Tag: dryad-refuge
Great Forest of Rhyl
Posted on July 6, 2021 in Steel-Realms
Great Forest of Rhyl is perhaps THE most notable natural feature of The Grand Duchy of Rhyl (along with the Bronzed-Edge Tableland to its east). The massive Forest of Rhyl is a magical place teaming with life of all kinds (the primary source of Wylden energy), shifting shadows, streams, glades, meadows, and all manner of terrain and features – including the famous Mushrooms of Rhyl. It is mostly stands of pine, but mixed with birch, fir, spruce, and a few others. It is home to hundreds of settlements of all kinds along its edges as well as within it.
Pervasive Knowledge
Prevailing Weather in the Forest of Rhyl: The Great Forest is filled with drifting mists has light rain falling in many parts at any given time, otherwise it is generally reflective of the The Weather in the Grand Duchy of Rhyl. In the winter, light snow falls instead of rain. There are nights when The Dreamhunt of Rhyl is manifest (full moons, etc.) and there are “streams” of mist high in the branches and rolling fog along the ground that follow the effect.
Abundance: The druids of the Vinewood Forest, Gaur Dinuae Forest & Great Forest of Rhyl and those of the many mountains and streams ensure water and soil health, and work with the World Watchers & Dryads of the Wyld to ensure proper monitoring and attendance of the forest needs as a resource to all. It is thought that strange Vaaurouch of The Rimbus is still alive and being venerated in the Navel of Rhyl Forest and responsible for some of the abundance in the Forest of Rhyl as well.
Encounters & Dangers in the Area
See general Encounters in the Grand Duchy of Rhyl for common potential scenarios of notable events and creatures.
- There may be areas that are or was once Frost-Melded from the long-dead Dragon of Rhyl. A few of the Walking Pinelings still stand vigil. The constant power of the Dew Gate in the Navel of the forest is thought to be the source of the A Plague of Hags.
- Those in and near to the Great Forest of Rhyl itself are prone to experiencing The Dreamhunt of Rhyl; This is often accompanied in the area by a “stream” of mist through the higher branches.
- Unicorn – Heliki the Eternal: This Great Forest also still has the fey creature at its heart. It leaves virtually no trace and is not known to leave. Meeting this creature only happens if the Unicorn desires it though.
Chronicle of the Locale
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.
Pervasive Knowledge / Very Easy Difficulty
Information Sources: Mundane Reference | Associated Phenomenology Only | Specific Lore
Common Knowledge / Easy Difficulty
Facts & Knowledge
- The Har’ahdu Cunaigh – Aelfpath of Helca twines through the Great Forest of Rhyl, also connecting all the Elven Wealds within the Grand Duchy of Rhyl.
- Far in the past, the Klaurians used it as a refuge to regenerate their low population.
Events of Specific Dates
Uncommon Knowledge / Average Difficulty
CY 700-1000 The Lizardfolk once settled all around Lake Vhym in tens of thousands. They were in swamps and rivers and lakes all through the Great Forest of Rhyl in equal numbers. They were driven to extinction in the conquest of Rhyl by the Blood of Saemon from around CY 700-1000. The conquest was gruesome.
Scarce Knowledge / Hard Difficulty
The slight chilling effect in the Great Forest of Rhyl – i.e.e slightly more snow in fall and winter – is magic directly offsetting the magic at The Autumn Wall that makes it more rain than snow, and the colder months on the wall more bearable to its defenders.
Rare Knowledge / Very Hard Difficulty
A Drawing of Power: It is believed that both the walls (The Autumn Wall and The Blue Wall) hem in the power of the Lich Lord. Their own strength relies on some power that draws away the killing cold blasts of the Frostfang that would push its icy embrace across the lands. In addition to their own mystical manifestation, these walls also siphon some small bit of power from the Frostfang winds, feeding their own capabilities and exchanging, diverting or altering the actual weather in their area – diminishing it in Kaald and exchanging it on the The Autumn Wall at North Gate Garrison casting its cold temperatures and windows to disperse in Great Forest of Rhyl.
The Dew Gate in the Navel of the Great Forest of Rhyl pulls through some of the wintery weather, dumping it in the Faeywyld as a roaming storm of sleet and snow, and drawing the ire of those that make their home there, accounting for A Plague of Hags in The Grand Duchy of Rhyl.
Gatesmount (Riverdan)
Posted on July 6, 2021 in Steel-Realms
Geo-Location: Duchy of Dunstrand
The capital of ___ has a population of 1,700 (though in the far past it was 3-5 times that).
Defining Ideal: The Riverdans has always seen themselves as a bastion of independence & freedom within The Grand Duchy of Dunstrand. They safeguard the traditions of the Fallen East, personal freedom, the nobility of service, and bloodline purity. "Where the river Nanford once flowed, so flows the blood and honor of tradition and loyalty."
Defining Moment: All of the Riverdans were devastated when, in CY 7950-7986, Nanford River changed course during the Storm Times and Dwindor Swamp became a living things itself and gained the appellation of “Mighty Dwindor”.
Unless a specific location offers alternatives, Steel Realms Characters coming of age in/from this locale will shape their perspective to the primary experience of Cultural Experience of the Riverdans.
- A Cultural Experience is on top of any background, archetype, or species character elements; Normally a PC may only have a single Basic Cultural/Regional Experience at the time of Character Inception. A group of characters with the same cultural experience can come together to form a shared Cultural Bond.
Known For:
Ruled By: (Pledged Directly to the Duke of Dunstrand)
Rulership: Active; [‘Lord-Steward’ is proper, ‘Baron’ outside of Dunstrand] (Titled, peerage [knightly grant] based, matriarchal lineage)
Seat of Rule: The city of
> Symbol:
Factions: The most ancient faction is based on the lineage of the old families from the Fallen East. Like all the old families, they are associated with the League of the White Lily & brought their Dryad refuge through the ancient association with the Osten-Paullus faith.
Armed Forces
Size/Composition:
[Approximate] Professional = / Volunteer = / Mercenary = / Levy =
Pacification Garrison Presence: NO
Total Population:
[Approximate] Urban = / Rural = / Remote =
Transient: Very little due to the economic depression suffered by the river lands.
Racial Division and Relations: Like all the Riverdans, the population is almost 90% human. A few Grollen, Half Elves, and Dwarves have found their way into the old lands due to the general acceptance (though they are still treated as outsiders) of any people.
Social/Cultural Norms of Note: The folk of this place share the common culture of the Riverdans. They take pride in the origins and shared culture with ancient traditions. They all share some common historical events, such as the River Nanford changing course. They are obsessive about their bloodlines and preserving the records around them.
Divine Associations/Religion: The Riverdan folk are not overly religious, though they still observe many of the ancient Rites and traditions of the vanishing Osten-Paullus faith of the Fallen East. Over time, all of the families have gravitated more towards the Green Church and mother Gaia – even welcoming in Druids of the Wyld Faith since the impoverished and somewhat abandoned Riverdans are slowly “returning to nature”.
Common Names:
Riverdan Basic Map
Commerce, Economy, and Travel
Annual $:
Roads and Transport: Most roads are in disrepair. Markers have been left to rot or become overgrown. The river-side territories on the south are mostly lush flood plain lands. The river rarely floods any more, and all settlements are built on rises above the river levels. A few dykes or small seasonal dams are ready but often fail due to their state of disrepair.
Primary Imports:
>
Primary Exports: Orchards, grains, and grasses are plentiful.
When the river floods, it deposits silt and nutrients. The silver crown is accepted everywhere, but many transactions between those who live here are on a barter system due to the monetary poverty of the fiefs.
Crime/Criminal Element(s): There is not enough trade and capital to support any kind of large scale organized crime. Most criminals are opportunistic, though in a few large cities a small gang may be organized to run some local operation. Because of the currently impoverished nature of the Riverdans, many criminals are not treated harshly for non violent crimes (and there is a lack of jail facilities), while violent crime is often responded to with a level of severity greater than the crime.The people are fiercely community-minded and disturbing that peace is sometimes even dealt with in vigilante style.
More Materials
Adventures in the Area
Adventure Ideas
General adventuring in the Riverdans has some common threads…
Tuflim (Riverdan)
Posted on October 27, 2015 in Steel-Realms
Geo-Location: Duchy of Dunstrand > Riverdans
Defining Moment: All of the Riverdans were devastated when, in CY 7950-7986, Nanford River changed course during the Storm Times and Dwindor Swamp became a living things itself and gained the appellation of “Mighty Dwindor”.
Defining Ideal: The Riverdans has always seen themselves as a bastion of independence & freedom within The Grand Duchy of Dunstrand. They safeguard the traditions of the Fallen East, personal freedom, the nobility of service, and bloodline purity. "Where the river Nanford once flowed, so flows the blood and honor of tradition and loyalty."
Unless a specific location offers alternatives, Steel Realms Characters coming of age in/from this locale will shape their perspective to the primary experience of Cultural Experience of the Riverdans.
- A Cultural Experience is on top of any background, archetype, or species character elements; Normally a PC may only have a single Basic Cultural/Regional Experience at the time of Character Inception. A group of characters with the same cultural experience can come together to form a shared Cultural Bond.
Arriving/First Glance: You pass into a the Riverdan of Tuflim and don’t even notice. You are sure there was probably some marker stone that has long been overgrown. Another 20 minutes of travel and searching and by now, you should definitely be in Tuflim. Tuflim is a modern pronunciation of Tuathlim – so the books and locals say. It is one of the poorest of the Riverdans – empty in most directions. It is known as one of the poorest of the old territories of the River Lords – only Pelmon is poorer; Nearly every major settlement has been abandoned for subsistence farming.
Ruled By: (Pledged Directly to the Duke of Dunstrand)
Rulership: Active; [‘Lord-Steward’ is proper, ‘Baron’ outside of Dunstrand] (Titled, peerage [knightly grant] based, matriarchal lineage)
Seat of Rule: The city of
> Symbol:
Factions: The most ancient faction is based on the lineage of the old families from the Fallen East. Like all the old families, they are associated with the League of the White Lily & brought their Dryad refuge through the ancient association with the Osten-Paullus faith.
Armed Forces
Size/Composition:
[Approximate] Professional = / Volunteer = / Mercenary = / Levy =
Pacification Garrison Presence: NO
Total Population:
[Approximate] Urban = / Rural = / Remote =
Transient: Very little due to the economic depression suffered by the river lands.
Racial Division and Relations: Like all the Riverdans, the population is almost 90% human. A few Grollen, Half Elves, and Dwarves have found their way into the old lands due to the general acceptance (though they are still treated as outsiders) of any people.
Social/Cultural Norms of Note: The folk of this place share the common culture of the Riverdans. They take pride in the origins and shared culture with ancient traditions. They all share some common historical events, such as the River Nanford changing course. They are obsessive about their bloodlines and preserving the records around them.
Divine Associations/Religion: The Riverdan folk are not overly religious, though they still observe many of the ancient Rites and traditions of the vanishing Osten-Paullus faith of the Fallen East. Over time, all of the families have gravitated more towards the Green Church and mother Gaia – even welcoming in Druids of the Wyld Faith since the impoverished and somewhat abandoned Riverdans are slowly “returning to nature”.
Common Names:
Riverdan Basic Map
Commerce, Economy, and Travel
Annual $:
Roads and Transport: Most roads are in disrepair. Markers have been left to rot or become overgrown. The river-side territories on the south are mostly lush flood plain lands. The river rarely floods any more, and all settlements are built on rises above the river levels. A few dykes or small seasonal dams are ready but often fail due to their state of disrepair.
Primary Imports:
>
Primary Exports: Orchards, grains, and grasses are plentiful.
When the river floods, it deposits silt and nutrients. The silver crown is accepted everywhere, but many transactions between those who live here are on a barter system due to the monetary poverty of the fiefs.
Crime/Criminal Element(s): There is not enough trade and capital to support any kind of large scale organized crime. Most criminals are opportunistic, though in a few large cities a small gang may be organized to run some local operation. Because of the currently impoverished nature of the Riverdans, many criminals are not treated harshly for non violent crimes (and there is a lack of jail facilities), while violent crime is often responded to with a level of severity greater than the crime. The people are fiercely community-minded and disturbing that peace is sometimes even dealt with in vigilante style.
More Materials
Adventures in the Area
Adventure Ideas
General adventuring in the Riverdans has some common threads…
Pelmon (Riverdan)
Posted on October 27, 2015 in Steel-Realms
Geo-Location: Duchy of Dunstrand Pelmon is an independent fiefdom of the Duchy of Dunstrand. In total it supports a population of some 6,000 people. The capital of ___ has a population of 2,100 (though in the far past it was 3-5 times that). The folk of this place share the common culture of the Riverdans.
Defining Ideal: The Riverdans has always seen themselves as a bastion of independence & freedom within The Grand Duchy of Dunstrand. They safeguard the traditions of the Fallen East, personal freedom, the nobility of service, and bloodline purity. "Where the river Nanford once flowed, so flows the blood and honor of tradition and loyalty."
Defining Moment: All of the Riverdans were devastated when, in CY 7950-7986, Nanford River changed course during the Storm Times and Dwindor Swamp became a living things itself and gained the appellation of “Mighty Dwindor”.
Unless a specific location offers alternatives, Steel Realms Characters coming of age in/from this locale will shape their perspective to the primary experience of Cultural Experience of the Riverdans.
- A Cultural Experience is on top of any background, archetype, or species character elements; Normally a PC may only have a single Basic Cultural/Regional Experience at the time of Character Inception. A group of characters with the same cultural experience can come together to form a shared Cultural Bond.
Known For: The poorest of the Riverdans, just below Tuflim. This despite the fact that some of the richest mines in all the Riverdans are present. Cerrans Grant/Twin River politics siphons off much of the profits.
Ruled By: (Pledged Directly to the Duke of Dunstrand)
Rulership: Active; [‘Lord-Steward’ is proper, ‘Baron’ outside of Dunstrand] (Titled, peerage [knightly grant] based, matriarchal lineage)
Seat of Rule: The city of
> Symbol:
Factions: The most ancient faction is based on the lineage of the old families from the Fallen East. Like all the old families, they are associated with the League of the White Lily & brought their Dryad refuge through the ancient association with the Osten-Paullus faith.
Armed Forces
Size/Composition:
[Approximate] Professional = / Volunteer = / Mercenary = / Levy =
Pacification Garrison Presence: NO
Total Population:
[Approximate] Urban = / Rural = / Remote =
Transient: Very little due to the economic depression suffered by the river lands.
Racial Division and Relations: Like all the Riverdans, the population is almost 90% human. A few Grollen, Half Elves, and Dwarves have found their way into the old lands due to the general acceptance (though they are still treated as outsiders) of any people.
Social/Cultural Norms of Note: The folk of this place share the common culture of the Riverdans. They take pride in the origins and shared culture with ancient traditions. They all share some common historical events, such as the River Nanford changing course. They are obsessive about their bloodlines and preserving the records around them.
Divine Associations/Religion: The Riverdan folk are not overly religious, though they still observe many of the ancient Rites and traditions of the vanishing Osten-Paullus faith of the Fallen East. Over time, all of the families have gravitated more towards the Green Church and mother Gaia – even welcoming in Druids of the Wyld Faith since the impoverished and somewhat abandoned Riverdans are slowly “returning to nature”.
Common Names:
Commerce, Economy, and Travel
Annual $:
Roads and Transport: Most roads are in disrepair. Markers have been left to rot or become overgrown. The river-side territories on the south are mostly lush flood plain lands. The river rarely floods any more, and all settlements are built on rises above the river levels. A few dykes or small seasonal dams are ready but often fail due to their state of disrepair.
Primary Imports:
>
Primary Exports: Orchards, grains, and grasses are plentiful.
When the river floods, it deposits silt and nutrients. The silver crown is accepted everywhere, but many transactions between those who live here are on a barter system due to the monetary poverty of the fiefs.
Crime/Criminal Element(s): There is not enough trade and capital to support any kind of large scale organized crime. Most criminals are opportunistic, though in a few large cities a small gang may be organized to run some local operation. Because of the currently impoverished nature of the Riverdans, many criminals are not treated harshly for non violent crimes (and there is a lack of jail facilities), while violent crime is often responded to with a level of severity greater than the crime.The people are fiercely community-minded and disturbing that peace is sometimes even dealt with in vigilante style.
More Materials
Adventures in the Area
Adventure Ideas
General adventuring in the Riverdans has some common threads…
Monaides (Riverdan)
Posted on October 27, 2015 in Steel-Realms
Geo-Location: Grand Duchy of Dunstrand Monaides is an independent fiefdom of the grand Duchy of Dunstrand – in the Riverdan Territories. In total it supports a current population of some 14,000 people. The capital of ___ has a population of 2,100 (though in the far past it was 3-5 times that). The folk of this place share the common culture of the Riverdans.
Defining Ideal: The Riverdans has always seen themselves as a bastion of independence & freedom within The Grand Duchy of Dunstrand. They safeguard the traditions of the Fallen East, personal freedom, the nobility of service, and bloodline purity. "Where the river Nanford once flowed, so flows the blood and honor of tradition and loyalty."
Defining Moment: All of the Riverdans were devastated when, in CY 7950-7986, Nanford River changed course during the Storm Times and Dwindor Swamp became a living things itself and gained the appellation of “Mighty Dwindor”.
Unless a specific location offers alternatives, Steel Realms Characters coming of age in/from this locale will shape their perspective to the primary experience of Cultural Experience of the Riverdans.
- A Cultural Experience is on top of any background, archetype, or species character elements; Normally a PC may only have a single Basic Cultural/Regional Experience at the time of Character Inception. A group of characters with the same cultural experience can come together to form a shared Cultural Bond.
Known For: It is the last breeding place of the Benreive horse descendants – the Reivians.
Ruled By: (Pledged Directly to the Duke of Dunstrand)
Rulership: Active; [‘Lord-Steward’ is proper, ‘Baron’ outside of Dunstrand] (Titled, peerage [knightly grant] based, matriarchal lineage)
Seat of Rule: The city of
> Symbol:
Factions: The most ancient faction is based on the lineage of the old families from the Fallen East. Like all the old families, they are associated with the League of the White Lily & brought their Dryad refuge through the ancient association with the Osten-Paullus faith.
Armed Forces
Size/Composition:
[Approximate] Professional = / Volunteer = / Mercenary = / Levy =
Pacification Garrison Presence: NO
Total Population:
[Approximate] Urban = / Rural = / Remote =
Transient: Very little due to the economic depression suffered by the river lands.
Racial Division and Relations: Like all the Riverdans, the population is almost 90% human. A few Grollen, Half Elves, and Dwarves have found their way into the old lands due to the general acceptance (though they are still treated as outsiders) of any people.
Social/Cultural Norms of Note: The folk of this place share the common culture of the Riverdans. They take pride in the origins and shared culture with ancient traditions. They all share some common historical events, such as the River Nanford changing course. They are obsessive about their bloodlines and preserving the records around them.
Divine Associations/Religion: The Riverdan folk are not overly religious, though they still observe many of the ancient Rites and traditions of the vanishing Osten-Paullus faith of the Fallen East. Over time, all of the families have gravitated more towards the Green Church and mother Gaia – even welcoming in Druids of the Wyld Faith since the impoverished and somewhat abandoned Riverdans are slowly “returning to nature”.
Common Names:
Riverdan Basic Map
Commerce, Economy, and Travel
Annual $:
Roads and Transport: Most roads are in disrepair. Markers have been left to rot or become overgrown. The river-side territories on the south are mostly lush flood plain lands. The river rarely floods any more, and all settlements are built on rises above the river levels. A few dykes or small seasonal dams are ready but often fail due to their state of disrepair.
Primary Imports:
>
Primary Exports: Orchards, grains, and grasses are plentiful.
When the river floods, it deposits silt and nutrients. The silver crown is accepted everywhere, but many transactions between those who live here are on a barter system due to the monetary poverty of the fiefs.
Crime/Criminal Element(s): There is not enough trade and capital to support any kind of large scale organized crime. Most criminals are opportunistic, though in a few large cities a small gang may be organized to run some local operation. Because of the currently impoverished nature of the Riverdans, many criminals are not treated harshly for non violent crimes (and there is a lack of jail facilities), while violent crime is often responded to with a level of severity greater than the crime.The people are fiercely community-minded and disturbing that peace is sometimes even dealt with in vigilante style.
Adventures in the Area
Adventure Ideas
General adventuring in the Riverdans has some common threads…