions with White Worm, the Vaasa holds a goblinoid and giant orable warriors. White Worm may have construction of the Vaasan Gate, and a population in excess of 200,000. Al- lost faith in Zhengyi when they discov- bounty policy to attract and support though these monsters are scattered in ered his true, evil nature. companies of adventurers. These are small tribes often fighting amongst Gareth is more interested in opening small deterrents to the plans of the ill- themselves, their numbers alone make diplomatic relations with White Worm intentioned, but vital nevertheless. them a threat to the well-being of the than in meeting them on the field of bat- goodly folk. Moreover, scores of evil

14 WHAT THE NEIGHBORS THINK

The events in Vaasa and Damara have Impiltur maintains a strong militia, The nation acts as liaison between the not gone unnoticed outside the two and each of its four primary cities is a Bloodstone Lands and the powers of countries. Of the other nations in the veritable fortress. A fifth city, Ilm- the Sea of Fallen Stars. Ashanath, Nar- area, only Impiltur and Narfell seem watch, houses only a few common folk, fell, and Rashemen beyond the Great likely to directly affect Vaasa and but more than 500 battle-ready troops. Dale also conduct much business Damara. The kingdom is ruled by Queen Sam- through Impiltur. The strange goods Northern Impiltur and western Nar- bryl, a 17th level magic-user who that flow into Impiltur from these lands fell are also considered “Bloodstone gained her position by marrying the can bring high prices. Lands,” though their mines produce no- great, great-grandson of Imphras, Im- where near the quantities taken from phras IV. Queen Sambryl has no taste Recent events in Impiltur for the duties of rule. She is a lover of either Vaasa or Damara. But Impiltur in Over the last few years, the Lords of Im- knowledge and finds the tedium of day- particular plays a major role in Da- phras II have faced a few challenges to-day politics and formal engagements mara’s economy. Both Gareth Dragons- within their own borders. In Rawlins- an absolute bore. bane and Dimian Ree understand the wood, strange events have raised a few Nevertheless, Impiltur is well-ruled. roles that Impiltur and Narfell might eyebrows. A bandit-lord called Sambryl willingly acts as a figurehead, play in their struggles. So far, Gareth Lothchas has been operating in the area relinquishing her power to the council, has made a better impression. with a small, high-level band of maraud- the Lords of Imphras II, twelve indirect The territories west of the Bloodstone ers. Rumors also whisper of the Nen- descendents of Impiltur’s noble Lands will be detailed in a separate tyarch, a mighty wizard living at the founder. War-Captains all, each one is sourcebook. For a Bloodstone Lands heart of the wood in a tree-lined for- known to be of good alignment and all campaign, simply consider Thar and the tress called Dun-Tharos. are high level paladins (not less than city-states of Mulmaster and Procampur However, Impiltur’s greatest con- 11th level). Their leader is Kyrlraun, a to be secondary to Vaasa and Damara. cerns have undoubtably been over the 20th level paladin, who advises the recent upheavals in Vaasa and Damara. Queen on every matter. Impiltur Impiltur’s War-Captains watched the The Lords of Imphras II disperse to Across the rushing waters of the Side- rise of the Witch-King uneasily, and as oversee events throughout the nation. Zhengyi smashed through Damara, winder Rivers sits Damara’s most im- With Kyrlraun are three other War- they kept one hand on their sword- portant neighbor, Impiltur. Not a large Captains: Rilimbraun, Limbrar, and hilts. Throughout the ten-year war, the nation, Impiltur is bordered by the Haelimbrar. Haelimbrar normally debate raged over whether Impiltur Earthspurs and Damara on the north, spends his time in the town of Laviguer, should come to King Virdin’s aid. the Sea of Fallen Stars to the south; it between the Earthspurs and the Earth- All hoped that Damara would defeat stretches from the Earthfasts on the fasts. His responsibility is to secure the Zhengyi, but officially the nation was west, east to the Easting Reach. western and northern borders of Im- neutral. A local rumor implied that Some two-and-a-half centuries ago, piltur. Presently, however, he is on a se- some “Carmathan” troops who the city-states were invaded by hordes cret mission in Damara. marched to aid the Bloodstone army of hobgoblins rolling out of the Giant- The city of Sarshel is home base to Si- were in fact a division sent secretly by spire Mountains. The largest of the four launbrar and Rilaunyr. The cities of Impiltur, but no truth to the rumor was cities took the boldest action. Imphras, Hlammach and Dilpur are home to ever found. Privately, the rulers feared War-Captain of Lyrabar, called up an three paladins each: Imbra, Silmgar, that their entry into the war would in- army from all the states. When the dust and Lashilaun guard Hlammach. Im- stigate action by their more opportunis- cleared, the hobgoblins were smashed braun, Soargilm, and Sambrar watch tic neighbors. and Imphras was a hero. Seeing first- over Dilpur. When Damara surrendered at the hand the value of working together, the Impiltur’s wealth lies in trade, for all Ford of Goliad, many of Impiltur’s four city-states united, forming Im- its major cities are seaports. Before the Lords regretted their political paralysis. piltur with its seat of power in Lyrabar. days of unity, the four cities had close They talked of annexing Carmathan Today the crest of Impiltur—crossed ties with Procampur, Sembia, and with and Polten to be a buffer zone, and this sword and wand on a dun field their fellow city-states along the Sea of was almost carried out. Impiltur finally trimmed in flaming scarlet—is a stand- Fallen Stars. Now the ships all sail un- opted for patience and discretion, fear- ard to be reckoned with. der the Impilturian banner, and the ing the consequences of angering the Impiltur is a land of 100,000 citizens, traders manipulate the market quite to mighty Witch-King. more than 90% human. Only scattered their own advantage. The two subsequent years of Zhen- groups of halflings and dwarves thrive Furthermore, Impiltur has become gyi’s reign were an anxious period for in the nation. the gateway between east and south.

15 the people of Impiltur. Those in power him the men he would need to put tery of the Yellow Rose. Long respected understood the limitations on Zhengyi’s things aright in Damara. But on unani- by the Lords of Imphras II, the Monas- strength and few feared an immediate mous advice from her War-Captains, tery supplied emissaries to speak on invasion. Zhengyi would not risk an- Sambryl politely refused. Her state- Gareth’s behalf. other campaign against a major power ment wished Dimian Ree the best, but It seems logical that Gareth would be too soon. The knowledgable in Impiltur firmly reminded him that Damara’s the Lords’ first choice. Though from a expected the Witch-King to strike to the business was Damara’s alone. different order, he too is a paladin and east, where his long arms had already Outraged, Dimian Ree saw the refusal above reproach. Paladins understand found Icelace Lake and the border with as another nail driven into his coffin, and trust fellow paladins, and it is Narfell. even though his closest advisors had told doubtful that cries of anguish would be Although it did not fear invasion, Im- him to expect no help from Impiltur. heard on the streets of Impiltur’s cities piltur was still badly hurt, for the con- But Dimian Ree won’t give up easily. if Gareth were named the first Blood- quest disrupted all trade with Damara. Using his elaborate underground net- stone king. Even the value of the now-“cursed” work, the Baron of Morov spreads The people’s feelings about Gareth are money dropped, and mine production promises of wealth and trading benefits certainly colored by the parallels with fell off. In the past, nearly all of Damara’s to the merchants of Lyrabar and their own hero. But more importantly, bloodstone passed through Sarshel. The Sarshel, but only if he is on Damara’s the powers of Impiltur want what is best Damaran merchants paid a percentage throne. Ree hopes that this will encour- for their neighbor. The recovery of the to Impiltur, as protection money, to pay age them to appeal on his behalf to the northern kingdom will restore the traf- for trading rights-of-way, and for the use leaders of their cities. fic of profitable merchant caravans. of Impilturian port facilities. A substan- In fact, Impiltur’s neutrality is still tial proportion of her fleet once sailed more official than real. One of Im- Narfell exclusively for bloodstone. Impiltur’s piltur’s War-Captains, Haelimbrar, is se- ready wealth disappeared. cretly riding with the Twilight Riders, Beyond the eastern border of Soravia, hoping to learn more of the methods beyond Icelace Lake and the Giantspire Where Impiltur now and ambitions of Bloodstone’s new Mountains, lies the kingdom of Narfell. stands baron. Emelyn the Gray denies it—with Larger than Damara, Narfell stretches a wink. from the Giantspire Mountains north to Impiltur’s official stance toward Da- Just like Dimian Ree, Gareth actively the far reaches of Icelace Lake, east to mara continues to be “wait-and-see,” at hopes to sway Impiltur’s opinion into the borders of distant Rashemen, and least officially. The War-Captains say lit- his own camp. To embellish his reputa- down to the northern shore of the tle of their feelings about Gareth Dra- tion in the southern kingdom, he has Ashane, the Lake of Tears. Rawlins- gonsbane in Bloodstone, or about his laid the foundations of his own com- wood forms Narfell’s southernmost potential conflict with Dimian Ree in munications network. Furthermore, boundary, although the Nars consider Heliogabalus. the Baron of Bloodstone is taking advan- the waymeet of Bezentil and the Great After the fall of Zhengyi, Dimian Ree tage of his relationship with the Monas- Dale to be in their territory. The Great secretly pleaded for Impiltur to furnish Glacier bounds Narfell in the north. Overall, Narfell is a dry, flat grass- land. There are a few central lakes called the Teardrops, with some con- necting rivers. Other than the Giant- spires, the kingdom has only a few lonely mountains, that do little to de- flect the biting winds coming off the Great Glacier. These stony lumps are al- most always crawling with fearsome monsters, with tundra yeti and hobgob- lins poised behind every rock. The soil in Narfell is not fertile; scraggly grass is about all it will sup- port. The people here live as nomadic hunters, preying on the vast herds of reindeer and wild ox.

16 Though more tamed than Vaasa, Nar- horses for trinkets. A caveat to those back across the frozen expanse of Ice- fell can best be described as “savagely who would make a quick coin: their lace Lake carrying tales of impending civilized.” Certainly its culture is far dif- taste has improved since Impiltur doom to their people. ferent from that of Damara and Im- joined the trade circuit. The tribes gathered in the shadows of piltur. The tanned horsemen who ride But in essence life in Narfell remains the Giantspires preparing for war, and the tundra, the Nars, live in large tribal as it has always been: a day-to-day war watched the rise of Gareth Dragons- communities. Temporary tent villages against the elements and the monsters. bane with sincere relief. Zhengyi never called waymeets appear along the worn These are a tough people—Nar women crossed into Narfell, for the army of paths the Nars call roads, most often can outfight most men of the civilized Bloodstone arose and threw him down. springing up wherever a tribe might be realms. As it always has been, Narfell is However, if the second battle at the when the sun finds the western hori- a land where only the strong survive. Ford of Goliad had shifted in Zhengyi’s zon and the vicious night wind begins favor, the Nar army would have to blow. Recent events in Narfell charged across the fields of Soravia to Tales speak of at least 20 Nar tribes oppose the Witch-King. Even the rise of the Witch-King could (see the extended descriptions below). not bring dramatic changes to this king- Each tribe is called by the family name Where Narfell now stands dom which has remained much the of their current chieftain. The largest same since its earliest days. But the Little is known of the Nars’ present feel- tribe is Abordabe, numbering 4,000, Nars did notice Zhengyi, and watched ings toward Damara. It seems likely that but most tribes have only a few hun- him closely. these proud and fierce people would dred members. The Nars had never involved them- lean in favor of Gareth Dragonsbane When unity is required, the Nars will selves with Damara, and certainly they over Dimian Ree because there is a men- abide by joint decisions made for the had never considered the possibility of tality of survival-of-the-fittest among the common good. Thus, in dealing with war with their western neighbor. Only Nars. “Deed, not blood,” is the rule, and representatives of foreign merchants or a few tribes had any contact with the all Nars are judged by their actions. Even threats of war beyond the borders, the east, and that only with frontiersmen in the tribal chieftains constantly face hon- Nars rely on decisions made by a tribal eastern Soravia. So the people of Narfell orable challenges from rivals. The win- council led by Chieftain Abordabe. were not pleased by Zhengyi’s evident ner of these hand-to-hand battles There are no permanent cities in Nar- taste for conquest. The Witch-King’s becomes the newly-accepted chieftain, fell, but once a year, the tribes briefly army camped on the banks of Icelace while the loser (if he lives) willingly takes gather in a single location—a huge mar- Lake, and there was talk that, with its a lesser standing and pays all honor to ketplace they call Bildoobaris, but more large numbers of unrecruited human- the victor. By bravely opposing Zhengyi, commonly referred to as the Trade Fair. oids, Narfell would be the focus of Gareth has probably won the approval This gathering is occasioned by the mer- Zhengyi’s next campaign. of those Nar leaders who have noted the chants’ arrival from Impiltur and other A group of Nar horsemen were sent events in Damara. lands, an effort which these traders on a scouting probe by the tribal coun- Conversely, Dimian Ree has done make only once a year. The Trade Fair is cil. They crossed over the Frozen Ford nothing to make the Nars think well of a vast tent city that houses nearly all into northern Soravia and skirmished him, and he hints that he will claim the 30,000 men, women, and children of with a contingent of the Vaasan army. throne of Damara by right of blood- Narfell. The fierce Nars thundered through not deed. Moreover, Narfell’s closest Narfell’s primary wealth is, without Zhengyi’s goblins, even cutting down neighbors, the people of Soravia, owe doubt, its horses. The Nars are among several hill giants. their freedom and their allegiance to the finest horsemen in the Forgotten But a cleric of the Order of the Goat’s Gareth. Therefore, when they have oc- Realms, and they demand much of their Head saw the horsemen as barbarians casion to speak with the Nars, the Sora- steeds. Over time, the tribes have bred (and it can be argued that the Nars are vians laud Gareth, not Ree. exceptional quality into their horses. indeed barbarians). Some say the evil The Nars know that Dimian Ree did Tall, sinewy, and tough, these steeds cleric was high priest Banak himself. not fight nor even offer support at the possess an endurance and raw strength This priest brought forth a legion of un- second battle at the Goliad ford. Even unequalled in the region. dead against the Nars. Like most bar- their own people were more battle- The Nars love to deal, and the Trade barians, the Nars have a definite ready than the man who would succeed Fair is one of the great pleasures of aversion to things they do not under- to the Damaran throne by bloodright. every tribesman and woman. They stand, and the proud warriors swiftly Therefore, Dimian Ree’s only hope have a weakness for sparkling jewelry lost their taste for battle. Although Nars would be to dishonor Gareth in the eyes and colorful clothes (especially the rarely retreat, the few survivors fled of the Nars: not easy! Gareth has shown men), and every year they eagerly trade

17 himself a man of honor and courage, smiles, while even the most tolerant Nar tribes make an effort to stay out of virtues highly valued by the Nars. would not hesitate to put a pushy for- Creel’s way these days. Gareth himself values the Nars’ respect, eigner to a slow and painful death. and he has some preliminary plans for a Tribes are usually difficult for outsid- Dag Nost balanced relationship with his eastern ers to identify. They wear no distinctive Population: 3,200 neighbor. If he should come to power as colors or clothing, and the name of a Locale: Southwestern Narfell along the the first King of Bloodstone, Gareth sees tribe changes whenever a new chief- borders of Rawlinswood, and as far as Narfell as an ally mustering a powerful tain takes command. While tribes are the northern fringes of the Forest of cavalry. In return, he believes that he can often found at waymeets within their Lethyr. offer much to the tribesmen in the form territories, these locations are open to Disposition: Tolerant of mining expertise. all the tribes and are freely shared. A Dag Nost is considered by travelers The Giantspire Mountains are known traveler wandering to Peltarch, south to be the most civilized of the Nar to be rich in certain minerals, blood- of Icelace Lake, could not be sure tribes. Members of this tribe have oc- stone included. The Nar hunters have whether the Nars camped there be- casionally traveled to the Impilturian never learned to pull ore from the longed to Abordabe or Creel—a danger- village of Uthmerg to gain an edge in ground profitably, and it seems unlikely ous confusion indeed! trading before the official Trade Fair that all the tribes would change their gets underway. nomadic ways to learn. However, for a Abordabe tithe of gems and jewels, the tribes Population: 4,000 Far Quey might allow Damaran companies to Locale: Central Narfell between Hark’s Population: 2,300 mine in the Giantspires. Damara has the Finger and the western banks of the Locale: Northern Narfell along the people to set up lucrative mines in Nar- Teardrops. Great Glacier and on the northern fell, and to teach the Nars who so desire Disposition: Tolerant banks of Icelace Lake. how to do their own mining. Gareth be- The largest of the Nar tribes, Abor- Disposition: Hostile lieves the arrangement has the makings dabe oversees the Trade Fair each of a solid partnership. summer. The tribe views foreigners Far Quey is a powerful tribe of excep- more as a source of added wealth than tionally tough warriors. While this The known tribes as enemies. tribe can be more brutal than others, they are regarded as Hostile, not Sav- For the purpose of this description, age. They have little contact with out- each tribe has been categorized as be- Aingst siders, and it may be that they are ing one of four dispositions: Savage, Population: 1,700 Hostile, Ambivalent, and Tolerant. A Locale: Western Narfell, in the shadows simply curious when a foreigner shows up in their inhospitable region. This hy- Dungeon Master should keep in mind of the Giantspire Mountains. pothetical curiosity may be the PCs’ that these ratings are generalizations. Disposition: Ambivalent only hope, should they wander into the A tribe rated Savage is likely to attack Aingst has had quite a bit of contact clutches of Far Quey. foreigners on sight, asking no questions. with farmers in eastern Damara. Still, One regarded as Hostile would be more this tribe is friendlier with strangers if Qu’ima interested in capturing, or at least sur- they remain outside Narfell’s borders. Population: 1,900 rounding, foreigners before attacking. Locale: West-central Narfell between PCs caught in this unenviable position Creel Hark’s Finger and the Giantspires. had better do some fast talking if they Population: 750 Disposition: Ambivalent ever hope to leave. An Ambivalent tribe Locale: Northwestern Narfell, on the judges foreigners solely on their immedi- banks of Icelace Lake. Qu’ima is a middle-of-the-road tribe in ate actions. This tribe won’t take any Disposition: Savage all of their actions, with a tendency to action, favorable or hostile, toward blend into the background of events. In the past, Creel might have been re- strangers until provoked—one way or Conservative by nature, they carefully garded as merely Hostile, but recent the other. Finally, a Tolerant tribe will ac- weigh situations before acting, and this events changed that. The contingent of cept foreigners unless they do some- pause gives PCs a fair chance to walk warriors routed by the Witch-King’s thing to anger the tribal chieftain. away from Qu’ima without incident. If undead came from this small tribe. Most Nars fit somewhere between the PCs hoped to receive aid from this Since their humiliation, Creel sees Hostile and Ambivalent. Even the most tribe, the task might prove to be more every foreigner as an enemy and will savage tribes come to the Trade Fair difficult! each year with open arms and wide usually attack on sight. Even the other

18 A good example of Qu’ima’s actions Narfell, and accepts no outsiders be- Damara, for example—they might talk can be seen in their disassociation yond the formal gathering of the Trade before attacking. Brave and proud PCs with Horse (see Movers and Shakers, Fair. PCs coming in sight of Qu’encesta could win them over, but any coward- p. 50). Horse is a particularly violent will be attacked by tribesmen outnum- ice or hostility will be dealt with in the and anti-social renegade. Were he in bering them five to one. If the PCs fight severest of terms. the Abordabe tribe, Horse might have bravely and survive, they might be al- been executed; in a savage tribe like lowed to flee over Narfell’s border. (The Var Qu’encesta, he would probably have PCs should hope the skirmish takes Population: 2,400 become the chieftain! In a typically place near a border!) In the worst case, Locale: Western Narfell, in the shadows non-committal act, Qu’ima simply cast they would be attacked again, this time of the Giantspire Mountains. him out. outnumbered ten to one. Disposition: Tolerant PCs would do best if their first Narfel- Qu’encesta Ragnor lian encounter was with Var. The large Population: 2,700 Population: 1,900 tribe is the one most often seen in Da- Locale: Central Narfell, from Icelace Locale: Eastern Narfell along the Tear- mara, even as far west as Steppenhall. Lake to the northern borders of Raw- drops. Var may prove to be Gareth Dragons- linswood. Disposition: Hostile Disposition: Savage bane’s link to this savage land, for Chief Most of Ragnor’s outside contact is Var appears to be quite interested in the Qu’encesta takes the same hard line with the warlike people of Ashanath mining gemstones out of the Giantspire toward foreigners as does Creel, al- and Rashemen, and there has never Mountains. In this light, the chief eagerly though they are on better terms with been any love lost between the Nars questions anyone he can meet from Da- their fellow Nars. Qu’encesta firmly be- and these groups. However, if the tribe mara, which he views as a rich kingdom lieves in the sovereignty and purity of encounters PCs from elsewhere— that Narfell would do well to imitate.

19 SOCIETIES OF THE BLOODSTONE LANDS

Those who come to the Bloodstone lodes of bloodstone. The dwarves claim the unclaimed region beyond the Da- Lands with a self-centered and posses- to have been practically the first set- maran border. sive attitude have learned the errors of tlers in the Bloodstone Lands, a claim On the flip side, evil duergar are their ways—or they have perished. that is generally accepted by the other known to tunnel beneath the Galenas. Humans dominate the region. The races. They gracefully acknowledge Uncounted but certainly numerous, other, less-populous races congregate in that some folk had arrived before them: these gray dwarves remain a constant groups of their own kind. Nevertheless, specifically, the barbarian tribe that fol- threat to those who work the rich as in most frontier regions, every house lowed the receding ice of the Great Gla- Bloodstone Mines. may be a sanctuary to a stranger, and cier, and the monks of the Monastery of every door is open to a fellow in need. A the Yellow Rose. Elves and Half-elves A number of the bearded folk earn a halfling wandering in the Galenas would There are no communities of elves in fine living as craftsmen in the cities of find the dwarven village of Clan the Bloodstone Lands, only wandering Damara, primarily in Heliogabalus and Orothiar a fine stopover on his travels. bands, or lone travelers from the elven Trailsend. Armor brings a high price in strongholds in the forests of Sembia a land so wrought with danger, and The Races across the Moonsea to the west. Elves even the least skilled dwarves easily sell have had no role to speak of in the their services to those who can afford Centaurs building of any of the four kingdoms of their inflated prices. the Bloodstone Lands. Centaurs are not normally thought of However, most dwarves are miners— More prominent here are half-elves, as one of the goodly races, usually being wealthy miners. The largest clan, called who are better suited to live in the com- relegated to a description as “monsters.” Hillsafar, operates in the Sunderland, pany of humans. Two individuals in par- The centaurs of Damara have neverthe- on the Vaasan side of the Galenas. Num- ticular have distinguished themselves: less played an important role in the re- bering 2,000, these mountain dwarves Celedon Kierney and his cousin Rior- cent events of the region, though their take mounds of bloodstone and copper dan Parnell. Word has it that if these numbers are few. Fast and stealthy, the from their mines, bringing most two swashbucklers had things their centaurs of Bloodstone Valley provided through Bloodstone Pass to Damara. way, they would personally account for the Bloodstone army with field com- They also move a fair amount through a dramatic increase in the numbers of munication runners and an effective the Earthspurs to points west. Their contingent of archers. This centaur their race in the region! leader, Garumbelly Hillsafar, is better Speaking again of the flip side, ru- group is presently led by Kiros, Chief of known as “Grumble.” A 7th level fighter, mors identify a large community of the Council of Elders, and cannot be Grumble is probably the most powerful drow elves serving the mysterious Nen- taken lightly when examining the deli- individual in all of Vaasa at the present. tyarch under the dark boughs of Dun- cate balance of affairs in this region. Gareth Dragonsbane is anxious to par- Tharos. The story remains unsubstan- The centaurs have the allegiance of the ley with the dwarf as the baron de- tiated, though, and the idea may simply halflings living in the Warren below velops his plans for taming the land. be the logical assumption made by them, and of the dwarves who control The region’s only hill dwarves are those who fear that the Nentyarch is a the Bloodstone Mines. those of Clan Orothiar of Bloodstone. mad and evil sorcerer. A second group of centaurs inhabits Led by tribal chief Tokan, an 8th level the edge of Rawlinswood, just beyond fighter, this clan has perfected the art of Halflings the fields of Tellerth in the province of taking and shaping the chalcedony Polten. They are led by the Prancer, a bars, Orothiar’s numbers shrank to un- Although no halfling would prefer this 5th level fighter. The Prancer has a rep- der 500 when the duergar closed the region’s brutal climate, still the small utation as an unpredictable, and some Bloodstone Mines. Now that the mines folk have managed to make for them- say dangerous, centaur with a definite have been reopened, many of Clan selves a pretty good living in the Blood- distaste for the humans who have come Orothiar who wandered away are re- stone Lands. Like the dwarves, some to the edges of his domain. He exhibits turning. The community is back to a halflings work as craftsmen in the cit- tolerance only for the druids of healthy and prosperous 800 members. ies, but mostly they live in their own Rawlinswood. There are smaller, lesser-known clans communities, concentrated in two dis- of dwarves as well. A third clan of the tinct groups. Dwarves bearded folk operates the great forges Halfling Downs, along the Impilturian More than 5,000 dwarves inhabit Vaasa of Ironspur, a rugged city in Soravia, on border, is probably the highest produc- and Damara, living primarily in that the southeastern edge of the Galenas. A ing farm community (per capita) in all stretch of the Galenas noted for rich fourth group works in the Earthspurs of Damara. The tallfellow halflings here west of the Arcatan town of Tomrav, in pride themselves on hard work and

20 hard play. They live an existence well long been a melting pot. Over the years, Gnomes apart from the tumult of the squabbling people from different backgrounds Surface gnomes are an uncommon politics of the humans. have brought to Damara a piece of their sight north of the Sea of Fallen Stars. No The Waukeshire lies far to the north, own culture, even as they were assimi- community of these little people can be in Bloodstone Valley. It is home to sev- lated into the general milieu. found anywhere in Vaasa, Damara, Im- eral hundred of the little folk who work The largest group of humans resem- piltur, or Narfell. Like elves, those in close association with the dwarves of ble the Dalemen across the Dragon’s gnomes who come to the Bloodstone Clan Orothiar and the centaurs of War- Reach in both appearance and atti- Lands are wandering bands or solitary renwood. This community makes a fine tudes. Included in this type are most of fortune-hunters. profit from the mines and the three the people of Impiltur and Damara, not The svirfneblin, the deep gnomes, are races have built a defense pact, the Alli- excluding the noble lines of Damara. In- a different matter. In a huge cavern un- ance of Beltwatchers, centered in the deed, the line of Bloodfeathers, and that der the Bloodstone Mines sits Deep- miles of formidably trapped tunnels of of Damara’s founder Feldrin, can trace earth, a city of more than 800 the Warren. bloodlines directly back to Sembia. svirfneblin. Ruled by good King Rug- The tribes of Narfell represent a dif- gardo, these svirfneblin are intricately Half-orcs ferent group altogether. Short and united with the societies of surface stocky, their tanned skins are much Half-orcs fare better and are more dwellers in the area, and the relation- darker than the average Damaran’s. A plentiful in the Bloodstone Lands than ship is one of mutual benefit. Nar’s hair is almost always raven-black in most areas of the Forgotten Realms. Other groups of deep gnomes are re- and straight to the shoulders. Though not especially favored by the ported to live in peaceful solitude under The last group of men in the Blood- people of the region—certainly the men the Earthspurs. and dwarves here have no love for stone Lands were probably the first hu- orcs!—half-orcs are generally tolerated mans in the region: the barbarians of as a fact of life in every province and the Great Glacier. Their hair is light, Monsters every city. usually blond, and they have a tall, In mountain settlements such as strong build. Goblinkin and Giantkind Tomrav and Sudrav, half-orcs live The barbarians themselves know Goblins and orcs are more numerous among the humans and act as go- nothing of their history before coming than all the other races in the Blood- betweens. Their efforts smoothe hu- into the region, and no direct evidence stone Lands combined. Yet they have mans’ relations with the goblinoids of shows them to be related to any of the failed to dominate the region because, the surrounding mountains. Without other barbarian tribes in the Forgotten like their kin everywhere, they are too the efforts of these half-breeds, these Realms. However, their customs and petty and self-centered to organize settlements might not have survived. physical appearance are too much like themselves into a united force. The The breed has evolved one step fur- those of other known tribes for the sim- tribes are countless; every mountain ther, with half-orc marrying half-orc. ilarity to be dismissed. Scholars believe seems to support its own clan. Induc- Thus, they are developing a culture in- that this tribe is more closely related to tion into the Witch-King’s vast army dependent of conventional orcish heri- the tribes of Icewind Dale, whom they hardly made a dent in the numbers of tage. In the blasted ruins of the Vaasan resemble physically, than to the more potential recruits living in the dark city of Palishchuk, half-orcs are carving common Uthgardt tribes of the north. holes of the mountains. out their own independent community, Like other barbarian tribes, the peo- The Giantspire Mountains, on the and they live in harmony with their ple of the Great Glacier have an almost Damara-Narfell border, are a veritable neighbors in Damara. Amazingly, these mystical symbiosis with Nature. Their breeding ground for hobgoblins, bug- civilized half-orcs carry on good rela- totem beast, the white worm, honors a bears and ogres. Travelers to the tions with the dwarves across the Ga- monster that presents a real and ever- mountains in the region had better be lenas in Ironspur. present danger to their existence. prepared to face these formidable ene- This bond with Nature, exhibited by all mies. This is their territory, and they Humans the barbarians of the north, may be the tend to travel in groups of a dozen or The dominant culture in the Blood- evidence for a common ancestry. How- more. stone Lands is mankind’s, with humans ever, all these people live a harsh, savage Giants are also prevalent in the moun- comprising more than 90% of all the existence. They may simply have devel- tains. Most common are the stone gi- goodly folk in the region. Damara’s oped similar ideas based on a reverence ants, and there are a few scattered wealth attracted fortuneseekers and for and an understanding of the awe- bands of hill giants. Generally, these rogues from every corner of the some power of Nature such as no “civi- monsters don’t bother the villages, hav- Forgotten Realms, and the nation has lized” man could ever experience.

21 ing enough sport harrassing the goblins aptly named the Glacier of the White Language and orcs crawling all about them. On Worm. The monks of the Monastery of the rare occasions that they do come the Yellow Rose use the remorhaz to Modern common tongue is the predom- into human territory, the giants create test their discipline. The monks share inant language of Damara, Impiltur, serious problems, because even a small the worms’ environment, living not in and Narfell. A bastardized form of the band can do an incredible amount of conflict with the creatures, but in har- language, mixing common and dwarv- damage in a very short time. One par- mony. They have even perfected a tech- ish, is the argot of Vaasa. PCs speaking ticularly nasty group of stone giants, nique for riding the beasts! only common will be understood when called the Thunkers, has been making visiting in Darmshall and other com- trouble more frequently in the area. Dragons munities of Vaasa, but they may have a hard time understanding this odd dia- Until very recently, dragons were not a Tundra yeti lect when it is spoken to them. familiar sight in the Bloodstone Lands. In remote mountain settlements such If the uncivilized mountains belong to An occasional white would come down as Tomrav, orcish has become the sec- the goblins and giants, then the empty from the Great Glacier, or some other ond tongue, taught to every child. This grasslands and tundra of the north are terror would drift in from the desolate is a simple matter of survival. More the domain of the fearsome tundra yeti. wastelands north of Thar. But these sol- than one person from Tomrav has had Not a gregarious creature, the tundra itary monsters never found much plun- to talk his way out of an orcan stewing yeti usually roam alone or in small der, and they usually flew off before pot! Language eases communication be- bands. Their shaggy coats camouflage they became much of a problem. tween the races, and has led to a qui- them, and they hide unseen until it is Things have changed. In the ruins of eter, if not completely peaceful, too late for the victim. Castle Perilous, evil dragons of all col- coexistence between man and orc in The tundra yeti are a serious, seem- ors are congregating. One estimate puts this region. ingly unstoppable problem. On Narfell’s their number at 50, and a huge group of grasslands, they kill more than 200 peo- whites is reportedly preparing to come ple and twice that number of horses an- down from the frozen wastes of the Currency nually. The Nars have launched Great Glacier. Such a flight would dou- “If it’s good anywhere else, it’s good in numerous efforts, coordinated among ble that number. The evil dragons are Damara!” This popular saying spread the tribes, to clear specified areas. Long enraged by the defeat of Tiamat, their among Damaran vendors since the cur- lines of horsemen sweep across miles Queen, and are gathering to seek re- rency of bloodstone bars collapsed. Da- of grassland and dozens of the savage venge on Tiamat’s conquerors, Gareth maran merchants are true traders, and beasts die. In no time, this “newly- Dragonsbane and his friends. Clearly, they will deal in almost any country’s tamed land” reverts to being danger- dragons are about to become a major currency. They will usually accept even ous wilderness, and the yeti seem no influence in the area. the old chalcedony bars, for many Da- less numerous. maran merchants foresee the return of Other Nasty Things the bloodstone bar currency with the Remorhaz The Bloodstone Lands are filled with restoration of the kingdom. A few are Among the broken blocks at the fringes danger. Goblinkin and giantkind, tun- even hoarding the stuff! of the Great Glacier live the remorhaz, dra yeti, remorhaz, and dragons com- Vaasan attitudes towards currency the polar worms. They are even more prise the majority of foes for the daring are similar to those found farther prevalent among the high frozen peaks adventurers to deal with, but these are south. However, bartered supplies are of the Earthspurs. Rarely seen outside not the only monsters roaming the re- more welcome than coins—gold of these isolated areas, the remorhaz gion. White-furred snakes, polar bears, pieces make terrible windbreaks remain a popular symbol of the far cold white puddings, moon dogs, winter against a winter wind! Similarly, the reaches of the Bloodstone Lands. wolves, and nearly every other animal people of Narfell prefer barter to Within the boundaries of their predict- and monster found in a cold wilderness coins. Recall, however, that the Nars able domains, the polar worms are su- area can be encountered here. Any one have a definite weakness for gems preme and unconquerable. The people of them would enjoy making a meal of and jewels, and a crafty jeweller may who live nearby survive by understand- an unlucky fool. And, like every other get twice the worth of his goods in ing and respecting them. place in the Forgotten Realms that men trade for Narfellian stallions. The barbarians of the Great Glacier have not brought the land fully under Impiltur mints its own money in the worship the remorhaz as a patron de- control, the stench of troll is not an un- city of Hlammach. The coins bear the ity, and the glacier in the Earthspurs is common odor. crossed sword and wand on one side, and “Imphras” etched along the bor-

22 der. Like everyone else, the mer- ter. However, their choice does not turers, and experience is not a hard chants of Impiltur will deal in any cur- constrain others, and Impiltur is truly a thing to achieve—though survival rency, but the government levies a 3% land of choice. Every city has many dif- might be a different story! Kingdom Tax on all purchases made ferent places of worship, all tolerated with outside coinage. by both the people and the leaders of Clerics the kingdom. Every community in Impiltur and in Da- Religion Among the fierce Nars it is Tempus, mara supports at least one chapel, and the Lord of Battles, who rules supreme. often several. As noted in the previous Religion plays an important role for the Speculation proposes that the barbari- section, religion plays an important role people of the Bloodstone Lands. Rare is ans of White Worm also pay homage to in the lives of these people, and clerics the individual who, over a span of the Lord of Battles. This would link are well-respected even by those not of years, has not seen death close at hand them yet more tightly with their sus- the same faiths. in this harsh territory. But though the pected kin, the barbarians of Icewind Like anywhere else, individual cler- people follow their chosen gods with Dale, but this preference has not yet ics in the Bloodstone Lands differ dedication, they generally tolerate the been proven. widely in their views on the proper ways of other religions. In this land, lifestyle for a man of the cloth. Given deadly monsters and deadlier weather Evil beings have their own gods and their honored status, high-level clerics are never far away, and there is no their own interests in the region. Al- can pretty much decide for themselves room for religious persecution, or reli- though Orcus and his foul kind have the magnitude of their personal wealth gious separatism. been forever banished from the Blood- and possessions. Many remain ascetic Baron Gareth Dragonsbane and Bar- stone Lands, priests of the goat’s head paupers, going among their flock as oness Christine of Bloodstone are continue to flourish among the gobli- friends and advisors. But some, mostly choice examples of this tolerance. noids and evil humans. Their power in the larger cities, number among the Gareth is a lawful good paladin serving structure was simply too entrenched to wealthiest and most flamboyant peo- Ilmater; his wife Christine is a practic- be thrown down, even with the defeat ple in all Damara. ing druid of Silvanus! Simply put, the of their wretched god-figure. Other pious individuals strike out into people of the Bloodstone Lands never In the wilds of the Galenas and the the mountain regions as missionaries let religion get in the way of living. Earthspurs, another favorite is Skoraeus for their chosen faith. Often they try to Ilmater, god of endurance and suffer- Stonebones, King of the Rock and god of convert even the goblinoids to their ing, is a favorite of Damarans. The yel- the stone giants. Travelers in the moun- viewpoint, and sometimes they meet low rose, symbol of St. Sollars the tains will often come across huge stone with success. Often, though, mission- Twice-Martyred, is a common sight in cairns built in honor of Skoraeus. His fol- aries simply disappear. the land. Even those who live by other lowers view the numerous stone giants But whatever their faith or their prac- faiths feel a closeness to this long-dead as the true rulers of the mountain tices, clerics thrive in the more civilized patriarch. Anyone who has lived in this passes, and include many goblinoids as areas. The people here are eager to es- land of hardships knows the virtue of well as giants. Those goblinoids whose tablish a good position in the afterlife, endurance in the face of suffering. tribes worship Skoraeus have a longer and most will go out of their way not to St. Dionysus is also honored here. Re- life expectancy than others in stone gi- anger anyone in contact with the cently, construction of a huge cathedral ant country, so one wonders how much higher planes. has begun in Goliad. The construction of their piety to Skoraeus is sincere, and Among the Nars, shamans are hon- was financed by a gift of gems and gold how much is simple pragmatism! ored even above the tribal chief. Tem- plundered from the lair of Tiamat by pus is the sole god of these people, and Friar Dugald, who is an associate of Character Classes the Nars do not exhibit the religious tol- Baron Gareth. Some say the church is erance common elsewhere. Clerics of Gareth’s political move to win over the Nearly every character class has made other faiths would be wise to keep their people of Brandiar. However, those who some mark in the Bloodstone Lands, beliefs very private when venturing know Friar Dugald do not question his but fighters are particularly noted. Af- into Narfell. dedication to St. Dionysus, though they ter all, everyday life in these lands is an Evil clerics, like those of the goat’s might wink at the secondary motives adventure in itself! Almost everyone head religion, now find themselves se- behind the location of the church. not practicing some other adventuring verely limited in spell selection, espe- Impiltur sustains numerous sects and profession is at least a 1st level fighter. cially in the higher level spells. With factions. The Lords of Imphras II call PCs of any character class can ad- Orcus banished, there’s no one left for themselves “Holy Warriors of Suffer- vance themselves in this yet-untamed them to commune with! Nevertheless, ing,” a clear reference to the god Ilma- region. Vaasa particularly needs adven-

23 these foul priests continue to recruit war to a greater or lesser extent for the “Goblins are never more than a peak promising acolytes. last 12 years. Even before the Witch- away!” expresses reality of life in the Ga- King, most villages saw trouble from lenas and the Earthspurs. Thus, knowl- Druids evil humanoids or monsters at least edge about these creatures, and of how once a season. to defeat them, is never treated lightly. Druids are fairly common in the Blood- So, rare is the person in this region stone Lands, compared to their pres- who is unfamiliar with the use of a Paladins ence in other parts of the Realms. They weapon. “Zero-level” NPCs are unusual, worship Silvanus, and may be even Paladins do surprisingly well in both Im- greatly outnumbered by more more prominent than suspected, for piltur and Damara. The Lords of Im- advanced individuals. Common are such people tend to be secretive about phras II are holy warriors, as is Gareth first, second and even third level fight- their beliefs and practices, and they Dragonsbane. When construction is ers. Training is mostly a thing of trial are rarely interested in the affairs of complete, the Damaran Gate will be a and error—if you win, you live to fight state. The Baroness Christine seems to fortress of the Order of the Golden Cup, another day. be an exception. Gareth’s order of paladins. According to Baroness Christine and her friends Rangers plan, this immense castle at the southern practice this most ancient religion in end of the Bloodstone Pass will house the Waukeshire of Bloodstone. A sec- Foremost stand the rangers among the 500 fighters. The more paladins Gareth ond community of druids is said to op- successful heroes of the land. Wilder- can attract to his ranks, the better. erate beyond Tellerth in Rawlinswood. ness knowledge is a survival trait, and Generally, paladins of the Bloodstone an understanding of goblinkin and Lands are more tolerant of “common Fighters giantkind confers a major advantage. folk,” than their snooty peers elsewhere Mining towns treat rangers well, even in the Forgotten Realms. That might ac- The sword is more common than the those that are exclusively dwarven. count for their success here, for aloof hoe in Vaasa, Damara, and Narfell, and Town leaders will usually hire wander- even in many regions of civilized Im- people in Damara tend to find them- ing folk of this profession for some mis- selves alone; and people alone tend to piltur. This should come as no surprise, sion or other. A common saying: wind up dead! since most of this region has been at

24 In Narfell, where Tempus reigns su- been discussed in their caverns is to Sollars. High up in the Earthspurs, the preme, a fighter closely tied to some open a school for would-be illusionists. Monastery of the Yellow Rose is a mas- other god might find himself unwel- Even if there is no school any time soon, sive fortress housing as many as 750 come, to say the least. But the Nars are an aspiring illusionist could find a willing monks. The brothers of this monastery pragmatic, above everything else. They mentor among the friendly svirfneblin. receive the greatest respect wherever accept the Lords of Imphras II, and they travel, even among the Nars in don’t seem opposed to the rise of Thieves Narfell. They are known to all as loyal Gareth in Damara. This “tolerance” is allies and deadly enemies. The hard-working people of Damara Delicate matters are routine to the extended to these rulers just so long as and Vaasa and the fighting Nars have lit- monks. A contingent of brothers from they keep their heresies within their tle tolerance for common thieves. But the monastery traveled to Carmathan own borders! sneaky folk using their talents to scout to examine the authenticity of Helmont for a community’s enemies usually find the 15th’s claims of royal lineage. Even Magic-Users and Illusionists themselves as much in demand as rang- those with no love for the monastery Generally, practitioners of the magic ers are. Bloodstone’s growing network are careful to keep clandestine any ac- arts tend to thrive in more civilized re- of scouts, known as Spysong, is always tivities directed against the monks, and gions, where day-to-day needs do not willing to sign on a new thief, providing thus, Helmont had no choice but to ac- outweigh the pursuit of higher learn- he or she can stand up to tests of honor cept them with a facade of cooperation. ing. Still, those wizards casting spells in and truth. Spysong has no room for Generally, the monks of the Blood- the Bloodstone Lands often find great double agents slipping into their intelli- stone Lands do not try to force their pleasure and support in their unique gence organization. beliefs on anyone. In this, they are like status among the people. Thieves have strong guilds in Helioga- the clerics and paladins of the region, The cities of Lyrabar and Hlammach balus, and in the major cities of Im- going about their business secure in in Impiltur both house minor schools of piltur. Every large city in the Forgotten their faith. magic. These schools mostly dedicate Realms has come to accept thievery as Wandering monks traveling in the re- themselves to the arts that can benefit an unavoidable fact of life, and the cit- gion will usually receive the same high the trading fleets. A wizard proficient ies of the Bloodstone Lands are no dif- respect given to the Order of the Yellow in gusts of wind, for example, can make ferent. City-dwellers co-exist with Rose. That is, unless they act in a way a small fortune hiring onto a merchant thieves who confine their activities to unbefitting one of their station! vessel whose captain fears pirates and grudgingly-accepted guidelines, prefer- Evil monks have never been a factor still air. ring that to battling the miscreants for here. The Grandfather of Assassins No wizards’ schools currently exist in every inch of turf. On occasion, the con- would nevertheless be delighted to get Damara, although that may change nections are less hostile—Dimian Ree, someone in his court who could infil- once the politics of the kingdom are set- heir-apparent to the Damaran throne, trate the Monastery of the Yellow Rose! tled. Emelyn the Gray and Myrddin Vili- is reputedly a close friend to the thieves goth have talked of the need for such a in Heliogabalus, specifically the guild Bards school in the area. Vaasa and Narfell are called Tightpurse. That tie does not re- too wild for such sophisticated arts, al- flect well on the Baron of Morov’s repu- Bards are somewhat rare all across the though a magic-user could certainly tation among the folk of the outlying Forgotten Realms, and they are not a find ways to be useful, and ultimately rural settlements. commonly-seen class eaten today in Da- accepted, on the Vaasan frontier. The For the more evil thieves and thugs, mara. However, they are as well repre- clannish Nars might be a bit tougher to the assassins’ guild remains a prominent sented here as anywhere else in the win over. force in the Galenas. Even the most opti- Realms. Illusionists here, as elsewhere, are mistic citizens of Damara doubt that the One notable bard, Riordan Parnell, quite rare, but there seems to be some bandit army will ever be completely heads Spysong, the scouting network potential for the class. The svirfneblin eradicated from those mountains. working for Bloodstone. Parnell would gnomes of Deepearth are skilled in the be more than willing to recruit others art, and they are anxious to tie them- Monks of his profession into the business. selves closer to the surface dwellers of Only one order of monks exists in the the region. One possibility that has Bloodstone Lands, the disciples of St.

25 CITIES, TOWNS, AND VILLAGES

With scanty farmland and wide-spread vor because of the recent influx of more ominous service—transporting mines, the Bloodstone Lands support nu- merchants and adventurers. troops—if the baronies go to war. merous small-scale settlements. Farming All the goodly races are welcome here. On a lighter side, Daleport is also and mining communities dot the Da- More than 6,000 of the citizens are hu- known for the Barge House, a tavern of maran countryside. Many are unnamed man, but halflings and dwarves abound. wild reputation. Formerly a warehouse, clusters of houses, but others are for- Even the half-orcs from Palishchuk ap- the Barge House is a huge establishment, mally established, and continue to endure pear with increasing frequency. seating 500 comfortably. The majority of as long-standing communities. Bloodstone Village keeps no formal mili- the Daleport population can be found Impiltur’s population is concentrated in tia at this time, except for the Baron’s pal- here each night making quiet deals with the cities. Once independent city-states, ace guard. However, the most formidable those passing through. Barge owners are those four large cities house approxi- and loyal army in all Damara is only a few known to engage in some smuggling with mately three-quarters of the kingdom’s hours away, at the Vaasan and Damaran certain less-than-reputable patrons. In entire population. The Nars of Narfell are Gates. fact, during a visit to the Barge House, a nomadic, with no permanent settlements person can get, or can find out where to to call home. Untamed Vaasa is mostly un- Brotha get, anything he or she desires. inhabited bogland. Population: 400 Darmshall Bay Town Brotha is an agricultural community five Population: 600 miles west of Portith in the Barony of Os- Population: 1,750 tel. The farms here are quite productive, As much a fortress as a city, Darmshall is a Bay Town is the community that the making this mid-sized town an important bastion of security in the hostile land of twelve Lords of Imphras II would most factor in Ostel’s independence. Vaasa. Its usual population is only 600, but like to forget. Dominating Traders Bay in The people of Brotha truly despise Os- Darmshall has sheltered nearly ten times central Impiltur, Bay Town shelters tel’s ruling Baroness Sylvia. These proud that number for extended periods in thieves and pirates, smugglers and other and honest farmers view the sorceress as times of peril. A towering wall surrounds unseemly types of every profession. The a trickster and a liar, with no allegiance to Darmshall, lined with weapons of war leaders of Impiltur acknowledge that anything but filling her treasurehouse. and grim-faced guards. Huge storerooms thieves and rogues will carve a niche for Rumor has it that Mayor Tom Haystacks of food and supplies fill a secret tunnel themselves somewhere, so they simply has sent a secret note to the Twilight complex beneath the city, stockpiled turn their eyes away from the goings-on. Riders, asking them to aid Brotha in its against times of need. In truth, they prefer to keep the scum struggle to dethrone Sylvia. At the very The construction of Darmshall was confined to one area, preferrably one of least, Brotha is developing closer relations funded by an adventuring band called minimal importance, and Bay Town fits with Brandiar, whose people are lining up Tenblades, a group active during the early that bill. PCs wandering into the town are against Dimian Ree, the ruler who is Bar- explorations of Vaasa. After two members likely to be “invited” to serve as slaves on oness Sylvia’s closest ally. of Tenblades were murdered, the group’s one of the many pirate ships—an offer stubborn leader Romas Thunderclap they may find difficult to refuse! Daleport wanted to get back at the vile inhabitants of the district. He built Darmshall, a Bloodstone Village Population: 125 mighty fortress, to be a perpetual thorn Daleport came into being when a group of in the side of those evil beings claiming Population: 7,500 ambitious bargemen saw the opportunity dominion of the land. The seat of the House of Tranth, Blood- to offer merchants and travelers crossing Romas must have been smiling in his stone Village is more notably the capital of the Morov-Polten line a better option than grave for the last decade. Although the the Barony of Bloodstone. The city is as to take the King’s Road or Dalen’s Ford Witch-King claimed all of Vaasa, he never rich in heroes as in chalcedony, and un- (both of which pass through a stretch of conquered Darmshall, though 1,000 gob- doubtably the fastest growing power cen- bogland). The road is so bad that the extra lin corpses rotted on the fields surround- ter in the region. Bloodstone Village ten miles up the Icelace River to the Ford ing the city. would certainly become the capital of the can take a laden caravan as much as two Kingdom of Bloodstone if Vaasa and Da- hard days of travel, so until recently the Dilpur mara are so united. bargemen have done well. Population: 15,000 A high wall surrounds Bloodstone Vil- Ever since Polten began slipping away lage, but its gates are always open. In the from its alliance with Morov and Ostel, For a very long time, Dilpur was the small- past, the people of Bloodstone Village business for the Daleport barges has been est and least important of the Impilturian were either miners or tradesmen, but to- slowing down. The people of Daleport city-states. When trade from Damara de- day the the city has a more balanced fla- fear they may soon be pressed into a clined, and Sarshel fell, many of the refu-

26 gees from Sarshel settled in Dilpur, the cause it continues to exist. When the Helmsdale next closest city. The population nearly Witch-King proved victorious at the first Population: 80 doubled. Dilpur quickly expanded its battle at the ford, Goliad was literally flat- docks, and a new wall is under construc- tened and its people sent fleeing across Helmsdale suffered greatly throughout tion to encompass the sprawling additions the land. But they returned and rebuilt— the reign of the Witch-King, serving as built onto the city over the last few years. only to have it flattened again when the Zhengyi’s base of operations in Damara The three lords who rule Dilpur are armies returned for a rematch. from his first invasion until his defeat al- concerned for the future of their city. The This time, though, the good guys won. most 12 years later. Now the town is often Lords Imbraun, Soargilm, and Sambrar The people of Goliad received considera- referred to as “the cursed village.” recognize the potential for renewed trade ble assistance pulling their city back to- Originally a quiet farming community, with Damara. While Impiltur as a whole gether for the second time. The Church Helmsdale once harbored a population of would benefit greatly, a renewed flow of of Dionysus will soon be completed, and it 500, mostly farmers whose produce bloodstone from the north might prove is sure to be one of the most impressive largely went to support the dwarves of disastrous for Dilpur. The lords must structures in the region, a symbol of the Ironspur. The Last Outpost was a favorite wonder how many citizens might return unyielding will of the brave people of Go- tavern for anyone traveling the King’s to Sarshel if trade resumes. Therefore, liad and all Brandiar. Road north of Goliad. when planning new additions to the city, Helmsdale’s population exploded to the lords are proceeding cautiously. Their Heliogabalus 4,000 when the Witch-King’s army rolled efforts focus on improving areas like the Population: 25,000 in. None of the original inhabitants of docks, areas that will prove useful even if Helmsdale managed to get out before the the new arrivals do not remain. Second-largest city in the Bloodstone army overran the city. Of the 500 who Lands, Heliogabalus has long been Da- surrendered to Zhengyi during the first Dunfee mara’s center of power and trade. Like year of the Vaasan War, only 78 survived large cities elsewhere in the Forgotten Population: 1,100 to see the Witch-King defeated. Most of Realms, Heliogabalus is a place of many those have since remained in Helmsdale, Dunfee is Impiltur’s most important min- textures. The guilds are here: the Da- and a few newcomers have trickled in. ing town. Located in the southeastern maran thieves’ guild, the merchants guild, Like every other community in Da- corner of the Earthspurs, Dunfee is and the various trade guilds. Here also mara, Helmsdale is stubbornly deter- barely a stone’s throw from the Damaran may be found the lures of the under- mined to survive. With help from border. The people of Dunfee have close world, easy to contact in the many dark- Ironspur and from the Bloodstone army, ties with their neighbors: their fellow ened taverns. the final reminders of Zhengyi’s vile reign miners in Sudrav, the Carmathan nobles Until the reign of Zhengyi, Heliogabalus have been swept from the village. On in Ravensburg, and the farmers in enjoyed the singular status of being a sep- unanimous decision of the people of Zarach. In fact, they are becoming arate province of Damara. When the Helmsdale, the first structure rebuilt was Zarach’s principal market for foodstuffs. provinces were proclaimed independent, the Last Outpost. Dunfee’s proximity to Damara brings Dimian Ree moved his seat of power from watchful eyes and ears into the town. One Morovar to Heliogabalus, and annexed Hlammach or more of the Lords of Imphras II are al- the city into Morov’s realm. Population: 21,000 most always present. If not one of them, The people of Heliogabalus raised no then their Heralds are here. They watch objections to Ree’s actions. Independent, Like all the important Impilturian cities, the continuing political struggle in the and loyal to no one outside their respec- Hlammach is a major seaport. Walled and north and patiently gather information. tive guilds, the people here rarely object compact, the city is home to merchants, to anything unless it interferes with day- tradesmen, and sailors. Her docks are ex- Goliad to-day business. tensive and always filled with laden ships, for Hlammach is the final stopover before Population: 900 Heliogabalus has its finger on the pulse of Damara’s economy. Astride every trade the village of Uthmerg and the trade road A closely-walled city amid sprawling fields route of road and waterway, Heliogabalus going east. and scattered farmhouses, Goliad is both will always have a dominant role in the re- Before the unification of Impiltur, Hlam- the seat of power for the Duchy of Bran- gion’s politics, even if the official seat of mach was second only to Lyrabar in im- diar, and a war-time refuge for the nearby power moves to Bloodstone Village. The portance, because the city controlled the farmers. Only 250 people regularly reside merchants’ power, bolstered by their ties entire northwestern corner of the Sea of within the walls, but its stated population to foreign lands, cannot be threatened by Fallen Stars. Hlammach’s principal rival includes the many farmers who rely on it proclamation of a new capital city. If the was Sarshel, and relations between the to be home base and a shelter. new baron expects his Kingdom of Blood- two cities were never friendly. Even to- Twice battered, Goliad serves as a testa- stone to succeed, he will have to coax the day, under the united banner of Impiltur, ment to the teachings of Ilmater, the god powerful guildmasters of Heliogabalus relations between the people of Hlam- of endurance and suffering, simply be- into his fold. mach and Sarshel remain cool. (This

27 partly explains why those who deserted Kinbrace has returned to its informal ex- Mulltown Sarshel when trade fell off settled in istence, as has Soravia in general. small, unimportant Dilpur.) Population: 250 Hlammach retains great importance to- Lyrabar Typical of the Impilturian villages is day as the center of Impilturian economic Mulltown, the first stopover for caravans Population: 32,000 planning, being the location of the king- moving south down Merchant’s Run from dom’s mint. War-Captains Imbra, Silmgar, The great port of Lyrabar is the largest Damara. Many of the smaller cities in Im- and Lashilaun work to maintain a level of city in the Bloodstone Lands. Impiltur’s piltur support the trading routes to and currency proportionate to the true capital, the city is ruled by the twelve from the four major city-states. Defensi- wealth of the kingdom. Lords of Imphras II. The castle of ble Mulltown offers well-managed inns Kyrlraun stands within its walls, as does and skilled smithies, and is a perfect ex- Ilmwatch Tower Pureheart. The rising spire of the ample of a community whose role is serv- Population: 560 Tower can be seen for many miles. The ice to visitors. More a fortress than a city, Ilmwatch most beautiful and dominant structure in stands on the north bank of the infamous the city is the golden-domed palace of New Sarshel Queen Sambryl. Buzzard Beak Harbor. It protects mer- Population: 1,500 chants traveling to and from Damara, and Lyrabar is long and narrow, a strip city those who cross the Easting Reach to arrayed along the waterfront. Her docks The recently-completed structures of Uthmerg. Patrols from Ilmwatch regu- are extensive and her fleet is the envy of New Sarshel stand across the water from larly visit Uthmerg and the string of small all the region, floating numerous war- the city of Sarshel. Built out of defiance villages that dot the road north. ships and merchant vessels. for the old city, New Sarshel does its ut- Mulltown, Guidodale, Maracrath, and Westernmost of the major cities of Im- most to steal merchants and sailors away Cairnpur are overnight stops along the piltur, Lyrabar maintains good relations from its namesake. Merchant’s Run, part of the Herald’s with the independent city-state of Pro- The construction of New Sarshel was fi- Road. Contingents from the garrison of- campur. Good relations also exist with the nanced by a committee of fifteen mer- ten accompany merchants journeying nations bordering the Dragon Reach, and chants, disgruntled by the city’s apparent south. those on the western banks of the Sea of indifference to its decline in the wake of Fallen Stars. the Damaran disaster. The founders of Kinbrace New Sarshel have an aggressive hunger Population: 4,500 Morovar for trade from the east. But convincing trade to come to the new city is not an Kinbrace covers more than 25 square Population: 4,000 easy task. Certainly the great port of miles of land. Nestled in the verdant val- Once the thriving capital of the Barony of Hlammach will offer no assistance! Bet- ley of the Galena River, the city is sur- Morov, Morovar is on the decline. For- tors get even odds that the new city will rounded by productive farms scattered saken by Baron Dimian Ree when he not survive the next winter. across the broad grasslands of Soravia. moved the seat of power to Heliogabalus, Farmers often informally joined forces in the city seems to have lost its spirit. Most Ostrav Kinbrace before continuing south with of Morov’s nobles have abandoned their goods. This gave Kinbrace a solid Morovar to follow the baron, and and no Population: 200 lock on shipping coming down from the ruling body remains. In times of trouble, Isolated in the grasslands of Arcata, the northern reaches of Damara. the remaining militia are hard to organize small farming community of Ostrav has Unlike most the towns in this hostile and workers are slow to respond. weathered the winters and the Witch-King land, Kinbrace has no wall. Instead, its pe- Not surprisingly, many citizens resent without breaking a sweat. Politically neu- rimeter is anchored by six impressive cas- Dimian Ree’s move south. They feel de- tral, Ostrav has some of the friendliest inns tles. Each of these is ruled by an serted and cheated, and malcontents are in all the land. The townspeople of Ostrav independent landowner. Generally, the quite common in this once-proud city. plod trustingly from day to day, cordial to owners work together, understanding Some even say Morovar should transfer strangers who wish to stop over and wipe the advantages of unity. But feuds have its loyalties to the province of Brandiar, the dust of the road from their boots. occurred in the past, and the ruling fami- though most know that would be a daring lies have been as interested in their own and dangerous move. Palishchuk profits as in the common good. Regardless of its present difficulties, the This shortsightedness contributed to high-walled city retains its importance as Population: 750 the ease with which Zhengyi took Kin- a port on the Goliad River. Morovar also One of the most unusual settlements in all brace. He named it as the capital of Sora- serves as a collection market for the pro- the Realms, Palishchuk is inhabited by via, but his puppet-Duke was quickly duce farmed in the fertile lands of the half-orcs. After the fall of the Witch-King, thrown down. With the Witch-King’s fall, barony.

28 the half-orcs of the region claimed the ru- In olden times, the head of House Praka farms. Like Kinbrace in Soravia, which has ined city of Palishchuk and rebuilt. was well-beloved by his or her subjects. a similar economic slant, Ravensburg’s long, What makes this settlement doubly un- Usually the ruling Baron of Ostel would low warehouses sprawl over many square usual is the half-orcs’ determination to in- be appointed steward to Damara’s throne miles. The city proper bustles with trades- tegrate themselves with the goodly in the absence of the king. Those days are men, mostly leatherworkers and metal- societies of the land. The rulers of Palish- gone. workers crafting farming equipment. chuk have made peaceful overtures to all Today Praka finds itself more and more Ravensburg hosts a well-known spring- their neighbors. They have extended isolated, even from the cities in its own time horse market. A huge equine breed their hands to their Vaasan kin in Darm- province. The Baroness Sylvia was put in known as the Carmathan Red, or the Car- shall, to the rising powers in Bloodstone, place by the Witch-King’s agents, and she mathan Horse-Ox, is dealt almost exclu- and even to the dwarves across the Ga- is generally despised. Her arrogant and sively during this fair. The reputation of lenas in Ironspur. Remarkably, the people selfish policies have embarrassed the the Carmathan Red is that of an excep- of Darmshall and Bloodstone fully accept loyal people of this proud province. She tionally strong and durable plowhorse, Palishchuk as a neighbor and ally. has been particularly criticized for her and the beasts have been favored by Even most of the Ironspur dwarves unsympathetic attitudes toward the farmers throughout the Bloodstone have learned to place a little trust in the brave soldiers who helped defeat the Lands for a long time. The horses were half-orc community. Only Clan Hillsafar Vaasan army and free Damara from the starting to draw interest from traders refuses to put aside the long-standing an- Witch-King’s foul clutches. Huddled and and farmers all along the Sea of Fallen tipathy between dwarves and half-orcs, desperate behind Praka’s walls, Sylvia Stars until Zhengyi’s wars isolated Da- but even that may be changing. Surly and her cohorts find only one hand held mara. As conditions have stabilized, that Grumble, head of the Hillsafar dwarves, out to them: the equally desperate grasp interest has been rekindling. seems to be mellowing in his attitude, and of Dimian Ree. his fellows are likely to follow his lead. Sarshel With everything initially against it, Palish- Ravensburg Population: 6,000 chuk may yet become one of the region’s Population: 3,500 greatest successes. Ravensburg, capital of Carmathan, faces a Sarshel is a walled city with extensive dock facilities. Seaside Palace is the city’s Portith dilemma similar to Praka’s: the Duke of Carmathan, Theodorus, is not loved. Now main structure and governing house; the Population: 1,200 formally named Helmont the 15th, palace houses Lords Rilaunyr and Silaun- Theodorus has used misinformation to brar. The 200-room complex includes a Portith is a medium-sized town on the west deflect any outward signs of that hatred, covered wharf complex, which harbors bank of Lake Mogador in the Damaran but the people are unhappy nevertheless. Rilaunyr’s Warship, the flagship of the ex- province of Ostel. A convenient stopover In fact, the Carmathans are unhappy tensive Sarshel fleet. between two prominent Damaran cities, with the whole lot of would-be rulers. Sarshel is the largest Impilturian city Praka and Heliogabalus, Portith is known Gulled by the web of their Duke’s con- close to Damara and points east, and for for fine inns and craftsmen. stant lies, they distrust Gareth Dragons- many years it served as the primary port Portith may be the only Damaran city bane and his proposed Kingdom of for Damaran merchants. Since the Witch- that could flourish without help from any Bloodstone. Yet, for all that the people dis- King’s rise halted Damaran trade, the city other community. In addition to the fine like Theodorus, they hate Dimian Ree has suffered. Once a flourishing city of trading and crafting facilities, fishing and even more. 18,000, Sarshel has shrivelled to only a farm yields are productive enough support So today Ravensburg is a city of intrigue third its former size. Portith’s population in the worst of years. and whispers. Agents of Dimian Ree and Lately Sarshel has been eclipsed by Gareth Dragonsbane stalk the alleys, Hlammach, a city better equipped to han- Praka spreading their tales to anyone who will dle the east-west trade routes. Still, the people remaining in Sarshel are proud Population: 11,000 listen. The monks of the Monastery of the Yellow Rose are closely investigating and stubborn. They sail onto the Sea of Smaller only than Heliogabalus, Praka Theodorus’ claim to the duchy. Like Ostel, Fallen Stars often enough to bring them had long been Damara’s second-loudest Carmathan is a proud and noble province an ample piece of the trading pie. voice in government. A city of tall walls with a long history of loyalty to the old and sky-reaching towers, Praka is a beau- Damaran kingdom. The people are deter- Steppenhall mined to do the right thing—if they can tiful settlement, aesthetically pleasing and Population: 70 readily defensible. Here live many of Da- find out what it is! mara’s true artists, and their work Beyond the intrigue, day-to-day Ravens- Steppenhall is often called “Little Narfell” touches everything. Even the regalia of burg devotes much of its energy to ware- because of its relatively close ties to the the Prakan militia is richly decorated. housing the produce from surrounding Nar tribesmen across the border. The

29 tribesmen of Narfell have actually visited Unrest is such that the council of Su- Tomrav the town on occasion, seeking news of the drav sent a formal (and secret) request to Population: 450 happenings in Damara. As such, Step- the Impilturian rulers, asking them to an- penhall has an important role to play in nex the city into that kingdom. In the in- Tomrav is a lonely mining settlement high the future of modern Damara. terest of good relations with Damara, the up in the Earthspur Mountains of south- The town is an informal gathering- Lords of Imphras II refused that request. western Arcata. The secret of this town’s place, a watering hole for Damara’s re- However, they did promise aid if the success is its ability to coexist with its vari- mote northeastern farmers. Many nearby lesser nobles of Arcata or Carmathan op- ous neighbors. Tomrav finds it natural to “towns” are just farmhouses loosely clus- pressed the people. host the monks of the Monastery of the tered together—places like Kinnery, Yellow Rose, but the city also maintains Merkurn, Newbelle, and Hinterford—and Tellerth good relationships with neighboring Steppenhall is where the inhabitants Population: 2,300 goblinoid tribes! come together. Steppenhall also routes Tomrav’s population is a mixture of hu- supplies to nearly half the Damaran re- Tellerth is the easternmost Damaran city, mans, dwarves, and half-orcs. The half- gion, even though this vast wilderness is situated in the Barony of Polten on the orcs act as liaisons between the townsfolk settled by less than 7,000 people. fringes of Rawlinswood. Another city of and the nearby goblin tribes. This rela- independently-minded folks, the angry tionship has been good for all, with only Sudrav people of Tellerth closed down their city minor skirmishes between the miners when the Morov-Ostel-Polten alliance Population: 600 and the goblins. In one such battle, one refused to send aid to the army of Blood- goblin tribe actually came to the aid of the Sudrav is the southernmost Damaran stone. Later, when Donlevy the Young town in its struggle against a second gob- city. Formally located in the Duchy of Ar- made his way to Trailsend, the people of lin tribe! cata, the city has stronger ties to Impiltur Tellerth reestablished their ties with the than to Damara. rest of the barony. But even today, the The hardy iron miners of Sudrav are folk of Tellerth are not quick to welcome Trade Fair generally disgusted with the events of Da- strangers. They are, however, excited Population: 20,000-30,000 mara. Effigies of Duke William are openly that the Twilight Riders are coming. For a few brief weeks each summer, the burned in the city streets, and the miners tribes of Narfell congregate. The massive distrust the petty nobles as well. Trade Fair would hardly be called a “city”

30 by any ordinary standard, but Bildoobaris tween Bloodstone Village and the Blood- Baron or the changes he has wrought in is as close as the Nars get. Skin tents cover stone Mines. The town has one large inn, Bloodstone Village and in the barony as a miles of grassland as the entire popula- the Snoring Giant. The inn’s best cus- whole; they simply choose to live a qui- tion of Nars welcome western merchants tomers are those visitors to the mines who eter existence. —the only time of the year that foreigners feel more comfortable sleeping above Windless has a council, but no formal are welcome in Narfell. ground than under. A half-dozen supply government. This new town retains tight stores compete for business, offering gear ties to its mother city, and many of its peo- Trailsend for both mining and adventuring. Marko ple loyally serve in the Bloodstone army. Population: 8,000 Orothiar, a master weapons crafter, has Windless citizens are particularly well- put up his forge in Virdin. Although Marko represented at the Damaran Gate. One of the mightiest fortresses in the spends most of his time outfitting his clans- Bloodstone Lands, Trailsend is Polten’s men in the mines, the right amount of gold Withermeet capital. The huge castle in the city’s center could persuade him to create an excep- Population: 100 was one of the earliest buildings in Da- tional weapon for a stranger. mara, constructed by the associates of The village of Withermeet is highly con- Feldrin Bloodfeathers. Donlevy the Young Wassen servative, resisting change of any kind sits in the ruler’s seat today. since its inception more than two centu- For many years, Praka and Trailsend Population: 250 ries ago. The town continues along its were sister cities. Facing each other The little farming and river town of Was- chosen path, oblivious to the dramatic across the mouth of the Great Imphras sen is situated in northern Morov on the forces at work in the kingdom. River at the southern shore of Lake Moga- Goliad River. Wassen offers river travelers Withermeet welcomes visitors, thriving dor, Trailsend provided the muscle pro- a comfortable alternative to a stop in the in its role as a stopover between Trailsend tecting Praka’s artisans. Today, the two larger city of Morovar. This town is firmly and points north. The village proper is no cities go their separate ways. The Barony neutral, stating no preference among the more than three dozen structures: mostly of Polten has pulled out of its alliance with contenders. Wassen’s townsfolk consider inns and workshops, including several Ostel and Morov, and Donlevy the Young themselves independent, a community do- good smithies. Nevertheless, the people of has no love for Baroness Sylvia ruling ing its duty to the concept of kingdom but Withermeet own many square miles of across the water in Praka. not as anyone’s unthinking serfs. People land. here are wary but friendly, and always lis- Land speculators see Withermeet as an- Valls tening for a good story. other Portith, and some have offered seri- Population: 1,300 ous gold for Withermeet’s land. The The Waymeets townspeople are interested mostly in pre- A profound hush has fallen over the city Population: variable serving their peaceful lifestyle, and they of Valls, the capital of Arcata. Once the have firmly rejected all advances. bustling trailhead to the King’s Road and Throughout the Narfellian grasslands are all western Damaran trade, Valls now camping grounds known as the Zarach waits in quiet anticipation. The people waymeets—really, just wide spots along Population: 600 watch with great curiousity the ebb and the worn paths the Nars call roads. More flow of the powers struggling for domin- than a dozen of these informal camp- A flourishing farm community in Ostel, ion over the kingdom. grounds exist, but the ones most fre- Zarach’s biggest problem is deciding In local politics, Duke William is a mere quented are called Jiyyd, Peltarch, and which markets to concentrate on. The figurehead, pinned by the constant scru- Nobis, just south of Icelace Lake. Bezentil people here are capitalists in the extreme. tiny of his own Ducal Guard. If rumors lies along the trade route of the Great Dale. Unless Baroness Sylvia forces it, they will are true, the Guard is now loyal to Baron show no favoritism to Ostel so long as Gareth Dragonsbane. Strangers are still Windless some other market offers a higher price. welcome in Valls, but whispers will follow Population: 2,500 Trade opportunities are good along the them down every street. Suspicious King’s Road one way to Praka; Ravensburg townspeople will make every effort to fig- The newest town in Damara, Windless ac- offers good trade the other way. The Im- ure out what role a stranger may have in tually considers itself a sort of suburb of pilturian town of Dunfee sends a constant the shadowplay of intrigue. Bloodstone Village. Bloodstone Village stream of wagons to the vast warehouses bustles with new growth and vitality, but of Zarach. And the community is the first Virdin many of the former inhabitants of the Vil- stopover for goods being shipped from lage preferred the quieter times before Population: 1,500 Halfling Downs in Carmathan! The people Zhengyi. The rise of Gareth Dragonsbane of Zarach have no shortage of work. Virdin is named after the last King of Da- has also created quite a clamor. The peo- mara, and acts as the natural link be- ple of Windless bear no ill will toward the

31 GEOGRAPHY OF THE REGION

Nowhere in the Forgotten Realms is the Vaasa and Damara. Controlling the pass nearly four miles, the Earthspurs are dan- awesome power of nature more promi- means controlling trade between the king- gerous indeed. When the founders of the nently displayed than in the Bloodstone doms. No invading armies may cross in ei- Monastery of the Yellow Rose sought the Lands. The geography of this area plays ther direction except through the pass. most imposing location for their order, it a major role in shaping the lives and atti- The pass is in the heart of the Barony of is no accident that they chose the highest tudes of the hardy souls who reside Bloodstone, housing Bloodstone Village peaks of the dangerous Earthspurs. here. All respect the forces exemplified and the towns of Windless and Virdin. Also Mining is lucrative in the Earthspurs, by imposing features such as the Great located here are the fabulous Bloodstone and miners withstand great hardship to Glacier and the towering peaks of the Ga- Mines and the deep waters of Lake Midai. delve into lodes of iron and silver that lena Mountains. Bloodstone Pass was cut by the raging seem endless. The fortunate occasionally Beaumaris River during the hasty retreat tap a vein of bloodstone. The Arcatan Buzzard Beak Harbor of the Great Glacier nearly 300 years ago. towns of Tomrav and Sudrav, and the Im- (In fact, the glacier’s retreat was so pilturian community of Dunfee exist Buzzard Beak Harbor is a sheltered arm abrupt, only magical interference offers a largely because of their mines and miners. of water jutting into Impiltur from the sensible explanation.) If the river swelled Unfortunately, survival is difficult, and Easting Reach. Weedy and full of treach- to those proportions again, all would be many do not live long enough to enjoy the erous reefs, the place has long offered a washed away. Those living in the valley of wealth they’ve pulled from the ground. treacherous sanctuary to the smugglers the pass would be wise to take note and pirates of the region. These evil sail- should the glacier exhibit any strange be- Earthwood ors know Buzzard Beak Harbor like their havior in the future! own back yard, and are always quick to Sheltered in a pocket of the Earthspur flee there when pressed by a superior The Easting Reach Mountains is Earthwood, a small, thick vessel such as Rilaunyr’s Warship. The pi- forest of evergreens and birch. The soil of rates and smugglers have come to know The Easting Reach is a broad, sheltered Earthwood is stony and rocky, broken the dangerous harbor out of necessity. No harbor located on the northeastern shore and hilly, yet the trees grow thickly. sane captain would take the risks to fol- of the Sea of Fallen Stars. The waters are There seems no end to the fertility of the low them unless he absolutely had to. deep and usually calm, with few reefs and soil, for land cleared by woodsmen just a predictable currents. The harbor is the few years ago is already springing with Beaumaris River best tradeport for goods coming into and new life, promising groves of trees even out of the Bloodstone Lands. The city of thicker than their predecessors. The Beaumaris River is the longest water- Sarshel guards the harbor’s mouth, and Legends say that the land under way in the Bloodstone Lands. It cuts provides extensive docks; many mer- Earthwood was enchanted by a great druid across the breadth of Vaasa, through chant vessels fly Sarshel’s banner. The centuries ago, in defiance of the Great Gla- Bloodstone Pass. Thereafter it swings fortress-city of Ilmwatch keeps an alert cier which then covered the land. The trees south, then east, finally joining the Goliad navy afloat from further up the reach. prospered in spite of the onslaught of ice. River on its way to Lake Mogador. Barely Legend predicts that the forest will thrive in a trickle in the fall and frozen solid Earthfast Mountains the face of any hardship. the through most of the winter, Few people live here, though some Beaumaris sparkles with snowmelt in the This small range of mountains marks the woodcutters have made a fine profit. warmer seasons. Its smooth-flowing wa- western border of the Kingdom of Im- More folk have moved in since ters glisten dreamily under sun and piltur. Not as high as the Earthspurs, the Rawlinswood become so unfriendly to moon, and its taste revitalizes weary ad- Earthfast Mountains are equally difficult outsiders. The place is surprisingly safe: venturers with a bone-chilling tingle. to traverse, with steep slopes and sudden for some unexplained reason, the goblins The river does not run deep. It is suit- gorges. Mines in the Earthfasts have and other monsters of the Earthspurs able only for small rowboats or canoes, yielded moderate amounts of iron and sil- avoid the wood. and there are many shallow fords around ver in the past. However, none of the which boats have to be carried. Since the mines were productive enough to balance Forests of the Great Dale river is frequented by goblinoids and the hardships miners endured. Today, other monsters, only the very hardy or only a few dozen stubborn, solitary pros- Collectively known as the Forests of the the very foolish follow it when traveling pectors roam the rocky peaks. Great Dale, Rawlinswood and the Forest north of the Galenas. of Lethyr comprise one of the largest Earthspur Mountains tracts of woodland in the Forgotten Bloodstone Pass Realms. The forests encompass nearly More important are the Earthspur Moun- 70,000 square miles. Rawlinswrood is the As the only real pass through the forbid- tains, the imposing western barrier of larger, but the Forest of Lethyr is “small” ding Galenas, Bloodstone Pass is of vital Vaasa and Damara. With few trails, nu- only by direct comparison! strategic importance to the kingdoms of merous monsters, and peaks reaching up

32 These forests once provided lumber for Dwarves love the Galenas, and have vermin. Politics interfered when the wild buildings in Impiltur and Damara, but three major settlements well established: Nars wanted no part of the invasion. The few woodsmen travel here today. Thickly Ironspur, the Bloodstone Mines, and Hillsa- tribes even warned their more civilized packed with firs and huge, ancient oaks, far Hall. The stone here is hard and pure, neighbors not to violate Narfell’s border. these woods are darkened by a thick can- and dwarven hammers chime silvery The most optimistic of generals yielded to opy and a pervading aura of doom. Fire- notes worthy for the ears of Moradin. the litany of difficulties, shuddering at the side tales speak of the woods as remnants Only the strongest survive, be they likelihood of disaster. of a past age, and legends tell of sentient dwarf or human. Mines are often closed In the end, the Giantspires remained trees that stubbornly hold onto the For- down by monsters and other calamities, unconquered, and may remain so for ests of the Great Dale as their last stand in but many new ones open up. Miners run some time. Even though he hopes to forge a world of shrinking woodlands. the constant risk of breaking into the lairs an alliance with the Nars, Gareth Dra- Outsiders consider these tales to be fan- of the dark denizens of the underworld: gonsbane shies away from questions ciful superstitions, but the people living the duergar and derro, and the drow. But about the Giantspires. He would like to be near the woods take the stories seriously, the lure remains, and the hammers ring. able to exploit the riches of the moun- and rarely venture under the thick tains, but it seems unlikely that he alone boughs. Druids reside here in large num- The Galena Snake could commit the vast army needed to bers, and the priests of this ancient order pacify the massive hobgoblin population. The Galena Snake is no reptile, but a do not welcome strangers—particularly More likely, any reasonable assault on twisty river rushing down from the Ga- strangers bearing axes. the Giantspires would have to be a joint lena Mountains to link with Icelace River In the heart of Rawlinswood lies Dun- effort, uniting forces from Damara, Im- before spilling into Lake Mogador. The Tharos, the imposing home of the mighty piltur, and Narfell. Even if that were man- river is seasonal, with the meltoff bring- Nentyarch. It is not known if the he is a aged, it’s likely the hobgoblins would ing it to life each spring. The dance of wizard or druid, or even if he is a man or remain numerous. If the nations want the bright water twisting across the grass- something dire. Few doubt his disdain for wealth of the Giantspires, then miners land resembles a glistening snake wrig- trespassers, however. Hardy souls have will have to seek out inconspicuous and gling through a meadow. Any observer ventured into the gloom of Rawlinswood, defensible positions in spite of the dan- can see where the river got its name. but only a handful ever came out. These gers. At present, there are only two work- The Galena Snake is rarely navigable. A few have expressed no desire to return! ing mines in the range, struggling on in canoe can pass during the first couple of the northwest corner of Soravia. Galena Mountains weeks of the melt, but nothing larger. Nevertheless, the river is an important Glacier of the White Worm If a violent, powerful force brought two route for its brief life. The tiny farming land masses smashing together, the result communities of northern Damara rely on Draped across the highest peaks of the would surely resemble the jagged, bro- it for transportation to Kinbrace, and ad- Earthspur Mountains is the Glacier of the ken peaks of the Galena Mountains. Two venturers use it for a fast trip south from White Worm, perhaps a remnant of the hundred and fifty miles long, this narrow the eastern reaches of the Galenas. Great Glacier that once covered the land. range averages only twenty-five miles in The altitude of this icesheet does not jus- width and Bloodstone Pass offers the only Giantspire Mountains tify its presence some 400 miles south of sensible way through. Adventurers walk- the larger ice mass. Some dweomercraft On the border between Damara and Nar- ing in the range find themselves plodding may be involved to maintain its existence. fell, the Giantspire Mountains are the 10 miles up, down, and around for every The glacier gets its name from the pale least populated range in the region— mile they move in their desired direction. breed of remorhaz roaming across the unless you count the hobgoblin popula- The Galenas define the border between vast fields of ice. The remorhaz territory tion! The Giantspires would seem to be an Vaasa and Damara as sharply as any bor- covers the glacier’s expanse, some 1,200 appealing hunting ground for prospec- der in the Realms. The mountains are square miles, and the beasts occasionally tors. There are fewer natural barriers laced about with ice and snow, with a travel in herds of a dozen or more. A vari- and more usable trails than the other year-round wind howling down from the ety of other polar creatures make their nearby ranges, and the Giantspires are re- Great Glacier. The Galenas are home to home on the glacier as well. Of goodly putedly rich in precious minerals and hundreds of thousands of goblinoids and folk, only the monks of the Monastery of gemstones. But the mountain range is a giants, and countless other monsters. the Yellow Rose reside here. veritable breeding ground for hobgob- But people come to the Galenas by the lins. The hooting and hollering of savage thousands. They cannot ignore the lure of Goliad River tribes echoes off every mountain wall and wealth promised by some of the richest resounds through every pass. The Goliad River is more important to mines in the world. Miners bring out mil- In more prosperous days, the King of shipping than the Galena Snake. Except lions of gold pieces worth of bloodstone, Damara tried working with the Lords of when its waters are frozen solid, the Go- and tons of iron and silver. Impiltur to sweep the Giantspires clean of liad runs wide and deep, eminently suit-

33 able for the network of barges that con- than 1,200 miles across in some places faces and through boulder-strewn can- trol transport on the river. and is fully 700 miles wide. yons dominated by evil monsters. For The river cuts through the heart of Da- This vast icesheet plays an important every ten hardy souls who begin the jour- mara. Barges run the length of the Goliad, role in the lifecycles of the Bloodstone ney, whether leaving from Vaasa or Da- bringing farm goods and minerals south Lands. Spring meltoff from the glacier mara, one will not arrive at the other end. to Morovar and Heliogabalus. From there, waters the grasslands, and makes river No wagons can get through, and riders the goods move through Lake Mogador, transport possible. In winter, the cold prefer mules to horses. To add to the trou- into the Great Imphras River on their winds blowing down from the north keep bles, rumors suggest that the new Citadel journey south to Impiltur. the nights long and bitter. of Assassins is not far from this trail. On the northern half of the river ship- ping is sporadic. South of where the Halfling Downs Icelace Lake Beaumaris joins the Goliad, the barges run Halfling Downs is a fertile stretch of roll- daily. The city of Goliad dominates this Glistening along the northern Narfellian ing farmland in the southeastern corner junction, and its opinion influences the border is the crystalline beauty of Icelace of Carmathan. Just across the border is people of the south. As Goliad warms to Lake. The waters are sparkling pure, the Ostel town of Zarach, and immedi- the idea of a new Kingdom of Bloodstone, teeming with trout and salmon. Ulti- ately to the south of the Downs is the the city’s power hangs like an imminent di- mately, the waters can be deadly. Anyone border of Impiltur. saster over the head of Dimian Ree. who falls into Icelace Lake will be chilled This farmland is inhabited almost exclu- to death in minutes, even during the Great Imphras River sively by tallfellow halflings, with only a warmest months of the year. few men scattered among them. Per cap- In spite of the danger, the Nars come The Great Imphras River network is com- ita, Halfling Downs is the most productive here in summer, venturing out on the lake prised of three major rivers. The Great farming community in all of the Blood- in deerskin canoes. The nomadic Nars Imphras River itself flows out of Lake Mo- stone Lands, and the halflings here pride feast on the delicious fish, but many dan- gador, and the two Sidewinders stream themselves on their hard work. gerous creatures are equally drawn to the along the Damara-Impiltur border. The Halfling Downs is a relatively closed feast. Even the finest boatmen must be- rivers are rough, with many dangerous community. Until very recently, visitors ware, for the great northern bears con- stretches of white water, especially along were tolerated but not welcomed. The sider a man in a feeble boat to be a the southeastern fringes of the Galena halflings became more hospitable after welcome change, and his catch, a particu- Mountains. The rivers end at Traders Bay, the Twilight Riders came through. Those larly easy meal. a series of connecting lakes that lead into heroes put down a rampaging bulette the Easting Reach halfway between that had been terrorizing the commu- Icelace River Sarshel and Ilmwatch. nity, and local folk remember those The river is frequented by Damaran strangers warmly. A shimmering run of frigid water, Icelace merchants anxious to beat those who use River floods eastern Damara each spring the more conventional land route down Hark’s Finger with melt from the Great Glacier. The the Merchants Run. The southern stretch river does not run to Icelace Lake; rather, Hark’s Finger is known as Mount Jiksidur of the rivers, and Traders Bay particularly, it culminates in the more southerly wa- to the Nars. The singular spire serves as a are much used by smugglers and thieves. ters of Lake Mogador. landmark for anyone traveling through The waterway enables these miscreants a Icelace River is as dangerously cold as the flat, empty grasslands of central Nar- route to the Sea of Fallen Stars, and a Icelace Lake, but swift with many twists fell. The mountain is sacred to the Nars, chance to escape the fleets of Impiltur. and turns. The Damaran farmers in the who see its guiding influence as a gift wilderness of the province of Soravia The Great Glacier from the gods. have learned to ride its rapids at the end of each summer. Traveling on Icelace The Great Glacier remains one of the ma- The High Walk River enables the farmers to market their jor mysteries of the Forgotten Realms, on The Galena Mountains are difficult to harvest before the frigid winter sets in. par with the desert of Anauroch. Whereas pass through anywhere except Blood- Anauroch has expanded, though, the stone Pass—difficult, but not impossible. Lake Midai Great Glacier has receded. Just three cen- The High Walk is the only other trail with turies ago the glacier covered all of what is Situated in the center of Bloodstone Val- a name, and it is a treacherous up-and- now Vaasa and Damara, as well as most of ley, Lake Midai provides fresh water and down trek. The High Walk is used primar- the grasslands of Narfell. Today the lands fish to the folk of Bloodstone Village. The ily by the half-orcs of Palishchuk on their are free of constant ice. lake is only a few miles long and barely way to deal with the dwarves of Ironspur. Even though the ice has recently re- one across. However, it is very deep, be- This is not a journey for the weak. A ceded, the Great Glacier remains an awe- yond the measurements of those who barely-marked trail spiders up sheer cliff some natural spectacle. It measures more

34 have dropped as much as a mile of line be- mara. The border has gone unchallenged plore this dangerous wetland, for there fore giving up seeking the bottom! throughout history. When Zhengyi had are reportedly several magical hot Midai is mostly seen as a peaceful, pleas- conquered Damara, Impiltur massed its springs in the area. Their waters are said ant rest area for the miners of Blood- forces not know which way the Witch- to enhance abilities, restore frail bodies, stone. Recently, the lake has taken on a King would turn. They could only be sure or even grant an occasional wish! vital strategic role. Bloodstone’s farms Zhengyi could not cross the Sidewinder. cannot feed its burgeoning population, Had he chosen to invade Impiltur, the Warrenwood nor keep pace with the many newcomers. Witch-King would have had to march A small but incredibly overgrown wood But the deep waters of Midai, fed by the west and pass through the difficult Earth- in Bloodstone Valley, Warrenwood is unharvested waters of the Beaumaris spurs, or go far to the east, braving the home to the centaurs of the region. The River, promise an endless supply of fish. dangers of Rawlinswood and Dun- forest takes its name from the nearby With Midai close by, Bloodstone is self- Tharos. Clearly, the Sidewinder provided Warren, an intricate underground for- supporting in times of trouble. Although a a measure of security to the people of Im- tress which extends under its boughs. steady diet of fish might prove boring, the piltur in that dark time. Warrenwood drew notoriety during people’s self-sufficiency is a distinct ad- the Bloodstone Wars, when an invading vantage in these hostile lands. The Teardrops contingent of the Morov-Ostel-Polten alli- The Teardrops are a series of lakes lying ance camped in the wood to ambush the Lake Mogador across the eastern half of Narfell and the Bloodstone army. The forces of the War- The most important body of water in Da- northern reaches of the eastern land of ren put a swift end to that threat, aided by mara is Mogador, the large lake sur- Rashemen. Fish and game are plentiful the centaurs. The invaders were utterly rounded by the city provinces of Morov, here, and many tribes of Nars spend most defeated in a single night. Ostel, and Polten. All shipping that of the year in the vicinity. Few monsters Warrenwood will have a new celebrity- comes down Damara’s four rivers culmi- lair here except for the ever-present tun- resident once the situation in Damara set- nates here, and the lake is a beehive of dra yeti. tles down. Long ago, Emelyn the Gray had activity. Merchant vessels zip in and out his famed centaur school in this forest, of the port cities. Any goods leaving Da- Traders Bay but the original school was destroyed at mara by water pass through Mogador, the coming of the Witch-King. Emelyn has Traders Bay is more commonly known as and thence down the Great Imphras vowed to rebuild the school to be tenfold Traitor’s Bay. The boats riding out over River to Impiltur. more than it was, assisted by his appren- the Bay usually carry fugitives or pirates With the tense situation in today’s Da- tice Gabrielle. If it is half that, the school seeking an easy escape out into the East- mara, Lake Mogador may become a hotly- will be the most prominent center of ing Reach beyond the attention of Sarshel contested battleground. Heliogabalus, learning and wizardry in all the Blood- and Ilmwatch. Trailsend, and Praka all sail fleets on the stone Lands. Traders Bay is the only interior water- lake. With Polten slipping out of its alli- way in the Kingdom of Impiltur. It encom- ance with the other provinces, these The Waukeshire passes the southern stretches of the Great fleets have become more heavily armed. Imphras River system and two large Sister-forest to Warrenwood is the Ships from Trailsend and Praka have al- lakes, Bluefang Water and the Old Water. Waukeshire, home of the halflings of ready skirmished on the lake. More vio- The only settlement on Traders Bay, Bay Bloodstone Valley. The major tunnel- lence seems inevitable. Town, has never gained prominence. The complexes of the Warren lie beneath the Sidewinder River town cannot compete with the major cit- Waukeshire, and tunnels cross under the ies located on the seacoast. The harbor of Beaumaris River to connect Waukeshire The Sidewinder is actually two rivers: the Easting Reach meets the legitimate needs to Warrenwood. River Lench flowing west from of caravans coming from Damara and Unlike Warrenwood, the Waukeshire is Rawlinswood; and the original Side- through the Great Dale. Bay Town sur- a tidy forest of straight-limbed trees and winder, rushing east from the Earth- vives by serving best those who do fre- manicured underbrush. Visitors are wel- spurs, Both feed into the Great Imphras quent the area: the scum. come, and many adventurers traveling to River network, and are considered part the Barony of Bloodstone stop here for a of that network. The Vaasan Bogs sorely-needed rest. But visitors must be Little shipping is done along the Side- careful not to litter the grounds or de- In central Vaasa, north of the Beaumaris winder. Nothing comes out of stroy the foliage. The halflings pride River, one must beware of the many wide Rawlinswood, and the river from the Ga- themselves on keeping their land neat stretches of bottomless bogs. More than lenas is too wild and treacherous. and orderly, and they do not take kindly one party adventuring in this area has The Sidewinder’s primary importance to strangers messing things up! simply vanished from the face of the is to mark an indisputable, easily defensi- world. But adventurers continue to ex- ble border between Impiltur and Da-

35 STRONGHOLDS, RUINS, AND DUNGEONS

In a land so filled with monsters, one here range from goblins and giants to busy hauling out the precious gemstone does not usually have to look far to find leucrotta and owl bears. to explore every new tunnel they break some dangerous, enticing dungeon for Many of the Witch-King’s troops fled into. They leave that work to those bet- the adventurous to try their luck in. to the Black Holes after their defeat at ter accustomed to it. This section details some of the strong- the Ford of Goliad. Some who fled from In the Bloodstone Mines, adventur- holds, ruins, and dungeons to be discov- that defeat carried treasures they had ers may find the monsters of the dark- ered in the Bloodstone Lands. looted during Zhengyi’s better days. est underworld. The depths harbor The Black Holes of Sunderland offer those denizens of the Forgotten The Black Holes of hardy adventurers the opportunity to Realms who never come out to see the Sunderland gain experience and treasure. If the ad- sun. Duergar are often encountered, venturers are not as hardy as they be- remnants of the grey dwarf commu- Along the slopes of the Galenas in the lieve, the Black Holes offer a cozy place nity that was smashed in the battle for Sunderland of southern Vaasa loom to retire—permanently! the mines more than a year ago. Their the monster-filled caves known as the derro kin have also been spotted, as Black Holes. Some are shallow caves, The Bloodstone Mines have ropers and several of the deadly others deeper and darker. Still others puddings. Svirfneblin legends speak of are long tunnels that lead into vast un- The ever-expanding tunnels of the even more ominous creatures, such as derground networks of interlocking Bloodstone Mines frequently link up the kuo-toa and the drow, being found chambers of horrors. with the natural tunnels and holes found in the lowest chambers. But whatever the depth and dimen- under the Galenas. The dwarves of Clan sions of these caves, they invariably Orothiar and the svirfneblin gnomes of Castle Perilous have one thing in common— Deepearth understand the danger of unfriendly inhabitants. Monsters in delving, but the mines are simply too When the Witch-King fell, so did his this harsh region need shelter as much rich in chalcedony to be forsaken. stronghold, the Castle Perilous. What as humans do, and many of the vile Opportunities for mercenary adven- was once an iron extension of Zhengyi’s denizens of Vaasa have made their turers are as rich as the ore to be found power crumbled swiftly into ruin. To- homes in the Black Holes. Monsters here. The dwarves and gnomes are too day, Castle Perilous is just a blasted

36 mound of rubble on a lonely crag in the The Cave of the medical supplies, and adventuring gear Vaasan wasteland. But those who believe Whispering Wind of every type. Good souls will get a good that the perils of the evil fortress fell rest, and find their packs restocked for away with its iron walls would be rudely In the heart of the Galenas, entered the road ahead. The guards will not dis- awakened were they to venture there! through a hidden ravine in a secret val- cuss the mission of this unusual moun- Evil dragons lair amidst the broken ley is the Cave of the Whispering tain refuge, nor even hint that any such stone and shattered iron. The flights Wind. For goodly folk who stumble a hidden motive exists. that have been seen soaring northward upon it, this cave represents a haven; The cave is home base for Spysong, over Damara chose the ruined castle to for monsters who chance upon it, it of- which operates and thrives in secrecy. be their base from which to hatch their fers only disaster. However, the organization is open to wicked plans. Huge reds occupy the top It is a natural cavern, found by the new recruits. If the guards host an indi- of the crag, lairing in the rubble-strewn cousins Riordan Parnell and Celedon vidual or an adventuring company that foundations of the castle. The blues, Kierney on one of their early treks into shows the proper demeanor and abili- greens, and blacks each have taken a the Galenas. They recognized its poten- ties, Riordan Parnell will be told about slope of the crag for their own. The tial and made it the home base of Spy- them. The bard may visit personally, or northern face of the crag remains unoc- song, a secret organization. send one of his agents to further ques- cupied thus far. Cautious observers With the help of their friends, the two tion the potential recruits. A willing and speculate that the space is reserved for master scouts fortified the place. Eme- able character could find thrilling ad- the enormous flight of whites that is be- lyn the Gray and Friar Dugald laced the ventures by signing on with this daring lieved to be coming down from the area with defensive glyphs and runes. organization. And forever after, he or Great Glacier. The druid Baroness Christine of Blood- she could be sure of having powerful, Castle Perilous should be avoided by stone altered the nearby terrain to loyal allies in the Bloodstone Lands. all but the most powerful of adventur- make the pathways, already difficult to ers; even these might find themselves find, even harder to discover. The Church of Dionysus overwhelmed. Yet if some group fought At least two fighters no less than third Using the money he looted from the lair their way through the gathered drag- level are continually on guard at the of Tiamat in the Abyss, Friar Dugald of ons, they would find their work just be- cave entrance, strategically placed to Bloodstone has begun construction of a ginning! Under the rubble of the castle spot the approach of any friend or foe massive cathedral. Dugald does not in- lies a vast underground dungeon. Here long before they reach the enchanted tend to pastor the church, however, Zhengyi housed his darkest champions, areas. If these guards spot unknown and it is not even being built in his home creatures of unspeakable evil and travelers of the accepted races, the province. The church is located in Go- power. Many were tied to the lower guards will warn them of the dangers liad, in the province of Brandiar. Some planes, and so banished by the Tree- ahead and ask them their business. If see this as a political move by Dugald gem that Bahamut gave to the heroes of the response bears any hostility or and his close friend Baron Gareth to Bloodstone. But many hideous things rudeness, the travelers will be turned buy Brandiar’s allegiance. But whatever remain, monsters of this plane little away. Further attempts to approach the reason, the city of Goliad is grateful. known among surface dwellers. can only be taken at great risk. As much a fortified castle as a chapel, Anyone powerful, brave and stupid After asking unruly travelers to leave, the Church of Dionysus will provide the enough to challenge the foul inhabit- the guards take up positions at the people of this region with a shelter ants of Castle Perilous will find threats mouth of the cave, ready to operate a from the elements and from rampaging aplenty. Before his demise, Zhengyi deadly ballista. But the glyphs and wards monsters. Dugald has poured more laid glyphs and wards and wicked of Emelyn and Dugald are formidable in- than a million gold pieces into the con- traps throughout his dungeons. One of deed. Although many evil-hearted be- struction. He has bought assurances the Witch-King’s favorites is reputedly ings have approached the Cave of the from the builders that the cathedral an oil-slick tilting floor which ends in a Whispering Wind, the ballista has yet to will be able to house the local populace pitfall. A high-level adventurer would be fired. Thus far, the guards have only for an extended period in comfort. This not find a twenty-foot drop too dis- been constrained to dispose of some represents a considerable effort: there comforting, but when such a pit is blasted and charred bodies. are some 900 people in Goliad, and an- blocked, halfway down, by a hungry However, if any traveler is wounded other 250 or so would come in from the gelatinous cube... or seems to be in need, or if the response is satisfactorily benign, the guards invite outlying farms. It will take another full the person in for rest and recuperation. year to complete the superstructure of The Cave of the Whispering Wind is the church, and several more to finish fully stocked with fine food and drink, the fine details.

37 Already the church has attracted a “A series of rooms, heads and wondered what this was. score of clerics to the order, and dozens Built in the gloom Now, almost everyone in Impiltur rec- of applicants for the church guard. With wedges and cracks ognizes the home of Ephran, an incredi- Brandiar suffered for so many years To hide all the traps.” bly thin, cheerful, and eccentric magic-user. under the thumb of the Witch-King, Spysong is presently engaged in a mas- The tower is actually a dimensional that the province has responded to Du- sive effort to locate the new Citadel. trick. What appears to be a pole just gald’s gift with overwhelming support. Unfortunately, few of the hardy souls inches in diameter is actually a comfort- Even those of different religious per- who have ventured into the area have able home on the inside of a cylindrical suasions view the Church of Dionysus returned. as both the symbol of and the means to tower. Fifty guests could congregate enforce their resolve never to be kicked Dun-Tharos without bumping elbows! around again. Ephran’s story is an odd one. While Buried in the ever-evening of the still a simple apprentice, Ephran was en- The Citadel of Assassins depths of Rawlinswood is a tree-lined sorcelled by the Red Wizards of Thay, fortress known as Dun-Tharos. Knowl- forced to make a harrowing journey Hidden in the most difficult terrain of edge of the place remains more rumor through the planes of existence. Some- the unconquerable Galenas is the than substantiated fact, but one thing is time during this ten-year trip, Ephran dreaded Citadel of Assassins. Some- known: the Nentyarch dwells there. Lit- stumbled into a world between the where between Bloodstone Valley and tle more than that is known about this planes, a place where everything and ev- Ironspur, the bandit army has made its powerful wizard, for he does not take eryone was distorted into nothing more home base. kindly to intrusion. Even the centaurs than a series of connecting lines. Like the proverbial bad habit, this of the fringes of Rawlinswood take In this home of “stick-men,” Ephran bastion of wickedness and its foul ad- great pains to avoid him. found a means to escape the wrath of herents seem unconquerable. Twice Dun-Tharos itself is said to be a hun- the Red Wizards. He returned home the bandit army has been routed; twice dred square miles of permeating evil. bringing his pole-tower, a gift from the its troops have been cut down, and the Local druids are quick to point out that friends he made in the stick-world. Ap- survivors sent scampering into the darkness and evil may go together parently, however, Ephran was person- mountains. Even the Citadel itself was symbolically, yet they are not one and ally affected by his stay there! His waist blasted. But the bandits, and their home the same. Still, even the druids agree measures a scant ten inches around, his base, have returned. that the Nentyarch should be viewed shoulders no more than twelve, and his A new Citadel was built somewhere in with suspicion. Whispers through the neck only four! Those who know him the same general vicinity as the old. Ru- trees speak of grim beasts, perverted say these measurements decrease mors say that parts of the old building creations, and horrid slaves of the month by month. were magically transported to the site of mighty wizard. But Ephran retains his jollity, the the new. The Grandfather of Assassins is Neighboring nations view the place same gift of mirth that got him into the no fool, either. By observing how his for- with suspicion. Impiltur keeps a wary soup with the grim Red Wizards in the tress was thrown down by Gareth and eye on the region, and the Nars will not first place. He takes his tower around his friends, he learned from earlier mis- go anywhere near the forest. With all the land of Impiltur in a cycle of unend- takes. This new Citadel is even nastier that has happened in Damara recently, ing parties and merry-making. People than its predecessor, making it a power- Dun-Tharos remains unexplored by any smile and nod whenever they wake to ful fortress indeed! Every corridor of that nation’s heroes. The twelve Lords the sight of the yellow banner. houses at least one trap, and every room of Imphras II would eagerly hire any ad- is designed to destroy an unwelcome venturer willing to delve into the forest The Bloodstone Gates guest as painfully as possible. and enlighten them on Dun-Tharos and With barely half of the construction The Citadel is no place for a novice its suspicious and powerful ruler. burglar to learn his trade. Even a mas- completed, the Bloodstone Gates are al- ter thief would find himself testing wit Ephran’s Skinny Tower ready being regarded as one of the won- and skill against the most devious and ders of the Forgotten Realms. Even dangerous minds in all the Bloodstone It starts when a thirty-foot high pole ap- skeptics grumbling over outrageous Lands. pears mysteriously on the outskirts of a costs agree that these two incredible for- The bard Riordan Parnell composed a city somewhere in Impiltur. A yellow tresses may forever change the com- song now popular in northern Damara. banner flies over it, emblazoned with a plexion of the region. At the very least, Although he has not seen the new Cita- picture of a stick man. A few years ago, the Gates guarantee that the Barony of del, he describes it fittingly: the people would have scratched their Bloodstone will remain a major factor in

38 events occurring in the territory. The maran Gate, although it is strategically Construction on the western fortress only sensible route through the Galenas, vital. The eastern Gate has entrances will continue through the coming winter Bloodstone Pass is soon to be secured. leading into the tunnels of both the and should be finished by early spring. Baron Gareth Dragonsbane and his Warren and the Bloodstone Mines. The The total Bloodstone militia stationed friends funded the project with quanti- east headquarters will be the primary here numbers only 500, but they are su- ties of the treasure they found on their supply route for the entire Gate in perbly equipped. Furthermore, they adventures in the Abyss. Thousands of times of siege and severe winter have few responsibilities but the Gate it- men and dwarves toil long hours every weather. No more than 300 soldiers, mi- self. Only a minimal amount of patrol- day (and they are well-paid) to speed litiamen, will be quartered at this loca- ling is done around the immediate area construction. All the inhabitants of tion at any given time. These soldiers of the anchoring fortresses. Bloodstone understand that when the will rotate among the guard towers The Vaasan Gate’s primary mission is Gates are completed, their own exist- along the wall. to block invasions from the untamed ence in this hostile land will be secured. The duties of the Bloodstone militia kingdom to the north. Its role is more and the Order of the Golden Cup ex- than that of defense, however. The Gate The Damaran Gate tend beyond the maintenance and secu- also provides a forum for trade and di- The most ambitiously-designed of the rity of the Damaran Gate. Patrols ride a plomacy, and serves as a home base to Gates is the Damaran Gate, which will 30-to-40 mile circuit to keep a constant adventurers. seal off the southern entrance to Blood- watch on the lesser-known tracks lead- Many interior chambers of the stone Pass. The completed wall will ing into Bloodstone Valley from the Ga- Vaasan Gate house traders, merchants, stretch for more than three miles, stand lenas. Every day, patrols depart from and craftsmen. The Gate itself has be- thirty-five feet high and twenty feet each end of the Damaran Gate at the come an important marketplace. Min- thick, and be sectioned by flat-topped same time. They travel opposite sides of ers and farmers from Vaasa can get fair guard towers every 300 yards. The en- the Bloodstone Pass north to the Vaasan market value for their goods, which tire length of the wall is hollow and will Gate, arriving there at nightfall. The frees up time for more production of be patrolled. Each guard tower sup- two groups meet and exchange news. those goods. The dwarves of Clan ports a contingent of 50 soldiers. All At dawn, they cross to the opposite side Hillsafar are being encouraged to trade told, only three entrances are planned of the Pass, and head south again. through the Gate. Plans have been for the Damaran Gate. Massive iron The Damaran Gate is hardly more drawn for a tunnel fifteen miles long, doors are well-defended, standing in than a skeleton now, but is expected to which would connect the Vaasan Gate the shadows of imposing fortresses at be completed by the end of next sum- to the easternmost digs of Clan Hillsa- the eastern and western ends of the mer. Already the fifteen guard towers far. The dwarves could then bring their Gate. One much smaller entrance are operational: each bears ballistae minerals direct to market without risk- passes between the central guard tow- and pivoting catapults. ing surface transportation—a distinct benefit over crossing the wilds of Vaasa! ers of the wall. This last is designed for The Vaasan Gate small parties, single riders only. The Vaasan Gate fulfills another pur- The western end of this construction Counterpart to the Damaran Gate, the pose by providing a haven to the hardy is anchored by a castle. Three towers Vaasan Gate bars Bloodstone Pass from people who brave the dangers of the and a courtyard are built in the shadow invasion from the north. It is a smaller northern kingdom. Food and supplies of a tall mountain, and two hundred structure, but no less sturdy. The wall are stockpiled here, and temporary chambers are cut into the mountain. of the Vaasan Gate is barely a half-mile shelter is always available. All this is of- This castle houses the Order of the long, but is fully sixty feet high and fered at no charge. Even weapons can Golden Cup, Gareth Dragonsbane’s or- thirty feet thick. The top of the wall, be purchased at below-normal costs. der of hold warriors dedicated to Ilma- from mountain to mountain, is a jumble The baron’s generosity is founded in ter. These well-equipped and well- of heavy weaponry—mostly ballistae good politics. Gareth believes that trained paladins represent the corner- and catapults of various sizes. Only one through such tempting offerings, Da- stone of the Baron of Bloodstone’s mili- entrance passes through the gate, on mara can move closer to taming Vaasa. tia. The final number of soldiers in the the western end. He is determined to win over the militia is intended to be between 500 Like its southern counterpart, the hearts of the people of the Sunderland. and 700. How many will be paladins, Vaasan Gate is anchored on both ends by Finally, if Vaasa’s meager farmland can and how many ordinary fighters, has fortresses built into the sides of the be made more prosperous, Bloodstone yet to be determined. mountains. Both the wall and the east- will benefit. Although the Barony can Expectations are less ambitious for ern fortress of the Vaasan Gate are com- support itself on the fish from Lake Mi- the fortress at the east end of the Da- plete, except for the little details. dai if it must, a broader support sys- tem is desirable.

39 The Vaasan Gate serves a related pur- chosen, then modified, for the inhabit- ally there are twice that number. Since pose, one that is, perhaps, the most im- ants’ solitude, so trespassers had better the clan works the mines around the portant mission of all. While its be wary! clock in shifts, several hundred other counterpart, the Damaran Gate, is The climb up to the cave itself is a bar- dwarves are usually in the immediate manned solely by Bloodstone soldiers, rier; at times, the way seems almost area. As one might expect of dwarves, an open invitation has been extended to vertical. Other defenses of Hermit’s Hill their armor and weapons are always adventurers and mercenary companies have been made quite formidable. close at hand. Even the youngest fight- to come to the Vaasan Gate. These folk Three rings of boulders circle the spur ers of Clan Hillsafar have attained at may use the Gate as a home base for below the cave. These may be dropped, least the 3rd level. their expeditions into Vaasa. To further section by section, activated by levers encourage these people, bounties have inside the cave or by automatic trap The House of Hurl been placed on the ears of certain crea- mechanisms rigged along the moun- An increasingly frequent, always wel- tures, as follows: tainside. Tree stumps and rocks which come sight in the Galena Mountains is might have offered cover from such a Goblin: 2 gp the glowing red chalice beacon atop the landslide have been torn away by the Orc: 3 gp House of Hurl. This unusual place is stone giant. Trespassers are defenseless Gnoll: 4 gp home base of the equally unusual in the face of the onslaught. Hobgoblin: 4 gp “Thunkers of the Thunkers.” This port- Quite simply, the two recluses just Bugbear: 7 gp able tower is a variation of Doern’s In- want to be left alone. No one, man or gi- Ogre: 10 gp stant Fortress, and it has all of the ant, is welcome. Why would anyone Giant: 50 - 100 gp (by type) defensive and structural strongpoints bother these two? It is believed that the of the more common version. However, Rates for other monsters are negotia- hermit knows more about the inhabit- Hurl takes things one step further. ble, but usually quite generous. Offi- ants of the western Giantspires than Hurl uses his place to forget about cials will also pay well for valuable anyone alive. He even knows secret tun- the hardships of the road as only a information, such as the whereabouts nels to some hobgoblin lairs that the dwarf can. To get through the iron of a certain bandit army... creatures themselves don’t know door, the password is “Party!” and it The Vaasan Gate truly provides a about. But a party of PCs would have to must be spoken with gusto. Inside, Dungeon Master with the opportunity do some very fancy talking and creative guests find a lavish lounge and restau- to continue a campaign with PCs of any bribery to reach the top of Hermit’s Hill! rant, complete with magical bar- level. The northern slopes of the Ga- tenders and barmaids, and a ten-piece lenas are teeming with monsters of Hillsafar Hall band. Casks of fine wine and strong ale every strength and number (see The The most impressive fortress in all of are magically restocked every time the Black Holes of Sunderland, p. 36). The Vaasa is not the city of Darmshall nor tower is closed down, as are the stores Vaasan Gate gives PCs a sanctuary at even Castle Perilous. Hillsafar Hall wins of meat and other good foods. which to resupply and heal up. The that honor. Hillsafar Hall is the name for Hurl sets the place up each night— Gate even allows for the possibility of the entrance caverns to the mine com- even if he’s in a dungeon complex! He mentors and instructors to aid PCs ad- plexes of the dwarven Clan Hillsafar. and his companions welcome any who vancing through the levels. These outer chambers were built for come in the name of fun. Guests will find Hermit's Hill just one purpose: defense. A long tun- themselves well-treated (even elves!) but nel leads into the first chamber. The they will be taunted mercilessly if they Stories about Hermit’s Hill are favorite tunnel walls are lined at varying heights refuse to compete in the nightly arm- fireside tales told throughout the small on both sides by arrow slits, and mur- pulling contests. These competitions al- farm villages of eastern Soravia. der holes loom above. The tunnel floor most always result in an all-out barroom Though surely exaggerated, these sto- holds no less than ten cunning stone- brawl. Things usually begin with a fight ries of a crazy old man with the work traps. Every section of every floor between Hurl and his twin brother Burl. strength to throw huge boulders actu- in the entry is in the sights of some Both dwarves possess girdles of stone gi- ally have a basis in fact. wickedly effective war machine. ant strength and they therefore wind up On the high slopes of Candle Moun- Though they are primarily con- in an unresolved draw—which inevita- tain on the western fringes of the Giant- cerned with their lucrative mining op- bly leads to fisticuffs! spires lives an old recluse. His only erations, this clan of dwarves has lived The House of Hurl did not originate in friend is an equally aged stone giant. in Vaasa too long to be caught with their the Forgotten Realms. It was brought Their home is a cave atop a steep spur guard down. At least fifty dwarves are here by the dwarf from his original of the mountain. The place has been always on active guard duty, and usu- home in some distant world. The Red

40 Wizards of Thay have offered a reward of the rooms look out into the daylight; Riding the Remorhaz of 50,000 gold pieces to anyone who the other half are underground cham- can obtain it for them. bers dug right into the mountain. The monks of the Yellow Rose have The monks of the Yellow Rose are as- a spectacular and dangerous initia- The Ice Run cetic and simple, but they are deter- tion-adventure. PCs will want their mined to create beauty in hardship. rightful shot at this exhilarating Any adventurer wandering to the Their toils are matched by their stam- enterprise! Vaasan stretch of the Great Glacier ina, and both seem boundless. No monk Before any monk can challenge to would be wise to avoid the maze of ice- works less than 16 hours each and become a Master of Dragons (8th walled pathways known as the Ice Run. every day. The lower initiates are re- level), he or she must pass one of the The twisty Ice Run snakes its way all sponsible for the bare necessities of most astonishing initiations ever de- along the face of the Great Glacier, and survival. They labor in the meager gar- vised. Armed with magical iron- encompasses several hundred miles of dens, haul ice to be melted for water, or and-leather spurs and a simple trails. Most of the paths are open to the forage on the bleak mountainsides. lasso, the monk must attempt to sky, but this only makes things worse for Their efforts enable their more skilled ride on the back of a remorhaz. This a person trapped in the maze, for the superiors time to concentrate on creat- is done by lassoing the monster as it light of the sun glitters dizzyingly off the ing sculpture and tapestries. rambles past an appointed outcrop crystalline walls. The danger does not Few visit this place casually, for the of rocks. The monk leaps to the stop there, however. Anyone trapped in trails are not easily found or followed. white worm’s back, plants the spurs the Ice Run had better be handy with a Those who do manage it, find the jour- firmly, and rides along (still stand- weapon, for the area is the haunt of ney worthwhile. The monastery is a ing, of course!) for a distance of at northern bears and remorhazes. spectacular museum, with every room least one hundred yards. The only people who know how to exhibiting artwork and architecture re- In game terms the procedure is navigate this maze are the barbarians of flecting the supreme discipline of the straightforward. The monk must White Worm. They use the place as a de- order. It is a monument to the ages, an make a “to hit” roll with the lasso fensive retreat, hiding in the twisty cor- ever-growing tribute to the painstaking against Armor Class 10. Failure does ridors. The White Worm tribe considers stubbornness that has allowed man- not mean the attempt to ride has the Ice Run holy ground. They would kind to rise to dominance in the been botched, simply that the monk not be kind to uninvited intruders. Forgotten Realms. must wait for another remorhaz to The Monastery of the Extensive catacombs twist through come by. However, if the monk Yellow Rose the mountain under the monastery, misses three times, he or she loses threefold in purpose. Some sections experience. The monk is reduced to Also known as the Citadel of the White serve as burial vaults for deceased the middle of the 7th level, and can- Worm, the Monastery of the Yellow Rose monks. In another wing, a vast cellar not challenge for the 8th level until was founded before either Vaasa or Da- holds vats of wine that the monks make the lost experience has been re- mara. The monks who established the from blueberries they collect. Finally, earned. The monk may, however, at- monastery more than a thousand years the catacombs house the most complete tempt to ride the white worm again ago crossed over land that would be- archives of the Bloodstone Lands to be after one week has elapsed. come Damara when that unborn nation found anywhere. Once the monk has lassoed the was still overlain by the Great Glacier. Each year, mid-level monks lead ex- beast, he or she leaps on, stamping Their order is devoted to Ilmater, the peditions down the mountain to gather the spurs into the white worm’s god of suffering and endurance. These data in the cities of Damara, Impiltur, back. This means two separate at- fanatical devotees sought the most in- and in even Vaasa and Narfell. They tacks. A remorhaz is normally Ar- hospitable and difficult region they concern themselves with news of local mor Class 0 in this area, but due to could find as the place to locate their births and deaths, travelers passing the special design and magic of the temple. Not surprisingly, they eventu- through and newcomers settling in the spurs, the monk need only hit Armor ally came to the highest peaks of the region. It is no wonder that Gareth Class 8 to plant a foot. Earthspur Mountains. Dragonsbane asked the Monastery of At least one spur must be planted The building itself is enormous. Each the Yellow Rose to verify the lineage of for the monk to have any chance of generation of monks adds new struc- the Duke of Carmathan! And it is no success. If one or both are planted tures and digs out deeper chambers. more a wonder that the man is just a (doing damage equivalent to the Built on the stony side of a jagged moun- little worried. monk’s open hand damage: 3-9 for tain peak, the monastery overlooks the 7th level), the chance for success is Glacier of the White Worm. About half

41 Nar-sek Qu’istrade The Pit determined by the extent of damage. Ten points of damage offers a base Nar-sek Qu’istrade is one of the few Strange indeed is the nasty phenome- 40% + 5% per point of dexterity neutral meeting grounds among the non known as the wandering pit of over 15. For every point of damage tribes of Narfell. Also called Horseshoe Vaasa, or simply, the Pit. The Pit is be- over 10, add 5%. (This gives a 7th Canyon, it is located on the northeast lieved to be a creation of the Witch- level monk with an 18 Dexterity a spur of the Giantspire Mountains, a cir- King’s, let loose when Castle Perilous maximum 95% chance of success, cular bay of waving grass, sheltered by crumbled. No one has determined the doing total damage of 18.) Conversely, for every point of high, sheer cliff walls. Five square miles Pit’s true nature. It may be a portable, damage under 10 inflicted by the in area, the single entrance to the place inanimate trap, or several separate but spurring attacks, subtract 5%. is a crack only wide enough for two similar traps, or some weird living be- (Thus, a 7th level monk hitting with riders to go abreast. ing. Whatever its nature, the thing can- both spurs but doing minimum dam- Shallow caves line the rear walls of not be ignored. Even the dwarves of age of 3 points each, for a total of 6, the canyon. The hardy Nars frequently Clan Hillsafar, ever doubting and suspi- would have only a 20% + Dexterity sleep out under the open sky and put cious, recognize the thing’s existence, bonus chance of success.) up their horses in the caves. Superbly and they have put up a bounty of 500 If only one spur is successfully defensible and protected from the gold pieces for information leading to planted, or if the monk attempting harshest storms, Nar-sek Qu’istrade is its destruction. the manoeuvre is lower level, the chance might be less still. The propo- often visited by the various Nar tribes. Apparently, the Pit can blend into any sition gets even more grave, for any In the coldest days of winter, several landscape. It has caught people walk- monk missing with both spurs, or tribes may congregate together, despite ing, and even riding. It has appeared in failing the ride, takes the full conse- being fierce rivals out on the open the bogs of Vaasa, in the grassland of quences of touching the back of a grassland. An unbroken truce exists in Sunderland, and in the rocky foothills white worm: 10-100 hit points of Horseshoe Canyon and peaceful friend- of the Galenas. The Pit shows up as a 20' damage with no saving throw! Gen- ship is the norm. square hole that opens abruptly under- erous Dungeon Masters may allow On the occasions when a tribe comes foot, as if spring-loaded. Victims drop PC monks of the Yellow Rose to score under attack by a foreign invader, the ten feet to a floor of spikes dripping double damage on an attack roll of people try to make their way to Nar-sek with poison, and then the trap’s ceiling 20 when spurring. It should come as no surprise that Qu’istrade where they light special ar- springs shut. the burial catacombs under the Mon- rangements of fires. These beacons sig- One adventuring party saw their astery of the Yellow Rose house the nal an SOS to other tribes in the area, point man fall in and land on the spikes. remains of many would-be Masters and help is sure to come quickly. When But before they could get to his aid, the of Dragons. the Witch-King began massing his arm- trap closed. Desperately they dug for ies along the banks of Icelace Lake, the their friend, cutting a trench fully eight Nars gathered their own forces, using feet deep. But they never found the Pit, Riding the remorhaz is one of the Nar-sek Qu’istrade as their home base. or their doomed friend, again. toughest tests of skill and courage in the Forgotten Realms. Yet no monk at Nar-sek Qu’tel Rilaunyr‘s Warship the monastery who had earned enough experience has ever refused to Similar to Nar-sek Qu’istrade, Nar-sek Now in dry dock at Sarshel, Rilaunyr’s attempt the challenge. Most monks Qu’tel is a smaller canyon, only a few Warship was once known as the scourge will try their skill at least once, even if hundred square yards of area. It is lo- of the Easting Reach. Swift and strong, it they are of a much lower level. Many cated on the western slopes of Hark’s patrolled the length of the Reach and out of the younger masters ride the re- Finger, the solitary mountain jutting up into the Sea of Fallen Stars. morhaz on a regular basis, sometimes from the flatlands of central Narfell. In the heyday of the Impilturian port as often as once a week! For the monks, this is more than a test. To Nar-sek Qu’tel is used by tribes caught city, the ship protected merchant ves- them, the white worm symbolizes the unexpectedly in exceptionally bad sels putting into or out of Sarshel. Then courage and determination that marks storms on the open grassland. There the shipments of bloodstone bars their order. Conquering the beast, rid- are no caves here, and the entrance is stopped flowing down from Damara, ing inches away from death or serious wide, allowing both the wind and ene- and Sarshel’s importance waned. The injury, is a statement of their devotion mies easy access. Although the canyon Lord Rilaunyr could see how the winds to St. Sollars the Twice Martyred. This is so small, the same principles of neu- were blowing, and brought his pride inner strength is greatly respected by trality hold here and no tribe is ever de- into dry-dock for refurbishing. everyone in the Bloodstone Lands. nied access, no matter how crowded Rilaunyr longs to get back to sea. He the canyon becomes. hopes that the flow of bloodstone will

42 HILLSAFAR HALL Scale: 1 Square = 10 feet

1. Entry Hall: traps are depressed blocks releasing spring blades la. Murder corridors: arrow slits to entry hall 2. Formal Hall: traps are pits, also dropping grates to block entry to 2a. 2a. 45-angle ballistae. 2b. Storage ballistae bolts. 3. Inner Hall: portcullis crank in 4. 3a. Ballistae. 4. Guardpost liaison to barracks. 5. Barracks. 6. Meeting hall. 7. Armory. 8. Store-room (Mining equipment and Gems for Market).

soon resume, and restore his city to its lightning bolts. The clerics provide sup- aged with terror. The winter, the former prominence. When trade is re- plies and heal the crew when they are ill wolves, or something more evil had ap- stored, Impiltur’s crossed wand and or wounded. Daily, they commune with parently killed every person in Monte sword banner will once again fly their deity to keep Lord Rilaunyr in- Veldelio. The group found no survivors proudly above the deck of this formida- formed of the fickle attitude of the god of the devastated community, and no ble vessel, to the dismay of pirates hun- of waters, and of his domain. bodies. Nevertheless, they said that the gry for merchant prey. people of Monte Veldelio returned to The ship herself is a three-masted The Ruins of Monte Veldelio dwell in the empty buildings of their ninety-footer. She carries a sailing crew town every night—as ghosts. One of the first mining towns run by of thirty, and a hundred fighting ma- The empty town stands in the humans in Damara was Monte Velde- rines. Mini-ballistae line her ironbound mountains still. Some of the buildings lio. The rugged community was lo- sides; a catapult shoots from the flying are falling down, but most are still in cated in the mountains of Arcata near deck in the rear, and two massive ballis- fair condition. The town offers a false the the junction of the Galena and tae are directed over the prow. welcome to weary travelers passing Earthspur ranges. For ten years, The real power of Rilaunyr’s War- through the mountains. PCs might Monte Veldelio prospered, with miners ship lies in magic. When fully manned, find Monte Veldelio a pleasant and trading large hauls of silver and iron she carries six magic-users, levels 7-13, convenient campground . . . until the each spring and fall. and a complement of twelve clerics of sun goes down. But then something happened. Like Poseidon, one of whom is a 15th level all mountain mining communities, high priest. The Warren Monte Veldelio spent each winter in iso- Three of the magic-users possess rings lation, cut off by snow-blocked passes. The Warren is one of the most inge- of air elemental control; they keep the But one spring, the miners did not re- nious and defensible complexes in all sails filled with enchanted wind. The turn to market. the Forgotten Realms. Located in Blood- other three handle the offensive and de- An expedition was sent out from stone Valley, the Warren encompasses fensive chores, surrounding vulnerable Valls, but when the few survivors of more than three hundred miles of in- areas in globes of invulnerability and lay- that party returned, they had literally terconnecting tunnels. ing low pirate ships with fireballs and

43 The Warren was dug during the The Warren is well-defended still. from the monks’ mountain home. The reign of the Witch-King by the Alliance Any would-be invader would be exact number of these places is not of Belt Watchers, a partnership of the smart to raise an army of kobolds or known, but is estimated to be well over dwarves of Clan Orothiar and the half- pixies. The tunnels of the place are de- a hundred. lings of the Waukeshire. The industri- signed for little folk, and most are The Watcher’s “Mounds” are not nec- ous little folk worked day and night, cramped even for halflings. Orcs or essarily mounds at all. They might be a completing the initial network of tun- men would have to crawl—an un- lean-to, or a hidden firepit in a tiny cave nels in less than a month. pleasant position from which to face a overhung by a cluster of boulders. In The dwarves of Clan Orothiar have halfling warrior specifically trained whatever form, Watcher’s Mounds re- moved on to reopen the Bloodstone to fight in tight places. main an open invitation to travelers in Mines, but the Warren’s defenses are Catching the halfling community un- the Earthspurs. To goblins and orcs, no less formidable for their absence, awares would prove equally difficult. these are simply pre-built, defensible and more tunnels are always being This is a wary bunch, who learned bit- campsites, which they often use. added. One now being worked on will ter lessons in the past. At the first sound The goodly folk of the surrounding connect the Warren to the eastern for- of trouble, be it a centaur horn or a kingdoms know that a Watcher’s tress of the Damaran Gate. halfling shout, the folk of the Mound might provide much more than The main nest of tunnels lies under Waukeshire disappear into tunnels just a place to stay for the night. Some- the woods of the Waukeshire. A second- within their own homes—tunnels where on every site lies a secret cache ary labyrinth leads through three con- which all connect by a single passage to of dried foods, water, even adventuring necting tunnels to Warrenwood. These the Warren. This long entry has more supplies such as a tinderbox or a knife. tunnels delve under the Beaumaris than 20 doors leading out of it, 19 of These goods might be hidden under a River and include several flood pits to which are cunningly trapped. Only the stone or perhaps in a tree hollow. Even destroy invaders. Fredegar and his half- halflings and their allies know which is PCs unfamiliar with the Bloodstone ling militia now run the place, and their the right entrance. Lands are likely to have heard of this, at primary goal is the perfection of the in- The centaurs have formally allied least as a rumor. terior traps and defenses. with the halflings, and centaur sen- Aside from the monks, rangers are Though an extensive project, con- tries constantly patrol the two wood- the most common visitors to a Watch- struction of the Warren was kept secret lands. In return, the defensive needs of er’s Mound. Rarely short of supplies, for more than a year. Only the dwarves the centaur community have been at- rangers are more apt to leave goods and halflings, and the centaurs of War- tended to. Two secret chambers have behind than to deplete the stores. renwood and the Waukeshire knew of been recently constructed, one in War- Thus, any mound visited by PCs is it. The diggings only came to light dur- renwood and one in the Waukeshire. likely to be well-stocked (90% chance ing the Bloodstone Wars. With their entrances hidden under that this is so). The Polten-Morov-Ostel alliance sent brush, these chambers provide the Dungeon Masters should note that a force to Bloodstone Valley, to ambush centaurs with a shelter for their weak supplies in the mounds are intended the returning army of Bloodstone. The and young, or for all of them in times for necessity, not convenience. PCs of invaders camped beyond the banks of of desperation. Iron doors seal off the Good or even Neutral alignments the Beaumaris, in Warrenwood. Cen- chambers from any menace outside. should not simply loot a mound. In taur sentries alerted the forces of the Once these are bolted, only the half- fact, if they have extra supplies, they Warren, and a plan, drawn up months lings within the Warren can approach, would be wise to leave something be- before, was immediately put into mo- making their way through back tun- hind. The rangers and monks take tion. Sneaking up to ground level nels to their centaur allies. note of looters, and often form opin- through trapdoors disguised as tree ions about parties being considered trunks or boulders, the halflings cut Watcher’s Mounds friend or enemy based on their behav- the invading army into isolated ior at one of the mounds. Although the The Watcher’s Mounds are a series of rangers and monks have better work groups. The invaders’ threat ended in encampments built by the monks of the a single night when 100 southerners than to seek retribution on a party of Monastery of the Yellow Rose through died, and 900 were captured and held casual looters, they would be quick to the southern stretches of the Earthspur come to the aid of a party in danger in underground caves. Not a single in- Mountains. Construction of new camp- who previously had behaved better. vader escaped. sites continues along the trails down

44 MOVERS AND SHAKERS

This isolated region is so filled with inter- Afrafa Banak esting and powerful individuals that it Wanders (Arcata) Citadel of Assassins would require a sourcebook much larger 11th level monk 20th level cleric than this to list them all. Most of the Da- LG, Ilmater CE, Orcus? maran provinces, all of Impiltur’s great Human female Human male cities, and each tribe of fierce Nars are led WIS 16, DEX 17, CHA 17 WIS 18 by noteworthy individuals who have sur- Afrafa is the highest ranking female Banak was once the reigning evil priest rounded themselves with mighty friends. ever among the monks of the Monastery in all the Bloodstone Lands. He had at- Add to this the large number of colorful of the Yellow Rose. She is also the young- tained 24th level, but his power has de- adventurers now roaming the opening est monk ever to ride the remorhaz, a clined with the fall of his vile deity. frontier of Vaasa, and you have an impres- deed accomplished when she was 15 Nevertheless, his experience and obses- sive group indeed! years old and only 2nd level! But that is sively evil nature keep him in power and For the purposes of this work, then, only one feat in a long line for this coura- he remains one of the commanders of the here are the leaders and wanderers most geous and energetic woman. Now 25, she Grandfather of Assassins’ bandit army. likely to add color to an adventure or cam- is Master of the South Wind and prepar- Banak retained his 1st through 3rd level paign in the Bloodstone Lands. They ing to challenge for 12th level. spell abilities in full when Orcus fell, and might appear as NPCs, or even as PCs (in Afrafa idolizes the monk Kane, viewing somehow he still manages to use a higher the case of those characters which first him as the epitome of what it means to be appeared in the H-series of modules). level spell now and then. No one knows a monk of St. Sollars. She has followed whether he found a new god-figure to re- Kane’s lead and now wanders the foothills place his deposed deity, whether he had a Abordabe of the Galenas and the Earthspurs in Ar- stockpile of scrolls hidden away, or Central Narfell cata. She lives a subsistence-level exist- whether some magic item empowers him 30th level fighter ence and helps wherever she might. Her with the more important spells. His asso- LN, Tempus dark hair and saucer eyes shine past the ciates never doubted that Banak would Human male squalor of her lifestyle, and her looks of- find some way to reclaim his lost power. ST 17, DEX 18, CN 16 ten get Afrafa into trouble with scoun- Banak’s speciality and love is for the As leader of the largest tribe in Narfell, drels. But her beauty obscures her realm of undead. Every day he casts ani- Abordabe supervises the massive Trade toughness and inner strength, and she mate dead spells on whatever corpses he Fair each summer. He is at least 65 years can take care of herself. At heart a roman- has managed to acquire. The Grandfather old, but seems in no way ready to relin- tic, Afrafa does not hate men, but those of Assassins and his chief advisor, Knel- quish his command to a younger, who pursue her with twisted smiles and lict, are worried that Banak is trying to stronger warrior. beery breath find themselves much the create his own separate army. The Grand- Abordabe is not a big man, only 5’3” worse for the experience! father and Knellict have simple plans: and 145 pounds. What he lacks in size he they pursue wealth and security working more than makes up for in skill and expe- Bahooha Shortsleeves with the thieves’ guild of Heliogabalus. Ba- nak’s agenda would first see the bandits rience. His tribe numbers nearly 4,000, Wanders (Impiltur) conquered, then he could claim Vaasa as but few would even imagine challenging 3rd level fighter/4th level thief his own. The evil priest craves another him for the throne. All the folk of Abor- LN, Brandobaris try at conquest. dabe rightly believe that their leader is Halfling male PCs wandering in the Galenas east of the finest warrior in Narfell. However, ST 17, DEX 18, CN 16 Bloodstone should be wary of Banak. when time finally takes away their vener- Bahooha Shortsleeves, “Bahoo,” is the While the cleric is unlikely to risk a per- able ruler, at least 100 warriors will vie best friend and traveling companion of sonal face-to-face battle, he might order for the chieftainship. the gnome Bistro Battenrooj. Unlikely as it his zombie and skeleton forces against an Abordabe is as wise as he is battle- seems, Bahoo fancies himself a barbarian encampment. Alternatively, he might skilled. He is slow to anger and quite toler- fighter. Folks in the know believe that the send his staff of the adder to crawl in un- ant of outsiders (for a Nar). PCs caught by illusionist gnome uses hypnosis spells to noticed among a sleeping group. In his tribe Abordabe will have a fair chance of foster Bahoo’s delusions. endless quest for cadavers, Banak is not being released. They may even get per- Whatever the cause of his fantasies, Ba- averse to creating a few on his own! mission to continue adventuring in the re- hoo is extremely gifted for one of his race. gion, so long as their actions are Strong, agile, and tough, Bahoo has the honorable, with no malice. physical attributes to back up his boasts, although he is bravest before the fight be- gins. His mentality remains pure halfling. For all his huffing and puffing, Bahoo would rather run than fight.

45 Bistro Battenrooj Cantoule Wanders (Impiltur) Monastery of the Yellow Rose 4th level fighter/4th level illusionist 17th level monk NG, Garl Glittergold LG, Ilmater Gnome male Human male INT 16, DEX 16 ST 17, WIS 17, DEX 18, CHA 16 One of the few surface gnomes in the At 40, Cantoule is young for his station region, Bistro Battenrooj is possibly the as the reigning Grand Master of Flowers. most colorful character PCs will ever He was pressed into the position when encounter. He is a fighter/illusionist by Grand Master Poke died, and Kane pro- trade, but proclaims himself a monk. He fessed no desire to hold the station for does manage to look the part, despite his any extended period. Even then Cantoule diminutive stature and his outrageous was not the next most obvious successor. hat—yellow and green, wide-brimmed, Unfortunately, the man who was next in and feathered. He wears plain clothing line, a 15th level monk named Temmenis- and travels light, thanks to a belt pouch che, was also 95 years old. Kane and Tem- that is really a bag of holding. For weap- menische realized that Cantoule would be ons, he uses only a dagger, a crossbow, or the most appropriate successor, so they his walking stick (jo stick), all suitable for put him through a crash course of the a monk. higher level lessons. But under Bistro’s plain robe and cape is Cantoule continues his lessons even as a form-fitting, custom-made suit of fine el- he presides over the monastery. Times ven chain mail (+ 3). Bistro is quick to cast are peaceful, tradition keeps things run- a phantasmal force if the armor is in dan- ning smoothly, and the young Grand Mas- ger of being discovered. Thus he explains ter seems up to the task. His first serious his incredibly hard skin as “a testament to test will come in the near future when he his deep levels of concentration.” must decide who the monastery will sup- Typically, Bistro utilizes all his illusion- port among the would-be kings of the Da- ist tricks to support his disguise. In battle, maran region. All indications point to he will try to slip in on the enemy’s flank Gareth Dragonsbane as his choice. and launch a color spray. Then he will Cantoule freely accepts visitors to the wade in among his stunned and uncon- monastery. If they are worthy (Good scious opponents, punching and running alignment), he might give them a private about. His allies get the impression that he audience. Cantoule will be directly or in- took down his opponents with his deadly directly involved with any significant open hand combat style, as Bistro camou- actions that PCs take in the southern flages this maneuver with phantasmal Earthspur Mountains. force spells. If his allies are also engaged in combat, they have very little chance of Cat One-eye discovering his tricks. Wanders (Damara) When Bistro first encounters adventur- 21st level thief ers, he will play his other favorite game, NE, None especially if the party shows any doubt of Half-elf female his claims to be a monk. Casting a phan- IN 16, DEX 18 tasmal force, Bistro goes through an open Cat One-eye is a dangerous agent of the hand and jo stick attack routine. The spell Assassins Guild. She is a “snuffer,” a con- makes him appear as if he had six arms, tract murderer who finds the most diffi- all moving in a coordinated blur. cult hits the most appealing. Whether Bistro really believes his claim, Cat One-eye is a diminutive woman, or whether he just enjoys the challenge of standing only 4’6” and weighing perhaps maintaining the disguise has never been 85 pounds soaking wet. She is not unat- determined. Insiders suspect the latter. Af- tractive, with long dark hair and deep ter all, Bistro is responsible for the hypno- brown eyes, but anyone looking closely sis spells that delude his halfling traveling will spot the coldness within, the passion- companion, Bahooha Shortsleeves. less void common to one of her vile trade.

46 Unlike many professionals in her trade, Today Celedon continues his heroics as Cat One-eye simply enjoys killing, a leader of Spysong, the Bloodstone scout- whether or not money is involved. If she ing network. As chief spy in the Galenas, encounters a band of PCs on the road, she Celedon has been working to discover the is apt to attempt their demise for the chal- whereabouts of the new Citadel of Assas- lenge of it, or for any attractive treasures sins and the bandit army. However, he is they might be carrying. presently encamped on Suncatcher Whenever she is about to make a hit, Mountain investigating the strange cloud Cat One-eye dons a magical eye patch. that has enveloped the spire. Celedon sus- This item casts a continual silence 10’ ra- pects that the cloud is a magical kingdom dius when worn. It also has the power to of cloud giants, but he wants a closer look hypnotize one victim (save at -4). before reporting to Riordan Parnell. He Given Cat One-eye’s penchant for dan- tells himself, “It’s not wise to make as- gerous challenges, it is feared in Blood- sumptions,” when he feels the need to jus- stone Village that her latest target may be tify his delay. In fact, he knows that cloud Gareth Dragonsbane himself. When she giants might have a bauble or two he has a target on the agenda, she is less could take before the army rolls in. likely to engage in casual killing. No one knows where this killer is now, but she Christine Dragonsbane was last seen in Heliogabalus. Bloodstone Village Celedon Kierney 7th level druid N (G), Sylvanus Wanders (Galena Mountains) Human female 8th level magic-user/ CHA 17 24th level thief-acrobat Lady Christine, Baroness of Bloodstone, CG, Dionysus is possibly the most influential woman in Half-elf male Damara, even above Baroness Sylvia of IN 18, DEX 18, CHA 16 Ostel. Somewhat aloof and haughty with Handsome, young, and adventuresome, most people, Christine nevertheless un- Sir Celedon is a hero in the truest sense of derstands the diplomatic demands of her the word—he always shows up when he station. She is the wife of Gareth Dragons- is most needed. A master thief and a bane and would become Queen if the new skilled magician, Celedon is a powerful Bloodstone kingdom comes to be. ally. He possesses many magic items, in- Christine inherited her title when her cluding an ebony fly figurine of won- father, Baron Tranth, gave the throne of drous power and a defender sword +4. Bloodstone to her new husband. Had she But when the trouble is over, Celedon’s not married, Christine would soon have true character shines through. He is a become the Baroness anyway. Tranth lover of wine and women, a prankster could see she was ready to rule, and no who often enrages his closest friends, one in Bloodstone doubted her ability to particularly the somewhat stuffy Gareth lead them. When the bandit army first ap- Dragonsbane. Celedon has little regard peared, before Gareth and his friends ar- for titles or station, and views “etiquette” rived on the scene, Lady Christine was as an invitation to have fun. the first to stand up to them. By the time An original member of the company of Gareth and company rolled into town, heroes that rose against the bandit army she had already organized the militia. in Bloodstone, Celedon served as Com- Gareth knew when he married Chris- mander and Chief Scout in the Bloodstone tine that she would be his partner, not a Army throughout the war years. In the fi- subservient wife. Christine has taken an nal battle with the Witch-King, when active role in Bloodstone’s rise to power, Gareth and company traveled to the acting as the principal emissary to two Abyss, it was Celedon who stole the Wand very important allied groups, the cen- of Orcus and delivered it to the Seven taurs and halflings of the region. She is a Heavens for its final destruction. This he- druid, and Gareth a paladin, but neither roic act effectively ended the war. one considered that either of them should change their religious callings. Gareth

47 and Christine have a wonderful marriage This move is a gamble—many of Ree’s fol- and the acquisition of knowledge and and plan on a large family as soon as the lowers would turn away from him if they spells. When age started to catch up with situation in Damara settles down. knew he was associating with the wicked him, he retired to teach magic in the cen- Citadel of Assassins. But Dimian Ree seeks taur academy he founded. Dimian Ree a way to strike out against the rise of The war with Vaasa destroyed the Bloodstone, as he must if he hopes to rees- school, and ended his hopes for a peace- Heliogabalus tablish the Kingdom of Damara with him- ful place in which to pass his twilight 11th level thief self as its king. years. Nearly 60 at the time, Emelyn took CN, Ilmater? up his staff of the magi and set out. He Human male Dormythyrr joined up with Gareth and company soon IN 16, CHA 16 after, rounding out the group with his As Gareth Dragonsbane’s principal rival Goliad powerful magic. for the throne, Dimian Ree is deeply and 5th level fighter During the ensuing rise of Bloodstone, firmly rooted on the seat of power in He- LG, Ilmater Emelyn took as his apprentice the daugh- liogabalus. He bears the title of the Baron Human male ter of a baker, Gabrielle, who hopes even- of Morov and is a rightful, though distant, ST 17, CHA 16 tually to become Emelyn’s wife. With the heir to the title of King of united Damara. When times seemed darkest for Bran- help of Lady Christine, they began re- Cruel and ruthless, Dimian Ree wants diar, when the Witch-King had once again building the centaur school, seeking the power and will stop at nothing to achieve sent his forces crashing through the prov- quietude Emelyn desires. it. To this end, the Baron of Morov sur- ince, a single man rallied the Duchy into Events continue to interfere, however. rounds himself with powerful but vile al- unity and brought precious reinforce- Gaunt and white-haired, Emelyn finds lies, and enthroned behind a wall of ments to the army of Bloodstone. That himself chasing adventure once again. As murder and intrigue. man was Dormythyrr, a simple farmer leader of the Twilight Riders, he rides It is no secret that Dimian Ree is first tilling his fields on the outskirts of Goliad. through southern Damara delivering cousin to Tarkos Ree, head of Heliogaba- Brave and handsome, and wise beyond Gareth’s hopes and promises to the people. lus’ infamous thieves’ guild. This tie hurts his 25 years, Dormythyrr won the hearts It is a testament to his loyalty and intelli- Ree’s esteem in the farm communities, of Brandiar’s people, and the friendship gence that Emelyn is able to pull off this but actually strengthens his position in of Gareth and company alike on that fate- often difficult diplomatic mission, for he the city provinces. Few wish to cross the ful day. He assumed the stewardship of has never been known as a tactful man. thieves’ guild, especially not the mer- the empty Ducal seat, and he remains He is and always has been a complainer, to chants of Heliogabalus. there today. But the Witch-King com- say nothing of being absent-minded and Dimian Ree claims Ilmater as his god, as pletely eradicated Brandiar’s noble line, sometimes bumbling. But in times of true he must in order to win the allegiance of and it is increasingly obvious that soon danger and need, Emelyn is as powerful the Damaran people. He attends services Dormythyrr will be officially declared an ally and as deadly a foe as anyone regularly, but actions speak louder than Duke of Brandiar. would ever know. ritualized words. It is apparent, to his crit- He is a thoughtful man, slow to anger, ics at least, that this man is a godless ty- one who trusts his common sense. Most Friar Dugald rant, without concern for punishment to importantly, Dormythyrr is absolutely come in some unknown afterlife. dedicated to the Duchy and to its place in Bloodstone Ree blundered badly when he refused the region as a whole. He is firmly behind 22nd level cleric to send his army to support the army of Gareth Dragonsbane and the proposed LG, Dionysus Bloodstone in their struggle against the Kingdom of Bloodstone. Human male Witch-King. Ree expected Zhengyi would WIS 18 prove victorious once again. When the Emelyn the Gray Bald, immensely fat, and with a con- Witch-King fell, Gareth was hailed as a stant smile stamped on his face, Friar Du- Wanders (southern Damara) hero, and the Baron of Morov had to gald’s appearance hardly hints at the 21st level magic-user work furiously to salvage his position. man’s power. Always up for a good meal LG, Ilmater Presently, Dimian Ree appears to have and a good drink, the friar has waded Human male recouped his losses; his position is strong into more than one barroom brawl in his IN 18, DEX 16 once again. His primary ally after the days. Of course, his behavior is frowned The most powerful mage in the region, thieves’ guild is Baroness Sylvia of Ostel. upon by the more stodgy members of the Emelyn the Gray would like nothing bet- Sylvia’s allegiance is assured by her cer- clergy. But while those stuffy ministers ter than to settle down among the cen- tainty that, if Dimian Ree falls, she will remained secure behind their chapel taurs of Warrenwood and pursue mild surely follow. walls, Friar Dugald was out fighting for scholastic challenges. This is quite a While Gareth’s support swells, Dimian the cause of good, even traveling to the change from his youth, when he was an Ree cannot rest. He has reached out to a Abyss to thwart the rulers of the lower ardent adventurer looking for excitement third ally, the Grandfather of Assassins. planes!

48 Dugald resides in Bloodstone these During this period, Gareth fell in love compassionate leader. He is always think- days, supervising the growth of the bar- with, then married Lady Christine, ing of the good of the clan and ready to ony and ministering to his swelling flock. daughter of Baron Tranth of Bloodstone. help out wherever he is needed. He is arguably Gareth’s closest advisor, Tranth was weary of rule. Seeing the met- Grumble got his nickname through his and in his own simple manner he has tle of his new son-in-law, he abdicated, re- habit of constantly mumbling to himself done as much to solidify the possibilities linquishing his title to Gareth. mostly complaints or uncomplimentary for a new and better kingdom as has the The new baron remains as energetic a comments. He is a straight-shooter, saying Baron paladin himself. The funds he has ruler as he was a fighter. He has engi- exactly what is on his mind and the conse- donated to the city of Goliad will build neered the unprecedented rise of Blood- quences be damned! If he doesn’t like the greatest church in the land. If the stone, and on him lie the hopes that this someone, he’ll tell them so in no uncertain loyalty of the Duchy of Brandiar had once-flourishing kingdom may be re- terms. Conversely, if a PC makes a friend been in doubt before, Friar Dugald’s stored. It is no accident that Gareth would of Grumble, that character will have actions guaranteed the province’s ear- rise to such heights. Unlike many of his gained the most powerful and loyal ally in nest enthusiasm. The money was given profession, he is quite tolerant of others, all of Vaasa. anonymously, although his identity viewing the range of goodness as wide leaked out (conveniently). enough to include those who may falter Hedweck Now Dugald walks among the common occasionally. Gareth has won the hearts Wanders (Vaasa) people. He inconspicuously listens for any and the loyalty of people all across Da- 14th level barbarian fighter news indicating an attempt might be made mara, a devotion that grows as his reputa- LG, Tempus against Gareth’s life. He is anxious about tion spreads. He understands the value of Human male the bandit army, and eager for word of his friends and his allies, and takes great ST 18/00, DEX 18, CN 18 their whereabouts. With his mace of dis- care not to offend those whose ultimate An incredibly impressive physical ruption comfortably in hand, he wants to goals are also directed toward the overall specimen, Hedweck stands 6’5”, weighs personally end the threat of the evil priest benefit of the kingdom. 260 pounds, and has 125 hit points. Banak and his undead legions. Despite the protests of his over- White Worm’s “spirit hunter,” the bar- protective friends, Gareth refuses to rule barian spends his days roaming the Gareth Dragonsbane from the security of an “ivory tower.” He frequently rides among his people on his Vaasan bog. A spirit hunter is always the greatest warrior of the people, sent out Bloodstone warhorse Glendan, crying out for the by the shaman to battle “evil spirits” that 21st level paladin cause of good. He bears Crusader, his holy would invade the tribe’s domain. As it LG, Ilmater sword, raised high above him (see below). Human male happens, a spirit hunter considers any ST 18/30, CN 17, CHA 18 Crusader one he meets to be an evil spirit! Thus Gareth Dragonsbane, Baron of Blood- +5 holy avenger long sword this magnificent man is doomed to a soli- stone, is undoubtably the most important •All holy avenger abilities as de- tary life of endless battle by his own and impressive man in all of Damara, per- scribed in the Dungeon Master physical prowess, and by such enhance- haps in all of the Bloodstone Lands. A holy Guide, plus: ments as are worked by the shaman. knight of the Order of the Golden Cup, Heal 1/day Hedweck wields Bonecrusher, a gigantic Gareth had a glorious and prosperous ad- Strength 1/day +3 magical maul (damage 2-20), and wears venturing career until he settled on a Charm person on contact 1/day the sacred wormskin vestments of White large estate in northern Damara. But then Furthermore, Crusader will disinte- Worm (treat as AC2, not including dexter- arose the Witch-King, and Gareth Dra- grate any minor creature from the ity bonus). The shaman’s tinkering makes gonsbane’s life would never be the same. lower planes on an unmodified “to matters even worse for potential enemies: His comfortable home was destroyed hit” role of 20. the barbarian is under deadly hypnotic in- while he was fighting the war as a Brigade fluences. He fights in an absolute rage: + 2 Commander in the Damaran army. Garumbelly Hillsafar to initiative, + 2 to hit, and 3 swings/round When the first phase of war was over, He will continue battling for three rounds Sunderland, Vaasa and the Witch-King victorious, a despon- after reaching 0 hit points, regardless of 7th level fighter dent Gareth met six special friends: the extent of further damage. LG, Moradin Olwen Forest-friend, Friar Dugald, Cele- If Hedweck is defeated, his corpse trans- Dwarven male don Kierney, Riordan Parnell, Emelyn the forms into the semblance of a remorhaz ST 18/50, CN 18 Gray, and Kane, the wandering monk. then dissipates to be carried on the cold As leader of Clan Hillsafar’s 2,000 This powerful group came to Bloodstone winds back to the tribe on the edge of the sturdy dwarves, Garumbelly “Grumble” where they spearheaded the defeat of the Great Glacier. Another spirit hunter will Hillsafar wields great power indeed. bandit army, the fall of rival provinces, then be chosen and augmented by the sha- Gruff and surly in appearance and atti- and finally, the overthrow of the Witch- man’s hypnosis (raising his ability scores tude, Grumble is really a generous and King himself. appropriately). Naturally, this new war-

49 rior’s first mission will be to hunt down named for his smell. Even his fellow Nars, Shortly after he attained the Master of and kill the slayer of his predecessor. brutal people in the truest sense of the Spring rank, the second highest in the or- word, cannot fathom the depths of this der, Kane took a vow of poverty and set Hobart Bracegirdle man’s cruelty. He was kicked out of the out into the world. No one seeing him on tribe because of his unbridled savagery. the road would ever guess at the real Wanders (Damara) His people would have killed him, but power of the man. Dressed in rags and 5th level fighter they fear he is possessed by some mighty leaning on his walking stick (jo stick), he LG, Yondalla evil spirit. deliberately works at the most menial and Halfling male Horse is as proficient in camouflage as a physically demanding jobs to earn his ST 18/00 (gauntlets), CHA 17 tundra yeti (surprise on a 1-5). He will at- daily bread. Snorting commands from astride his tack whenever it is convenient to him, Kane’s lifelong quest is to discover a prized war-pig, Hobart Bracegirdle and day or night. If the day grows long, or if a higher plane of existence. It seems that he his fellow Kneebreakers scour the Da- party outnumbers him by more than 3 to is reaching this goal, for rumors say that maran countryside in search of wrongs 1, he will wait for darkness. he has attained a “spirit walking” ability. In needing righting. This tough-talking half- If the sun is high, Horse often employs his meditative position, Kane can send his ling warrior inspires his fighters to new deadly hit-and-run tactics. His favorite mind across any physical distance or into heights of bravery—almost to the point move is to spring up right in the midst of a any plane. Then, through sheer concentra- where they will engage in combat even traveling band and plant a poisoned, tion, he brings his corporeal body along. when they’re not actually cornered! barbed spear in the back or side of the Kane distinguished himself at the Battle In truth, Hobart is a fine leader for his nearest rider. This spear will be attached of Bloodstone Village. He joined up with band. He is a long-spittin’, rootin’-tootin’ by cord to a nearby rock or stump. Hav- Gareth and company in their struggles ruffian (in the halfling context) and he ing little slack, the cord pulls taut within a against the bandit army. Dodging wiz- wants to make his name rank with the round, dismounting the rider nine times ards’ lightning bolts and boulders cast by names of such heroes as Olwen Forest- out of ten. Horse disappears into the land- giants, Kane cut through the hand-picked friend or Kane the monk. scape before the party can even get their bodyguard of the Grandfather of Assas- PCs encountering Hobart’s band will be mounts turned around. sins and brought the man down with his in for an adventure for sure. Once it is de- If caught in open battle, Horse fights bare hands. After the battle, Kane left cided that the groups are on the same with two hand axes. His weapons are dou- Gareth’s entourage because he was called side, the Kneebreakers will join up with bly deadly, whether axe or spear. Horse back to the Monastery of the Yellow Rose. the PC party, bringing with them endless has learned the secret of passawaw grass, The monastery’s leader had died sud- tales of heroism and courage. In the end, the primary ingredient in a very virulent denly, and Kane was considered next in Hobart will probably lead the entire poison. The barbarian dips each and line. The monk accepted the responsibil- group into a complete mess and then fight every one of his weapons in this evil con- ity thrust upon his shoulders and tempo- a retreating action with his band as the coction before battle. The gummy sub- rarily took over the leadership of the PCs scramble to put things right. When stance remains on the speartip or monastery until a new Grand Master of the fighting is winding down, the Knee- axeblade for one full turn + 3-12 rounds. Flowers could be trained. breakers will roar in from the flank, cry- Anyone struck by these coated weapons That duty done, Kane is back on the road ing out their goddess’ name, waving must save vs. poison at + 2, or take an ad- again, working as Spysong’s principal shining weapons above their heads. ditional 4-24 points of damage. agent in Vaasa. Using his carpet of flying If forced into honest battle, Hobart and and his spirit walking ability, he has trav- his companions will actually prove them- Kane eled to the farthest reaches of this desolate selves to be able fighters. Hobart wears land. Presently, he visits the barbarians of gauntlets of ogre power and wields a +4 Wanders White Worm, the only foreigner to do so defender short sword. (He always uses 17th level monk since the downfall of Zhengyi. Kane used the bonus for defense!) LG, Ilmater his talents at riding the remorhaz to awe Human male the superstitious barbarians into accepting Horse DEX 17 him as an emissary. Taken in as an orphaned infant by the Wanders (Narfell) Monastery of the Yellow Rose, Kane be- Knellict 8th level fighter/l2th level thief came their most successful student. Life NE, None among the monks of the Order of the Yel- Citadel of Assassins Human male low Rose is an exercise of self-restraint 21st level magic-user DEX 18, CN 16 and self-sacrifice, and Kane is devout NE, Orcus Horse has been the bane of many indi- even by their high standards. He spends Human male viduals caught out on the open Narfellian no less than four hours meditating and IN 18, DEX 17, CHA 16 grassland, and even small groups are not four hours practicing his skills every day. There may be no more dangerous a safe from him. Small and dirty, Horse was man in all the Forgotten Realms than this

50 quiet, unassuming wizard. Perhaps the Marco Wildfeet finds himself in a situa- the fastest route to a sanctuary such as biggest regret of Gareth and his friends is tion similar to that of Dormythyrr, the Hillsafar Hall or the Cave of the Whisper- that, although they have twice routed the Steward of Brandiar. Both men have been ing Wind. bandit army, the Arch-mage Knellict con- unofficially placed in a position of power tinues to elude them. and, like Dormythyrr, Marco has come to Mykros Knellict rose to power over years, or per- fame through deed, not blood. Leader of Valls haps centuries, of obsessive study. Never- the Soravian Talebringers, Marco draws 10th level fighter theless, he remained fairly anonymous the hopes of the people of Soravia. They LG, Ilmater until he became the Witch-King’s principal look to him to unite the province, a task he Human male advisor. Zhengyi himself learned to fear seems well on his way to accomplishing. ST 18/26, CN 16 this emotionless mage, and shipped him A humble man, Marco wants to do his As Commander of the Arcatan Ducal off to the Grandfather of Assassins. duty to his countrymen and then fade Guard, Mykros is Duke William the 8th’s Knellict enjoys his present role in the into the background of peacetime politics. right-hand man. However, Duke William Grandfather’s organization. It was Knellict He is not comfortable being in the public does not control the man, for Mykros’ un- who first suggested that the Citadel go un- eye, and has every intention of nominat- dying loyalty is directed to the kingdom as derground and knit ties with Tightpurse, ing Olwen Forest-friend, the general from a whole. He feels that its brightest hopes the thieves’ guild in Heliogabalus. His ad- Bloodstone, to be the next Duke of Sora- lie with the heroes who threw down the vice is never taken lightly, even by the via. PCs in Soravia would benefit greatly Witch-King and Mykros is actually in Grandfather of Assassins, and Timoshenko from any meeting with Marco and his league with Baron Gareth of Bloodstone. rapidly set the plan into motion. The charges. They will find Marco pleasant Commander Mykros is a quiet, observ- Grandfather might have seen the wisdom and engaging, a valuable source of infor- ant man. He will take an interest in a party of the mage’s plan, or perhaps he was sim- mation and a loyal ally. of any note who comes into the Arcatan ply afraid to argue the point. Knellict has a capital. If he judges a party to be honorable very free reign, and the whole bandit gang Mariabronne the Rover and worthy, he will inform them of the op- is devoted to the service of evil. The Vaasan Gate portunities awaiting them at the Vaasan Kyrlraun ? level ranger Gate and steer them toward Bloodstone. CG, Mielikki Lyrabar Human male Myrddin Viligoth 20th level paladin DEX 17, CN 18 LG, Ilmater Mariabronne the Rover is a wandering Wanders (Damara) Human male ranger who knows the Vaasan wilderness 14th level wizard CG, Ilmater ST 17, WIS 17, CHA 18 as well as any man alive. Dark and Human male Leader of the Lords of Imphras II, rugged-looking, his face wears a perpet- IN 18 Kyrlraun is, in effect, the governor of all ual scowl although he is really an easy- of Impiltur. Queen Sambryl, less inter- going, unjudgmental man. Mariabronne Myrddin Viligoth was raised in the ested in affairs of state, rarely makes deci- can often be found at the Vaasan Gate, strange eastern land of Thay and came to practice magic in the towers of the vile sions or even a public statement without looking to sell his services as a scout to Kyrlraun’s knowledgable advice. parties venturing into Vaasa. He believes Red Wizards. Like so many of their very young recruits, Myrddin did not realize Kyrlraun’s success stems from the same in the policy of taming this wild land and traits that serve Gareth Dragonsbane so will adjust his fees to accommodate the the true nature of these evil wizards until he had been among them for many years. well. He is a paladin, but tolerant and un- wealth of the party involved. derstanding of those of an inferior station. Mariabronne’s level is flexible, giving Unlike many others, Myrddin had the strength and courage to flee this evil band The present situation in Damara is his big- Dungeon Masters an opportunity to gest concern. If PCs of any importance bring this NPC into any campaign. As a and their wicked land. He came to Da- mara shortly after the fall of the Witch- came into Impiltur from Damara, Kyrlraun general rule, he should be two or three would surely arrange a secret meeting, levels above the party average. For inex- King and sought out the heroes who had defeated Zhengyi. Powerful beyond his probably in the mining town of Dunfee, to perienced Dungeon Masters, this can seek current information from them. serve as a convenient “out” if they create years, he carried warnings to them of the foes who overmatch the PCs. Maria- potential threat represented by Thay. Emelyn the Gray took the still-young wiz- Marco Wildfeet bronne’s magic can likewise be manipu- ard under his wing. lated to fit the campaign. Soravia Whatever his level, this scout’s most im- It was Myrddin who saw that Gareth’s plan for a 8th level ranger portant aspect is his knowledge of the new kingdom needed LG, Ilmater/Mielikki Vaasan wilderness. Mariabronne knows grassroots support in the south. With Human male where to find adventure, and if the party Emelyn, he founded the Twilight Riders. ST 16, WIS 16 gets in trouble, Mariabronne will know The Riders straddle magical steeds which

51 Myrddin creates using a sunhorse spell, all around his enemies, hiding in optimum Riordan’s value to Gareth and company magic he devised while in Thay. With this positions and raining destruction upon over the last few years cannot be underes- spell, Myrddin creates enchanted steeds them from afar. From the treants he res- timated. In addition to keeping a short rein from the last rays of sunset or the first cued, Olwen learned the secret of creat- on Celedon (something only Riordan seems rays of dawn, one for every level of his ex- ing magical arrows, even arrows of able to accomplish), the bard’s rousing perience. These magical mounts last 24 slaying, so he is particularly deadly in this songs kept the fires of hope burning in the hours, until the next respective setting or type of guerilla warfare. face of the most terrible setbacks. rising of the sun. His current exploits are not quite Riordan continues to serve the cause to- Myrddin is a very private person. He enough to engage all his attention. Olwen day. His melodies echo off the rocky moun- only recently took the god Ilmater as his hopes that he will meet up with Hurl and tain walls as he wanders the passes of the patron deity and is enthusiastic, if not Burl and Rangers Three (the Thunkers of Galenas. He is the cornerstone of the Spy- preachy, about his new faith. He accepts the Thunkers) before they engage in their song scouting network, and considers him- those whose ways deviate from his own climactic battle with the rampaging band self personally responsible for all of its personal code, but he has no tolerance of stone giants known as the Thunkers. members. As if he weren’t busy enough whatsoever for evil. designing the infrastructure of the spy net- Quillan the Sage work, Riordan also weaves most of the dit- Olwen Forrest-friend ties that carry the coded messages back Bloodstone Village down to his allies in Damara. Soravia Sage PCs encountering Riordan in the moun- 21st level ranger N, Sylvanus tains will probably find him alone or with LG, Mielikki Human male one other member of Spysong. He will be Human male IN 16 pleasant and friendly. Because he is so ST 18/24, DEX 17 More than 70 years old but hardier than knowledgable in regards to the goings-on A hearty outdoorsman with a bushy he looks, Quillan the Sage is an advisor to in the region, he might have a suggestion black beard and a laugh that shakes the Gareth Dragonsbane. His pride, though, for those who are seeking shelter or ad- walls of inns, Olwen Forest-friend wan- lies with the time he has worked with venture. In spite of his overwhelming dered into Damara at the kingdom’s dark- Lady Christine, now Baroness of Blood- workload with Spysong, Riordan might est hour and helped bring back the light. stone, for it was he who trained Tranth’s also be tempted to tag along with a Olwen was no stranger to battling evil daughter in the druidical ways. party—just for the fun of it. wizards when he joined up with Gareth Quillan’s areas of knowledge include and the others. He had lost all his fol- legends and folklore, history, and flora of Sylvia lowers in a desperate battle to save the the Bloodstone Lands. While the legends, race of treants and had taken to the road folklore, and history of the region are the Praka alone and despondent. But sorrow could most valuable to the reigning Baron, it is 14th level magic-user not bow down this boisterous ranger for the flora of the Bloodstone Lands which LE, Ilmater? long. Tidings of evil days in Damara most fascinates Quillan. When asked any Human female brought new fire to his deepset eyes. question, he will undoubtably work in IN 16, CHA 16 Olwen always remained in the back- some remark about local plants. Like her closest ally, Dimian Ree, Baron- ground of the exploits of Gareth and com- ess Sylvia of Ostel proclaims Ilmater as her pany, but they acknowledge his value as Riordan Parnell god. Most people seriously doubt this, for the solid anchor to the group. Presently, the wicked baroness hardly behaves like a Wanders (Galena Mountains) Olwen leads a large contingent of the follower of the god of suffering. She sur- 21st level bard Bloodstone army on its rescue mission rounds herself with luxury at the expense (8th level fighter/9th level thief) through the last Vaasan strongholds in of her hard-working people, and has per- Half-elf male northern Soravia. The ranger makes sonally witnessed more than two dozen ex- DEX 16, CHA 16 friends wherever he goes, particularly ecutions of her political opponents. Others Handsome and dashing, Riordan among the children of these war-torn vil- present at the time report she wore a vile lages. He presents a very positive image in Parnell is as mischievous and adventure- look of satisfaction on her face. some as his cousin, Celedon Kierney. His Soravia, an example of what the new Sylvia’s power in Praka is firmly rooted; life has been a rollercoaster ride between Kingdom of Bloodstone might have to of- she has charmed or frightened all the riches and poverty, but whatever his fer. There are even rumors that Olwen landowners in the city to her side. But will be named the next Duke of Soravia, a present financial state, Riordan is always outside of that city, the baroness is truly ready for adventure. He enjoys equally position he secretly desires. despised, especially within the bounda- stealing a kiss from a fair lass or hunting Olwen bears boots of speed, a cloak of ries of her own province. Sylvia is not down the bandit army. He is a thrillseeker, elvenkind, and a longbow of the forest blind to the opinions around her, nor is (+1 strength bow with double normal living his life to the fullest and always on she stupid enough to believe that the shel- the edge of disaster. range). His favorite battle tactic is to run ter of Praka’s walls will protect her for-

52 ever. She is a desperate woman, grabbing the most efficient manner possible. The imposing size and strength, and a perpet- onto Dimian Ree’s coattails as though her fighters and thieves of Tightpurse are ex- ual snarl on his lips, he fights with a own life depended on his success—as it pected to follow the Guildmaster’s lead in wickedly-edged two-banded sword (+5!). probably does. their approach to business, and if is a When the bandit army was thrown Similarly, the baroness will grasp for guild member steps too far out of line, he down and the monk Kane killed the any party of PCs near Praka who have at- will survive no longer than anyone else. If Grandfather of Assassins, Timoshenko tained any notoriety at all. If they are ob- the miscreant remains within the city rose to new heights of power. Backed by vious supporters of Gareth Dragonsbane, walls, that won’t be for very long. The Arch-mage Knellict, the mighty fighter she will seek to have them captured or thieves’ guild has its limits. Tarkos must stepped in as the new Grandfather of As- killed. If they have professed no alle- keep the merchants somewhat appeased, sassins ahead of the cleric Banak. With his giance, Sylvia will try to use her consider- and so he cannot afford to protect rene- power diminished by the fall of his deity, able wiles to woo them into her court. gade rogues. Banak could not openly challenge the Tarkos will, however, throw the full awesome power of Knellict and Ti- Tarkos Ree weight of his organization in the path of moshenko together. anyone moving against Dimian Ree. His As Grandfather, Timoshenko has out- Heliogabalus cousin has dangled a large carrot before performed even Knellict’s expectations. 24th level thief his eyes, promising the guild a greatly ex- He has proven thoughtful and conserva- LN, none panded sphere of influence. If the old tive, making each move carefully in an ob- Human male Kingdom of Damara is reinstated with Di- viously delicate situation. He is wise IN 16, DEX 16, CHA 16 mian Ree on the throne, Tightpurse will enough to heed Knellict’s advice, and tact- As Guildmaster of the thieves of Tight- greatly prosper. ful enough to keep Banak appeased, al- purse, Tarkos Ree wields as much power though he is ready to have the priest in Heliogabalus as his cousin Dimian, and Timoshenko killed if Banak shows any hint of revolt. possibly more. Merchants allow him free Moreover, Timoshenko is strong enough run of the city, and most Damaran nobles Citadel of Assassins to keep his legions squarely in line. fear to cross him. The underground 19th level fighter Presently, Timoshenko’s main concern guild’s defensive structure has withstood LE, Orcus is protecting the secrecy of his new Cita- all attacks and sabotage for more than Human male ST 18/90, CN 18 del. He knows that Gareth’s eyes are two centuries. Before the rise of Bloodstone, Ti- watching for him, but he is not sure Tarkos leads his guild with simple logic, moshenko served the bandit army as the what the Baron has already learned. He an attitude which is not so much evil as commander of a brigade dedicated to pu- dearly wants a member of Spysong cap- purely pragmatic. If someone gets in the nitive expeditions. This savage and cruel tured for interrogation. way, Tarkos will have him eliminated in fighter was perfect for the role! With his

53 TRAVELING BANDS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Just as there are many strongholds in even the dwarves are looking to expand even managed to reclaim many of their the hostile Bloodstone Lands, so there on the alliance’s strength. King Rug- losses. are many alliances and defensive pacts. gardo and the svirfneblin of Deepearth Nevertheless, they are significantly Friendships may be built long and last- are on fine terms with Clan Orothiar, weaker than they were during the ing among allies facing a common foe, and the gnomes may soon come into the reign of the Witch-King. Two factors in and certainly the people of the Blood- fold as well. particular the bandits’ leaders cannot stone Lands have enough foes in com- The Alliance of Belt Watchers is a sig- wholly undo. mon to go around. nificant force, one to be reckoned with. First, some of their most powerful Those with ill intent also band to- Gareth Dragonsbane pays particular at- troops deserted when the stone giants gether for strength. After the demise tention to keeping the favor of Tokan, left, taking along many ogres to form an of the Witch-King and the ensuing William, Ruggardo, and Kiros of the independent force called the Thunkers. chaos, adventure and booty have been centaurs. With nearly 500 toughened Second, when Gareth and company easier to locate, if no easier to take! Da- dwarven fighters, 200 halfling archers crushed Orcus, the bandits’ High Priest mara and Vaasa have attracted many and trained tunnel fighters, 150 mobile Banak literally lost his god. The evil traveling bands, adventurers both and deadly centaurs, and possibly 500 cleric lost his higher level spells, and the good and evil. svirfneblin warriors, the army of the al- Amulet of Orcus crumbled into dust liance is superior to forces mounted by when the foul god was banished. This Alliance of Belt Watchers most of the Damaran provinces! powerful magic item had allowed Ba- In spite of their apparent power, the nak to raise hosts of skeletons, zombies, The communities of halflings and pact is strictly intended for defense. No ghouls, and wights, and to summon dwarves lived in Bloodstone Valley long group has designs beyond their own more powerful allies from the lower before any organized settlement of hu- borders; the halflings and centaurs did planes. Its loss eliminated the Undead mans arose. It is only natural that the not even travel south with the Blood- Brigade, one of the primary fighting centuries of co-existence would forge a stone army during the wars. They sim- brigades of the bandit army. strong bond between the two peoples. ply do not want intrusion into their Like the army itself, Banak is weak- This bond was made official with the homelands. Their defensive strategies ened but he still remains a powerful fig- formation of the Alliance of Belt Watch- are intricate, cunning, and well- ure among the bandits. He has used ers, an organization for mutual defense rehearsed. simple animate dead spells to rebuild set up during the first year of Zhengyi’s Moreover, their defenses strengthen the skeleton and zombie contingent of reign. Mayor William of the halflings of every day. The groups’ leaders are bril- his once-mighty brigade. the Waukeshire worked with Tribal liant tacticians. Gailan commands the Today’s bandit army consists of ap- Chief Tokan of Clan Orothiar to draft an Dwarven Guard, Fredegast is Sheriff of proximately 100 goblins, 50 orcs, 12 official document spelling out each the Halfling Militia, and Valon is the cen- bugbears, 15 ogres, and 6 hill giants, side’s responsibilities and expectations. taurs’ War Chief. The centaur leader is along with the 50 fighters and thieves All the halflings and dwarves accepted particularly able. These three have the who make up the assassins’ guild. The the terms; all hoped the alliance would responsibility and the reserves to im- bandit leader Timoshenko, a veteran help secure their prosperity against an prove security in Warrenwood, the fighter, understands that only disaster otherwise dismal-looking future. Waukeshire, and the Bloodstone Mines. awaits if the bandit army tried to oper- The Witch-King eventually fell, but These communities have seen too much ate as openly as they had when the the Alliance of Belt Watchers has not hardship and devastation to let down Witch-King stood behind them. Gareth been weakened. Both groups have their guard again. and the unified forces of Bloodstone are signed separate treaties with Blood- simply too powerful for the bandits to stone Village, both groups also consider The Bandit Army face. By going underground, the bandit their mutual relationship as the corner- army has managed thus far to keep a stone of their security. Clan Orothiar The bandit army provides perhaps the profile low enough to elude Blood- had an extensive agenda when they re- greatest impetus for keeping the Alli- stone’s determined search. turned to the Bloodstone Mines, but the ance of Belt Watchers together. This re- Banak cannot see this. He dreams of dwarves’ first move was to construct a silient force continues to exist, even to reorganizing the scattered forces of connecting tunnel to the halfling bur- thrive, in their secret valleys of the Ga- Vaasan scum and subduing the region. rows of the Warren. lena Mountains, even though they have Many around him think Banak has The halflings have brought into the been twice defeated, with their fortress slipped a bit from reality since Orcus alliance a third powerful group, the reduced to rubble. The leaders of the was banished. centaurs. This move met grudging bandits continue to elude pursuit from Therefore Timoshenko has followed agreement from Clan Orothiar, but the Bloodstone army, and they have the advice of Arch-mage Knellict, much

54 to the dismay of Banak. Always an op- The special cages prevent any magi- orcs receive a gold piece, bugbears and portunist, Knellict showed the Grandfa- cal or breath weapon attacks and abili- ogres as much as five. ther of Assassins a better way to ties from inconveniencing onlookers. The payment scheme was the brain- restore the bandits’ prominence. Call- Thus, the blue dragon cannot blow storm of Garuk, a huge and cunning ing in some old debts, the bandit army away the spectators with its breath, nor goblin (treat as a 5HD monster), and has strengthened its ties to Tightpurse, can the xorn transmute through the also exceptionally opportunistic for his the powerful thieves’ guild of Helioga- cage floor. race. The initiation upon joining the balus. Rumors say that Tightpurse actu- Unfortunately, the cages are not infal- tribe is glossed over as a show of loyalty ally fronted the money for the new lible. Two years ago, Dr. Trundles trav- and savagery. Each new member cuts Citadel of Assassins. eled in Damara, earning a good living off his left ear and presents it to Garuk. Linking up with Tightpurse has given visiting many of the scattered towns The ears are then supposedly brewed Timoshenko and Knellict new hope for each spring and summer. But disaster into a foul stew shared by all. the future. Tightpurse stands solidly, if struck in the Arcatan town of Valls Insiders know better. The stew is a secretly, behind Dimian Ree. Should the when a bulette tore through the magi- concoction of rodents and roots, while Baron of Morov actually become the cal bonds of its cage. In its rage, it then the ears provide the wealth of the tribe. new King of Damara, the bandit army ripped open the cages of the other mon- Garuk has half-orc connections from and their allies in Heliogabalus stand to sters. All were recaptured except for Palishchuk who regularly visit the benefit greatly. Thus, Timoshenko is de- the bulette, which subsequently terror- Vaasan Gate. It is no coincidence that termined to clear the way for the ized Halfling Downs in Carmathan for the money paid to new members is ap- would-be king. Many of his plans are di- nearly two years. Valls suffered only proximately one-half the bounty of- rected to the elimination of the Baron in minor losses, but Trundles’ reputation fered at the Gate for goblinoid ears. Bloodstone. went sour. Hoping to regain his dignity Gareth and his friends suspect the and his way of life, Trundles moved Heralds of Imphras II dark truth about Dimian Ree, and they south to Impiltur. The leaders of Impiltur consider com- have figured out the probable inten- The Lords of Imphras II accepted munication a key ingredient in suc- tions of the Grandfather of Assassins. Trundles and his traveling show on the cessful rulership. Their policymakers, Therefore, Gareth’s friends have made condition that he strengthen his secu- the twelve Lords of Imphras II, are dis- Spysong’s primary mission to locate the rity. The circus now employs 27 me- persed among the four major cities in bandits’ new base, so the Bloodstone dium to high level (6-13) fighters. the kingdom. These officials keep in forces can deal with these evildoers Three are assigned to each cage, and contact through the aid of magic- once and for all. But even the optimistic all are specifically instructed in effi- users. But the Lords of Impiltur also Gareth doubts that the bandit army will cient ways to battle the monsters cur- consider it vital to keep their common ever truly be eradicated. A force like rently on display. people apprised of important situa- that will forever remain a thorn in the After the Valls incident, Dr. Trundles tions in the kingdom. side of the goodly people living in and stepped aside as ringmaster to take a This is the main reason the Heralds of around the Galenas. more passive role in the operation. He Imphras II ride the countryside. These is a 7th level illusionist and possesses a bands of couriers serve as representa- The Circus of Dr. Trundles wand of wonder, so he performs feats tives of the Lords. They regularly bear of illusion and wonder. The leader of Traveling a circuit through the four ma- news to the outlying villages from the the circus now is Trundles’ faithful as- jor Impilturian cities, the Circus of Dr. major cities, but the Heralds are much sistant, Tamaroo Quinson, a gnome LL. McV. Trundles provides the hard more than simple messengers. They are fighter/illusionist (levels 5/5) with spar- working people of the land with a wel- always led by a fighter of not less than kling blue eyes and a knack for excit- come diversion. The highlight of this 7th level, and they are empowered to ing a crowd. sideshow is an extraordinary collection enforce the laws of the land, even if it of monsters, each held in a specially- Garuk One Ears means doing battle. designed cage of imprisonment which On their routes, the Heralds patrol resembles a circus wagon. Dozens of goblin tribes haunt the slopes Impiltur’s main roads all the way to Bundles has nine wagons of mon- of the Galenas and the Earthspurs, but Haelimbrar’s Watch located in the pass strous wonders: an ancient huge blue one merits special attention. Growing between the Earthspur and Earthfast dragon, capable of speaking and spell us- rapidly in membership, the Garuk One Mountains. Travelers are likely to meet ing; a chimera; a foxwoman; a gibbering Ears have quite a scam. Every goblinoid up with these men and women, and mouther; a lamia; a pair of leucrotta; a who joins, even an ogre or bugbear, is when a patrol of Heralds hears of new- manticore; an umber hulk; and a xorn. paid cash upon initiation. Goblins and comers, they seek them out. Generally,

55 the Heralds are courteous and helpful, purple hats, stylishly plumed, and their aid Soravian citizens. They are quicker but if they find the foreigners undesir- rich purple capes. still to attack any Vaasan scum they able, their warnings will be both stern find, for their hatred is high against and unyielding. More than one rowdy The Rocktappers of the those who devastated their homeland. adventuring party has been put out of Earthfasts These last few weeks the Tale- Impiltur by the Heralds of Imphras II. bringers have been riding hard to Roaming the mountain wilderness of spread the news of freedom. Because The Kneebreakers western Impiltui are the Rocktappers many of the group fought beside the of the Earthfasts. This is a very loose- army of Bloodstone as it liberated vil- One of the more interesting traveling knit association of solitary prospectors lage after village, the Talebringers are bands in the Bloodstone Lands is the and trappers. The Rocktappers travel great supporters of Gareth Dragons- Kneebreakers. Comprised entirely of alone, but leave signs or supplies for bane. Moreover, many of them have halflings from Halfling Downs in their fellow Rocktappers to find. This is come to know Olwen Forest-friend and southern Damara, the dozen rowdies not altruism, but something more like a consider him their friend and ally. who make up the Kneebreakers long shot at insurance. Because Soravia has no Duke nor any charge across the countryside on sad- The number of Rocktappers varies, other formal leader at this time, the dled war-pigs. depending upon how many new moun- people of the scattered villages of Sora- The group was started by youngsters tain men have recently climbed into the via look to the Talebringers for their di- bored by the unchanging routine of a Earthfasts, how many oldsters have rection. They are particularly heedful sedate halfling existence. These half- given up and left, and how many have of the opinions of Marco Wildfeet. With lings are thrillseekers and brave war- been killed. his customary attention to diplomacy, Each fall, the Rocktappers gather at a riors, at least by their own estimation. Baron Gareth has formally invited In fact, the Kneebreakers are far certain outcropping on the southwest Marco Wildfeet and Pastor Michael to more often boast than deed. They stand corner of the Earthfast range. From an audience in Bloodstone Village. That up to anyone—until anyone stands up this vantage point, they are within view Gareth has Alamo and company on his to them! But they manage to hold onto of Tower Pureheart and the city of side will not hurt support for a new their pride, rationalizing cowardice as Lyrabar. After a week of high rowdi- Kingdom of Bloodstone. “good tactics,” and vowing severe retali- ness, the band stumbles down to the ation “someday” against those who port to sell their season’s take, be it Spysong chase them off. valuable ore or furs. Backed into a corner, the Knee- The Rocktappers generally take on The Barony of Bloodstone’s scouting breakers could actually be quite formi- colorful names like Bearface Giltch or network has quickly become the envy dable. They are led by Hobart Goldsniffin’ Hoots. These people are typ- of all the power groups in the Blood- Bracegirdle, a 5th level fighter who ically outcasts or hermits, living in the stone Lands. Because of this organiza- wields a +4 defender short sword and unpopulated Earthfasts to get away tion, Gareth Dragonsbane is wears gauntlets of ogre power Where from a society that shuns them, or one undoubtably the best-informed leader this 16-year-old halfling got these pow- that they would themselves prefer to in Damara, with a considerable edge erful items has not been determined, shun. over his rivals. and Hobart isn’t talking (for a change). The cornerstone of Spysong's One theory supposes that the eccentric Soravian Talebringers strength is the association of three pow- wandering wizard Ephran gave them to erful adventurers, each with abilities Similar to the Heralds of Imphras II are Hobart. Ephran is the sort to enjoy the that perfectly complement the others’. the Soravian Talebringers. This group, irony of such a little fellow endowed With his carpet of flying and his spirit though, is self-appointed and has no of- with such strength. walking abilities, the monk Kane han- ficial backing. An informal band of The rest of the Kneebreakers include dles most of the long-range missions, es- horsemen riding the eastern farmlands two 3rd level fighters, six 1st level fight- pecially those into Vaasa. Witty and of Damara, the Talebringers are ac- ers, and one 2nd and two 1st level cler- resourceful, the magic-user/thief Cele- cepted by most Soravians, and are well ics. They are the progeny—the sons and don Kierney keeps an eye on situations treated wherever they go. one daughter—of some of the more closer to home, particularly the doings The Talebringers are led by Marco prosperous farmers of Halfling Downs, of the Grandfather of Assassins and his Wildfeet, an 8th level ranger, and his and therefore all are well-outfitted. All evil clan. Bringing it all together is Rior- closest friend, Pastor Michael, a high wear chain mail and are competent dan Parnell, the master bard. Parnell priest of Ilmater. The band numbers 23, archers. Besides the telltale war-pigs, meets with his partners to exchange in- all battle-hardened fighters and clerics. they are easily identified by their large, formation, usually in the Cave of the They seek no trouble, but are quick to

56 Whispering Wind. He transforms their with adventurers from the Vaasan Gate Neither Ironspur or Bloodstone has reports into coded songs that will be on their excursions into Vaasa. the resources to deal with this pesty sung throughout the land. Thus, the group right now, but both want the news is conveyed to Gareth and Dugald The Thunkers Thunkers put down soon. Bounties in Bloodstone, and even to the Twilight have attracted a few adventurers, nota- The Thunkers are, literally, one of the Riders in the distant south. bly the party described below. continuing headaches plaguing the peo- The Grandfather of Assassins is par- ple living in or near the Galenas. The The Thunkers of the ticularly worried about Spysong, and dwarves of Ironspur are particularly has placed a 1,000 gold piece bounty for beset by this gang. Thunkers the head of either Celedon Kierney and This rogue band is led by stone giants The Thunkers of the Thunkers are an Riordan Parnell. In Heliogabalus, Di- who broke away from the bandit army odd band of five hardy adventurers mian Ree fears Spysong will sabotage after its first defeat in Bloodstone Vil- who came into the Bloodstone Lands re- his own spy network if they can infil- lage. The three stone giants who cently. This group did not originate in trate it. founded the Thunkers were once loyal the Forgotten Realms; rather they came These two would be even more con- servants of the Grandfather of Assas- from some alternate world in the multi- cerned if they understood that, like the sins. The Grandfather had promised verse. They seem normal enough, if a Barony it supports, Spysong is growing Rocktooth, Boulderhead, and Bear- bit eccentric. For the last six years, the more elaborate daily. Fifteen bards are crusher they would win great wealth group has wandered across the land, all working alongside Riordan to convey and have fine sport in the winning. the way from the Sword Coast, seeking the coded songs throughout the land. However, the bandits’ defeat at the adventure and fun and leaving hun- Celedon Kierney is only one of 50 hands of the Bloodstone army wasn’t dreds of dead monsters, particularly gi- thieves and fighters searching the Ga- fun, and it wasn’t very profitable! ants, in their wake. lenas and the Earthspurs. As protec- The disgruntled stone giants de- With their unusual view of giants a tion, a number of rangers keep as close serted, taking a dozen ogres and a hill objects of fun, the group naturally an eye as possible on the whereabouts giant with them. They slipped back into found its way into the Bloodstone of Kierney and the others. the mountains, and little was heard Lands, an unrivalled playground for gi- If a ranger reports that one of his peo- from them for some time. Eventually, ants. In the wilds of the Galenas and the ple is in trouble, Riordan Parnell has the they became discontented with a peace- northern stretches of the Earthspurs, means to rush to the rescue. A mobile ful existence foraging in the wilds, and the Thunkers of the Thunkers have strike force of 100 fighters has been the Thunkers were formed. They have found almost daily enjoyment for the commissioned in Bloodstone Village un- traveled the length of the Galenas, rain- last few months. der the bard’s exclusive command. The ing rocks on towns from high peaks and The twin brothers Hurl and Burl are force includes a cavalry of 20 centaurs. burying adventuring parties in un- both 8th level dwarven fighters. They This strike force has no set home base named mountain passes. have befriended fellow dwarves, ex- and is being trained in wilderness sur- The strength of the band has grown changing tales from their own lost vival. This will enable them to remain in in proportion to its reputation. Many world and comparing the histories of the vicinity of the expected hot spots. young stone giants have flocked to join the parallel races. In the bloodstone re- Spysong’s primary mission remains the fun, and ogres and goblins who go gion, they have become allies of Clan discovery of the location and the de- along for the ride are living quite well. Hillsafar, and close friends with Grum- fenses of the new Citadel of Assassins. Recent reports speak of two dozen ble, leader of the clan. However, two of its chief scouts are en- stone giants, two score ogres, and fifty But Hurl and Burl have no intention gaged in adventures which may prove or more goblins now calling them- of settling down. They continue to lead equally important. Celedon Kierney has selves Thunkers. a nomadic existence through the Ga- camped on the slopes of Suncatcher Of course, notoriety has its flipside, lenas, and the red beacon of the House Mountain in hopes of learning more too. The Thunkers pulled off a success- of Hurl is now a common sight east a about the mysterious cloud that has en- ful bombing of Bloodstone Village Bloodstone in the vicinity of Ironspur. gulfed the peak. Meanwhile, Kane is when the army was away in the south (See p. 40 for the description of the somewhere up along the Great Glacier, battling with Carmathan. This House of Hurl.) acting as an emissary from Bloodstone to prompted Friar Dugald to place a high The group’s original name is “Hurl the barbarians of White Worm. The bounty on the heads of any Thunker. and Burl and Rangers Three.” They monk hopes to recruit the tribe as Blood- The gang was already marked by a have taken on the mantle “Thunkers of stone’s allies, but the tribe is difficult to considerable bounty offered by the the Thunkers” in accord with their lat- deal with. At the very least, Kane wants dwarves of Ironspur, who are actually est exploits. They make no secret of White Worm to agree not to interfere the Thunkers’ favorite target.

57 It is no secret that Tightpurse backs Dimian Ree. Tightpurse spies for Ree, like Spysong works for Gareth Dra- gonsbane, and it even tries counterin- telligence. But Tightpurse may be overreaching its abilities. Severely limited outside Da- mara’s borders, it is only truly effective in the major cities of the southern prov- inces even within the kingdom. Tight- purse lacks the wide-ranging network that serves Spysong. The thieves have no contact with the Monastery of the Yellow Rose, nor with Impiltur beyond the city of Sarshel. They know nothing of the Nars in Narfell, and they haven’t a single agent in all of Vaasa. Their only move has been to open communica- their intention to hunt down and de- Burl ever got close—which didn’t sit tions with the Grandfather of Assassins stroy the Thunkers, and they hope that well with the eager dwarves! The group and his dark band. That gamble could spreading their reputation under their heard about the powerful Thunkers cost them dearly, and could bring Di- new taunting name will bring their in- while in Hillsafar Hall, and set out mian Ree crashing down if the truth is tended victims out into the open. straightaway, with wide smiles stamped ever exposed. If this seems a bit cocky and arrogant, on their faces. it is true to the nature of this fearless The Twilight Riders bunch. They’ll fight anything, any time, Tightpurse Every night at sunset, the wizard Myr- without the slightest hesitation. The Tightpurse is the most powerful ddin Viligoth dances through the so- Andovar, Healthrow, three rangers, thieves’ guild in the Bloodstone Lands. matics of an enchantment; he catches and Heditrue, are the calming influence The guild has been around longer than the last light of day and transforms it that maintains at least a bit of control the Kingdom of Damara, a natural hu- into seven magical steeds. Myrddin and over the wild dwarves. But the rangers, man reaction to the wealth represented his six companions mount up and thun- too, enjoy mixing it up with a goblin by the merchants who flocked into the der off, searching for wrongs to right. tribe or a giant clan. area to deal for bloodstone bars. These seven are the Twilight Riders, Master tacticians, the band perfectly Housed in Heliogabalus, this under- emissaries of Gareth Dragonsbane in adapts its fighting style to its terrain, ground society numbers several hun- southern Damara. Their mission is to and to the type of monster they battle. dred, with branch organizations ride across the southland, helping wher- In the mountains, especially when fac- operating in every major Damaran city ever they may, and spreading the word ing stone giants, Hurl and Burl engage except Bloodstone Village. There is about the rise of Bloodstone and the pro- the giants in rockthrowing volleys (both even an associated group in Sarshel in posed kingdom. Even beyond that, they dwarves have girdles of stone giant the Kingdom of Impiltur. The rumors proclaim the return of pride and pros- strength). Andovar, Healthrow, and He- imply that every Damaran town and vil- perity to the battered kingdom. ditrue then sneak in for a melee assault. lage houses at least one scout who owes Now and again, their rescues are dra- All three rangers are high level (16th, allegiance to the guild. matic and heroic. Overall, though, the 17th, and 18th respectively), are excep- Only recently has Tightpurse become Twilight Riders concern themselves as tionally strong (18 +), and possess giant- a political entity. The Master of the much with little deeds as with great slayer swords (Andovar’s is a bastard Guild is Tarkos Ree, first cousin of the ones. A good night’s work might be sword). Once the real battle begins, Baron of Morov, Dimian Ree. If Dimian finding a lost puppy for a tradesman’s Hurl and Burl rush to get in before the Ree wins the kingship of Damara, the son, or showing a farmer a more pro- deadly rangers finish the job. implications for Tightpurse are grand ductive method of tilling his fields. The group has yet to be truly chal- indeed. “Truly,” say Dimian Ree’s oppo- The Twilight Riders do not trade good lenged in the Bloodstone Lands. The nents, “the thieves shall have free run deeds for allegiance. They help wher- largest band of stone giants they have of all the cities, without the normal re- ever help is needed. Only afterward do yet encountered numbered six, and the straints respectable thieves’ guilds usu- they speak up, and spread the word to rangers took them out before Hurl and ally impose on themselves!” those who wish to hear.

58 Alongside Myrddin rides the Arch- to remain. In addition to his fine tales especially adventuring bands they see mage Emelyn the Gray, who is closely and worthy blade, Haelimbrar provides in the region, though they rarely come followed by his apprentice Gabrielle, a a kind of insurance policy for the into face-to-face contact with any of 5th level magic-user. The other mem- group. Dimian Ree knows of the Twi- these folk. bers of the company include dwarven light Riders and would pay very well to The Watchers’ ranks are the Broth- prince Tamal (6th level fighter/5th level have them eliminated, but with rumors ers, Disciples, and Immaculates (3rd, cleric), the son of tribal chief Tokan of that a Lord of Impiltur rides among the 4th, and 5th level) of the monastery. Clan Orothiar: Justin M’Dael, an 11th band, no one would dare to strike at These monks endure long stays in the level paladin and long-time friend of them, not even Ree himself. wilds as their penance, and their ticket Gareth; Tamarin Moonwisher, Justin’s Emelyn the Gray is the true leader of to earning experience enough to be- soon-to-be bride and a 14th level ranger the Twilight Riders, and certainly the come a Master. They are always alone in her own right; and Agarelth, a no- most powerful member. But the group and never in the same place two nights madic paladin who is really Haelimbrar, works harmoniously, and each member in a row. A Watcher will travel 20 to 50 one of the twelve Lords of Imphras II strives to pick up where another leaves miles every day, regardless of the and a 16th level paladin. off. Even Tamal, a young and wacky weather. The season, too, is of no conse- Haelimbrar sought out and signed on dwarf, has become an integral and val- quence. Watchers are as likely to be en- with the Twilight Riders deliberately to ued member of the group. Tamal’s fa- countered among the deep snows of study Baron Gareth’s emissaries se- ther, Tokan, cautioned Emelyn about winter as they are in the few weeks of cretly. By getting to know some of the including his inexperienced son, high summer. people closest to Gareth, Haelimbrar though he felt certain that joining the Typically, Watchers leave the monas- hoped to learn more about the man band would do Tamal some good. Eme- tery for three to six months at a who would rule if the proposed King- lyn brushed away all doubts, confident stretch. Often, their only contact dur- dom of Bloodstone comes to pass. of the youth’s potential. If anyone back ing this extended sabbatical is with the Haelimbrar has not been disappointed in Bloodstone could see Tamal now, animals of the wilds. Many Watchers by the group’s activities thus far. they would be amazed by his progress. surround themselves with animal The Twilight Riders set out from Presently, the Twilight Riders are friends, using their speak with animals Bloodstone just ten weeks ago. Since heading for the town of Tellerth in the ability to broaden their vision and then, they have come to the aid of many eastern part of the Barony of Polten. knowledge. Watchers have been and never asked for political allegiance. Emelyn the Gray wants to learn more known to spend nights in bear’s dens Everywhere they’ve passed, they have about the druids and centaurs inhabit- (with the bear!) or running among wolf set the fires of hope burning brightly all ing the fringes of Rawlinswood. He packs. At this stage of their develop- across the south. First, they charged hopes to forge better relations between ment, their mission as monks is to through Arcata, crushing a rogue band them and the people of Tellerth. build a symbiotic relationship with the of rampaging hill giants. Then the Word about the Twilight Riders’ desti- wild world around them. It is a testa- Riders came through Carmathan, nation has spread faster than the speed- ment to the discipline and training of where they destroyed the bulette that ing strides of Myrddin Viligoth’s the monks of Monastery of the Yellow had been terrorizing Halfling Downs magical mounts. The people of Tellerth Rose that 99 out of every 100 Watchers for months. And finally they rode into look to the west each night, each one return to the monastery unharmed. Polten. There, with no more pressure hoping to be the first to catch a glimpse than their presence, the Twilight Riders of the telltale glow of the enchanted White Worm convinced two bands of highwaymen to horses of the Twilight Riders. The land bordering the length of the see the light and turn their hands to a Great Glacier is the territory of White more respectable calling. The Watchers Worm, covering the northernmost Haelimbrar’s reports to his fellow Anyone who spends more than a few reaches of Vaasa. This tribe of savage Lords in Impiltur speak highly of the days trekking through the southern barbarians is unlikely to welcome heroes of Damara, who he considers peaks and valleys of the Earthspurs is strangers, except at the end of a spear. potential leaders all. The paladin has or has been under the quiet eyes of the Three hundred strong, the White enjoyed his stint with this band of do- Watchers. These monks from the Mon- Worm people are nomadic within the gooders, a fall back to his own adven- astery of the Yellow Rose roam the boundaries of their realm. They rarely turing youth. mountains day and night. They know stray more than fifty miles from the Emelyn and Myrddin, of course, sus- how best to survive here by learning Great Glacier, and most often travel pect the true identity of this mysterious the ways of this forbidding land. They among the winding turns of the glacier paladin. They are more than willing to pay particular attention to strangers, tunnel maze known as the Ice Run. have him along for as long as he wishes

59 The tribe is led by Hea-Rem, a huge, Hedweck, p. 47). Chosen for his physi- of Ironspur talk to a half-orc at all is tough veteran of fifty winters. Sur- cal prowess, this spirit-hunter roams amazing, but Wingham goes even be- rounding the chieftain is an elite guard the Vaasan wilderness just south of the yond a superficial trading relationship. of five warriors called Kura-winther, Great Glacier, hoping to intercept and He is openly welcomed by the bearded the Worm-Victors. Fierce and strong, destroy any threats to his tribe. He is folk, and has spent many months living each of these warriors has defeated a magically strengthened, magically out- among them. Their relationship is mu- remorhaz single-handedly at least once fitted, and intent only upon faithfully tually satisfactory, for the dwarven in his lifetime. executing the duties of his position. His craftsmen love the challenge of creat- The Ulk, or tribal shaman, actually determination is fanatical to the point ing unique weapons to Wingham’s wields more power than the chieftain, a of willingly attacking a superior foe strange designs, and the half-orc pays situation often seen in barbarian tribes. without regard for his own death. them well. The shaman has all the powers and The Wacky Weapon Wielders love to spells listed in the Dungeon Masters Weird Wingham’s Wacky barter with adventurers. They have lit- Guide, and in addition, can call upon the Weapon Wielders erally hundreds of uniquely-crafted spirit of the remorhaz to bring on an ex- weapons, and the half-orcs usually of- A wandering troupe based out of Pa- traordinary trance. In his trance state, fer adventurers a fair deal. There is a lishchuk, Weird Wingham’s Wacky the shaman exudes the heat of a polar mace headed by the sculpture of some Weapon Wielders travel throughout worm’s back, and has been known to ex- unknown animal, a spear tipped with a southern Vaasa and northern Damara. ecute prisoners with a single hug. (Like real dragon’s claw, and a sword with an Their collection of unique and unusual touching the back of a remorhaz, dam- invisible blade, to name only three. weapons gives the band its name. The age from such a hug is 10-100.) In a typi- There is an 80% chance that the troupe members trade for weapons and tales, cal tribal spiritual, the shaman evokes will have in their possession any and put on shows. this heat power and kneels in the center weapon listed in the expanded lists of The troupe is all half-orcs, and all of a warrior ring. The warriors then the Unearthed Arcana (99% for the aligned to “good.” Like most of the half- spend the night in prayer, heated against more common weapons such as orcs from Palishchuk, they strongly op- the vicious glacier winds only by the swords, spears, and maces). Ten per- posed the Witch-King. In all, the troupe warmth of their priest. cent of the time they will have some numbers perhaps a dozen young half- White Worm sets no regular patrols, magical weapon for sale. orcs, all acclimating themselves to Da- but hunting bands are often roaming Wingham’s troupe has another aspect maran ways, and working to better the region. If they happened upon a as well. They are minstrels and per- their lives. stranger in trouble they would be un- formers, re-creating battle scenes in Wingham is the half-orcs’ leader and likely to offer any aid. Injured or not, dramatic fashion. Audiences pay well exceptionally intelligent for his breed. strangers are considered a threat. The and have yet to be disappointed. The He has a penchant for rare weapons barbarians treat injured strangers like troupe has performed from Ironspur to and, being quite wealthy, he has the they treat healthy ones: at best, they Darmshall, and even in Hillsafar Hall. In means to pursue his collecting hobby. are to be captured, but more often pursuit of this line of work, the troupe (His riches are said to have come from killed on the spot. has occasionally sold a weapon for a pit- the abandoned loot of the Witch-King’s The monk Kane is presently trying to tance plus a good tale of battle. They crushed army.) Wingham’s greatest change this hostile attitude while acting have turned many such deals with the treasure is a staff-mace, which he ac- as an emissary from Bloodstone. He is Thunkers of the Thunkers. The Wacky quired on one of the many adventures working to change White Worm’s ways, Weapon Wielders can often be found of his difficult youth. Wingham says turning them into a helping hand for performing at the House of Hurl. that this strange and magical weapon is adventurers wandering into their The troupe no longer wanders what initially fostered his love of the lands. Though Kane seems to be having throughout the year. Recently they unusual, and the surprising abilities of some success, the traditions of the bar- traded a holy avenger to the Com- the staff-mace certainly have gotten barians have not yet been forsaken, and mander of the Guard of the Vaasan him out of more than a few jams! visitors are still not welcome. For now, Gate. In return, the troupe was granted Wingham’s tact cannot be underesti- the wilds of northern Vaasa remain a the rights and the chamber space to mated. He has established a fine rela- dangerous place to go. open a trade shop at the Gate during tionship with the dwarves across the White Worm’s first line of defense is the winter months. Galenas at Ironspur. That the dwarves their present spirit-hunter, their wan- dering champion (see the description of

60 THE BLOODSTONE LANDS CAMPAIGN

As was noted in the introduction, the re- nized in ascending order of recom- river or a second secret stair. Before cent history of the Bloodstone Lands and mended character level, from low-level that happens, their days (or weeks?) the region in general was developed (levels 1-5), to mid-level (levels 5-10), to lost in the hostile darkness of this evil through the four H-series modules. high level (level 10 +). No specific level place should give them a moment’s Thus, Dungeon Masters planning a is listed with each adventure because worry, or even two. Imagine a group of Bloodstone Lands campaign are put in a these scenarios can be adjusted to ac- second or third level characters run- unique situation. If you start with those cept characters who have a wide range ning blindly through a maze of cob- modules, your players’ characters can of experience. webbed corridors after accidentally literally rewrite the history of the re- opening a crypt and finding a mummy! gion. Gareth Dragonsbane and the 1. Into the Catacombs other pre-generated characters might (low-level) 2. The Highwaymen be used, or players might prefer their (low-level/mid-level) Visiting the famed Monastery of the Yel- own high level PCs. The events of the low Rose, your PCs suddenly find them- Traveling through the Damaran south- last two years leading to present-day selves in an unexpected adventure. land on a pleasant sunny summer day, Vaasa and Damara can be re-cast by Their initial motivation could be some- the party meets up with an interesting playing the modules. And woe to the re- thing basic, perhaps a mission directed band. Riding their hardy war-pigs are gion if the Witch-King should prevail! by Gareth Dragonsbane to help deter- the halfling heroes known as the Knee- However, the H-series modules are mine the lineage of Helmont, Duke of breakers (see p. 55). The Kneebreakers broadscale and high-level, and may be Carmathan. While scouring the cata- are out to find and destroy a band of difficult for inexperienced Dungeon comb complex underneath the monas- highwaymen who have been operating Masters or players. A more conservative tery, one of the party accidentally in the region. After they learn a bit approach, and one which should prove stumbles onto a secret stairway, about the PCs, they invite the party to equally enjoyable, would be to introduce blocked off for many years. The party join them on their heroic quest. players to the Bloodstone Lands in the descends into catacombs even more an- The PC party should be somewhere Year of the Serpent, which is present- cient, the burial tombs of the earliest between 3rd and 6th level. Conse- day. Events in the region are as de- monks of the monastery. Then the long quently, the Kneebreakers' offer leads to scribed in this sourcebook. After all, like and twisty stairway that led them down more trouble than the party might antic- the hypothetical bard said, “The issue is crumbles behind the party. ipate, for the halflings are more bluster far from settled.” The PCs will have no This place was sealed off deliber- than action. When the bandit lair is fi- trouble finding wealth and adventure in ately, for evil broods here. A magical nally discovered, the party should be- the present-day Bloodstone Lands. amulet somehow found its way into lieve that only with their new allies are In this context, you should consider these dark and dusty tombs. This amu- they capable of taking on the bandits. using the Barony of Bloodstone as the let is evil and, working of its own ac- But when the charge begins, they will home base for your players. Bloodstone cord, continually casts raise dead find themselves rushing in alone, as the is a compact province, with everything across the level. The place has there- Kneebreakers embark on one of their a PC would need (including adventure) fore become saturated with skeletons deftly convenient flanking maneuvers! within a day’s walk. Remember that the and zombies, and even worse horrors Actually, this should give the PCs a Vaasan Gate was designed specifically from the netherworld. Since no monks chance to shine. They might valiantly to be a base for adventuring bands. have come here in centuries, other overcome the suddenly-unfavorable Of course, other areas also have monsters have inevitably crept in, odds on their own, but if they seem to be much to offer, from the other provinces with carrion crawlers and spiders be- losing, the Kneebreakers will return. Ho- of Damara to the other three kingdoms ing only the most likely examples. bart Bracegirdle and company are not of the region. Heliogabalus and Lyrabar With the party effectively trapped in the bravest lads in the land but, when are as full of excitement and intrigue as this chamber of undead, their mission the chips are down, they will help out. a city like Waterdeep, but on a lesser and their only hope is to find and de- scale which could be more easily han- stroy the evil amulet. To be fair, be sure 3. Battle of Mogador dled. And Impiltur has plenty of heroic they have previously heard of the item. work to be done with the problems rep- (mid-level) Before discovering the staircase, they resented by Traders Bay and Buzzard For a change of scenery and a different could have read an ancient book scribed Beak Harbor. approach to warfare, send your PCs to by one of the monks who helped to seal Wherever you choose to base the Trailsend, capital of the Barony of off these lower catacombs. PCs, the following suggested adven- Polten, as Gareth’s emissaries. Once in Of course the party will eventually tures offer some exciting game-playing the court of Donlevy the Young, the find another way out: an underground potential. The adventures are orga-

61 good Baron of Polten, the PCs will find an opportunity for adventure. Relations between Polten and Ostel, the province across Lake Mogador, continue to deteriorate. The fleets of Trailsend and Praka have had several skirmishes over the last few weeks. Since neither side possesses true war- ships, these naval battles are inevitably resolved in hand-to-hand combat. Donlevy would be eager to hire experi- enced adventurers to serve as armed soldiers on his ships, whether or not they have any previous shipboard ex- perience. This lake battle offers a break from the normal routine of land adventur- ing, and could lead the PCs into Ostel. There they would find further adven- tures against the evil Baroness Sylvia. 4. The Secret of Hark’s Finger (mid-level) Traveling in the northern wilderness of the province of Soravia, the PCs link up with Olwen Forest-friend and the Bloodstone army making their final sweep through the farming communi- ties. After a few minor skirmishes with remnants of the Vaasan scum, the army comes to the town of Steppenhall. Here the PCs meet Tremaine, owner and barkeep of the Freezing Fox, a local tavern. They'll also meet his beautiful daughter Meg, who has a Charisma of 18—at least! (If the party is all female, change Tremaine’s daughter to a son to make the subsequent events sensible.) From Tremaine, they learn about the Nars and the fierce land of Narfell to the east. The picture he presents should make the kingdom a tempting locale to any true adventure. After many meetings and toasts, shared tales and raised mugs, Tremaine takes a lik- ing to one of the party and asks a per- sonal favor. He explains that his daughter Meg plans to marry a local “hero,” a 5th level fighter named Thrund. Thrund has all the personality of an animated stone. He is overbearing and brutish (ST 18/86) and Tremaine can’t stand

62 the sight of him. But the gentle bar- shaft, the dwarves have, as usual, posted the western reaches of the Galenas, the keep does not wish to anger his pre- for the services of willing adventurers. PCs stumble upon the Cave of the Whis- cious daughter, who he loves more Previous expeditions have found the pering Wind, home base of the Spysong than life itself. If one of the PCs could work simple, a matter of expelling a scouting network. Because they have woo the girl away from Thrund... wandering monster or two. Even when been on the road for many days, they Winning Meg should not be a difficult mercenaries have come back with no accept the guards’ invitation to come in task for a PC with any charisma at all, battles to report, the wealthy dwarves for a rest. for Meg cares little for Thrund. She is have paid them handsomely. The remainder of the day is spent eat- only interested in him because he is the And since your party has gained ing fine food and exchanging tales of the local hero and she thinks that her fa- some renown, Baron Gareth himself road. Slowly, the PCs get the impression ther would love to have him as a son-in- suggests that the PCs have earned the that the three guards of the cave seem a law! If a more dashing PC came right to an easy and profitable adven- bit nervous, although they remain po- courting, especially one who is obvi- ture. Gareth thought he was doing the lite. Soon after dusk, a new visitor enters ously in her father’s favor, she’d drop PCs a favor... the cave. From the bard Riordan Parnell, Thrund in an eyeblink. This new shaft will prove to be more leader of Spysong, the PCs learn the The PC may have to fight a duel with than a simple expedition to relocate cause of their hosts’ anxiety. Thrund before all is done, but his re- some solitary wandering monsters. The Riordan’s cousin, Celedon Kierney, is ward will be well worth the effort. Meg dwarves have breached a long- long overdue for a meeting at the cave. is a beautiful and intelligent woman, and rumored, but never substantiated, lair Celedon had been investigating a mys- Tremaine will be grateful. Out of sincere of horror in the deepest bowels be- terious cloud hanging over Suncatcher gratitude, he will present his new son-in- neath the Galena Mountains: a city of Mountain, where the Galenas meet law with his second most-prized posses- drow elves. with the Earthspurs. During his last con- sion: a map of Hark’s Finger, the solitary The drow is one of the most danger- tact with Riordan’s agents, Celedon re- mountain in central Narfell. Tremaine ous opponents ever to come out of quested a meeting, but he never gives this in part because he would like TSR’s long list of monsters. The pres- showed up. to see his daughter married to a rich ence of the black elves here should Unfortunately, Riordan’s forces are man. Tremaine is no adventurer, but for bring excitement (and possibly terror) tied up on the other end of the mountain a hero, the map promises considerable to the players’ hearts. If the PCs show range, searching out some promising wealth. It is a treasure map, detailing a any intention of fleeing back to the leads to the Citadel of Assassins. The cache of gems, jewels, and gold hidden Bloodstone Mines after their first bard does not have the manpower avail- on Hark’s Finger by one of the most suc- encounter with a small patrol, stress able to go after his cousin—at least, he cessful pirates ever to sail on the Easting the importance of their actions. Neither didn’t until the PCs came wandering in. Reach in Impiltur. the dwarves nor indeed the barony Of course, if the PCs have worked Between the tribes in western Narfell could hope to to defeat this new men- with Riordan or the Spysong network and the ever-present tundra yeti, the ace without more information, infor- previously, the prelude to this mission journey to Hark’s Finger will not be an mation that the PCs are well-positioned should be handled differently. Either easy one. Things won’t get any more to learn. way, the end result is the same: Celedon pleasant once the PCs find the secret Make sure that your players witness Kierney seems to be in trouble, and pathways, for the long-dead pirate left the terrible splendors of the black may need a rescue. many deadly traps behind to foil trea- elves, the lightless cities and the evil so- The mysterious cloud is a magical sure hunters. Ultimately, the pirate’s cieties that make the most deadly as- kingdom of cloud giants, a huge lair of ghost protects his trove as he haunts sassins’ guilds of the surface world the monsters and their pet cloud drag- the mountain. pale by comparison. on(s). Dungeon Masters can vary the A Dungeon Master wishing to run numbers according to the relative 5. Darkest Tunnel this scenario might find Dungeon Mod- strength of the players. For added (mid-level/high-level) ule D3: The Vault of the Drow to be an color, Riordan Parnell might lead the excellent source of background mate- mission personally. The dwarves of Clan Orothiar are work- rial. Many ideas from the module could Actually, there’s no proof that the ing in a frenzy to bring out enough be incorporated into this adventure. sneaky Celedon is actually having a bloodstone to solidify the economy of tough time. He just might be having a the swelling population of Bloodstone 6. Cloud on Suncatcher little fun in the cloud city, and could Valley. They have broken anew into a (high-level) even show up at an opportune moment deep tunnel complex. Having neither the if the party gets into a jam. time nor the manpower to explore this Returning from yet another mission in

63 7. Castle Perilous (high-level) themselves as heroes, they will proba- by 3-to-2. The hobgoblins will be an- bly be offered a position of command in chored by ogre, troll, and hill giant The most dangerous spot in the Blood- the army (the Bloodstone or the Da- squads. This will be a tough fight. stone Lands remains the Castle Peril- maran army, depending on the present Roused by their new leader, the morale ous, the shattered bastion of the situation in the kingdom). Since the of the hobgoblin army is quite high. The Witch-King. Everyone in the land army is so highly regarded by the folk Bloodstone army may seem to be out- knows about the place, yet even the of the land, accepting a commission gunned, but the high-level PCs must be hardiest adventurers work hard to would be in the best interests of any PC tested and forced to use their consider- avoid it. who has long-term designs on making a able strengths and skills to optimum ad- The dungeons of the castle are good life in this region. vantage if this adventure is to prove known to be filled with horrors beyond In this scenario, the hobgoblins of the enjoyable. the imagination. Even if they were Giantspires have apparently found a Assuming that the PCs are victorious, empty, the ruins above ground are pop- powerful leader capable of banding they must continue along the foothills of ulated by large numbers of angry evil their vast numbers into a singular pur- the Giantspires to meet the second force dragons. That would dissuade all but posed fighting force. Hordes of hobgob- of the hobgoblin army, which is camped the most brave or most foolish from en- lins stream down from the Giantspires, outside the entrance to Nar-sek Qu’is- tering. (See Strongholds, Ruins, and and the tribes of western Narfell have trade. This force will be even larger than Dungeons, p 37.) gone to war against them. the first. The PCs key to victory will be Yet the castle lures the lionhearted. Three full tribes of Nars—Var, Aingst, the characters’ ability to slip messages Zhengyi’s spellbooks are in the castle, and Creel—have been pushed into Nar- into Nar-sek Qu’istrade and coordinate along with many powerful magic items sek Qu’istrade (Horseshoe Canyon) and their assault with a breakout by the Nar and perhaps even a relic. Not surpris- they are in desperate straits. It may be warriors. If this maneuver is handled ingly, there is also a huge hoard of gold weeks before other Nar tribes can ar- properly, the Bloodstone army and the and gems. rive to rescue their kin. Nars will hit the hobgoblins from both To further pique the interest of hardy Gareth and the other leaders of Blood- sides and should effectively smash the adventurers, even a single dragon’s stone desire better relations with their evil force. If victory is attained, the head will bring its taker great rewards eastern neighbors, and mining rights to Bloodstone army will have served its and honors. Many of the mining moguls the Giantspires. Therefore, they view kingdom well, for the three Nar tribes and landowners throughout Damara the hobgoblin invasion as a wonderful will swear allegiance to their rescuers. and Vaasa have offered great prizes, in- opportunity to gain the trust and respect If you wish to continue this adven- cluding Gareth Dragonsbane and of the Nars by sending assistance. ture, have the PCs take a smaller contin- Garumbelly Hillsafar of Clan Hillsafar. The troops are already assembled in gent up into the mountains to The problems rooted in the ruins of Steppenhall, but they lack a leader. investigate the true source of the trou- Castle Perilous are growing, and must Olwen Forest-friend cannot be spared ble. It would be wise to include some soon be effectively dealt with if the peo- to lead the expedition. Not only was he Nars as guides. The hobgoblins leader ple are not to sink into the darkness wounded in a recent skirmish, he is en- is Tem Redeye, an Arch-mage. Tem has once again. meshed in negotiations with Marco a fortress set up in a tunnel complex Anyone who disrupts the gathering Wildfeet and the temporary leaders of high in the mountains. (The hermit of dragons would earn a high place of Soravia. (If the PCs would be in over Hermit Hill—see p. 40—might be able to honor and respect throughout the land. their heads, Olwen can lead and the PCs provide the PCs with further informa- If they have the strength and the wiles, serve as Undercommanders.) tion.) A third contingent of the hobgob- your players could take this opportu- The army marching into Narfell can lin army, similar to the first group nity to make the subtle shift from active be adapted to fit the scope of your cam- encountered, will be camped on the adventurers to revered nobles and leg- paign, but it should include at least 750 northeastern slopes. This force still ends in the Bloodstone Lands. Of troops, mostly 0 and 1st level fighters. must be dealt with. course, this dangerous adventure There should be a contingent of 50 or might also allow them to make the not- more centaur cavalry, and 100 special- so-subtle shift from active adventurers izing as archers. To spice up the army, to not-so-active cadavers. you can create colorful NPC squad lead- ers of medium (5-10) level. 8. The Giantspires (high-level) The hobgoblin forces initially encoun- After your players have spent some tered on the southeastern slopes of the time in the region and distinguished Giantspires should outnumber the army

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