Divine Manifestation & ‘Death’ on Helca

Posted on May 12, 2025 in Steel-Realms

There are provisions that govern Divine Manifestation & ‘Death’ on Helca; Gods cannot truly die on Helca, unless slain by a similar divine force. Those divine entities choosing to break the The Godspeak Accord and physically manifest as an enhanced avatar/agent and wield divine power directly run the risk of the compact creating vulnerabilities in them for being forsworn, and the other gods may manifest in order to expressly stop their actions or take limited action to dissuade them. The physical manifestation of a god can be massive if they so desire. It can do colossal damage to the area around it. It is accompanied by storms, earthquakes, and strange natural events. The anger of the gods can manifest as blood rain, vortexes of annihilation, wind storms that tear flesh, and the like.

The modern age is heavily defined by the clash of faiths in the “Affray of Darkness and Light” in which it plays a significant part.

When a God ‘dies’ on Helca

Each God has a godsbrand that appears on the spine of the character and is permanent. Any character within 100km of the physical death will receive one from the divinity who ‘died’ – there is no way to resist such an effect. Those within 100km are also suceptible to physical alteration, madness, and a renewed wonderment.

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Iseum, Tree of the Sky

Posted on May 10, 2025 in Steel-Realms

Iseum, Tree of the Sky is one of the Guardian Trees of Dunstrand Vale and sits in a high crag in the headwaters of the Nanford River.

Guardian Trees of Dunstrand Vale

Posted on May 10, 2025 in Steel-Realms

The Guardian Trees of Dunstrand Vale are three mystical trees located in Dunstrand Vale that mark basically symbolized the headwaters, end waters, and midpoint as the Nanford River once flowed through Dunstrand Vale ProperDunstrand Vale – the Grand Duchy of Dunstrand. These are roots of the World-Tree, manifesting where there is great life or death, and the memories of the world coalesce.

Headwaters:

Iseum, Tree of the Sky is one of the Guardian Trees of Dunstrand Vale and sits in a high crag in the headwaters of the Nanford River.

Midwaters: Whisperer of Secrets, also known as The Hangmans Tree, is one of the Guardian Trees of Dunstrand Vale.

Endwaters: The Hanging Tree (formerly known as the ‘Tree of Tears’) is one of the Guardian Trees of Dunstrand Vale.

Nanberry Crypt

Posted on April 8, 2025 in Steel-Realms

Nanberry Crypt was built by Nanberry Vongleur, about 50 years after the Riverdan was settled. The graves of the earliest family were dug up and the remains put in sarcophagi in the new crypt. There is a continued reverence for the founders of the family dynasty, and the upper crypt itself at one time was the pride of the family – a great amount of expensive artwork and stonecraft went into it when the family coffers were full.

Entrance to the Crypt

The crypt was once shown to important guests and visitors, but now only the entry to it is accessible to outsiders. This is the only part of the crypt still maintained.

Circular Spiral Stairs

The stairwell spirals down into darkness. The stairs are broken and slippery, and there is no railing. The water wear coming from a few cracks above it over the years has cracked the floor masonry and made the steps treacherous. The area is cleaned regularly, and the paint is touched up – though it is obviously a touch up. The stairwell has highly detailed relief engravings going all the way down into darkness. The reliefs are of ancient sites of the Fallen east, scenes of the family traveling to the west, and settling the area. It details fights against the Orrish, against Pine Tribesmen, as well as against remnants of bands of the Sea Kings and Bronzefolk. On the ceiling above, looking down the stairs is a vision of beaty and fury – a human depicted with hazy wings and a spear; You can only assume this is the oft-spoken about image of Nanberry Vongleur – who commissioned and had the crypt created ages ago. Though once spectacularly breathtaking, the relief and imagery has lost some of its sharpness. The stairs in the floor are covered with a massive bolted black metal grate. You can tell that the living venture down into the family crypt rarely.

Encounters in the Locale

Automatic @ Crypt Entrance

Very Hard Difficulty check on Perception (modified by sight) REVEALS:

On closer look, the figure of Nanberry herself is a marvel. You notice that her sparkling eyes and topaz stones exquistely crafted. Her lips seem flush with blood, and her features are sharp and angular… she has perhaps a hint of faerie blood in her. Your eyes are drawn to the same color glint another similar colored gem, barely visible and covered by her flowing robes that barely expose her breast… a soul gem?

Hard Difficulty check on Perception (modified by sight) REVEALS:

On closer look, the spear itself, though painted over, is a real weapon.

This is actually a Bronzefolk Toprag weapon!

Bottom Landing

The stairs circle until they spill out into a wet, rough chamber. The cobblestones are broken, water runs over them and into a hallway out one side. Another wider hallway leads away perpendicular to that.

Preparatory Alcove to the Chapel

Entry Hallway to the Crypt

Ceremony Chamber

Alcove of the Defender

Alcove of Vengeance

Family Frescoes and Masks

Chapel and Altar

Prayer Alcove

Family Records Chamber

Nanberry’s Sarcophagus Room

There is a soul gem here, its light still glowing (as long as it remains in the crypt).

Servants Burial

The Under-Crypts

This is the actual resting place of the remains and ashes of the family members.

Spiremount Inn

Posted on April 8, 2025 in Steel-Realms

The Spiremount Inn is known for miles in every direction for the celebration on festival days and the trade that flows in from the County of Faer to the south and east. It is a large structure with an adjacent caravanserai.