Influential Orders
and Locales of the Thaeron Farlands
Rangers of the Eagle’s
Nest
This order is forged by an alliance between five major
Rangers of the North and their followers. Their confluence is a lofty keep
defended constantly by giant eagles with a domed roof atop a precipitous crag
in the Eagle Range of the Drimfell Mountains. They meet once at midsummer and
again only at call, although important individuals are often in attendance at
Eagle’s Nest seeking counsel and repose, or making appeals for various factions
under their charge. No one of less than level 10 Ranger, proven by a Gladden
Deed, is allowed into the order or access to Eagle’s Nest.
Neils Hilmorlin – Farer of the North, the Nyael of
Silverhorn Forest and the slopes of the Stone Hand Range; Male Human Hunter Ranger
16
Brandlee Gishmor – Farer of the Westerward, Nyael of Gateway
Valley and the Kraeven Hills, Female Elf Beast Master Ranger 18
Oaglen Stoor – Farer of the Gray Gates, Nyael of the Orgrin
Mountains and the Baerglaven Hills, Male Half-elven Ranger Hunter 14 /Land Druid
12
Katira Lashtani – Farer of the Eastwarrens, Nyael of Redshaer
Forest, Female Human Beastmaster Ranger 17
Borgan Roth – Farer of the Daerway, Nyael of Darkmoon
Forest, Human Hunter Ranger 16
Kirstia – Farer of Fogmyrn Forest, the Fastfeld, and the
Belaug Highlands, Elf Beastmaster Ranger 20
Druidic Eldergroves
Moonlake – The Cairn Valley in the Drimfell Mountains is
home to a series of spectacular emerald-green lakes. Atop a steppe overlooking
the lakes is the Moonlake Eldergrove. Massive stones are balanced upon the
natural outcrops that form an enormous circle with astrological and geographic
significance. Druids of the Northharrow, Silverhorn Forest, Kraeven Hills, and
even Fogmyrn Forest and Faethaern gather here, most notably at the time of the
Midsummer’s Eve festivals and ceremonies, but also at various times of note on
the Druidic calendar. Legend has it the Moonlake is mystically bonded to the
Elemental Planes, and derives much of its power and prestige thereby.
Shimmerleaf – Deep in the Fogmyrn Forest, realm of the
exiled Wood Elves, a great bowl graces the intersection of three rivers: The
Great Run, the Sporylas, and the Kalla. These then become the Great Run River,
which is the major river coursing the Northlands to the Vahalar Sea. In this
great bowl, which is a source of spiritual energy and inspiration amongst the
druids, a vast and meticulously maintained grove is tended, complete with
ancient trees still surviving here from long before the Thrien first came to
reign over Thaeron, great carved rocks depicting nature gods of various
pantheons, broad pebbled avenues woven between copses of thick undergrowth, and
a central ceremonial stone-inlaid circle over 3,000 feet in diameter. Rituals
from many factions of druids are performed here, and the traditional ceremonies
are presided over by many true icons of the druidic faith.
Greunden – perhaps no mythical place in all of the Farlands
carries with it as much heroic legend, mystery, and folklore as the Den of the
Great Pack, or Gruenden. The exact location of Gruenden is hard to pin down, as
various legends tell of it being located in places as diverse as Fernwood, the
Northharrow, the Fastfeld, and the desert lands of Travador. In fact, some
texts contend it is not a fixed location, but a center of spiritual energy that
wanders the wilder lands at will. It is said to be the gathering place of the
Great Beasts and all of the Circle of the Moon followers. It is supposedly a
place of thick fog, mire, and dreariness, imparting uncanny fear, dread, and
uncharacteristic malice in those not of the druidic faith. It is the spiritual calling
place for druids of the Moon Circle, especially during full moon nights during
the four Tiding Seasons. Druids of the faith never divulge details of what lies
within, nor mention its whereabouts, but they always seem powerfully magnetized
to its existence and its magical powers of transformation, unbridled freedom,
and wanton lust.
Mirthmyst – a fabled grove said to lie somewhere amidst the
Emerald Vale, virtually no one from the world outside speaks with any sure
knowledge of this place. However, tales persist of towering pillars of pure
crystal, graced between by arches grown of pure vines, supporting mirrored
stepping stones between, overlooking a paradise of scintillating waterfalls,
verdant trees with all manner of life amidst their branches, and breathtaking
perches of marble and obsidian parapets, from which all can be appreciated in
its fullness. Time is said to pass at a different rate there, and it is rumored
that somewhere within is actually a carefully guarded gateway to the plane of
Elysium.
Alpenspire – high atop one of the loftiest peaks in all of
the Farlands, in the central Orgrin Mountains, a steep glacial valley is home
to an array of marvelous stone renderings of great beasts. Giant eagles guard
the approaches carefully, so it is seldom visited except by Circle of the Moon
druids, who come here to practice particular sacred rituals and rites. Some say
there is a portal at Alpenspire leading to the Beastlands, but many learned
scholars say this is an illusion.
Dwaydreldun – an ever-celebratory and wildly chaotic locale existing
on the borders of Feywild, this grove of legend is said to exist always just
over the next ridge or beyond a river or across a short stretch of prairie…only
to be revealed as an illusionary destination when one arrives, with the grove
actually being in that nearby copse of trees, instead at the bottom of this
adjacent ravine, perched on the ridge just above, or across just another berm
of grass or two. One who manages to actually arrive at Dwaydreldun finds an
intoxicating and bedazzling array of merriment, wild expression, and excessive
spirit. However, the old sages say that the merriment is a ruse that masks
gruesome pagan sacrifices and unbearable torture of any of the Feyland’s
arch-enemies.
Paladin Crests
Ruby Cross – A faction of loosely interdependent paladins
bonded through a dedication to the defense of the oppressed and disenfranchised
of the world. They see themselves as a balance to the rule of might and forces
of destruction by being an advocate for the poor, disadvantaged, and the ill,
defending those who cannot defend themselves from both fell powers and those in
authority who forsake these peoples. Though they have an independence of
thought and action, they nevertheless take great care to respect established
law in every manner possible, recognizing as all paladins do the need for law
and order to prevail for the betterment of society. They have five temples
spread across the Farlands where their pledges gather to commune, conduct
prayers, pay alms, perform acts of servitude, and plot alliances against
particularly evil foes. These temples are widely known for their respect of
diverse good religions and races. Their symbol is a beveled crimson cross.
Brotherhood of Valiance – This exclusive society is a strong
bondage between rank and file paladins seeking justice through political action
and in concert with the lawful authorities of the land. They tend to the
haughty side of paladinhood, often looking down their noses at other paladins
or those of lawful good alignment whom they regard as second-class. There is a
strict rite of passage to enter the brotherhood, and once a member, the highest
standards of oath, allegiance, and unswerving faith are demanded. Though they
may often appear boorishly self-righteous to the commoner, they are nonetheless
resolute in their support of the greater good, as well as forthright and
professional in the judgments of good peoples of the Farlands. They maintain
major temples in all the greater cities of the Gilden Vales. These temples are
fortresses with strict rules and rigid entry requirements, quite unlike the
open temples of the Ruby Cross. Their symbol is a silver eye on a field of
royal blue.
Livra Tiras – The paladins of the elves, with a
long-standing heritage and traditions spanning over 20,000 years. Generally
they reflect the somewhat aristocratic bent of the high elves, although they
are less apt than the Brotherhood of Valiance to look down their noses at their
potential allies, such as the rangers and paladins/clerics of other races, even
at times tolerating a certain dose of the barbaric druids and shamans of the
nomadic tribes in order to accomplish some greater good. They hold selflessness
and sacrifice for the cause of good in perhaps the highest esteem of any
paladin order. They are quick to fault their own or others on transgressions of
these virtues. Their temples are located in the major elven cities, although
they often conduct rites in “borrowed” venues when forced by circumstances that
place them far from these temples. Their symbol is an elaborate elvish rune
symbolizing honor, trust, and valor.
Gauntlet of Fire – The dwarf Templars of legend, feared by
every foe, and highly respected both in the dwarf communities and those of the
elves and humans. They have a rich history of many brave exploits, especially
in the Bitter Wars. They have earned and are granted a demi-godlike status
amongst the dwarves, which invariably they humbly deny, but a strong sense of
higher purpose nevertheless pervades all of their doings. Their vigor and dedication
is steadfast, and they can be counted on like the rising sun. However, their
bullish insistence on tradition and political rigor is often a barrier to
others seeking cooperation or alliance with them. Their singular temple in
Arkendar is a spectacular achievement of architecture, if rather forceful and
overly warlike in style. Pillars of etched crystal, doors plated in gold, and
gemstone chandeliers accompany halls with soaring arched ceilings, stone
facades with elaborate battle carvings, and tables and benches of sparkling
polished granite, adamantine, and breccia. Their symbol is a gauntleted red
fist or gauntleted iron/black fist surrounded by a red/orange aura.
Arcane Libraries
Kilterwiddyn – a citadel of crystalline majesty, thrice
besieged by the Rohrdrim Shield hordes in the Bitter Wars, to no avail. It has
proven the most unassailable of all the keeps and fortresses constructed by any
of the races in recorded history. It is guarded carefully by the Zephyret, an
influential faction of wizards. Those privileged admittance can discover a
honeycomb of stockpiled lore in the various catalogued rooms, as well as arcane
laboratories and a celestial observatory atop the 1,500 foot tower. It is
rumored that to dwell within its walls is like being in an alternate world, but
also that extended time spent there can decay the mind at an increased rate.
Sevayetna – the legendary vault of the great thinkers of the
Silverbeard, a revered community of elder gnomes. Somewhere within the
intricate and illusory mazes of Ommenhold, no one is known to be privy to how
to get there, let alone enter the vault. What treasures still remain, no one
knows, but before the Bitter Wars it was widely held to be a source of
unfathomable knowledge and lore. Jealously guarded for eons by the gnomes, it
lies shrouded in layers of both known and unknown mystery.
Emaril Vault – among the mountains of treasure hoarded by
the dragons of the Emaril at Timas Zimmar is a collection of arcane tomes, some
with untold secrets and knowledge from other planes of existence. Naturally,
accessing this fiercely guarded and coveted treasure is a penultimate challenge
for any outsider.
Dwarf Strongholds
Stellis Glimmard – the “City in the Clouds” perched on the
rugged Sawtooth Range of the central Drimfell Mountains, long the cultural
center of the Black Dwarves, whose dwindling numbers were decimated during the
Bitter Wars. This massive keep built of 30’ to 50’ stone cubes was virtually
unassailable for most of memorable history. Ancient lore is rich with tales of
the cooperation of the black dwarves with the mountain giants, and some of the
ancient tomes attest that the black dwarves indeed shared a touch of blood relation
with the giant races. The vacated fortress now serves as the home of the Silver
Lords of the Glorious Gilded royal dragon family.
Arkendar – City of the Iron Forge in the Iron Range of the
Drimfell Mountains. This city has a history even older than that of the High
Elves, and the centuries of evolving craftwork and many wars have carved out a
truly unique and wondrous fortress with an odd splendor and charm. Buttressed
suspension ramparts, arches of colossal carved stone blocks, elaborate gates, walls
with clever defensive recesses, and domed parapets with sliding/extending panels
and facets are some of the more prominent architectural features. There is a
businesslike expedience about Arkendar, but also a warm hearth and a genuine,
if brusque, hospitality behind the thick doors and walls that will harken to
dwarf and outsider alike.
Cyglar Delvus – Abandoned fortress of the Gold Dwarves in
the Wolfang Range of the Orgrin Mountains. Once the proud home city of these
industrious miners and smelters of renown, the city stands in ruin and is
rumored to be occupied by some dire evil influence of uncertain identity and
origin. It is considered a curse to mention the name of this place in the
dwarven tongue. About 3,000 years ago,
Cyglar Delvus rivalled Timas Zimmar as a center of influence and prestige. A long
run of bad mining luck, encroachments by the deep races, and a political
fallout with their closest allies, the gnomes of Ommenhold, led to a
much-reduced role by the onset of the Bitter Wars.
Gnome Warrens
Kreavenveld – a magnificent yet highly practical extended
fortified warren in the Kraeven Hills. Source of famous jewelry and finesilver
crafts. This gnome center of bustling trade has close ties to and many dealings
with the humans and halflings of Faethaern, as well as the wilder minions of
the Silverthorn Forest and Fernwood, although the citizens of Kraevenveld never
speak of the latter two openly in public.
Ommenhold – mountain stronghold featuring elaborate
defensive constructs in the southern Orgrin Mountains. This fabled city, which
few outsiders have had the privilege to explore thoroughly, is the source of
blacksteel and orthryn gemstones of great renown. The Ommenholder are extremely
secretive and reclusive in their mountain abode, as much so as the elves and
fey are in their deep forests. Independent and suspicious by nature, they
rarely venture forth amongst the other civilizations of the world unless some
great need compels them to do so. It is rumored that they share alliances with
the high races, the fell tribes of the Belaus region, and also some minions of
the Underdark. Keeping the delicate balance between these often conflicting
influences is said to be the strong motivation for their reclusive
existence.
Bastions of the Fell
Races
Gloggergrumge – labyrinth under the Great Grimoire Mountain
in the north Orgrin Mountains. Exiled home of the original Goblin-kind.
Varkal Harambrok – a legendary sprawling keep system carved
from a massive dormant volcanic vent under the Grimfell Mountains, originally built
by the duergar, but since the Bitter Wars few have ventured there and returned
to tell of the doings of its inhabitants. The Dragon Lords pay special heed to
the two gates leading to this underground fortress of ancient notoriety, now
overrun with orcs and orkains.
Lurgwold – underground city of the Drow, with gates and
portals to the surface world only in carefully guarded and seldom advertised
locations. It is said to be a place of continual strife, as the drow
continually persecute and punish each other and rival families mercilessly for
the slightest of transgressions or to vie for supremacy. The few who have
visited Lurgwold relate that it is remarkably austere and brutish in comparison
to the high elvish dwellings of the surface world. The reports also invariably
cite the magic and military strength of Lurgwold as impressively formidable,
however.
Elvish Cities
Timmas Zimmar – noble city of the Thrien lineage, this
broad, sprawling marvel of stonework, sweeping majestic style, and unrivaled
ornamentation has suffered from the Bitter War invasions and the general
neglect of its upkeep by its present inhabitants – the Smiling Smelters Legion
of the Emaril. At one time it hosted trade from across continents and served as
the destination of choice for foreign emissaries, dignitaries, and nobility. No
place symbolizes the terrible sacrifice of the elven race in the Treaty of the
Nine more than this once admirable city, now reduced to little more than a
sprawling, poorly-kept, oddly out-of-character denizen of the Shining Smelters
family of Dragon Lords.
Mirameth –fabled city of the Golden Leaves at the head of
the Gateway Valley. High Elvish city built on the ancient principles of
architecture, it rivals any place in the Farlands for sheer charm and splendor.
Some sections suffered heavily in the Bitter Wars and are in the process of
being rebuilt by elf architects…a process that will take hundreds of years to
complete, in order to get all the finer details and precise materials and
dimensions exactly correct. Swords of excellent balance and speed, art of great
respect, and the ever-practical waybread, feywine, and honey leather are some
of the more famous products of Mirameth.
Eildenshaen – city of the Emerald Veld in the Ainlyre Hills.
Home of the twilight elves, an arcane branch of high elf lineage that once
ruled over the Thaeron in the time of Faeril more than 62,000 years ago, when
the fairy races ruled the land now known as the Farlands. Some say they are
interbred with fairies and retain some of the characters of those fey creatures.
They are highly intelligent but slight in build and reserved in bearing, rarely
interacting with the outer world away from Eildenshaen and the Emerald Vale.
Their magic is said to be exceedingly powerful, and indeed they have seemingly never
been bothered by the comings and goings of the tumultuous events in the
surrounding locales over eons of time. It is said there was a deep-running
cultural rift between the twilight elves and the high elves that ruled the
Farlands after the time of Faeril.
Vindahannia – the “Livingwood” city built amidst the great
trees of Fogmyrn Forest by the wood elves and seldom visited by outsiders.
Carefully crafted for centuries, the branches of the great trees have been
trained and molded expertly into paths connecting elaborately carved tree
boles, forming barricades to block the path of unwanted intruders, and hold in
place the great ebony rings etched with elvish runes, through which the elves
pass as rites of duty, honor, and privilege to reinforce the spiritual bonds of
the wood elf race. It is widely held that the city is also guarded by a host of
intelligent trees that may bury or whisk away unwanted intruders, as well as
water and earth spirits that haunt the surrounding forest. The finest of bows
and a rich assortment of rare herbs are the hallmarks of Vindahannia, although
these are extreme rarities on the open market and command premium value.
Halfling Borglauns
The halflings have been traditionally adept at carving out
small, low-profile territories with particularly rich soil and clean waters at
the edges of the more ambitious human, dwarf, and elven cities and territories.
However, in the lower Gilden Vales where they have had the longest presence,
several halfling communities have grown especially strong in commerce,
burgeoned in size, and out of need for self-preservation developed into
strongholds.
Toflingale – a cluster of three halfling cities, which during
the Bitter Wars were connected by elaborate fortified roadways, is the center
of halfling activity and commerce on the banks of the gentle and navigable
Mallorn River. Toflingale supports a brisk trade in agricultural commodities,
rare woods and herbs, musical entertainment, and medicinal products.
Gandgladdin – a rare halfling fortress atop a particularly
large hill in central Sharrow Laern. This is the most militaristic and rigidly
governed of the halfling borglauns, with a three-tiered defensive wall
structure, with each interior being a microcosm of halfling culture at
different social levels. A strong culture of valor, loyalty, and strength at
arms characterizes this community. Handmade objects of amazing practicality and
sturdy function are the specialty of the halflings of Gandgladdin, along with
woolen clothing, famous cheeses, and bulk leathers.
Mallymarn – an amazing myriad of connected underground
burrows, tunnels, and sheltered surface venues, this community grew out of the
necessities of constant conflict in the Bitter Wars, and has adopted a certain
charm as a sort of novel destination in peacetime. A bustling center of trade
and crafts, it welcomes comers of all the high races, even catering to their
needs in the Grand Town section built on a scale for humans. It is well-known
for its elegant wines, rich fruits, exotic cuisine, and rugged homespun craftworks.
