Map of North and West of Blackmarsh:

Redo West and North Map (Sorted forests, and added some text and ruins): https://www.flickr.com/photos/nialldubh/22967285065/in/album-72157660656424710/

Old North and West Map:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nialldubh/22933294985/in/album-72157660656424710/

Last edited by Caveman (11/12/2015 11:59 am)

Blackmarsh's Chronology:

TU: Time Unknown.

Blackmarsh Events from the time of the Ashen Worm to the present.

c. -TU BC Æ: Hyperboreans flee to their retreats in the Spiral Mountain Array.
c. -TU BC Æ: Separation of Hyperborea from 'Old Earth.'
c. -TU BC Æ: Land thaws; but Hyperboreans still remain within their mountain lairs.
c. -TU BC Æ: Savage tribes of Old Earth find their way to Hyperborea and progress.
c. -TU BC Æ: Hyperboreans return to their old cities and estates.
c. -TU BC Æ: Time of 'The Mountain that Fell,' within the region of the Black Castle.
c. -TU BC Æ: Hyperboreans of Castle Blackmarsh fight strange dæmonic and fell creatures and eventually after a century and a half sent them into hiding in the dark places of the world.
c. -TU BC Æ: Most Hyperboreans succumb to lotus dreams, the other Human tribes expand, populating the land.
c. -TU BC Æ: Many Hyperborean generations pass....
c. -TU BC Æ: Warning from some of the Hyperboreans who fled back to their retreats in the Spiral Mountain Array of a menace of foreboding and death.
c. -425 BC Æ: 'Green Death,' comes and near destroys 90% of life on Hyperborea. Some Hyperboreans who woke from their lethargic sleep in Blackmarsh managed to take refuge in their vaults, though had to leave many to die in their haste.
c. -425 BC Æ: Dark Age begins...
c. -411 BC Æ: Kelts, Kimmeri-Kelt (Ostrobards) and Kimmerians came from inland through the passes and from the sea came Viking to raid or to settle the land they named Vasa.
c. -388 BC Æ: Petty wars occurred between some of the Human tribes (mostly created by the savage Ostrobards) until Geran Blackoak, a Kimmerian Ranger brought a certain kind of peace and at least mutual cooperation.
c. -225 BC Æ: Savage tribes claim Khromarium.
c. -215 BC Æ: A strange magical substance called alzarém is found in Blackmarsh attracting adventurers from near and far.
c. -198 BC Æ: Dwarves move into the area searching for alzarém.
c. -171 BC Æ: Orc tribes secretly move into the hills and mountains around Blackmarsh.
c. -125 BC Æ: Pirates and freebooters wrest control of Zangerios Islands.
c. -50 BC Æ: Viking resettle New Vinland.
c. 1 C Æ (Genesis): Dark Age ends.
c. 6 C Æ (H.S. Waxing):  Blackmarsh begin sea-trade with Khromarium.
c. 19 C Æ (H.S. Waxing):  Blackmarsh begin sea-trade with Vikings of Vikland, New Vinland and and Zangerios.
c. 58 C Æ (H.S. Waxing):  An other of migration of Kelts moved into Blackmarsh and some continued onwards into the Southlands.
c. 60 C Æ (Drought):  Vikings of Vasa keep raiding and trading, throughout the Grey Sea.
c. 203 C Æ (Drought): Keltic Gal established.
c. 273 C Æ (Nightfall): A ship of over a hundred Atlanteans made their way into Smoking Bay and into the Lanis River and took refuge in a nameless salt-watered lake with three islands in it.
c. 273 C Æ (Nightfall): Atlanteans scouts attempting to explore the Smoking Bay were lost and gain a small underwater mount, they were lucky to harvest alzarém which supported them with there underwater activities.
c. 376 C Æ (V. Equinox): Lanis River lighthouse abandoned.
c. 383 C Æ (H.S. Waxing): The 'Shattering,' battle and war rage throughout the Blackmarsh and Southlands, dæmons and their allies arouse.
c. 385 C Æ (Drought): Viking invade Gal City.
c. 386 C Æ (Tranquillity): Keltic retake Gal City from Viking invaders.
c. 433 C Æ (V. Equinox): The 'Shattering,' the 50 year war raged and seemed unstoppable, dæmons and their allies, Bird-men, Orcs and Rurasin berserkers savages swarmed the land, causing many of the tribes to flee in terror. It was only with a united effort from the free tribes that they forced their way back into power.
c. 434 C Æ (Tempest): The 'Shattering,' broke the Hyperboreans council's power. Alliances with other tribes was needed, especially with the Wardens. But it was now a struggle to maintain order. Monsters roamed the land freely and without restraint. The meagre forces of the Hyperboreans, Wardens and the devastated tribes could not contain the danger without.
c. 452 C Æ (A. Equinox):  Treaty is formed with the Vikings of Vasa to stop raiding and   be content with trading, most are, but a group of Viking renegades reject such a proposal and sailed with their families east across the Grey sea to establish haven from which to raid from and continue their “auld ways!”
c. 454 C Æ (Coda):  With the treaty  formed, the Vikings of Vasa change their name to the “Grand Kingdom; Province of Vasa.” To celebrate their more civilized ways.
c. 473 C Æ (Deluge): Hyperborean Magician named Atacyl Oathbinder attempted to take power in Castle Blackmarsh and take it as his own.
c. 477 C Æ (Tranquillity): Atacyl Oathbinder controls Castle Blackmarsh and commit multiple atrocities in his quest for ultimate power.
c. 517 C Æ (A. Equinox):  Atacyl Oathbinder loses power and his life, followers secure his body and secretly take him to a hidden place where they convert him into a vampire. Atacyl kills half the enclave and flees.
c. 532 C Æ (Coda): Atacyl is killed in the dungeons below Lanis River lighthouse by a group of adventurers.
c. 525 C Æ (Deluge): Dwarves of Bolzak open their doors at their holdings at Oldan Hold to instigate friendly relationships with the Humans of Blackmarsh.
c. 559 C Æ (Nightfall):  Savage tribes sack Swampgate and raid streets of Khromarium.
c. 572 C Æ (Nightfall):  Savage tribes sack Swampgate but are repelled at Khromarium wall.
c. 575 C Æ (V. Equinox):  Viking brutally raid Khromarium, Erikssgard claims raid was unsanctioned.
c. 576 C Æ (Tempest):  Present day.

Last edited by Caveman (12/09/2015 10:43 am)

Castle Blackmarsh Establishments

1) Blackmarsh Castle: The castle is currently under occupation by the original inhabitants of the place, and the four Hyperborean Families of Graax, Vheez, Shoon and Druun.  They maintain sole control to prevent former allies of Atacyl Oathbinder from gaining access to the lower levels.  They do not have the manpower to clear the dungeons. They will allow adventuring parties who have the recommendation of the Blackmarsh Rangers or the Temple of Ullr to enter.  The Hyperboreans have an arrangement with the Temple of Ullr to provide healing at good rates for those that require it.

2) Temple of Aurorus “The Shining One”: This once glorious temple to the God of Knowledge has fallen into decay.  The near destruction of the Society of Magician and Scholars by Actacyl has left little for donations to maintain the grounds and buildings.  Much of their income comes from charging for access to their extensive library of magic, legend, and lore.

3) Temple of Ullr: This temple was established soon after the fall of Actacyl.  With their allies, the Blackmarsh Rangers, they rid the town of the many magical traps, devices, and creatures left behind.  Since then they have been the most popular temple with the hall packed on holy days.  They actively seek out newcomers and encourage them to form adventuring parties.  They will either send them to the Hyperboreans to explore Castle Blackmarsh or into the surrounding countryside to respond to the many requests for aid.

4) Merry Legs Banquet Hall: This is the largest banquet hall in Castle Blackmarsh.  Unlike the Alzarém Lodge it is not exclusive and any adventuring party that is willing to pay its fees may make use of the main hall and the many private dining rooms.  It also makes suites of 3 to 4 rooms available to rent for groups needing a place to stay.  During the evening hours, merchants, caravan masters, and ship captains dine and drink in the main hall seeking business opportunities.  Starting an hour after sunset the floor show starts, it features singing bards, dancing wenches, and juggling fools.

5) The Scholar’s Inn: This is the largest inn in town.  It has an extensive library that is open to patrons.  It doesn’t have the depth of the library at the Temple of Aurorus “The Shining One,” but it has more current material.  Nearly half of the rooms are rented to what remains of the Blackmarsh Guild of Magicians.  Survivors of Actayl’s reign and the Hyperborean takeover have congregated here to restart the guild.  However, the town’s mistrust has hindered their recovery.

6) The Alzarém Lodge: This is a banquet hall open to members only.  Only elite explorers and adventurers are invited and the yearly fees are said to be ruinous.  However, membership gives access to information and lore found nowhere else.  The few that are invited gladly pay. 

7) Dax Brothers Outfitters Founded by two brothers five decades ago, this is the premier shop to buy equipment in the Blackmarsh region.  They import the best from the Grand Kingdom and beyond.  Their prices are 20% higher than normal, but the equipment’s quality gives a +1 or +5% bonus to dice rolls involving their use.  The Dax Brothers long passed away long ago and currently a large group of cousins are involved in running the store.  Many of them are overseas or scattered throughout the Blackmarsh region looking for the latest goods to bring back to the shop.

8) Emporium of the Strange and Arcane Not all Magicians in Blackmarsh struggled after the fall of Actacyl and the return of the Hyperborean Families.  Thil the Cowled proved himself an ally of the Hyperboreans and the Blackmarsh Rangers and became one of the first adventurers to become rich from exploring the dungeons beneath the castle.  After retiring from adventuring, he established the emporium to buy and trade magic items.  Now 102 years old, he leaves the day-to-day operation to his apprentices, but will still participate in negotiations for high value items.
Adventurers will find that there is an 80% chance that magic items worth 1,000 GP or lower can be found in stock.  For items up to 5,000 GP value there is a 20% chance of being in stock.  For more valuable items, these are auctioned off every quarter at the Alzarém Lodge.  For non-members there is a 1,000 GP entrance fee.

9) The Abrams Company John Abrams is the most successful ship magnate in the Blackmarsh region and one of the leading trading companies on the Grey Sea.  He owns over two dozen ships of various sizes, ranging from one-mast coasters to caravels capable of crossing the vast distances to the Zangerios and beyond (if needed?) or the City-State of Khromarium.  With a recommendation, he will let an adventuring party charter one of his ships.

10) The Blackmarsh Company of Adventurers The Company of Adventurers is largest company of caravanmasters in the Blackmarsh region.  They organize overland caravans to Greywood, the Duchy of the Ostrobards and into Southland. They can also go through the mountain passes inland to Kimmerian Steppes. Matthew Thanes is the latest Captain General to lead the company and is always on the lookout for new members to join as merchants, scouts, or guards.

11) The Company of Honourable Men Actacyl’s reign dispossessed many wealthy and noble inhabitants of Blackmarsh.  Driven into hiding, they attempted to strike back at the Oathbinder’s tyranny.  In subsequent decades their descendants became little better than a group of organized thugs.  Today, they gladly aid those who are discontented with the rule of the Hyperboreans while running their illicit operation for financial gain.

Last edited by Caveman (11/11/2015 8:06 pm)

The only force that stands against the wilderness is the Blackmarsh Wardens.  Anyone who is willing to defend the land and its people are welcomed into their ranks.

The Reforming: 'The Mountain That Fell,' had left a strange and special gift; a powerful enhancing magic for those who could wield it. Near and far, those of learning and stout of heart discovered new powers to shape the world.  In the desolation around the Smoking Bay the adventurous found a strange source of power called 'alzarém,' magic in physical form.  And there was more, scattered amid the landscape were strange artefacts and stranger creatures that survived 'The Mountain That Fell.'  For a time Men, Dwarves, and even Orc scouting groups, and other strange and bizarre creatures braved the dangers and fought each other in the wastelands.  Then the Hyperboreans regained some of their strength and power hidden in their Castle Blackmarsh and rode out and expelled the feuding interlopers, drove the monsters out, and ruled the land once more.

Alzarém (Al'zar-eem): Alzarém is a magical substance, much like a metal-like substance that takes many forms (mostly crystallized).  It could be a meteorite nugget, or an iridescent rock; some rare souses of alzarém take other forms and can be found by those who know what to seek. What all these items have in common is they are infused with pure magic.  Alzarém can be used in the casting of spells or the creation of magic items.
Alzarém allows a user of magic to cast spells without losing it from memory.  The alzarém is consumed in the process.  One alzarém for a first level spell, two alzarém for a second level spell, three for a 3rd level spell and so on.  One alzarém is worth 100 gp towards the creation of a magic item.  The referee can use alzarém as treasure usable towards the creation of a magic item in place of giving out more gold pieces.  

The Wild North: To the north of Blackmarsh lies what the locals call the 'Wild North,' a cold land of dark fir and spruce, much like in the Black Forest Inlet, though these one are not as tall, being only about 200 ft tall. The mighty Belaya River runs through the heart of the land, wide and ferocious, raging down from the Frostgrims.  Scattered through the Wild North are isolated Human tribes called the Rurasin city-states, but they are small though savage groups, prone to battle lust and the need for slaughter (Berserkers or FightingMen CE); these People maybe a mixture of the Esquimaux Lapps, Tlingit and Yakuts that were defeated in New Vinland by the Vikings many years back and formed into aggressive tribes of the black firs. The good thing about their location, is most are trapped between two mighty surging rivers and cannot reach the tribes of the south and the Kelts of the north as they are not very good boatmen.
 

Last edited by Caveman (9/07/2017 1:40 pm)

Geography

The aftermath of 'The Mountain That Fell,' has had a major impact on the region’s geography.  The impact caused many cracks and shifts in the land, forming the numerous swamps and estuaries of the region.  Even after many thousand years, and the best efforts of the Hyperboreans, much of the shoreline is a confusing maze of waterways.

Alhert Island
This long barrier island has little of note other than scrub and sand. The unique Pyrocantha bush grows in abundance here.  Its berries can be harvested in the fall and used to create a salve that when rubbed on armour gives a +1 bonus.  Unfortunately, the salve lasts only a single battle, but additional doses can be applied.  Multiple applications of the salve do not have an accumulative effect.

Dragonbone Peaks
The western slopes of these high mountains took the brunt of the debris ejected from the effects of 'The Mountain That Fell.'  The debris covers most of the valleys of western slopes.  In the centuries since, an extensive cavern system has formed.  It is believed the network extends for miles along the western edge of the mountain range.

Driftwood Isle
The currents of the Grey Sea caused this island to accumulate a large amount of driftwood as well as other objects from the wind and tide.  Along the south-east peninsula, the scattered remains of a ship can be found.  Beneath a pile of seaweed is a body of a young man dressed in the style of a high noble of the Grand Kingdom.  His hand clutches a necklace with the royal seal.

Lanis River
The Lanis River flows north from Southland and is three miles wide when it enters Blackmarsh.  The current is deep and slow and easily allows ships and barges to travel in both directions. Merchants travel between Castle Blackmarsh, Westguard and the Dwarven kingdom of Bolzak. Sometimes the occasional Renegade Vasan longship will try their luck raiding farther south.

Pendar Mountains
A spur of the White Mountains they connect a hundred miles to the north-west.  They are known for the numerous Cavemen tribes that inhabit the little explored mountain valleys. 

Rednut River
This river gets its name from the number of Rednut groves growing along its banks. The Rednut is considered a tasty delicacy by the inhabitants and animals of Blackmarsh. Every fall, the river surface is covered with floating rednuts as they drop from the trees. This has the unfortunate effect of attracting hippogriffs and griffins who swoop down and scoop them off the water. They are not above trying to take a more meaty bite from an unwary traveller on the river. 

Sandstone Island
The leeward side (facing Sheltered Bay) is a mass of sandstone that was heavily cracked from the crash of 'The Mountain That Fell.' There are numerous ravines, gullies, and chasms throughout the length of the island.  This is a favourite haunt for Vikings and pirates to hide their treasure.  Windward, it gradually fills in with sand until the beach dunes are reached.

Sheltered Bay
A chain of islands absorbs the brunt of any storm sweeping in from the Grey Sea.  It is also the only entrance into the Smoking Bay and the rest of Blackmarsh.  There is a 1 in 3 chance per day of encountering a ship entering or leaving the Smoking Bay.

Smoking Bay
'The Mountain That Fell,' created the Smoking Bay and for a century afterwards, pillars of steam rose from the waters and were seen for hundreds of miles away. The pillars of steam have since subsided, but the name remains. The sea bottom is a confusing maze of rubble with many areas unexplored. Many sea creatures have moved in to take advantage of the chaotic terrain to hide.

The Black Marshes
The impact of 'The Mountain That Fell,' fractured this region forming the marshes that give the area its name.  The marshes are fifteen miles north-south and over fifty miles east-west.  The impact left several large lakes connected by a confusing maze of waterways and bogs.  It offers a convenient place to hide for those who want keep their activities away from prying eyes.  The water is black in colour caused by the minerals leeching from the surrounding soil and vegetation.

The Crimson Hills
Over the centuries, numerous Orc tribes conquered and were conquered among these hills.  Their continual conflict has caused this region to be known as the Crimson Hills.  The two main tribes are the Bateaters (1911) and the Bloodcrushers (2207), but there are several smaller Orc clans and families hiding and hunting in the hills.
 

Rumours
1 In Strangeholm, the locals have uncovered a powerful sword of law (F)
2 Cavemen roam the Pendar Mountains (T)
3 Be careful wandering the Greywoods, the boundary between worlds is weak there (T)
4 The Hyperboreans have wild parties of debauchery in Castle Blackmarsh (F)
5 The Duke of the Ostrobards is noted for his wild parties (T)
6 The Wizard of the Isle will allow any who tells him a riddle he can’t solve to stay on 'The Mountain That Fell' (F)
7 Lord Mazardan of Olden Hold is offering 1,000 gp for any alzarém brought to him (partially False, he will offer 200 gp)
8 King Ragnar’s grip on the throne of Castle Taldane is weak.  Civil war is about to ensue (T)
9 The Blackmarsh Wardens are recruiting new members (T)
10 Sir Causari of Inuacus Keep is gathering forces to overthrow the Hyperboreans (F)
11 Three beautiful maidens dwell in the westernmost lake of the Blackmarshes, they will bestow their treasure on those who please them (F)
12 Beware of those who march underneath the Raven’s wings (T)
13 Actayl Oathbinder survived the clearing of the lighthouse and is now in Jorvik raising an army  (F)
14 A strange maelstrom appears in the western portion of the Smoking Bay.  One can see treasure at the bottom  (T)
15 The Ostrobards are having trouble with attacks by hippogriffs (T)
16 Lord Mazardan hosts a lavish banquet at Olden Hold every year.  Only the most successful of explorers are invited  (T)
17 Myrmidons of Yig are leading an invasion force into Blackmarsh (F)
18 So many Orcs have died in the Crimson Hills that the hills are haunted by their spectres (F)
19 Most of the Hyperboreans from time past lived in conclaves south of the Black Marshes. Their ruined homes are dangerous but many are remain untouched (T)
20 The Duke of the Ostrobards is going to hold a grand tourney the first in the Blackmarsh region (F)

0413 A tribe of 190 Bird-Men of the Aeries of the  Raven dominate the forest north of the lake. Aukarck Cwrukk (Cw-ru-k-k) rules the Bird-Men with the assistance of six other chiefs of the tribe (treat as 2HD).  He also leads the Bird-Men in the worship of a strange glowing sword of law in an open grove at the centre of the forest. When the Bird-Men first arrived, a century ago, they tried to take the sword, but it killed any who touched it. 

0415 These islands are known as the three sisters.  Each island is the home of a Atlantean (Witch 1, Int 11, Cha 16, charm) and the three of them are rival sisters.  They use their Charm Person spell to compete among themselves for the most handsome captives. They are not above conspiring with outsiders if it means that one sister is denied her prize.

0515 This is the dwelling place of the Atlantean Lake King (Witch 5, Int 12, charm) and his court of 80 Atlanteans (Witch 1, Int 11, charm). He will release anybody captured if they will kidnap his quarrelling daughters and bring them home to him (see 0515). This is a salt-water lake and the Atlanteans flourish in secret after arriving by ship over three centuries ago. Their ship badly damaged in a storm had arrived at 'Nightfall,' and managed to make it's way up the Lanis River (misdirected by the lighthouse) and find the small inlet leading to the nameless lake with the three islands. The ship eventually sunk, but they found that they could survive in the deep dark waters and see to it's depths. They tried further out to sea, but found it was only here in this lake that their abilities as seadwellers were enhanced. The reason this is so, is because of a rich deposit of alzarém lying just under the surface of the bottom of the lake. If any Dwarf heard of this, he and is People would exterminate the Atlanteans and find away to extract the  alzarém for themselves.

0605 A weak wall exists between this world and other planes of existence in this grey forest.  Here the fabric of reality has been torn, 48 Wardens are fighting 12 flame dæmons (treat as 8 HD Fire Elementals).  Several dozen more Wardens surround the conflict trying to contain the blaze started by the fight.

0608 Ashdown, Pop: 121, Mixed; Align LG; Ruler: Councillor Neera Dane, Rg6, LG; Resource: Market.

Ashdown is home to many retired Wardens as well as the spouses and progeny of Wardens currently on duty.  Neera Dane, a retired Warden Captain leads the village council and operates under the authority of the High Captain of the Wardens.  She and the villagers will gladly aid any friend and ally of the Wardens.  Kelts, Common Humans, Kimmerian, and Kimmeri-Kelts can be found living here.

0610 Greenton, Pop: 642, Common, some Kelts; Align LG; Ruler: Ealdorman Paddock Ryburn, Common Human, LG; Resource: Farm.

Greenton is the chief settlement of the Humans and an important market for the surrounding farms.  Here merchants from across Blackmarsh flock to purchase grain and other produce to export back to their home regions.  When in residence, the merchants stay in a hamlet just outside of Greenton known as Sackton.  So named from the stuffed woolsacks the merchants sit on while bidding or negotiating prices. Ealdorman Paddock maintains a large contingent of 20 militia led by Captain Barris Ironoak to keep the merchants in their place.

0616 Ruchill Burn runs through a 50’ deep gorge for over a half mile.  During the the time before the 'Green Death,', Magicians established a conclave here to harvest the alzarém found within the cliffs of the gorge. One centuries after the 'Shattering,' the conclave was abandoned for no known reason. The cliffs are honeycombed with several levels of the conclave. Many of the levels span both sides of the gorge with bridges connecting them.  Not all of them are safe.

0702 Six trolls (HD 6+2, Regen) feast on corpses from any merchant caravan from Muncæster (see 1305).  The smoke from their cooking fire can be seen from two miles away.

0712 This ruined tower was once used as a lighthouse. It guided ships to the mouth of the Lanis River. Built during the Hyperborean era it was abandoned several centuries ago. Since then, a succession of leaders of chaos expanded the complex beneath the tower to create a base to be used against Castle Blackmarsh (see 0913). Currently, it’s believed to be empty having been cleared by adventurers over forty years ago after the killing of Atacyl Oathbinder, an undead vampire Magician.

0804 Stardell Falls, Pop: 503, Wardens; Align LG; Ruler: King Nilal, Warlock 10, LG; Resource: Magic.

Stardell Falls is the heart of the Greywoods. The village consists of individual homesteading arrayed in a series of semi-circles around a 40-foot waterfall.  On either side of the falls are two towers made of a shimmering grey stone, and a bridge connects the two. The west tower is the King’s Tower and the east tower is the Queen’s tower.  Here King Nilal resides with his queen, the Lady Aerindal (Warlock 9).

The waterfall is a rich source of alzarém. Various users of magic inhabit the homesteading surrounding the lynn. At the base, behind the falls, is a magnificent temple to Yoon'Deh, the Nature Goddess. The temple is carved out of the rock.  The falls provide a spectacular backdrop to the services especially when the moon or sun is at its zenith.

Last edited by Caveman (11/19/2015 5:29 pm)

1014 This large island, in the midst of the Black Marshes, is a nesting ground for a herd of chimeræ . (HD 9)

1103 Sixteen bandits on horses (HD 1) are running down a herd of cattle they are planning to rustle.  A mile away two herders (Ftr1) are riding at full gallop back to Wedmor (see 1002) for help.

1107  This grotto is home to 86 Fish-Men (HD 2+2).  They are ruled by King Neptar (HD 4+4).  They are holding a funeral for Neptar’s son who was slain by a water elemental. (see 0909)

1112 On the sea bottom, are the sunken remains of the last treasure ships to sail from Blackmarsh before the time of the 'Shattering.'  Gold, adamant, and sealed crates with alzarém lie in the hulls of a dozen galleys and scattered across the seabed.  Taking residence amid the crumbling ships is a school of several dozen Electric Eels (5 HD) along with a sleeping Giant Octopus (8 HD).

1113 Inuacus Keep; Sir Causari, Ftr9, Kimmerian, LG;  50 Men mixed.

This keep is an outpost of Castle Blackmarsh and protects the surrounding farms from monsters moving north from the Black Marshes, as well as Atacyl loyalists located in Jorvik.  Sir Causari is the leader of a faction that wants to see the Hyperboreans leave Castle Blackmarsh and gain Human rule in the land.

1213 Located on Witch Hill are the foundations of Ramat, an old ruined Apollo monastery from the time before the separation from Old Earth.  It was home to a potent holy artefact known as the Spear of Ramat.  All records on the monastery were lost after the Hyperboreans retreat.  In the present, the young daughter of Governor Causari of Inuacus Keep lost her favourite pet dog while on a picnic near the ruins. The governor will gladly pay an adventuring party to search the ruins for the dog. (see the Ruins of Ramat)

1214 This island is home to a Renegade Hyperborean and mixed Humans Coven of Warlocks and Magicians.  This coven was established a century ago after the loss of Castle Blackmarsh to the returning Hyperborean Families. A few surviving users of magic fled here with Atacyl’s body and oversaw his resurrection as a vampire.  In the transformation process, Atacyl slaughtered half of the coven before fleeing into the bogs.  Since then the coven has struggled to survive and only a few ageing members remain.   

1217 In the foothills north of the last peaks of the Westwall is the homesteading of 8 Fomorians (HD 8).  They enjoy raiding the farms around Jorvik and Nefgeirr Castle.

1302 Camden, Pop: 214, Ostrobard; Align LG; Ruler: Lord Varxis, Ftr8, LG; Resource: Iron.

Several iron mines dot the hills to the west.  Lord Varxis has his hands full trying to keep enough forces in the field to protect the mines.

1305 Muncæster, Pop: 895, Ostrobard; Align LG; Ruler: Duke Caedwine, Ftr4, LG; Resource: Market.

Muncæster is the largest settlement of the Ostrobards, and the seat of their dukes. It is located on an island in the midst of a bay formed by the confluence of the Rednut River and the River Eamont. A thriving market in farm produce, furs, and exotic herbs attracts merchants from all over the Grey Sea.

Duke Caedwin is known for his great girth and wild banquets.  He has agents throughout the town on the lookout for new arrivals to provide a banquet with tales of their exploits. The duke will not take no for an answer.

Last edited by Caveman (12/08/2015 3:14 pm)

1515 A shrine to the sea goddess, Lunaqqua, is maintained on the island by Tavis (Clr 6).  His holy duty is to aid any shipwreck survivors.  He has a small single mast sailing boat he uses to search the surrounding waters.

1518 Nefgeirr Castle; Jarl Dagvidr Leifsson, Ftr7, LG; 120 Vikings. 

This is the northernmost outpost of the Vasa Province of the Grand Kingdom.  Completed only five years ago, it is hoped that the castle will serve as a gateway for merchants and explorers from the Grand Kingdom into Blackmarsh. 

Jarl Dagvidr Leifsson served on the frontier with Grand Kingdom’s rival the pirates of Brigand's Bay and in some of the New World colonies.  While he appreciates the aid that Lord Maracan of Jorvik has given in learning about Blackmarsh, he is beginning to suspect an ulterior agenda.

1602 Ultán Keep; Bedewald the Atheling, Ftr6, LG; 50 Ostrobards.

This is the easternmost outpost of the Ostrobards. It shields the farms and villages to the west from the creatures who dwell in the Dragonbone Peaks. Duke Caedwin eldest son, Bedewald, is in command.  He is the opposite of his libertine father in almost every way.  He was given Ultán Keep to so that the duke wouldn’t have to hear his nagging.

1609 The land between the coast and the swamp is occupied by 325 Bird-Men (HD 1) of the Shelleater Tribe.  They are divided into six feuding clans who continually fight among themselves. They will only unite when outsiders invade. They use their superior knowledge of the terrain to make life miserable for the invaders.

1701 In a cave beneath a rocky outcropping, an eight-headed hydra (8 HD) has taken residence.  Bedewald the Atheling (see 1602) has a patrol periodically check to make sure it hasn’t moved farther south.

1706 Four rocs (6 HD) from 'The Mountain That Fell,' (see 1309) have landed and are feasting on the remains of a dæmon (see 2105). Three hundred yards to the east is the charred remains of a fifth roc.

1709 On this island, in the midst of the swamp, there is strange black monolith on top of a rocky outcropping.  Every full moon weretigers emerge from the surrounding bogs to perform strange rites.  If the ritual is watched for any length the players will discovered all cultures are among the weretigers; Hyperboreans, Ostrobards, Kelts, Kimmerians, and the odd Dwarf.  And even Orcs, Cavemen, and Vikings!  Those who visited 'The Mountain That Fell,' (see 1309) will see that the monolith is made of the same type of stone.

1807 In the middle of this forest is a confusing network of ravines and hills. This is the current base of the Aeries of the Raven. They are a group who believe in the supremacy of their species. They have operated against the Wardens and other tribes of Blackmarsh for nearly a thousand years.

Currently there are 158 Bird-Men in residence along with 200 slaves, mostly Orcs.  They are nominally led by the Aukarck Ard Elanawk (Warlock 9) who has minimal authority over the various commanders and their troops. To get anything done Elanawk has to continually negotiate compromises between the different factions.

1816 At the bottom of the lagoon are the remains of a ship that was sent by the Grand Kingdom’s rival, the Brigand's Bay pirates to scout Blackmarsh. It contains several treasure chests of gold for bribery and valuable supplies to outfit expeditions.

1902 This was a settlement of the Ostrobards that was burned out several decades ago by the dæmon Scytheback (see 2105).  It was the hub for several abandoned silver mines nearby.

1905 This is an encampment for 15 Bird-Men from the Aeries of the Ravens.  They are led by Rinisarwk Awnothilk (Warlock 4). They plan to rouse the hydra (see 1701) and drive it to the southwest to ravage the lands of the Ostrobards.

1911 This network of caves is home to 105 Orcs (1 HD) of the Bateater Tribe.  They pay an annual tribute to the Aeries of the Raven (see 1807).

1914 “The Dweller Below,” in Sheltered Bay sleeps in a dark haze of chaotic dreams and revels in destructive joy. It has lay there for many millennium unmoving and the sand and seaweed has grown over it, covering it completely. Sometimes it shudders in it's sleep sending out slight ripples that can only be vaguely seen from the surface above.

Last edited by Caveman (11/18/2015 11:25 am)