Posted on December 6, 2025 in Steel-Realms
The Ablocris Orchard Farm Steading was one of the three support settlements for the Monastery of Ablocris. All of them were overrun and destroyed in the War of Rundleman’s Revenge in CY 9041. The ruins are well known to be falling apart and dangerous, and to have been picked over time and time again – nothing of mundane treasure remains. At the current time, they are designation as a historical landmark and are off limits to further exploration, purchasing, or development. The territories of the Monastery of Ablocris are all connected by Albocris Loop Road.
HISTORY: The Shared Settlement of Umbakian Territory of the Monastery Lands…
EXPLORING: The limits and stipulations for Historical Designation and Exploration in the Steel Realms are well documented.
The burned farm sits half way up a rise about 1000 feet in the distance. The main farmhouse had a base of stone about 3’ tall, mostly overgrown now. The barn and all other wooden structures were burned to the ground. There is evidence of many orchards that were burned and are barely recognizable. A gurgling stream winds through the area, following a low path through the orchard area.
For a moment you see a creeping mist come up from the stream running through the corner of the property; after a moment is seeming to stalk you, it disperses.
Knowledge is broken down by ease of discovery/availability & Meticulous Record Keeping may improve usability; Any attempt to know more than what's Pervasive will require a reference, source, knowledge, check, or access to someone who can get or provide either of these. Specific Lores may increase the chance of knowing specific elements.
Information Sources: Mundane Reference | Associated Phenomenology Only | Specific Lore
For those native to or long-dwelling in the region, ALL Common Knowledge may be Pervasive.
See the Herald's Quarterly for world updates.
CY 7007 The area of North Gate Garrison freed & The Red March created; Money, supplies, armaments, and manpower flow into the north to fight the Lich Lords.
CY 6514 The Grand Duchy of Rhyl is created by the High King. In exchange for the resources and organization that can be brought to bear against the now organized undead armies, the lands become part of the High King's domain.
CY 5980 The Kingdoms of old Rhylan united settled as a single Kingdom of Rhyl to fight the Lich Lords drive south. After centuries of warfare between territories and races, the common cause of the threat to the north secures a lasting peace.
CY 5580 Fall of Dundaria in the North - Frostfang spreads, the Lich Lord power rises. Hordes of the undead, fortunately disorganized (at first), sweep south and west from the heart of old Dundaria.
CY 2330's Fall of East / Rise of the Dark Lands (Orrishai Abandoned); Refugees flee - some cross the Tolkisson Mountain Range into the 'Lands of Rhylan' that would become the Kingdoms of old Rhylan and finally.
CY 1000 (Approximately) The Dragon of Rhyl is killed and its influence ends in the area around the Great Forest of Rhyl and the surrounding territories.
For those native to or long-dwelling in the region, ALL Common Knowledge may be Pervasive.
Posted on December 6, 2025 in Steel-Realms
The Ablocris Ranch Farm Steading was one of the three support settlements for the Monastery of Ablocris. All of them were overrun and destroyed in the War of Rundleman’s Revenge in CY 9041. The ruins are well known to be falling apart and dangerous, and to have been picked over time and time again – nothing of mundane treasure remains. At the current time, they are designation as a historical landmark and are off limits to further exploration, purchasing, or development. The territories of the Monastery of Ablocris are all connected by Albocris Loop Road.
HISTORY: The Shared Settlement of Umbakian Territory of the Monastery Lands…
EXPLORING: The limits and stipulations for Historical Designation and Exploration in the Steel Realms are well documented.
The burned farm looms on a rise about 1000 feet in the distance. The main farmhouse had a base of stone about 3’ tall, mostly overgrown now. The barn and all other wooden structures were burned to the ground. There is evidence of many pastures that were once fenced but ruined now and barely recognizable. A strong wind blows out of the forest, rustling long grass and brush.
For a moment, you see a dust devil form with the winds, and it sputters out and disperses.
Knowledge is broken down by ease of discovery/availability & Meticulous Record Keeping may improve usability; Any attempt to know more than what's Pervasive will require a reference, source, knowledge, check, or access to someone who can get or provide either of these. Specific Lores may increase the chance of knowing specific elements.
Information Sources: Mundane Reference | Associated Phenomenology Only | Specific Lore
For those native to or long-dwelling in the region, ALL Common Knowledge may be Pervasive.
See the Herald's Quarterly for world updates.
CY 7007 The area of North Gate Garrison freed & The Red March created; Money, supplies, armaments, and manpower flow into the north to fight the Lich Lords.
CY 6514 The Grand Duchy of Rhyl is created by the High King. In exchange for the resources and organization that can be brought to bear against the now organized undead armies, the lands become part of the High King's domain.
CY 5980 The Kingdoms of old Rhylan united settled as a single Kingdom of Rhyl to fight the Lich Lords drive south. After centuries of warfare between territories and races, the common cause of the threat to the north secures a lasting peace.
CY 5580 Fall of Dundaria in the North - Frostfang spreads, the Lich Lord power rises. Hordes of the undead, fortunately disorganized (at first), sweep south and west from the heart of old Dundaria.
CY 2330's Fall of East / Rise of the Dark Lands (Orrishai Abandoned); Refugees flee - some cross the Tolkisson Mountain Range into the 'Lands of Rhylan' that would become the Kingdoms of old Rhylan and finally.
CY 1000 (Approximately) The Dragon of Rhyl is killed and its influence ends in the area around the Great Forest of Rhyl and the surrounding territories.
For those native to or long-dwelling in the region, ALL Common Knowledge may be Pervasive.
Posted on December 6, 2025 in Steel-Realms
The Monastery of Ablocris was a Lightbringers monastery (Balthazaar mostly), built on the edge of the Great Forest of Rhyl about 6 miles south-southwest of the Ferrywood Logging Camp in the South Reedland Stretch of the The Grand Duchy of Rhyl.
It is open meadows and rolling grasslands in all directions. It was sacked well over a hundred years ago and has been left to become overgrown – though it seems the orderly influence of the Umbakians has delayed its reclamation by nature. It does not appear than any full attempt was made afterwards to either reclaim its lands or rebuild even a portion of it. The countryside is as overgrown, even more so in the north direction of the great Forest of Rhyl. There is a sense of loneliness here, though the normal expected sounds of birds and insects are present.
At a Distance: The broken walls of the monastery are obvious from a distance. They once enclosed its entire operations, and were likely white washed in typical Lightbringer fashion. There was a central temple, dominated by a high tower facing the rising sun that is now nowhere to be found. It was a robust monastery, probably more than mere religious training by all accounts. Fields, orchards, and pens were part of its operations.
An overgrown road (the Albocris Loop Road) leads to a gatehouse.
Up Close: Its Umbakian origins are obvious from the Valois Markers of Place and Boundary Markers. This at least, has been cleaned and upkept revealing that some party is still interested in the land and/or its function. Looking in the monastery grounds, the structural elements (well built by the Umbakians) can be clearly seen. Secondary roads from supporting steadings a mile or more away lead to the monastery at its edges.
Common Knowledge = Mostly it was comprised of Lightbringers followers of Aerna with a small group of protectors from Whelm. The monastery was a place of training, and it was supported by three main farmsteads that were initially founded by Umbakian families, but integrated over hundreds of years of mingling with the locals. The territories of the Monastery of Ablocris are all connected by Albocris Loop Road.
Common Knowledge = Common Knowledge = The monastery follows the principles of Urban Planning and Architecture in Umbak.
The outer wall framed the monastery proper and was meant as both a decorative and defensive work. Painted on the outside are now faded scenes of the Lightbringer faith. The wall itself rises no more than 2m, with many stretches having most of it stove in from the outside, granting easy access to the interior. There are a few old and fading spots where the wall was obviously attacked and burned – but these are barely recognizable.
The gatehouse was a two story building, likely with an additional 1 story tower atop it for monitoring as far as possible. It is now broken and half collapsed. It was obviously a self contained defense work that was severely attacked in the sacking of the monastery. It would have held a dozen or so defenders, maybe more in emergency. Broken and tumbled stones now mark the major its of its presence. There is evidence of fire pits where a few lone travelers have made camp over the years, but are now mostly overgrown.
Uncommon Knowledge You examine the remains of the gatehouse…
The front of the gatehouse faces the High Temple of Aerna in the Grand Duchy of Rhyl .
If you stand in front of the gatehouse, the wind blows between the edge of the forest to the north and the monastery grounds… at times it seems like faint voices are carried on the winds.
This corner of the monastery was obviously home to a larger structure. It likely held a second story and was integrated into the wall. It is still mostly intact as far as can be seen.
It is notable that the orchard itself is still standing. The presence is a creepy blend of trees that are at once burnt, but seemed to have sprouted from the remains of the original trees the Umbakians planted. If it once held fruit, the trees now do not seem to match any known fruit bearing trees of the region.
It is notable that the orchard itself is still standing. The presence is a creepy blend of trees that are at once burnt, but seemed to have sprouted from the remains of the original trees the Umbakians planted. If it once held fruit, the trees now do not seem to match any known fruit bearing trees of the region.
It is notable that the orchard itself is still standing. The presence is a creepy blend of trees that are at once burnt, but seemed to have sprouted from the remains of the original trees the Umbakians planted. If it once held fruit, the trees now do not seem to match any known fruit bearing trees of the region.
The pond, which is bordered by a low stone wall that obviously kept in the water when it rose above its normal depth, sits dark and stagnant. The accumulation of debris over time has made it a brackish mire. Once pure, it is now filled with wetland flora and it is now home to water fowl.
All that is left of a massive barn used for a smithy and animal pens is the foundation. The wooden structure was burnt in the destruction of the monastery.
This field was once planted with crops the Umbakians planted for the dwellers of the monastery. While supplemental, there is no way the few fields within its bounds could have supported a large population. There is no way to tell what was planted here once, though now weeds and strange brush with white flowering petals grows here.
This field was once planted with crops the Umbakians planted for the dwellers of the monastery. While supplemental, there is no way the few fields within its bounds could have supported a large population. There is no way to tell what was planted here once, though now weeds and strange brush with blue-green flowering petals grows here.
This field was once planted with crops the Umbakians planted for the dwellers of the monastery. While supplemental, there is no way the few fields within its bounds could have supported a large population. There is no way to tell what was planted here once, though now weeds and strange brush with yellow-green flowering petals grows here.
The ancient mausoleum still stands its full height. It looks weathered at best, and perhaps some token effort was made to set it alight or bring it down during the sacking of the monastery but it fell far short. It was obviously once painted bright white with scenes of the Lightbringer faith. It stands a dark block of granite now, ominous and standing out as a reminder that the dead still swell here and the living are not welcome (at least those not of the family).
A typical set of prayer columns of Umbakian culture sit in various stages of broken, tipped, and a few still full that frame the walk to the entrance of the mausoleum. They were obviously once painted bright white, with Lightbringer faith scenes and pictorals of family members interred within.
The main temple was once a 2 story structure. It is made of stone, and solidly over built in Umbakian style. It was once well painted and beautiful.
The fountain was left untouched in the fury of the war. It is a beautiful smooth carved basin with a Lightbringer angelic figure of Anaeth the Angel of The Radiant Spirit in the center. The angelic figure is holding a horn to its lips, out of which water shoots out. The angel faces the same direction of the gatehouse front door. The hand not holding the horn is facing the direction of the rising sun, the hand splayed as if its reaching out to grasp it.
Up Close: The fountain is flowing wildly. The angelic figure blows its horn vigorously, and the water flows robustly into the basin. The entire foundation and basin radiate a faint heat like a warm morning.
See Encounters in the Grand Duchy of Rhyl for common potential scenarios of notable events and creatures.
Item Powers (common and Attuned) can be found under Common Knowledge tab.
Knowledge is broken down by ease of discovery/availability & Meticulous Record Keeping may improve usability; Any attempt to know more than what's Pervasive will require a reference, source, knowledge, check, or access to someone who can get or provide either of these. Specific Lores may increase the chance of knowing specific elements.
Information Sources: Mundane Reference | Associated Phenomenology Only | Specific Lore
For those native to or long-dwelling in the region, ALL Common Knowledge may be Pervasive.
The Monastery of Ablocris itself was mere agricultural assets run by the Kuernsi Family located out of Clallums Cross, while a minor family from Umbak was granted the rights to operate the steadings (1 for each steading); The Ablocris family took control of the main land to build out a bastion of the Lightbringer faith.
This settlement and the surrounding steadings was terrorized and sacked as part of the War of Rundleman’s Revenge in CY 9041. Abnormal anger and aggression was taken out upon its inhabitants who were killed defending it to the last inhabitant. Everybody was killed and it was burned.
Destruction: This settlement and the surrounding steadings was savagely terrorized and sacked as part of the War of Rundleman’s Revenge in CY 9041. It has been ransacked and anything of value taken a long time ago. The limits and stipulations for Historical Designation and Exploration in the Steel Realms are well documented.
See the Herald's Quarterly for world updates.
CY 7007 The area of North Gate Garrison freed & The Red March created; Money, supplies, armaments, and manpower flow into the north to fight the Lich Lords.
CY 6514 The Grand Duchy of Rhyl is created by the High King. In exchange for the resources and organization that can be brought to bear against the now organized undead armies, the lands become part of the High King's domain.
CY 5980 The Kingdoms of old Rhylan united settled as a single Kingdom of Rhyl to fight the Lich Lords drive south. After centuries of warfare between territories and races, the common cause of the threat to the north secures a lasting peace.
CY 5580 Fall of Dundaria in the North - Frostfang spreads, the Lich Lord power rises. Hordes of the undead, fortunately disorganized (at first), sweep south and west from the heart of old Dundaria.
CY 2330's Fall of East / Rise of the Dark Lands (Orrishai Abandoned); Refugees flee - some cross the Tolkisson Mountain Range into the 'Lands of Rhylan' that would become the Kingdoms of old Rhylan and finally.
CY 1000 (Approximately) The Dragon of Rhyl is killed and its influence ends in the area around the Great Forest of Rhyl and the surrounding territories.
For those native to or long-dwelling in the region, ALL Common Knowledge may be Pervasive.
When the ducal guard led contingent made their stand at Amstred’s Wish in South Reedland Stretch during the War of Rundleman’s Revenge, instead of continuing towards the Sabarmati River and sacking the Whitescale Bridge gate House and possibly the primary shipyard of The Grand Duchy of Fhyl at Arbenants Port, the army was delayed and sought a break. The delay caused a larger host to be brought up by the Duke of Rhyl, and the army turned back northwest and sacked the Monastery of Ablocris on the edge of the forest.
CY 8710 The Monastery of Ablocris is complete and paying for itself and generating profit for all involved. Initially the area provided support and a place to rotate workers and stage supplies in for Ferrywood Logging Camp that supported the naval ship building of the Duke of Rhyl on the Salt Shore. At this point, trade is being done with merchants traveling through the area, other towns, a few logging camps and supplies for boats on the Beyne River.
Icen Churnidz is a Frost-Melded Icescapes not far (5 miles) from the Monastery of Ablocris ruins in the lands south of the forest. It is only a couple miles from Ferrywood Logging Camp at the forest’s edge.
Rumors persist that the spirits of the dead from the war are restless.
Each support farmstead was intended to be multi-family multi-generational steadings of about 30+ people, though grew to about double that with barracks for workers. Each farmstead followed the same plan. All front entrances to the Monastery and steadings faced the direction of the High Temple of Aerna in the capital city of Rhylan.
CY 8243 The Monastery of Ablocris territory itself was bought by the Kuernsi Family located out of Clallums Cross. It remains undeveloped for 100 years, per agreement. Then, some land is settled for 100 years for subsistence farming and to grow a small working population. In CY 8443 a Shrine to Balthazaar is raised. An additional 200 years are spent in conflict with the locales of the Green Church and the lands – several attacks, crops and barns burned until the Umbakians are extorted for money to keep the peace and allow the Umbakians to build.
Albocris Family Rights Granted: CY 8644 The Ablocris family is granted the rights to build the Monastery. They take over the curation of the coordinated efforts of the supporting farmsteads.
Steadings Built: A minor family from Umbak was granted the rights to operate the steadings (1 for each steading); By CY 8679 the three support settlements had been completed and grown by a generation and work began on clearing the main Monastery of Ablocris grounds.
Monastery Built: The Ablocris family began to build the Monastery of Ablocris in CY 8680, it is completed in CY 8684.
Destruction: As part of the Monastery of Ablocris support settlements, it has a shared history with it and was savagely terrorized and sacked as part of the War of Rundleman’s Revenge in CY 9041. The Albocris family is wiped out; Original title reverts per contract to the Kuernsi Family.
No one’s tried to reclaim it or rebuild it since its destruction near 40 years ago. Those who have sought to use it as a free shelter traveling overland have whispered about nightmares and spirits.
Strange lights and mists have been seen in the distance at the monastery at night since its destruction.
Rumors say that the Umbakians were outright hostile to the Smallfolk of Faerie of the Great Forest of Rhyl.
Posted on December 6, 2025 in Steel-Realms
The Hespshut Cap is a hallucinogenic Mushrooms of Rhyl. It is pure white, grows only in Great Forest of Rhyl within the Frost Melded patches where the ancient Dragon of Rhyl once breathed its fearsome icy breath weapon. Intrepid ‘gardeners’ have been known to set up shop and make arrangements with one of the lesser families as a shared resource of the Rhylian Compromise.
It is said that this mushroom, while pleasant tasting, has a long and strong hallucinogenic effect time, and a cumulative effect over time in the body.
Rulership/Governance: {Integrity *****} Patriarch or Matriarch of the family
Population: Approx. 65 humans
> Note: There is no official census provided.
It grows naturally, but there is one place where the mushroom is cultivated and harvested. It stands on a Frost Melded patch that has since vanished, but it was being bred and survived the patch’s passing. The Pauninus family is the only family that has been licensed to grow and harvest these – and only for export out of the Grand Duchy of Rhyl. They are ordered and used by occult orders and some faiths. The mages of Rimehall are provided a full accounting of this, and are sometimes known to partake in them. It is a custom to wear mushroom cap “uniform” for the workers. The family makes a good wage harvesting them.
; 30 min, Disadvantage. on Intelligence & influence checks, Advantage. on Insight and smell/taste check; +5′ move (must move 5′ if possible each round); must make an Intelligence check DC 10 to target anything.
Pages on the web site lean towards i20™ text flavor, discrepancies will be noted in the iCore™ tab.
Knowledge is broken down by ease of discovery/availability & Meticulous Record Keeping may improve usability; Any attempt to know more than what's Pervasive will require a reference, source, knowledge, check, or access to someone who can get or provide either of these. Specific Lores may increase the chance of knowing specific elements.
Information Sources: Mundane Reference | Associated Phenomenology Only | Specific Lore
For those native to or long-dwelling in the region, ALL Common Knowledge may be Pervasive.
See the Herald's Quarterly for world updates.
CY 7007 The area of North Gate Garrison freed & The Red March created; Money, supplies, armaments, and manpower flow into the north to fight the Lich Lords.
CY 6514 The Grand Duchy of Rhyl is created by the High King. In exchange for the resources and organization that can be brought to bear against the now organized undead armies, the lands become part of the High King's domain.
CY 5980 The Kingdoms of old Rhylan united settled as a single Kingdom of Rhyl to fight the Lich Lords drive south. After centuries of warfare between territories and races, the common cause of the threat to the north secures a lasting peace.
CY 5580 Fall of Dundaria in the North - Frostfang spreads, the Lich Lord power rises. Hordes of the undead, fortunately disorganized (at first), sweep south and west from the heart of old Dundaria.
CY 2330's Fall of East / Rise of the Dark Lands (Orrishai Abandoned); Refugees flee - some cross the Tolkisson Mountain Range into the 'Lands of Rhylan' that would become the Kingdoms of old Rhylan and finally.
CY 1000 (Approximately) The Dragon of Rhyl is killed and its influence ends in the area around the Great Forest of Rhyl and the surrounding territories.
For those native to or long-dwelling in the region, ALL Common Knowledge may be Pervasive.
Posted on December 4, 2025 in Steel-Realms
The Counters Hall of Klyben is a money lending institution in the City of Klyben. They only operate for Citizens of Rhyl, and typically just to secure opportunity and operations inside the borders of The Grand Duchy of Rhyl.
They have a reputation of sticking to the letter of any contract, and have mercy in seizing assets when what is owed is overdue. To this end, they employ mercenaries for both guards, and asset seizure. They have about 20 permanent well paid house guards to secure their vault at all hours of the day.
Local Motivations: There is always the danger of a shortage of supplies in Rhyl, with so much going to the fight at North Gate Garrison. The Counters Hall records a history of those who have Invested in bringing armor, weapons, and mundane supplies into Rhyl. Most of the goods coming from outside come through Lake Caolite, few come up the Beyne River from far away. The Counters Hall records are generally public and periodically accessed by the nobility for potential Citizen public acknowledgement;
OPPORTUNITY: Many successful Investing Opportunities can generate RENOWN.