An Overview of Northern Calanthas


Kingdoms and Peoples of the Northlands

Athrothel

An elven realm on the western shores of the Northlands. Athrothel is a textbook example of an elven realm. The elves there are rustic and woodsy, wise in the ways of woodcraft and the animals of the forests. Their realm stretches along the wedge between the Long River and the Broadrun, all the way from the banks of the Sard westward to the coast. The elves are pressed along their northern borders by dangers from the Snowdowns and Northern Forests. The elves of Athrothel are very aggressive about defending their northern border. Their ranger patrols cross into the Snowdowns, straining already uneasy relations with Errovaise. The Shadowfell touches the Northlands in several places in the Snowdowns the elves are determined to deal with these northern threats before they pass their borders.

Belhig

A dwarf-hold in the Fallowpeaks. In days gone by, Belhig was known for the purity and workability of the gold mined there. Belhig gold was known for being soft and having a singular glow that no other gold had. Most of the veins had been tapped by the time of Zagrath's return, but silver and iron were still there in relative abundance. Much of the hold was overrun by goblins during the war, and now the dwarves of Belhig are more concerned with reclaiming what is theirs, rather than mining operations. They have struck an alliance with the Knights Exemplar that in exchange for aid in driving out the goblins, the dwarves will fortify Belhig and make it a defensive stronghold, helping secure the Fallowpeaks, thus also securing the northern end of the Neck.

Darranor

Darranor is the most civilized kingdom of the Northlands. It owes its dominance to a number of factors. Its position at the western end of the Northlands, and thus the Sundering Sea, give it fairly ready access to the open sea lanes leading to Eirfalia and all points from there. They share a border with the elven realm of Athrothel. The two nations are on excellent terms, trading freely, and sharing knowledge and culture. Darranor's natural resources are also abundant. Forests along the northern border, gem mining in the Glittering Hills, fishing from three bays and two small freshwater lakes, and ample arable prairie lands in the northern areas of the kingdom. Darranor is also solidly allied with the Imperial College, having campuses in all the country's cities and major towns. Darranor attempts to maintain at least cordial relationships with the Sardonen city-states, as much to keep Keldemar off-balance as anything. Facing few interior threats, Darranor's chief danger is piracy on the Sundering Sea.

Eärendi Princes

The peoples of the Princes of the Eärendi are scattered and nomadic. They have few permanent settlements, the main one being a walled and fortified trade center near the Kelden Delta. As nomads, many of the tribes of the Eärendi are renowned for their knowledge of horses. They keep and breed a hearty breed of pony, strong and fast for their size. The endurance of their ponies is also legendary. They are not organized as cavalry, in a traditional military sense, but they do possess an innate understanding of how to use their mobility to great advantage. They are also legendary as mounted archers. They mount frequent raids across the Kelden River into Keldemar. The object of these raids is usually finished metal goods, especially weapons, and occasionally wives. It is their independent nature that prevents them from being one of the Northlands' more dominant kingdoms.

Jodas

The Kingdom of Jodas lies at the eastern end of the Northlands, hard against the Grey Mountains. While the King is strong and seemingly capable, Jodas is still a very dangerous realm, as is much of the Northlands in general. All manner of enemies and horrors lair in the Greys and Fallowpeaks. The Knights Exemplar maintain a stronghold near the northern end of the Troll Hills. They seem little concerned with anything other than threats issuing from the Greys that are directly related to Zagrath. Orc hoards don't count, the Knights are more concerned with demons, devils, and powerful, independent undead. The dwarves maintain a hold in the Fallowpeaks, held since ancient times. Yet between these strongholds, and the stout-walled towns and cities of Jodas, danger is every traveller's companion.

Keldemar

Located in the central Northlands, Keldemar is somewhat insulated from dangers coming from the Greys. Keldemar is not without its threats, however. The bulk of the Northern Forest lies just across the Long River, which forms the kingdom's northern border. Wolflings are a constant threat, as are ettins and hill giants, more rarely. The focus of Keldemar's power is along the Kelden River. The idea of the Sardonen City-States is a thorn in their side, but they don't have the resources to project their will that far west while maintaining their hold on the Kelden. The Guild of Arcane Lore operates three chantries within Keldemar's borders and plan on opening more. The rulership of Keldemar senses their country's star rising and plan to ride it as high as it will go.

Kilvdun

Another dwarf-hold, this one in the Ice Peaks. The dwarves of Kilvdun are Arnhic dwarves. Arnhic dwarves are known for being gruff and direct, loyal and honorable, and absolutely vengeful. They never forget a slight, and will never allow an insult to go unanswered. They aren't necessarily rash and thoughtlessly violent, however, and consider repaying an insult through craftiness and trickery just as valid as bloody violence. Kilvdun was founded on a small vein of mithril, but any vein of mithril is worth mining. Kilvdun is still a young hold, little more than an outpost. Its growth has been hindered by frequent attacks by creatures of the Ice Peaks, and shadow creatures coming up from the Snowdowns.

Sardonen City States

There are four independent city-states on the shores of Lake Sard. They aren't exactly metropolises, but they are walled and maintain adequate defensive forces. Their location is fairly safe, so their continued growth is likely. Though they hold a mutual defense treaty between them, they are spirited rivals, to put it mildly. Open hostility is not unknown, and at least one attempt to spark such hostility by Keldish agents has been ferreted out. Although their primary rivalry has been economic, a new pressure point has developed. Two of the cities sponsor Imperial Colleges, one is home to two chantries of the Loremasters, and the fourth has established itself as being “friendly” for the Alchemists' Guild. Currently the city is home to six Master Alchemists, along with their attendant journeymen and apprentices.

Other Peoples of the Northlands

The Wesslings

Prior to the war, there was a group of humanoids, commonly known as Wesslings living in the Fallowpeaks. The Fallowpeaks are basically the area between the Grey Mountains and the Cloudspears. While still mountainous, the region isn't dominated by the towering peaks of the Cloudspears, nor is it as wracked as the Greys by memories of the war. Anyway, rumor holds that the Wesslings were very common along the rugged Wess River Uplands. No one knows if they were destroyed in the war or fled the war, but it is certain that there are no reports of encounters with them since the war. In fact, the most recent sighting report from a credible source was over 150 years ago. For the most part they have quietly slipped into myth among the more civilized folk, but those dwelling in the rural upcountry still talk about them. There are some who believe the Wesslings will return and once again trouble an already hazardous region.

The true nature of the Wesslings may never be known, but by carefully analyzing credible reports for common themes, a picture of them can be cobbled together.

  • They were basically humanoid. The most common belief is that they were very primitive humans, though some scholars contend that their blood became intermingled with goblin or kobold blood at some point, thus producing a completely new race. This opinion isn't very popular, however. Not only are reports of humans and goblins or humans and kobolds producing offspring virtually nonexistent, such offspring would in all likelihood be sterile.
  • The Wesslings were small, most being under 5' tall and rarely weighing over 100 lbs. There did seem to be warriors among them that were larger and stronger, seemingly bred to fight.
  • They lived in tribes, which were extended families. It has been suggested that their intelligence was almost like a hive mentality or collective intellect.
  • The leader of a tribe in all things was the tribe's matriarch. Without exception she was a shaman and by the time she had assumed the leadership of the tribe, she was very skilled in the shamanic arts. If it ever became necessary for the tribe to actually go to war (which the Wesslings tried to avoid whenever possible, preferring guerrilla type raids ), the matriarch would appoint a war chief who had total command in the field. It was far more normal that if the Wesslings needed to attack someone that the matriarch would hand-pick a warband and appoint a leader. The warband and its leader would be dissolved at the end of whatever purpose they had been assembled for.
  • It is believed that the matriarch possessed some sort of arcane knowledge that allowed her to alter the course of a pregnancy. She used this ritual to ensure the proper balance of roles within the tribe. If warriors were needed, her ritual would cause babies to be born with a predisposition for the physical attributes necessary. The matriarch, it is thought, could even control the sex of the fetus using these rituals.
  • The lifespan and development cycle of the Wesslings was believed to be fairly short as well. Although it is impossible to be certain, it is thought that their pregnancies lasted only 5 months. The child was expected to be a contributing member of the tribe by age 4. If birthed as a warrior, they were expected to be able to fight by age 7. The typical lifespan, barring violence, was the mid-twenties, except for the matriarchs who could reach the age of 40 in extreme cases.
  • The Wesslings were commonly thought to be cannibals, but this can be debated. While it is known that they did eat human flesh, if they were indeed a new race mixing humans and goblins or kobolds, then would it truly be cannibalism? Of course, that question becomes moot when a Wessling takes to gnawing on your arm.




Creatures of the Northlands


The inhabitants of Northern Calanthas are many and varied. A (necessarily) brief examination of some of the more dangerous of them follows. Unless noted otherwise those listed here may be found anywhere in the Northlands. While this list is not exhaustive, it should be noted that any creatures encountered in the Northlands that do not appear listed here may well be considered out of place.

Bears

Cave Bears are an all too common threat across the forested southern slopes of the Cloudspears, living there since before time began. Dire Bears somehow crossed the Frozen Strait in ages past and now range all through the Icy Peaks and down into the Chill Bones. The human barbarian tribes, as well as the dwarves of Kilvdun, hunt the bears as rites of passage as well as for their pelts.

Demons and Devils

Hosts of lesser demons and devils served in Zagrath's armies and are now a plague across all Calanthas. Fortunately, powerful ones are rare indeed, and generally easily avoided.

Dragons

Though rare, dragons are a threat taken most seriously by the inhabitants of the Northlands. Blues lair along the bleak northern coast, in icy crags and frozen inlets. Greens make their homes in caves found among the deeply forested southern slopes of the Cloudspear Mountains. Reds seek their lairs in the Grey Mountains of the east, though they are the least numerous. Lastly, the occasional White will find a suitable lair on a frozen island or icy sea cave along the coast, where they may prey on the Arns plying the Great Northern Ocean sea-lanes.

Ettin

These brutes have inhabited the Northlands since before time. They are most normally encountered in the western reaches of the Northern Forests, in the foothills of the Ice Peaks.

Giants

There are few giants in the Northlands, but the occasional reports do persist. Earth Giants fought with Zagrath's armies. The survivors fled into the fastness of the Grey Mountains following the Battle of the Line The Cloudspears are home to Hill Giants, who have roamed those mountains since before time. Occasionally a Frost Giant will cross the Frozen Strait and plague the Ice Peaks. The Arns have a legend about a tribe of Frost Giants they refer to as the Rime-Thurses, which they believe are directly descended from the Primordials. They believe these giants have a secret hold deep in the Cloudspears and look to the day when they bring ancient war back to the lands.

Wolflings

The Wolflings of the forests of the Northlands are not the unintelligent monsters they are thought of in other lands. These Wolflings possess a basic intelligence and organization, bordering on actual civilization. They live in tribes of extended families, and most are led by a shaman. Individual tribes may threaten remote villages, and have even challenged small towns, but the real (and feared) threat posed by the Wolflings is a unification of the tribes and the inevitable war they will bring.

Goblins

Goblins have lived in the Grey Mountains since before time began. Some tribes were conscripted into Zagrath's army, but most of them quietly disappeared into their deep tunnels. While generally considered untrustworthy, they are not wholly evil, anymore so than humanity considered as a whole. They are prone to banditry and other illicit activity, but some tribes do want to distance themselves from the stereotypes. Tribes led by hobgoblins are universally of the evil sort.


Griffons

In the most remote reaches of the Cloudspears may be found Griffon nesting areas. These are often the object of heroic quests, as great warriors seek worthy mounts and wizards send parties in search of related ritual components.

Harpy

These spiteful creatures have called the Northlands home since before time, too. They nest in the barren foothills of the Ice Peaks, known as the Chill Bones.

Ogres

Another portion of Zagrath's army left abandoned by his defeat. They are slowly spreading westward, mainly keeping to the forested and hilly regions south of the Cloudspear Mountains.

Orcs

Orcs were used as shock troops as well as common foot soldiers by Zagrath. When his northward advance was halted at the Battle of the Line, most of his legions scattered into the remote and treacherous Grey Mountains. While they are most common to the Greys, reports of tribes of them are becoming more numerous in the Cloudspears, as well.

Owlbear

These fearsome brutes may be encountered in virtually any forested areas of the Northlands. They are much less common in the Southlands.

Spiders

Spiders are a problem for most of the denizens of the Northern Forests. They appear in all sizes, and it has been reported that Wolflings have been seen using them as mounts. This hasn't been seen enough to be considered an “arrangement”. The larger, more intelligent spiders are mostly along the deep river valleys.

Stirge

These loathsome pests are most common along the forested areas of the Copper River, Kelden River, and the stretch of the Long River between where those two branch off.

Trolls

Trolls have lived in the Northlands since before time. They have historically plagued the hills of southeastern Jodas. When Zagrath brought his war north, he brought with him war-trolls, bred for the battlefield. Following the Battle of the Line, these trolls scattered all across Calanthas. Haunting the marshlands of the Kelden Delta is a breed known as Fell Trolls. They are not to be trifled with, under any circumstances.

Undead

There are a variety of undead to be found throughout the Northlands. With the war making it as far as eastern Jodas, there is no shortage of bodies, and the dire priests of Zagrath had no hesitation in raising the dead to do their bidding. Also, the most powerful among them knew of dark rituals to unnaturally extend their lives. Once it was clear the war was lost, they wasted no time performing these rituals and establishing dark domains for themselves, mainly in the Grey Mountains. From their dark towers and castles they spread all manner of malcontent across all Calanthas.

Wolf

Wolves roam all across the forested areas of the Northlands, but are most common in the foothills of the Cloudspears. The so-called common wolves of the Northlands possess a certain nobility and are often at odds with the Wolflings and are sworn enemies of the worgs. They often ally themselves with rangers and make excellent companions and allies.

Worg

Also known as dire wolves, they are the dark cousins of common wolves. They possess a sinister cunning and seem to have an agenda that only they understand. The Wolflings and wolves are their sworn enemies. They will ally themselves with certain goblin tribes and allow themselves to be used as mounts, when such falls in line with their mysterious agenda. They may be encountered anywhere in the Northern Forests, but the farther into the foothills one travels, the more likely these encounters become. They also roam the Chill Bones and Snowdowns, often running afoul of the elves of Athrothel.

Wyvern

Sometimes called a dragon's poor cousin, wyverns are dangerous opponents. They are most commonly encountered in the Grey Mountains and the Chill Bones. It has been reported that Grey Mountain wyverns have made pacts with red dragons to guard them while they sleep.


Areas of Interest in the Northlands


Broadrun River

A broad, mostly shallow and muddy river, the Broadrun drains Lake Sard flowing out to the southwest. The Broadrun forms the official border between Athrothel and Darranor, though relations between the two peoples are so cordial that the border is more of a formality than anything. There are no bridges along the Broadrun, as it is easily fordable for most of its length.

Chill Bones

A range of chalky foothills separating the Ice Peaks from the Snowdowns. The chalky nature of the hills and the bitter winds blowing down out of the Ice Peaks give the hills their name, along with a reputation for being not only dangerous, but just plain spooky.

Cloudspear Mountains

A range of tall, forbidding mountains forming the northern shores of Calanthas. The Cloudspears are fairly barren and bitterly cold. There are over 1000 miles from east to west and 200 miles north-south. There are more than 11 peaks in the range that are 20,000 feet or higher. Many dangerous creatures, including dragons, make their homes in the Cloudspears, and this fact along with the environment in general keep travellers to a minimum.

Copper River

The river forming the border between Jodas and Ëarend. The river takes its name from its bloody history as the Ëarendi and Jodas fought back and forth over it. Those fights were forgotten with the return of Zagrath, and in the wake of the war the alliances formed are holding strong.

Fallowpeaks

The Fallowpeaks are a low range of mountains forming a sort of transitional range between the Grey Mountains and the Cloudspears. Not nearly as towering as the Cloudspears, nor as haunted by the war as the Grey Mountains, the Fallowpeaks are still treacherous and not to be overlooked.

Glittering Hills

A beautiful range of hills on the west coast of Calanthas, in the southwest corner of the Northlands. The hills take their name from the wide variety of gems found there. The people of Darranor and the elves of Athrothel each mine there, with few disputes.

Golden Heath

At the southern end of the Troll Hills is an area of rough scrubland mercilessly scoured by cold winds blowing in off the Sundering Sea. The Golden Heath is inhospitable and dangerous.

Grey Mountains

Geologically speaking, the Grey Mountains stretch over 3000 miles, from Faldrag northward to the Fallowpeaks. They essentially form the eastern spine of Calanthas. They belong almost exclusively to the forces of Zagrath now, and those areas not under his direct control are still plagued by the remnants of his defeated army. In the vicinity of the Northlands, this takes the form of orcs, demons, devils, and various forms of undead. The Grey Mountains are among the most dangerous places in all of Aranor.

Greyflood River

A short, swift flowing river, the Greyflood drains the Troll Hills, emptying into the Sundering Sea just north of the Golden Heath.

Icy Peaks

The Icy Peaks are in the northwest corner of Calanthas. They are as high and barren as the Cloudspears, and even more cold. The bitter cold of the Icy Peaks is the stuff of legend.

Kelden Delta

The marshy lowland where the Kelden River carves countless channels in its final push to the Sundering Sea. Nearly uninhabitable, the Delta is nonetheless home to several exotic plants species with arcane and alchemical properties. There are some who make a tidy living searching the Delta for these “treasures”.

Kelden River

Broad and thickly forested, the Kelden separates Keldemar from Ëarend. It is fordable in several places. The timber harvested along the river is used mainly in the construction of a Kendish fleet, to help Darranor patrol the Sundering Sea for pirates.

Lake Sard

A fairly large freshwater lake in the southwestern region of the Northlands. Lake Sard is fed by the Long River. It is also drained by that river, the Broadrun, and one other. The Sardonen City-States have sprung up on its shores, taking advantage of the fishing and well-irrigated lands surrounding the lake.

Long River

So-named because it is the longest river in the Northlands. It has its headwaters in the Fallowpeaks, and eventually empties into the Eirfalian Sea, just south of the Snowdowns. It is navigable for most of its length, but is rarely used for long distance travel, since most of its length lies under the boughs of the Northern Forests.

Northern Forests

A loose term referring to all the forested lands along the Long River, running the length of the southern slopes of the Cloudspears. Different areas of the forest may have other names, but the character of the forest remains the same: dangerous. There is an elf-town near where the Copper River splits off the Long River.

Snowdowns

Once possessed of an indefinable, desolate beauty, the Snowdowns have changed in more recent times. Although none can say why, the Snowdowns seem to have almost become attuned to the Shadowfell, and its influence is very strong on the 'Downs.

Spider Haunt Valley

A narrow, rugged valley in the southern Cloudspears. It is densely forested and filled with steep hills and swift creeks. It is also teeming spiders of all sizes and sorts. There have been rumors of bladespiders and drider sightings as well. The valley is also home to several tribes of Wolflings, who seem to have arrived at some sort of peaceful arrangement with the spiders. This fact alone raises several uncomfortable questions.

Troll Haunt Forest

The forested regions of the Troll Hills. If not for the Trolls infesting the hills, this would be a very picturesque wood and there are indeed some few villages that attempt to survive there. The land is good for farming and there are many excellent quality trees for lumber harvesting. The Greyflood runs through, offering fishing opportunities. If only it weren't for all the damn trolls.

Troll Hills

A range of gently rolling and forested hills in southeastern Jodas. The hills take their name from the fact that they have been an ancestral home for trolls since time out of memory. Otherwise, the area is beautiful and blessed with an abundance of resources.

Wess River

One of the smaller feeders of the Long River, it has carved a deep, rugged valley known as the Wessling Uplands. The Wess is fairly narrow, but deep, swift, and very cold. The Wess tumbles down many falls and cascades on its run to join the Long River.

Wessling Uplands

The valley carved out by the swift flowing Wess River. The valley is rocky and steep sided, with numerous caves in the slopes. There are many legends and folk tales centered in the Uplands.

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