| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
|---|---|
| Gargarios07-29-07, 04:10 AM | I am starting a new campaign based in Cormyr. I want the players to eventually go in a Crusade against the Stonelands lead by a high preist of Red Knight. I dont really know what kind of threats are present in the Stonelands except I know some Zhents and a few gnolls do excist there. What other enemies are there? Do the Shades of Anaurach come south to prey on humanoids? Are there any fortresses or dungeons in the stonelands? If there was a large army stationed there what would it consist of? Any help would be greatly appreciated. |
| dragonheart07-29-07, 08:10 AM | no armies, the shadovar are unlikely to do much there as there is no history of netherese activity. The main inhabitants are teh gnolls - in large numbers but many differnt tribes and even more goblins and hobgoblins - again in many different tribes. It is just within the realm of possibility (but not canon) that the netherese (or even the Zhents) would be arming and organizing the humanoids for a second attack agasint a now weakened Cormyr in an effort to destroy them or at least keep them occupied while they do something worse nearby (like attacking Shadowdale for the Zhents). At least that would provide a nice link into current adventures comming out :D |
| Gargarios07-29-07, 10:33 AM | Thanks dragonheart. So the main forces there are gnolls and goblinoids. Are there any dungeons or fortresses or portals in the stonelands? |
| Fabius Maximus07-29-07, 02:40 PM | There are more goblinoids than gnolls there, I think. The whole area was a hobgoblin kingdom before desertification from Anauroch set in. You should try and get your hand on a copy Elminster's Ecologies. The Stonelands are described therein. |
| Faraer07-29-07, 02:47 PM | The standard Cormyr sources, such as Volo's Guide to Cormyr and the Cormyr novel trilogy, are better; Monte Cook is hardly a Realms expert. The Stonelands are infested with goblinkin, human brigands, ruins (including Netherese), stonedelves, gates, beholders, agents of power groups, and monsters of all kinds. As FRQ1 Haunted Halls of Eveningstar says, 'The Stonelands can harbor just about anything (short of a powerful, good-aligned dragon)'. As published, nothing as blunt as a military crusade stands a chance there. |
| Paix07-29-07, 07:17 PM | Elminster's Ecologies contain a description of the Stonelands that really helps to flesh out the area a bit more. I believe a number of them is available as a free download. |
| Old Sage07-29-07, 08:42 PM | Of the "Cormyr" novels... see Death of the Dragon specifically. Ed Greenwood's Candlekeep replies and Crown of Fire are also useful. There's also some tidbits in Anauroch as well. |
| Old Sage07-29-07, 08:43 PM | Elminster's Ecologies contain a description of the Stonelands that really helps to flesh out the area a bit more. I believe a number of them is available as a free download.The "Stonelands and Goblin Marches" supplement Paix refers to is not available among the Elminster's Ecologies Appendices available for download here at WotC. The supplement in part of the full Elminster's Ecologies boxed set. |
| Gargarios07-29-07, 09:18 PM | Thank you everyone for your suggested sources all of your advice is greatly appreciated. So the Zhentarim Organization isnt found in the stonelands? In the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting a Plot Hook for Cormyr is that Lady Obaskyr will grant any group of adventurers, rank of high nobility, if they take the stonelands. How could I make this expedition work out, if I dont use a Crusade? |
| dragonheart07-29-07, 09:53 PM | Think of the stonelands as a region much like say the state of Montana - in 1795 - your PC's job is to civilize the territory or atleast become such a significant power in it that all the other groups (native americans of many tribes, british/canadian explorers, russian explorers, spanish explorers and other freelancers (mountain men), and outlaws all have to figure out how to deal with you beofre they can worry about raiding into Cormyr. Your PCs are going to have to do a ton of exploring just to sort out the lay of the land and try to figure out where to establish their base. Then they are going to have to both make friends with some of the inhabitants and fight and defeat/destroy others, clewan out a few dungeons and finally build their own stronghold and make it a continuing place to stay and live. If they actually manage to do that then they get the reward of becoming high lords in Cormyr - of course if they do that they are also probably capable of declaring themselves their own Barony - which will naturally briong down the rath of Cormyr unless they do something spectacular to keep them off. While its not D&D you might want to look at Louis L'Amours novels THe Warrior's Path and Jubal Sacket Both set in about 1620 in the Tennessee and Colorado Wildernesses. |
| Gargarios07-29-07, 10:03 PM | Thanks alot dragonheart, thats what ill do. Does anyone know of any maps of the Stonelands other than thos found in the campaign setting? |
| Faraer07-29-07, 10:10 PM | So the Zhentarim Organization isnt found in the stonelands?FRQ1:. . . the Zhentarim moved into it and infested it with monsters. The Zhentarim train, pay, or otherwise plant monsters here to endanger Cormyrean caravans and provide a screen against interference with Zhentish caravans creeping along the edge of Anauroch, through the northern Stonelands.How could I make this expedition work out, if I dont use a Crusade?See Ed Greenwood's discussion of that offer here (http://www.candlekeep.com/library/articles/sse/sse_070809-06.htm) (search for "Stonelands"). There are three possibilities: -- make the Stonelands far easier to 'clean out' (but then why was it never done before?) -- the PCs attempt it, after minor successes meet insuperable difficulties, and bow out wiser and with some treasure and magic and knowledge to show for their forays -- actually annexe the Stonelands to Cormyr through a years-long campaign of magically coordinated guerrilla warfare requiring massive resources and the deaths of many brave and able men and women . . . at the very optimistic minimum. |
| Faraer07-29-07, 10:18 PM | Does anyone know of any maps of the Stonelands other than thos found in the campaign setting?It appears on other maps, but none of them show a lot of detail. The terrain is miles upon miles of breakneck ridges and gullies, hard to map, and the points of interest are hundreds of things like particularly big ridges, chasms, pinnacles of rock, gates, mini-dungeons, frequently moving lairs of goblinkin tribes . . . of which a scattering have been incidentally revealed here and there. Another important point is that, contrary to some maps, the Stonelands are on both sides of the Storm Horns. |
| Gargarios07-29-07, 11:19 PM | -- actually annexe the Stonelands to Cormyr through a years-long campaign of magically coordinated guerrilla warfare requiring massive resources and the deaths of many brave and able men and women . . . at the very optimistic minimum. That was my idea, to have a long drawn-out war against the Stonelands. Thanks for helping Faraer. My characters are all melee-focused characters from the heartlands, and I want them to fight in armies, and this was the perfect place for my war against evil humanoids. Say they take the Stonelands... they would want to keep their new land from becoming too much of a desert... is there a way how they could keep the Stoneland from turning into Anaurach? And was the Stonelands known as something else when it was ruled by Hobgoblins? |
| Smilin_Bandit07-30-07, 03:15 PM | That was my idea, to have a long drawn-out war against the Stonelands. Thanks for helping Faraer. My characters are all melee-focused characters from the heartlands, and I want them to fight in armies, and this was the perfect place for my war against evil humanoids. Say they take the Stonelands... they would want to keep their new land from becoming too much of a desert... is there a way how they could keep the Stoneland from turning into Anaurach? And was the Stonelands known as something else when it was ruled by Hobgoblins? I'm not sure, but I think that once the Phaerimm were released from their prison beneath Anauroch the desert ceased to continue its growth. As for it becoming desert, its already pretty much no mans land now. Craggy and windblown with very sparse vegitation. The Stonelands are neither a fun place to visit or a place to set up a kingdom. You might get some precious metals from mining, but your sure not going to get any good farming there. ~Smilin_Bandit~ :D |
| Gargarios07-30-07, 09:09 PM | Thanks smilin bandit. Someone said that the Stonelands once was ruled by Hobgoblins, does anyone know when this was? |
| Fabius Maximus07-31-07, 09:56 AM | That must have been during the last days of Netheril and after it's fall, since the kingdom got into problems when the Anauroch started to spread. |
| Gargarios07-31-07, 12:16 PM | What happened to the Hobgoblins? |
| Fabius Maximus07-31-07, 12:31 PM | They're still there, fighting for survival, I guess. The kingdom just disintigrated for lack of natural resources. |
| Gargarios07-31-07, 11:14 PM | Ok, thanks fabius. Whats up with the Phaerimm under anaurach or something? |
| MarkusTay6307-31-07, 11:33 PM | I think Shade helped Evereska kill them, but I didn't read those novels so I'm not sure. |
| Gargarios08-01-07, 12:19 AM | Oh, thanks Markus. Does anyone know what the characters could find for resources their, if they take the Stonelands? Any source of water? What kind of game can be found? Any minerals? etc. |
| Fabius Maximus08-01-07, 07:48 AM | Minerals I don't know about, but food and water are very scarce there. So scarce, that the various humaniods and giants prey on each other to survive. |
| captaincarot08-01-07, 09:57 AM | there's loads of food there as long as you don't mind orc goblin and rat stew! personally i would presume that there has to be some mineral deposits there it's just they haven't been found yet. take some dwarves with you. |
| dragonheart08-01-07, 11:41 AM | Phaerimm - they are still present under Anauroch (and now elsewhere since the Sharnwall was breached) but they are much reduced after a run of Phaerim hunting by the shades when they first returned (and probably still going on piecemeal) the Phaerim are very nasty - check them out carefully before you use them. Resources in the stonelands: first of all think of the stonelands as being much like the New Mexico Desert - dry, fairly barren and filled with small mountain ranges, canyons, gullies, rolling broken hills and lava flows. there is not much fodder for animals so very little hunting, not much water so control of it is essential, most of the basic resources are being used already by the goblinoids and other groups so to get access your going to have to fight them. mieral resources are indeed probably there but surviving long enough to actually find them and then be able to extract them is going to be very chancy. What might you find eventually? Gold and platinum in placer deposits in the gullies and canyons. Gold & silver veins in the mountains, lead, copper, silver, zinc deposits - often areound older volcanic materials. Opal, onyx and agate in the limestones near volcanic piles, peridot or topaz in the lavas of the volcanos and perhaps a few other mineral varieties linked to unususal volcanos such as diamonds, garnets, platinum, chromite and mithril (titanium) (all associated with ultramafic volcanoes and/or exposed magma chambers). However - unless your party is trained (knowledge: geology/mining; craft: miner/prospector, etc.) and activly looking for such things they are extremely unlikely to find anything. Even if they have the training etc the odds are agasint them. As a trained economic geologist I would put the odds of finding anything useful at less than 1% even when looking for it. make 1-3 rolls/day (D100) for each person with the skill/craft with each 5 points giving a 1% chance of finding a lead and then a 5% chance to follow tHat lead to an actual deposit of value. Even with all the best tools of today the odds of finding a reasonable deposit are not much over 10% success. |
| ShadezofDis08-01-07, 11:46 AM | What happened to the Hobgoblins? That was somewhat detailed in Elminsters Ecology, the Battle of the Bones (I think that's what it's called) specifically. The gist of it is that with the encroachment of the Anauroch the Goblinoid kingdom (kingdoms? I'm not sure it was a totally unified kingdom or not) decided to try and basically move the kingdom and created a massive army and struck out to try and conquer the territory northwest of the Anauroch (reasoning that attacking Cormyr would be impossible), hoping that would be able to feed them. They were met by a force made up from several kingdoms from the north (Silvermoon, Evereska, Waterdeep, Soubar and many others) at the Battle of the Bones and both forces just about destroyed each other with the human, elven and dwarven forces barely eeking out a victory. In other words, Elminsters Ecologies I - Battle of the Bones, is a good place to get some info on this. :) |
| ShadezofDis08-01-07, 12:04 PM | Phaerimm - they are still present under Anauroch (and now elsewhere since the Sharnwall was breached) but they are much reduced after a run of Phaerim hunting by the shades when they first returned (and probably still going on piecemeal) the Phaerim are very nasty - check them out carefully before you use them. Seconded, though it might be a fun game to run the Phaerimm as a "party sponser" in order to clear out some of the monsters and use the party to collect items or other things for it. :) Resources in the stonelands: first of all think of the stonelands as being much like the New Mexico Desert - dry, fairly barren and filled with small mountain ranges, canyons, gullies, rolling broken hills and lava flows. there is not much fodder for animals so very little hunting, not much water so control of it is essential, most of the basic resources are being used already by the goblinoids and other groups so to get access your going to have to fight them. mieral resources are indeed probably there but surviving long enough to actually find them and then be able to extract them is going to be very chancy. What might you find eventually? Gold and platinum in placer deposits in the gullies and canyons. Gold & silver veins in the mountains, lead, copper, silver, zinc deposits - often areound older volcanic materials. Opal, onyx and agate in the limestones near volcanic piles, peridot or topaz in the lavas of the volcanos and perhaps a few other mineral varieties linked to unususal volcanos such as diamonds, garnets, platinum, chromite and mithril (titanium) (all associated with ultramafic volcanoes and/or exposed magma chambers). Excellent break down man, good work. However - unless your party is trained (knowledge: geology/mining; craft: miner/prospector, etc.) and activly looking for such things they are extremely unlikely to find anything. Even if they have the training etc the odds are agasint them. As a trained economic geologist I would put the odds of finding anything useful at less than 1% even when looking for it. make 1-3 rolls/day (D100) for each person with the skill/craft with each 5 points giving a 1% chance of finding a lead and then a 5% chance to follow tHat lead to an actual deposit of value. Even with all the best tools of today the odds of finding a reasonable deposit are not much over 10% success. That's what magic is for! :cool: |
| dragonheart08-01-07, 12:10 PM | even magic has its limitation - take a good look at the range of such items as a wand of metal and mineral detection. While higher level spells for this no doubt exist they are seldom included in adventuring rulebooks :). It might be an interesting side bit in the campaign to have an arcane caster working on researching such a spell and then testing it out. since the PCs are supposed to be combat oreinted this might actually be an NPC mage that hires the party for protection while he/she gets material components and/or tries the spell under real conditions trying to get it to work (only to have ti point to soething like a Zhentish lair or major goblinoid concetration. :D |
| ShadezofDis08-01-07, 12:22 PM | even magic has its limitation - take a good look at the range of such items as a wand of metal and mineral detection. While higher level spells for this no doubt exist they are seldom included in adventuring rulebooks :). It might be an interesting side bit in the campaign to have an arcane caster working on researching such a spell and then testing it out. since the PCs are supposed to be combat oreinted this might actually be an NPC mage that hires the party for protection while he/she gets material components and/or tries the spell under real conditions trying to get it to work (only to have ti point to soething like a Zhentish lair or major goblinoid concetration. :D Indeed, though a few divinations to get a general area and then using a wand of metal and mineral detection would go a long way towards helping the search, especially if combined with actual mining know how. However, I think it's probably a lot more fun to go the NPC route and have the NPC actually controlled by a Phaerimm who is using the party to defeat threats to the Phaerimm's goals (whatever they might be and since they are very long lived then their goals can seem to run totally counter to their actions, if you're gettin what I'm sayin *g*) Anyhow, the Stonelands are rife with potential, ghost type creatures possessing people is also a great route to go (ie. Said NPC wizard starts off as his own man/woman but when going through the Stonelands he/she gets himself possessed by a spirit that then directs the PCs towards . . . whatever, eliminating a certain goblinoid clan, clearing out an old fallen castle or something else entirely) |
| MarkusTay6308-01-07, 05:53 PM | I'm reading throught he Stoneland and Goblin Marches supplement now, and I have to admit it has re-peaked my interest. I was planning on creating a Goblin town on a trade route through there eventually, with a map of course. So now I've begun mapping the region out. :D It will be based on the map in the supplement, with a few other sources as well. |
| Gargarios08-01-07, 09:08 PM | Great Makus! When you complete it please let me know. Dragonheart and ShadezofDis, you guys have been really helpfull. How involved in the Stonelands are the Shades and the Bedine Tribe? |
| dragonheart08-01-07, 10:01 PM | The Bedine are not involved at all - they are strictly up in Anauroch - In cannon the Zhentarim almost took control of them till a Harper helped bust up that little attempt - but it did lower their numbers - they are trying to rebuild and teh shades aren't helping much. The shades in the stonelands - hrmmmmmm. No real involvement - they are after Netherese artifacts and items and the Netherse were never really in the stonelands. On the otherhand there are almost certainly a few Phaerimm hidden out there manipulating things and the shades are hunting them so its possible they may show up almost anywhere - think of them as challenge you can toss at the PCs when ever they start feeling arogant :D THere might be a few exploring around the northern edge of the stonelands along the border with Anauroch as that is more or less where teh last of the Surviving Netherese enclaves (and the last of the descender states) landed (and was). |
| Gargarios08-01-07, 10:08 PM | Thanks Dragonheart. I think someone said the stonelands are near the Stormhorns Mountains, are there any threats or potential allies from there? |
| dragonheart08-01-07, 10:33 PM | Tehy basically include the StormHorns - they start on the southern border of Anauroch along the Sword with the Farsea Marshes to their west and tilverton to their east. The stormhorns form their southern border but the foothills on the south are so rugged that they are really considered a part of the stonelands as well. So no help there unless you happen to befreind a good dragon laired there. |
| MarkusTay6308-01-07, 10:46 PM | The Stonelands and the Goblin Marches, pg. 4 - "Throughout the Goblin Marches, and especially in the Stonelands, ruined castles and remnants of ancient cities can be found in the wilderness. In the Marches, these structures are often goblin fortresses of the more organized past. In the Stonelands, ruins are even more prevalent, and are most frequently the remains of Anauria and Asram, those powerful ancient cultures that once controlled the area." Now to me, that sounds a lot like Shade WOULD be interested in the region, and perhaps even big-guns like Larloch and Ioulaum, who would be sending 'searchers' into the area scouting for artifacts. You might even find some Red Wizards (in contention with the Zenterrim?) who are there at the behest of Szass tam, who himself is looking to locate more Netherese Magic for Larloch. ;) Further evidence, pg. 3 same supplement - "The Stonelands are named for the large, monument-like spires which are scattered haphazardly across an otherwise unremarkable landscape. Some number of these rocks are hundreds of feet high, but most are much smaller. All of them give the impression that they fell from the sky and landed awkwardly. The appearance is not mere bardic fancy. Unlike the Goblin Marches, the earth here is not rocky - the stones do not belong." It appears an enclave might have exploded and fallen in this region as well. With the way through Anauroch currently blocked by Shade, and the various tribes of Laerti (Asabi), from Oreme and free, and Armands (MM3) acting up, along with increased draconic and serpentine activity all in the desert, the Stonelands are an obvious choice for a new alternate route to the west. There is even a trade city (Eagle Peak) already established on the west face of the Stormhorns along the trade route. The Drovers in the Farsea Marshes are quite interesting, and the desire of the Yuan-ti/Naga kingdom of Najara wishing to establish control over the lizardmen of the local marshes adds in another interesting dynamic as well. A smart group of adventurers could make themselves VERY wealthy by building forts along the road and a trading post/town - providing caravans with safe passage, as well as giving all of the contending factions a place to trade (and plot). Maris Khorma Terrabin is an adventurer and the narrator of the Stonelands accessory. She says her group went looking for the "legendary Citadel of Seligonil", and came across the "ruins of Rasilith". Her and her companions built a "small wooden keep" just north of the High Moors (the area along the mountains and between the Stonelands and the Marches) as a base to adventure from, which she and they no longer use. If your group can find it, you have a ready-made base of operations. I should be done with the map by tomorrow. :cool: EDIT: I just found an entire new interesting region to the north, BETWEEN the Anauroch and the Desertmouth Mountains. I'm not talking about the Lost vale - I mean a region with forests, cities, and a lake that only appears on the insert of the main map of the Anauroch accessory. I can add in at least the southern stuff, so this might take me slightly longer - this region is tough because I have to reference several different sources, and some of them conflict (big suprise there). :rolleyes: |
| Gargarios08-02-07, 02:15 PM | WOW! Thanks alot markus, that bit of information is great! I can't wait for the map. If the Red Wizards are indeed interested in the ruins of the Stonelands how would they travel to get there? Would they try stting up an enclave in a town nearby? Same with the Zhentarim, would they move through the moonsea? Or move south from their Black Road that goes through Anaurach? |
| MarkusTay6308-04-07, 01:43 AM | Sorry guys, still not done... but almost. The roads are a *****, especially the trails (dotted lines SUCK), otherwise I probably would have been done. I keep finding interesting stuff to add in to the surrounding area, but the terrain is done as are most of the locales. Tomorrow, definately. ;) |
| ShadezofDis08-04-07, 01:48 AM | Sorry guys, still not done... but almost. The roads are a *****, especially the trails (dotted lines SUCK), otherwise I probably would have been done. I keep finding interesting stuff to add in to the surrounding area, but the terrain is done as are most of the locales. Tomorrow, definately. ;) Man, you just rule Markus. Your map work is unparalleled (though I do a pretty mean hand drawn map *g*). |
| Gargarios08-04-07, 02:03 AM | Sorry guys, still not done... but almost. The roads are a *****, especially the trails (dotted lines SUCK), otherwise I probably would have been done. I keep finding interesting stuff to add in to the surrounding area, but the terrain is done as are most of the locales. Tomorrow, definately. ;) Its all right Markus, I bet its going to look awesome! "The Stonelands are named for the large, monument-like spires which are scattered haphazardly across an otherwise unremarkable landscape. Some number of these rocks are hundreds of feet high, but most are much smaller. All of them give the impression that they fell from the sky and landed awkwardly. The appearance is not mere bardic fancy. Unlike the Goblin Marches, the earth here is not rocky - the stones do not belong." How about having the Netherese Archmages have a little practice before they turned mountains upside down to build their floating cities. And the Stonelands could have been their area to try out their new spells. And of course, the landscape shows, that a few spells didnt go right... And Wallah! You get the Stonelands! Could that be possible or nah? |
| ShadezofDis08-04-07, 02:13 AM | How about having the Netherese Archmages have a little practice before they turned mountains upside down to build their floating cities. And the Stonelands could have been their area to try out their new spells. And of course, the landscape shows, that a few spells didnt go right... And Wallah! You get the Stonelands! Could that be possible or nah? Very possible, however, I think the main idea here is that this is were some of the Netherese enclaves crashed to the ground. As in, they are the ruins of enclaves. Though it would be a good idea to throw in the "most of them are just experiments gone wrong" so that it's difficult to find ones with any use. Though a decent number of them could have been looted in the past, quite possibly the place where most Netherese lore has been obtained from. |
| Gargarios08-04-07, 02:18 AM | So looters, grave-robbers, and magic-item-collecters could have made the Stonelands a fine home for them and business would be doing quite well. The one problem for them would be the monsters that lurk in the ruins... And thats where my adventurers come into play. They join a massive Crusade, full of magic and supplies, and mile-by-mile take the Stonelands for themselves. |
| MarkusTay6308-04-07, 02:31 AM | Sure, anything is possible - Since it appears to be pieces of something strewn all over the Stonelands, I don't think it would have been a city falling; it seem more to me like one blew-up, or more likely, two blew each other up. I know Karsus destroyed an enclave, and another was destroyed by magical experimentation, and at least two were downed by the Paerrim, but I'm not sure if any of those 'exploded'. Perhaps you're right, they were practice runs. Or maybe, after the fall, Anauria went about 'cleaning house' - using levitation magic to 'chuck' all the debri over on the other side of the hills. The fallen kingdoms of Anauria and Thaeravel, the land of Alabaster Towers, were located in the area around the Stonelands as well, so some of the ruins could be from there, as well as from the Goblin kingdom. If you've read up on the war in Cormyr (Death of the Dragon), you know the ancient goblins were more intelligent - and orange. ;) |
| Gargarios08-05-07, 09:31 AM | You keep talkinbg about a Goblin Kingdom Markus... What is it and where is it? Did you finish that map? Does anyone know of any strange creatures found in Monsters of Fauren that would be found in the stonelands? |
| ShadezofDis08-05-07, 11:46 AM | You keep talkinbg about a Goblin Kingdom Markus... Have you read those sources outlined earlier in the thread? I'm assuming no, since you're asking this question. ;) There used to be a large, advanced Goblin Kingdom where the stonelands now are (though it didn't cover the entirety of the stonelands and it went north beyond the stonelands boarder) What is it and where is it? Read the sources outlined above, some of them are free to download from Wizards site. Did you finish that map? He'll let you know, he's good about that. He's also pretty darned busy with the various projects he's working on, it's pretty amazing the amount of stuff this guy puts together, so just have a bit o' patience. :) Does anyone know of any strange creatures found in Monsters of Fauren that would be found in the stonelands? Potentially every single one. Depends upon you to decide that. There has been enough magical experimentation and war around that area for there to be, literally, anything you want to use. :) |
| Gargarios08-05-07, 02:01 PM | There used to be a large, advanced Goblin Kingdom where the stonelands now are (though it didn't cover the entirety of the stonelands and it went north beyond the stonelands boarder) He'll let you know, he's good about that. He's also pretty darned busy with the various projects he's working on, it's pretty amazing the amount of stuff this guy puts together, so just have a bit o' patience. :) Potentially every single one. Depends upon you to decide that. There has been enough magical experimentation and war around that area for there to be, literally, anything you want to use. :) Haha, thanks ShadezofDis, Im just anxcious for the map... It will be extrememly usefull for my campaign and I can't wait... but ill be patient and wait for him to tell me when he's done. My adventurers will be starting on the southern end of Cormyr, and will join a crusade of soldiers heading for the Stonelands. I will have them go through training and they will become soldiers themselves. Eventually they will be higher ranked and allowed to command men. I will have some adventures for them to draft men into their unit from local communities. During these adventures they will fight bandits, leftover goblinoids from the recent war, corrupt nobles and their men, and invasive foreigners attempting to alter the power of Cormyr. While adventuring they will be slowly but surely moving up north. Should I have them...? just move north secretly move north undercover so their enemies don't know they're coming move north undercover so their enemies don't know they're coming find some means of avial travel to fly north (Eagles, Griffons, Magic, etc) move into west into Western Heartlands, then north into North, then east into Anaurach, then South into the Stonelands (sounds awfully dumb move) |
| MarkusTay6308-06-07, 03:49 AM | I would recommend Four from Cormyr, to get you started. The Map (http://candlekeep.com/images/sitegfx/mt_thestonelands.jpg) The Map is 98% canon, except for the following Points - Three small forests, the Redwoods, the Stonewoods, and Lost Orlath were added by me. I added Redwoods because older maps indicate a treeline all along the mountains, so it seemed fitting, and the name indicates the kind of trees you could expect to see. Both Lost Orlath and the Stonewoods were once part of the Forest of Orlath in Anauria. The stonewoods are basically a 'petrified forest' at the edge of the Stonelands. I figure for the northern one a small piece of the forest remained because of the nearby river. The river itself is canon, but I named it. I figure it was probably just a seasonal flow that dried up during the summer months, but with the return of Shade and their various nefarious activities the level of humidity has gone up quite a bit in the area. That means the river now flows year-round, and the forest is starting to make a comeback. The Tower Hlithal is from fallen Anauria, and is said to be very much intact. I figure that with Shade now blocking the Black Road, and Tilverton now gone, the Zhents would be taking this new route along the western face of the Desertmouth Mountains. They have been dealing with the D'tarig (half-dwarves) all along, so this route would make sense. The Saurials live just to the north along a small lake that hugs the mountains in a region called the Lost Vale, and its up to the DM to decide what is happening between them and the Zhents. The Zhents have taken the intact tower and now use it as a base and watch-post against the desert and Shade. The Zhents new trail leads to the small goblin trading post of Gwarch. It is said in canon that the goblins of Teerac (they live on the tiny island) are fairly civilized and trade with the Zhents and others, and this information is a few years old. By this time, and with the increased traffic through the area thanks to the Shades, I figure their little trading operation would have blossomed into a permanent trading post. It would look something LIKE THIS. (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/MarkusTay/TradingPost.jpg?t=1186387464) The abandoned Keep is canon, and was built by the mage Maris Terrabin and her adventuring company. The text in the Stonelands source describes its location, and she and her company no longer use it, so its up for grabs. The smaller 'dots' are villages - hopefully I can find a place to add a map key. The ones in the marsh are Drover Villages, and the rest of the marsh region contains Bullywugs. I will also make a DM's reference map as to the placement of the various monsters - I didn't want to clutter up this map with that. There are nice diagrams in the sourcesbooks that show wwhere each group or creature is located, so I will be using those. As for the marsh of Tun, it's mostly bandits and Lizardmen - the Lizardmen are actually somewhat friendly and are willing to help PCs against the bandits (who are NOT friendly at all). That part is also canon, BTW. As for the small town of Collinwood (another add) - The Halflings of Grey Oaks were chased out of their town awhile back, but only a few returned after the trouble was over (thats canon). I figure they had to go somewhere - the sleepy little hamlet of Collinwood. Originally just a settlement of about 20 halfling farmers and 30 humans all living and working on the Collinwood Estate. Lord Collins is a regal gentleman of the old school, and although he is not overly thrilled about the newcomers he doesn't stop the inflow of immigrants either. The population is now around three hundred, mostly halflings, and everything seems to be working out fine. But what the halflings didn't realize is that the sleepy little shire had dark secrets of it's own..... :devil: |
| Fabius Maximus08-06-07, 07:14 AM | Great work as always, Markus. |
| Gargarios08-06-07, 09:20 AM | The Tower Hlithal is from fallen Anauria, and is said to be very much intact. I figure that with Shade now blocking the Black Road, and Tilverton now gone, the Zhents would be taking this new route along the western face of the Desertmouth Mountains. They have been dealing with the D'tarig (half-dwarves) all along, so this route would make sense. The Saurials live just to the north along a small lake that hugs the mountains in a region called the Lost Vale, and its up to the DM to decide what is happening between them and the Zhents. The Zhents have taken the intact tower and now use it as a base and watch-post against the desert and Shade. The Zhents new trail leads to the small goblin trading post of Gwarch. It is said in canon that the goblins of Teerac (they live on the tiny island) are fairly civilized and trade with the Zhents and others, and this information is a few years old. By this time, and with the increased traffic through the area thanks to the Shades, I figure their little trading operation would have blossomed into a permanent trading post. It would look something LIKE THIS. (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/MarkusTay/TradingPost.jpg?t=1186387464) The abandoned Keep is canon, and was built by the mage Maris Terrabin and her adventuring company. The text in the Stonelands source describes its location, and she and her company no longer use it, so its up for grabs. WOOOOW! Amazing work Markus! Just a few questions about the stonelands: Um, what are Saurials? So do the Goblins from Teerac live on the Island and the trade at their trading post, Gwarch? In the Goblin Marches, is it just goblins, or are there other goblinoids too (such as hobgoblins and bugbears)? Do gnolls live in a certain area in the Stonelands? Who do the Zhents trade with on the other side of the trail (maybe their town of Zhents in the savage frontier)? Is their any story behind the Ruins of Amazandar, Castle Kilgrave, or the Forgotton Keep, or is that up to the DM to come up with? Thanks again |
| MarkusTay6308-06-07, 03:30 PM | Saurials are covered in the Saurials Web Enhancement for SK. (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20040717a) I'd also recommend the FREE download, Four from Cormyr (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/2/fr_downloads/tsr9531.zip) as a jumping-off point for adventures in the Stonelands. Teerac-on-Water goblins are unique; in fact, I would make them related to the ones that have recently come back from the past in Cormyr. Give them orangish skin and and say they are the sole 'pure' decendents from the Goblin Empire of Grodd (they were the ruling elite in the Stonelands part - the Kingdom of Hlundadim). Their town is located on the small island, on the surface, and they have no qualms about daylight as most goblinoids do. They have dug out an extensive tunnel network beneath their island, and now have access to the Underdark as well. Anyway, they are smarter and live longer then regular goblins (100 years!), wear chainmail, and have Bugbear allies - which I would assume that they use as gaurds around the new trading post. Gwarch is my own creation (based on the very first town I ever made for D&D), which has a VERY good chance of actually existing (under a different name, mind you). The Teerac-on-Water goblins are said to trade with others, even humans (the Zhents), so I feel with the recent troubles in the desert these clever Goblins have taken advantage of the increased travel through the region. I would also surmise that they are beginning to trade with the Underdark as well, where they found the Bugdears, so this little town could turn into one of the few places on Faerūn where surface dwellers could meet and trade with Underdark merchants. New Zhentish trail - Not canon, just conjecture on my part. Most maps leave that small clear area blank except for the river. The D'tarig are canon and are said to be decendents of the Mines of Tethyamer, which the Hlundadim goblins attacked and took over centuries ago. Canon Material - The Orcs in the area are also somewhat more sophisticated then their brethren elsewhere. They live on the outskirts of the Stonelands and mine heavily in the Mountains and hills. They refuse to trade with humans and demi-humans, but if they trade with the goblins then some of their product might be available in Gwarch as well - they make decent arms and armor. Gnolls are sophisticated here as well, but they do not have much to do with the Goblinoids, and are primarily nomadic raiders. Hobgoblins have very few of their own tribes, preferring to live amongst their lesser kin. These Hobgoblins were the elite fighting force of the old Kingdom, and used sophisticated battle tactics and weaponry. However, most of them were wiped-out during the Battle of the Bones, along with all of the powerful Orc Shamans called ularim (we're talking high-wizard class Orcs here!). They still are a little more civilized then most Hobgoblins, but they have definately fallen on hard times. Unfortunately, the Elminster's Ecologies that deal specifically with the Stonelands, Stormhorns, Farsea Marsh, Goblins Marches, and Marsh of Tun are NOT free downloads, although you can read about some relevant history in THIS ONE, (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/2/fr_downloads/tsr9489.zip) which IS a free download. I am taking the monster-data from the sources and applying them to a DM's map for the region, which I should have up shortly. ;) |
| MarkusTay6308-06-07, 11:45 PM | Just Posted the DMs source-map on my site, you can see it HERE. (http://candlekeep.com/images/sitegfx/mt_thestonelands-dm.jpg) It turned out to be a little more work then expected because I wanted to get in the Marsh of Tun as well. Please read the comments under my maps to note any featured I added in myself. Enjoy - Mark ;) *NOTE: I have rotated the Map to better fit in certain features, so please note the direction of North on this one. Also, I have made a minor change to the first map, and added in a compass-rose (since North is different on the two maps). |
| Gargarios08-07-07, 09:03 AM | WOW!!! Thanks a ton Markus! Now my campaign will be tip top (I hope). I just have a few questions about names of monsters or tribe names that I'm not sure about: What is the Melial Tribe? What is Hatori? What is a Bhuka? Im guessing Fenlis and Neidlig tribes are goblins? What creatures are the Border Raiders? |
| dragonheart08-07-07, 09:27 AM | beautiful job markus - thanks for all the hard work I'llbe using allthemaps in my campaign now:) |
| MarkusTay6308-07-07, 04:29 PM | What is the Melial Tribe?A large tribe of mixed orcs and hobgoblins that raid from the edge of the Stonelands all the way to Skull Gorge. This is the remnants of the army that attacked at the battle of the Bones, and they are clever and their Shamans still use fairly powerful magic. They make an effort to obtain more magically items whenever possible, by raiding caravans and even towns occassionally. Certain members of the tribe are infected with Lycanthropy - Dire Werewolves - which make them all the more dangerous. What is Hatori?Picture a cross between a dragon and a Crocodile, with a rock-hard hide and fin-like apendages that allow it to 'swim' through the sand. It's native to Krynn, but the Anauroch accessory states that there is a portal in the Sword that leads there, and many cratures wander through. Just use a Dire Crocodile if you can't get any of the Krynn appendices or bestiary. What is a Bhuka?They are desert Goblins, from Sandstorm. That was really a no-brainer, because that source came out way after the others I'm using, but I would assume a tribe of these would live around the desert border. Im guessing Fenlis and Neidlig tribes are goblins?Neidlig - A very large powerful tribe (600 as of 1370) of Goblins that occupy one of the former forts of their ancient kingdom. Unlike most of the others in the region, they do not hide their lair - they are not afraid of outsiders. They are led by King Srubaash , and he has allied himself with the nearby Merrowdrinkers (Hobgoblins) and Colchar (Orcs), adding to his otherwise impressive might. Fenlis - Similar in outlook to the Neidlig, but are racial supremacists. They would have joined with the Neidlig and their vision of a uniteed Stonelands Kingdom, but they despise other races! They are one of the three most powerful tribe of Goblins, numbering 400, and keep other races as slaves. What creatures are the Border Raiders?They are a mixed bag. Dozens of groups exist, raiding the nearby settlements and caravans, and an effort was put forth by King Azoun to wipe them out. However, the Cormyrian forces were based in Tilverton (now destroyed) and King Azoun is dead, so they are once again a major threat to trade (which would bring them in conflict with the Teerac-on-Water Goblins and their new mercantile interests). Some groups might be all of one type of creature, but just about anything could be found amongst their ranks, including many Cormyrian criminals looking to avoid justice. One such, a certain Thaalim Torchtower, now controls ALL of the bandits in the Marsh of Tun. He has created his own 'bandit kingdom', and controls (to a certain extent) the actions of SKurge, the Black Dragon living in the Tun Marsh (He stole her egg, and she's desperate to get it back). Interestingly, the Lizardmen of the marsh would be the best allies for a group of PCs, since they are fairly civilized and wish to see the Bandits and Trolls eradicated. Marsh Drovers - They are the last remnants of the humans that used to live in the region, along with their hostile brethren, the Tun Rovers. Both groups are fairly short (around 5'), and are related to the distant nomads of the Ride*. They have straight Jet-black hair, and a slightly oriental cast about them. The Drovers themselves are peaceful, and raise Catoblepas(!) herds. Gully Dwarves - Another Krynnish group, although these don't neccessarily have to be from there. Just picture miserable, skrawny, decadent dwarves, who also happen to be fairly stupid (although clever in an insidious way, like goblinoids). There was a Kingdom of Dwarves (Oghrann) FAR back in the past (pre-Netheril) that occupied the region under the Tunlands and the Mountians here. That would have been WAY after the Batrachi controlled the area, but BEFORE the Land of Eight Thrones, which may or may not be part of the civilization we know as the Land of Alabaster Towers (Thaeravel). I figure the survivors of that time would have fallen on some pretty hard times - you could use Duergar as a template for them, just make them a little dumber. Thandril - a fairly large settlement of humans and halflings that was overun back when the Horde marched to the battle of Bones, about 300 years ago. The wood structures would be gone, but a few stone buildings could still be intact. Just about any creture or group could be found throughout this entire region - the names on the map are only the Known threats. Well over a hundred minor tribes of Orcs, Gnolls and Goblinoids exist here, so feel free to create any you like. I also HIGHLY reccomend the creatures from the Sandstorm book for desert encounters - I was going to add a sand Dragon somewhere and a Dry Lich, but I figure I'll leave that up to the individual DM. *I postulate that the Gur tribe, who migrated from the Endless wastes into the Anauroch region thousands of years ago and mixed with the early people to form the proto-Netherese (by mixing with the Talfir) and Anghardt (by mixing with the Renghardt) peoples. This due to extensive research - there are Gur tribes in both the northern wastes AND evidence of another branch of them in the Heartlands. When they migrated, they would have went through the Moonsea North, leaving behind settlers who became the Ride Barbarians and possibly the people of the Old Kingdom of Thar (of which Glister, it's former capitol, is a remnant). All this LONG before Seventon ever arose along the Narrow Sea. ;) |
| Gargarios08-07-07, 05:01 PM | Just about any creture or group could be found throughout this entire region - the names on the map are only the Known threats. Well over a hundred minor tribes of Orcs, Gnolls and Goblinoids exist here, so feel free to create any you like. I also HIGHLY reccomend the creatures from the Sandstorm book for desert encounters - I was going to add a sand Dragon somewhere and a Dry Lich, but I figure I'll leave that up to the individual DM. Thanks again Markus! I don't happen to have the Sandstorm on hand... are their any excerpts? I saw something about desert kobolds somewhere and I think there was a link to desert goblins, but I lost it... Where would be the most likely place for a human army to build a base? Where would be the most likely place for a human army to attack first? |
| MarkusTay6308-07-07, 05:12 PM | Tilverton is being rebuilt near the old location - canon says "a few miles away", but until I get a direction (hopefully in GHotR) I couldn't add it to the maps. I would say that Griffon Hill would be logical base of operations in the region for the Cormyrian army - its basically just a fortified frotier town built atop a hill on the border of the Stonelands. I would think with the rebuilding of Tilverton, Alusair would be sendeing troops north to secure the supplies from Raiders. I would say they would wipe out the Raiders first, then maybe concentrate on the Zhentarrim. The various other tribes and creatures of the Stonelands pretty much prey on each other, and would not be a major concern to the crown. |
| Gargarios08-08-07, 09:39 AM | Thanks Markus, I have a few more questions: How do the Bullywugs feel about the Lizardfolk? Are there any stories behind Maris' Keep, Forgotten Keep, Ruins Amazandar, Ruins of Araugul, Castle Kilgrave, Orofin, and Mount Rausrawna? In the Lords Of Darkness, they have Zhentarim Tethyamar Fortress said to be somewhere in the Desertmouth Mountains, it isn't specific and it said it could be moved anywhere. Could I use it for the Tower Hlithal? How do the Kobolds play a role in the stonelands? They obviosly are frequently warring with the nearby gnomes, but do are they allied with any of the goblinoids or maybe Bullywugs? What's the story behind the Medusae? Aren't Orog from the Underdark? How do the Wemics play a role in all of the goblinoids, do they mind to themselves, or openly attack foreigners? There are a few Red Dragons about, do they frequently leave their lairs to hunt humanoids or just stay in the mountains? Wouldn't the Stonelands be more of a habitat for Blue Dragons? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to know any info about the area I can. Thanks again for all the help! |
| MarkusTay6308-09-07, 12:00 AM | The Bullywugs and Lizardfolk do not have anything to do with each other as far as I read in the local sourcebooks, but SK indicates that they would fight (which makes sense, because they also fight amongst themselves). Maris Khorma Terrabin was an adventurer, who was a member of the Stoners*, an adventuring company that explored in and around the Stonelands extensively some 20 years ago. They buikt a small keep to operate out of, which they left behind when they parted ways. Maris was the last to pack up and leave, and she is was living in Waterdep last I heard. Their initial goal was to find the Legendary Citadel of Seligonil, which they never did locate (there is no information on that local so I leave it up to the DM to place it and decide exactly what it is). Forgotten Keep - this was a tough one - I just copied the locale from two different maps, but I couldn't find any references. From a website I found some errata, which places Irongaurd 35 miles northwest of Arabel on the FRIA maps. Checking that source, the Forgotten Keep falls out in exactly the same spot (no wonder it's forgotten!) Anyhow, I downloaded HHoE, but there was no information except to the original source - Dungeon Magazine #18. Ed Greenwood himself wrote an adventure for the place - basically your standard dungeon crawl through an abandoned keep. For additional locations covered in Haunted Halls of Evening Star, SEE HERE. (http://members.tripod.com/sir_talion/halls.html) Amazandar - From LEoF, pg. 104: "The ruins of Amazandar, Anauria's capitol, lie due west of Rausawna (known to the Anaurians as Mount Shaddath), the westernmost peak of the Desertmouth Mountains." They are ruins - a city shattered by the last Orc horde of ancient Hlundadim, which moved on north after destroying Anauria's cities, and took the Mines of Tethyamer from the Dwarves as well before their impetus finally ran out. All that live in the deep shafts now are a few remaining Phaerimms. Araugul - Goblin for "Goblin Mount" - this was the capital of Hlundadim, which was the name of that kingdom AND its mysterious powerful ruler. Although many other fortresses were built thoughout the Marches and into the Stonelands and surrounding mountains. Besides the fact that it was said to be on top of a hill in the middle of the Goblin Marches, there is not much other information. Castle Kilgrave - The ruins of a a former cabal of wizards from Cormyr's shadowy past, this castle was finally destroyed during the ToT by Midnight (Mystra). Orofin - Was part of lost Netheril. It was one of the few ground-based enclaves, and was the center of vast farmlands and irrigation canals. Though the city now lies in ruins, many of the canals that run through the city remain intact. The city was the home of a Bedine tribe for awhile, but Zhentarrim agants poisoned the water in the canals and wiped out the nomads (see Parched Sea). For an example of a Bedine tribe, see the article HERE. (http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/pg/20030604a) Rasalith - This city was the capitol of ancient Thaeraval, long before the Netherese rose in power. Eventually the Netherese attacked and destroyed the Land of Alabaster Towers, but rebuilt this city as a monument to their power and superiority. While probably the single oldest Netherse ruin in existance, it was buried under the sands for centuries and was only uncovered by the winds and shifting sands in the last decade or so. The city is perfectly preserved, as it was one of the first cities buried by the spreading desert, and is now the home to a large tribe of Lartis (Asabi) dwelling in it's wells and sewers. Mt. Rausrawna is merely a landmark, being the western most peak of the Desertmouth Mountains. Kobolds- Stonelands Kobolds, unlike so many of the other local goblinoids, are actually less intelligent and more savage then most. They are at the bottom of the foodchain, and everything and everyone kills or enslves them. There is one tribe living between the two marshes, but I forget what source I found that in, nor can I remember any particulars about them. I think they were the Kobold remnant of the last Great Horde from the Stonelands, who lost at the Battle of the Bones. (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/2/fr_downloads/tsr9489.zip) Orog are only from the Underdark in 3e, but were everywhere in 2e. If you have trouble with that, then call them Ogrillons instead (they are pretty much the same thing). You can download the 3e version of them in Erik Boyd and Tom Costa's wonderful FREE BESTIARIES. (http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/monsters.html) Wemics - truth be told, these guys REALLY shouldn't be here; they belong in the Shining South. They were included on the map with the others, and the text says they war on most of the goblinoids in the area. Personally, I don't feel right about them being here, because they come from VERY far away. Its just one of those oddities of 2e, to try to fit everything in everywhere. I would just call them primitive Centaurs - either a prehistoric version, or ones that have devloved into something 'uncivilized'. Think something along the lines of a Neanderthal-centaur. Sloping forehead, jutting jaw, and maybe even some nasty sharp teeth... (Orcentaurs?). It's you're call, so you can run it either way, or just place more goblins there. Medusae, along with many otther solitery monsters, exist all over this region. You can find wandering ettins, Trolls, Hieraosphinxes, drakes, Hill giants, Minotaurs, etc... even dopplergangers (which the Zhentarrim like to catch). That area of the map just happens to have a heavier concentration of them, and there are also their male counterparts present as well - the extremely rare Maedars. Perhaps that is why so many females hang-out there (even monsters need booty-calls). :) Dragons - strangely, Blue dragons are one of the few species not mentioned anywhere. Even Silver dragons are present (more on that later), and there are several different dragons listed for the mountain ranges as well (I only named one). There offspring are all over the place, and are constantly fighting with the other monstrous inhabitants for territories of their own. It would not be odd for your party to run into a Chimera and a young dragonling battling over food or real estate. Manticores, Hydras, Fomorians, Giant Worgs (yes, there is a giant (Dire) version of the Worg here, as if the regular ones weren't bad enough!), etc all fight with each other, with the humanoids and others all scrambling to stay out of the way. Dinosaurs? - That was another one I copied straight from the book, but outside of Chult you do not really see any of the 'Thunder Lizards'. This is another one of those 2e oddities - Toril never had a real Ice-age, so prehistoric animals never really died out. However, in any terrain other then dense jungle they stick out like a sore thumb, and become excellent dinners for even larger predators - Dragons, Rocs, Giant tribes, enormous purple worms, the Tarrasque, or any Colossal sized creature. The Silver marches accessory reccomended ancient versions of mammals for the north, and even include at least one (the Branta), so use things like Whooly Rhinos and Dire animals instead. If you really like dinosaurs, then I would recommend the smaller, sleeker models, like Raptors. Throw a couple of Velociraptors at your party and they'll be begging to fight a good old fashioned Orc Horde the next time. One last thing - there is a picture of a goblin with a small mammoth behind him in the sourcebooks, but no mention of that. I think it would be neat to use Dwarf mammoths in the Stonelands, and have the Goblins use them as pack animals (or even as warbeasts). Dwarf mammoths only stood about the height of a man, so thery would be perfect for goblins, and I'm sure they are written up in one of the Monster Manuals. Giants and the Cloudlands - I have discovered the secret of the standing stones at last! Way back in time, before the rise of the Netherese, there was a world above the world. Just as the Underdark exists below our feet, their were realms in the sky; these realms were called the Cloudlands! At one time Cloud Ginats, all manner of Dragons including Mist and Sun, Storm Giants, Ki-rin, sylphs, Stone Giants, Pegasi, Giant Eagles, Avariel, and Asperii all lived in castles in the sky. The Giants had some form of magic which allows them to 'harden' the top surface of a cloud, making it solid and able to build upon. Hundreds of clouds containg dozens of structures and gardens hoverd high above the Stonelands, hidden from the world below. This Kingdom appears to have co-existed with Netheril, and perhaps it was the Netherese vanity that made the arcanists want to raise themselves up to the level of such powerful beings. Whatever the case, there seemed to be some sort of agreement between them, and perhaps a little trade (canon does state that the Netherese trded with giants in the north, and these could have been part of that reference. The text in the Stonelands goes on to state that Asram and Anauria discovered the Cloudlands, and attacked them, but that doesn't really make a lot of sense to me. The Netherese didn't see them while flying around, but the groundling survivor states did? Ergo, I postulate two possibilities. 1) The mages of Asram and Anauria were desperate for any sort of magic that could keep them alive, and tried to take the giants Cloudlands from them, or more likely 2) When karsus cast his stupid spell, the clouds briefly became intangible again, and the giant civilization came tumbling down into the Stonelands (they were said to have fallen around 1500 years ago, so it fits pretty durn good). Since the Netherese got along with its 'heavenly' neighbor, the survivor states got blamed for the fall later on down the road, which explains the text. As a side effect of all of this 'atmospheric disturbance', the Stonelands and the Stormhorns are prone to sudden and violent storms, and to a lesser extent the Goblin Marches. Thses storms come out of nowhere with gale-force winds, flash-flooding, and incredible (and deadly) displays of lightening - thou art warned. Points of interest (I'll have more tomorrow, but I have three maps to work on tonight) - The Black Network - The Zhentarrim control many things in the area, including most of the Border raiders. I suspect they are trying to exert control over gwarch as well, especially since they are having trouble holding onto all of their deset holdings with the Shades return (my assumption, but it makes sense). If the goblins of Teerac-on-water are still independent of them, then it must be due to an even more powerful foe that the Zhents are intimadated by. I doubt just a pack of Ogres or Bugbears is going to do it. If I were running this, I would say that some mysterious being is helping them... something POWERFUL. It could be Hlundadim reborn, or paerhaps the Lich Nyrax, "Lord of the Eight Thrones", that appeared in the farsea marsh a few years back. The Drovers think they killed him, but they never did find a phylactery. You could even say the Thayan set up an Enclave there, althought hats a little extreme. However, maybe they really don't give a Osquip's @ss about trade - they just want a watchpost somewhere near the Archwizards. I would think Szass Tam would be VERY interested in keeping an eye on those guys, as would everyone else. Old Wives Tales? There is at least one city beneath each of the swamps, and another on the High Moors. In fact, it is said in text that more ruins exist on the High Moor then in the Goblin Marches. Couple that with some hints that some of the ruins in the Stonelands are not goblinish, and are in fact much older, we have another lost kingdom. the Lich that arose from the swamp called himself the "Lord of the Eight Thrones", and the Land of Alabaster Towers (Thaeravel) was supposedly somewhere around here (southern Raurin, with Rasilith as it's capitol). So now I'm thinking there were eight cities comprising Thaeravel - Rasilith, one in each of the swamps, and one in the High Moors. That leaves four others lost somewhere between the Marsh of Tun and Rasilith. There has been some suggestion that the ruins in the swamps are of Batrachi origin, but that makes little to no sense to me, especially considering that means ignoring all of the other blurbs we know about those cities (there was some competition going on between Kipputyo and Talona in this region, and they are responsible for the fall of at least one civilization (Asram) and possibly several of the cities in the Marshes. There was also a Romeo-&-Juliet type tale about the two Marsh cities tied into the godesses (as advisors), so it really doesn't sound at all to me like they arte talking about Batrachi. Perhaps there are older ruins still, beneath those of fallen Thaeravel; that would make moe sense, especially considering the Farsea Marsh was called Farsea Lake in the year of the Spreading Spring (1038 DR), a mere 337 years ago! A human city could have existed on an island in the middle of the lake, but I don't see Batarchi doing so (the cities were said to have sunken into the Marsh, placing them originally on the surface). *The Stoners - I made-up that name, because there was no name for her adventuring company in text. However, there is a plant in the nearby Stormhorns called Kirin's Leaf. When the reddish brown leaves are crushed up they can be used to create a mood-altering potion (I'm not kidding). I figure the adventurers probably found some plants nearby, and having run out of Pipeweed they figure they'd give it a try... :dancin: |
| Gargarios08-10-07, 11:24 AM | Thanks for all your help Markus! Involving the Wemics, the Monsters of Faerun state that "some tales tell of an offshoot race of Wemics, lacking a mane in the male, that dwells in the Desertmouth Mountains and the Thunder Peaks. These Mountain Wemics are sypposedly related to the more common race just as mountain lions are related to common lions. Thr tales describe these creatures as smaller than their cousins. They live and hunt alone or in pairs, which perhaps accounts for their scarcity in the dangerous mountains they inhabit." It also says "Prides and tribes of wemics are found in a number of areas throughout Faerun, including the Stonelands, Pelleor's Prairie, and the Shining Plains west of Turmish. They also prominent in the Shar." That is enough information for me to toss em into the Stonelands. But I think I would have them still living in tribes instead of pairs. I think I am going to have the Fenlis Tribe pic up their belongings, sell their settlement to the trading post of Gwarch (which will probably take down the structures and use the materials to rebuild them in Gwarch), and migrate to the ruins of Araugul. On their way I would have a decent number of lesser goblin tirbes join their ranks to give the Fenlis tribe, to give them a new population of 900. Once they reach the ruins their first action, would be to practice their racism, by attacking all other races in the area and/or capturing them as slaves. With slaves they start rebuilding the fortress and eventually, word reaches nearby creatures of a new power arising. With even more power than before, the Fenlis Tribe will ask the Neidlig Tribe to reconsider their choice of allies. The Neidlig Tribe has been quite successfull with their Hobgoblin and Orc gaurds and would be very hesitant to pass them up. With word from goblin scouts from the South, the Crusade (the one my adventurers will be in) will have been spotted marching North in vast numbers. The Neidlig Tribe will start to feel the pressure of not being "on top" anymore. Even though he is not afraid of outsiders, King Srubaash knows that without a fortress, his tribe wouldnt nearly be as well protected than with his current lair. I will have King Srubaash trick the Hobgoblins and Orcs into going South to the Stormhorns and "gaurding the Neidlig tribe from a small army of foolish humans." King Srubaash knows the his old allies will be wiped out, but this gives him a chance to ally with the Fenlis tribe, thrive behind the fortress walls of Araugul, and decrease the numbers of a new enemy. The joined tribes will join under to kings, King Srubaash of the Neidlig, and King Vormuck of the Fenlis. By the end of 2 years after the Fenlis moved to the fortress, the joined tribes will have a stunning number of 1,700 goblins strong. With this new expansion, the other creatures will realize the threat that comes from the South, and how their survival might depend on numbers. The new idea of retaking old ruined forts also appeals to the other creatures. I will have the many tribes of Gnolls join together and take hold of a ruined structure (that I will make up) on one of the hills near where the Fenlis Tribe used to inhabit. I will have the Wemics ally with the Gnomes and Dwarves to the west in the Sunset Mountains. And eventually have them retake Thandril as their settlement. The Orcs will form a Horde of their own and will hope to take Amazandar. I will have the Orogs and Ogres help their cause, but they won't get very far past the Medusae, and might have to turn back. Maybe they could make a pact that if all the Maedars were found, they would petrify all creatures that come near the ruins except goblinoids, orcs, orogs, and ogres? I think I will bring the Zhentarim into the picture by buying off the smaller tribes of orcs and ogres as mercenaries. Either that or they grant them food and good weapons in return for their services. Do you think I could use The Tethyamar Fortress (found in the Lords of Darkness) as the layout for The Tower Hlithal? You mentioned "Dire Worgs"... I would be interested in the stats of them, for I think that a huge worg with 3 or 4 goblin archers atop it would give the PC's a run for their money. if you have any info on them plz let me in on it (such as stats or a book that might have such a monster). On your "monster map" of the stonelands, you have Griffons in the Stromhorns. I would have my Crusade ally with these creatures and use them as avial cavalry. I also see (not too far away from the Griffons) that you have Peryton listed. Could Goblins ride them??? Imagine a spear-weilding goblin, armoured in straps of leather with small metal studds jutted out. Now imagine the same goblin, but with a wild smirk on his face, riding a 7-foot-long eagle with a demonic purple stag for a head. Im not into the Dinosaurs idea too much... just get rid of them entirely or use giant lizards? What is the Secret Place? Or the Three Dead Camels? Any new ideas of how to incorperate these ruins and monsters would be greatly appreciated. And all that has been done and said is already greatly appreciated. The Stonelands Rock!!! (lol, get it?) |
| MarkusTay6308-10-07, 01:12 PM | Sounds good. Both the Secret Place and Three dead Camels,AFAIK, are sites where events in The Parched Sea took place. I haven't read the novel so I'm not sure what occurred there. Perhaps someone who has can elaborate for us? Also, the western Sword (lower 1/3 of Anauroch) is said to be occupied by Lamias as well. I added the 'Desert Orcs' myself, figuring they work for the nearby Zhentarrim in Lundeth, so just north of those guys a few Lamia would be hanging out. I'm not sure why the Orcs would want Amazandar - normally they seek to plunder occupied settlement or find beter hunting grounds, or even more fertile land (the Orcs of the Stonelands are said to be good at farming!) Any Tower Plans you have should work fine for Hlithal. With the Phaerrim loose and the Shades return, I wouldn't do too much in the desert proper (just the fringes). An army marching into Anauroch could cause a war - one I don't think Cormyr could handle at the present time. The main army would be more concerned with protecting the builders of New Tilverton, and securing all the lands with a hundred mile radius of that site. Of course, you're probably using your PCs as advance scouts, so having them enter areas further afield to get the lay-of-the-land is appropriate. The desert raiders should be everyone's chief concern at this time - according to canon sources, most of them work for a venerable red dragon named Grinnsira, who has a vast spy network throughout Cormyr, Sembia, and the Dalelands. It also goes on to say that the Black Network (Zhentarrim) are trying to undermine her authority by getting the raiders to work for them. They may have already tackled the dragon, or it could just be another interesting dynamic for this region. Remember, the majority of sources I'm referencing would place events about five years ago, so the status quo could have changed, and goblin populations could have easily doubled in that time. Perytons - unlikey they would allow ANY riders, but most especially goblins. A quote from the Stonelands bookk - "Few creatures are a more constant danger to goblins and other races in the Stonelands and Southern Goblin Marches than Perytons." Having the Cormyrian soldiers on Griffons is appropriate - the text does say they make a point of raiding nest and stealing eggs. They have an entire unit of Flying Cavalry mounted thusly (Airborn Rangers?). :D Dinosaurs don't fit, unless you use the small raptor like one. I think any of the larger sauroids would have become food long ago for other 'things'. Prehistoric mammals are appropriate, and like I said, there is a picture of a mammoth behind a Goblin in the Stonelands booklet. According to the rumors section, an evil human cult of Cyric has taken up residence inside a 'labyrinthan' set of tunnels in the center of the Goblin Marches. I thought that group might have taken over the ruins of Araugul, because the location would fit, and Araugul is said to be a Hill Fort (with a cavern complex underneath). The giant Worgs are also in the rumors section, but are just described as 'unuasally large', standing 10' high at the shoulder. It is thought that some Goblins may have cross-bred some of their 'pets' with with another type of creature, or maybe found a magic item that enlarges them. Another rumor - A Gnoll warband came across a wooden galleon amid the huge rocks of the Stonelands. Although showing signs of incredible age, it is basically intact. Who it belonged to or how it got there is a mystery. Another rumor states that an Orc prisoner captured by a Cormyrian patrol (;)) claims that the Orcs and Goblins of the Stonelands and Goblin marches are uniting, and that Cormyr will "run red with blood". I figure you'd like that one. |
| Gargarios08-11-07, 04:20 PM | Also, the western Sword (lower 1/3 of Anauroch) is said to be occupied by Lamias as well. I added the 'Desert Orcs' myself, figuring they work for the nearby Zhentarrim in Lundeth, so just north of those guys a few Lamia would be hanging out. Is there any info on Lundeth? Is it a caravan outpost? Or a fort to protect the Black Road? ...Remember, the majority of sources I'm referencing would place events about five years ago, so the status quo could have changed, and goblin populations could have easily doubled in that time. I think that is what I am going to do... increase all of the numbers of the goblins so the battles could be more fun for the characters. Plus goblins multiply quite quickly, and if they make alliances with all the other creatures nearby, many will be surviving than they normally would have if they were fighting mini-wars. Having the Cormyrian soldiers on Griffons is appropriate - the text does say they make a point of raiding nest and stealing eggs. They have an entire unit of Flying Cavalry mounted thusly (Airborn Rangers?). :D Yeah, that's what I was shooting for, air-born-cavalry. Another rumor states that an Orc prisoner captured by a Cormyrian patrol (;)) claims that the Orcs and Goblins of the Stonelands and Goblin marches are uniting, and that Cormyr will "run red with blood". I figure you'd like that one. Yup, you figured right Markus :plotting:. I'll even have one of my PC's commanders tell them "an orc prisoner, a few months back, ratted out his comrades and told us of a new alliance of Orc and Goblins. Then the dumb lump, jumped of the cliff (that we had cornered him into) yelling "CORMYR WILL RUN RED WITH BLOOD!!!"" |
| MarkusTay6308-11-07, 11:56 PM | Lundeth "This village of sun-fire clay huts climbs the steep sides of a rock pinnacle within a day's ride of the southwestern edge of the Sword. Surrounded by salt flats, and boasting its own deep well, it is a formidable, easily defended stronghold. Using magic, the Zhentarim seized it to serve as their western base of operations. Almost twenty minor magelings and underpriests of the Brotherhood currently inhabit Lundeth, served by the undead remains of the Goldor, the Bedine tribe who formerly owned and held the village." Thats everything. ;) Also - There are three adventurers that travel about the Stonelands together actively trying to destroy the Border Raiders and undermine their mistress's plans. Dreik Lorne - human ranger Thurn, son of Doulm - Dwarf Warrior, and Fi Lendicol - A Silver Dragon who poses as a human mage Other Rumors and whatnot - There is a tribe of Aarakocra living near Castle Crag. Something is killing Black Bears - literally ripping them to pieces; strangely, Brown and Cave bears are not being harmed. Displacer Beasts have been seen in the region. There are some Cyclopskin (Ogre-sized cyclops) living in the lower reaches (foothills) of the Stormhorns. There are Troglodytes living under the Stormhorns. Local Flora and Fauna: Sharrada are long-horned, hardy beef cattle covered with shaggy fur. They can survive in harsher cold than humans. Red Sheep are a cross between Sheep and Goats, with reddish-brown hair. Serow is a small goat-like creature with dagger-like horns. |
| MarkHall08-13-07, 07:56 PM | The Orcs in the area are also somewhat more sophisticated then their brethren elsewhere. They live on the outskirts of the Stonelands and mine heavily in the Mountains and hills. They refuse to trade with humans and demi-humans, but if they trade with the goblins then some of their product might be available in Gwarch as well - they make decent arms and armor. I've tooted this before, but I thought it was relevant. http://www.editors-wastebasket.org/nexx/tsr/ghoruk.html This is the background for a character I had a few years ago, going into the orcs of the Stonelands. |
| Gargarios08-17-07, 10:39 PM | Lundeth "This village of sun-fire clay huts climbs the steep sides of a rock pinnacle within a day's ride of the southwestern edge of the Sword. Surrounded by salt flats, and boasting its own deep well, it is a formidable, easily defended stronghold. Using magic, the Zhentarim seized it to serve as their western base of operations. Almost twenty minor magelings and underpriests of the Brotherhood currently inhabit Lundeth, served by the undead remains of the Goldor, the Bedine tribe who formerly owned and held the village." Thats everything. ;) Also - There are three adventurers that travel about the Stonelands together actively trying to destroy the Border Raiders and undermine their mistress's plans. Dreik Lorne - human ranger Thurn, son of Doulm - Dwarf Warrior, and Fi Lendicol - A Silver Dragon who poses as a human mage Other Rumors and whatnot - There is a tribe of Aarakocra living near Castle Crag. Something is killing Black Bears - literally ripping them to pieces; strangely, Brown and Cave bears are not being harmed. Displacer Beasts have been seen in the region. There are some Cyclopskin (Ogre-sized cyclops) living in the lower reaches (foothills) of the Stormhorns. There are Troglodytes living under the Stormhorns. Local Flora and Fauna: Sharrada are long-horned, hardy beef cattle covered with shaggy fur. They can survive in harsher cold than humans. Red Sheep are a cross between Sheep and Goats, with reddish-brown hair. Serow is a small goat-like creature with dagger-like horns. Thanks for all of the info Markus, The Sharrada, Red Sheep, and Serow must be the main source of food for any locals. Probably Orc tribes would follow these herds too. What would they drink? How do the Arakocra interact with the nearby Griffons, Harpies, and Perytons? Do they battle for territories in the skies? Could they be potential allies or enemies to the Cormyrian Crusaders? I dont think it possible, but could a goblinoid or orc ride a Displacer beast? If so, that would be the ultimate cavalry. Who controls Lundeth? A mayor elected by the people, or the most powerfull Zhent in the area? Is it worth picking up Sandstorm for this campaign? Thanks again |