This is the third chapter of Book 5 of the Sorcerer-Kingmaker conversion for Pathfinder's adventure path, detailing the Gelebon Highlands, through which the War of the Silt Princes will rage, and the PCs will have a chance to explore in their travels.
Exploring the Gelebon Highlands A. Mekillot Graveyard: Along the northern slopes of the Branthlend Mountains, the sandy hills of Gelebon stretch out to the north and the east, becoming progressively drier and craggier as one travels. All manner of strange creatures dwell in these regions, but here along the northeastern edge of the Gelebon Highlands, the primary denizens are vast, roaming herds of Mekillots. At this specific point is an immense box canyon which creates a straneg gathering place for the wandering Mekllots who sense that their time is coming. This has been a graveyard for their kind for thousands of years, and the floor of the canyon is littered with crushed remnants of their shells. This particular graveyard, however, is watched over by an incredibly old mekillot that was Awakened by a druid decades ago. It calls itself Hillstomper, and is a weathered and ancient creature with fresh scars. If the PCs give it the chance, it communicates telepathically with them, explaining that it guards this graveyard, and has been driven out by a big creature from beneath the sand (a Sand Vortex), which is is devouring the remains of his kind. In the gullet of the Sand Vortex can be found a variety of treasure, including some magical and psionic gear. B. Steam Grotto: This area contains several dozen sulphuous-smelling holes and unwholesome springs dot the hills in this area, most containing active geysers that spurt boiling water and steam hundreds of feet in the air, mostly evaporating before any of it lands. This is a dangerous region that can strip the skin from an unlucky or unwary creature in moments. C. Mount Branthlend: This mountain, just short of a mile high, is the tallest peak in all of the Stolen Lands, and is a knob-like pinnacle of white stone. Local legend tells that the peak was scoured of life and vegetation by a powerful defiler atop its crown, hundreds of years ago. D. Whiterose: This area is detailed in Part 4. E. Ilthuliak's Lair: The Whisper River plummets over a 900-foot cliff into the side of a 150-foot deep tarn, surrounded by a 2-mile radius of tangled vines and densely vegetated swamp. The skull of a gigantic Silt Wyrm can be found impaled upon a shattered log overlooking the cliff, a bizarre warning from the previous inhabitant- Ilthuliak, a water drake. Having been won over by the mad Pyreen Nyrissa, Ilthuliak has retreated into the First World with his treasures, and no longer haunts this region. F. Hungerdark: At the dark edge of Thousand Voices, a dark cleft cuts up the face of the mountains, almost as if a titanic axe struck the 500-foot tall cliff here. A brackish pool of water collects in the deepest recesses of this cavern, but few animals approach within miles of this region, for Hunderdark is far from abandoned. An immense wyvern, a matriarch of her kind, has laired in Hungerdark for over two centuries. Known by the regional tribes as Minognos-Ushad ("Eater of armies"), the wyvern has survived countless attempts to slay her and has more than earned her name from the countless warlords she has consumed. G. Tower of Thorns (Hidden): One of the most notorious ruins in Thousand Voices looms among the tangled underbrush and twisted trees here- the infamous Tower of Thorns. This strange structure phases in and out of the Elemental Planes, and is currently out of phase with the Material world. H. Ilora's Camp: A former gladiator by the name of Ilora and a band of bandits who call themselves the Dust Blades make their home on the shores of the Silt Sea here. There are some parallels to the Sun King, of Stolen Land, but Ilora and her people are exiled natives of Altaruk, making them potential allies in the war, if the PCs can win her over by staged combat or promises of revenge or power. I. Shell Riders: A large tribe of Desert Giants has dwelt in the southern Gelebon Highlands for decades. A constant thorn in the sides of both Balic and the regional tribes' sides, these giants are notable for their bond with a large herd of mekillots they've trained as mounts. They are curently led by a psionically-powerful chief named Kob Moleg, from whom High Praetor Irovetus recently managed to secure the Shell Riders' allegiance with a combination of gold, silver-tongued promises, and magic. He's ordered them to wait until he gives the command to ride into the PCs' home area, but the giants are growing impatient and unruly with the wait. J. The Balic Horde: The barbarian tribes of the Gelebon Highlands have been welded into a unified fighting force under High Praetor Irovetus' manipulation and bribery. If Armag was slain in the previous adventure, these tribes are fractious and only allied by the threat of Balic's might being focused on them, however if he survived, they are united under his leadership and a truly terrifying force. K. Littletown: This town of farmers and vintners was used as 'currency' by Irovetus to pay off the wyvern riders. They were allowed to devour the entire town's population, leaving this region deserted and ruined, the lair of a few stragglers. Should evidence of Irovetus' crimes come to light through investigation, unrest in Balic swells, and Andropinis, as part of his retraction, removes some of Irovetus' powers. L. Hemlock Island: This island in the Silt Sea has a reputation for being 'haunted' by mysterious lights. However, the only denizens of the island are rainbow-coloured egrets which scream like human women when slain. A large spring of fresh water can be found on the island. M. The Weeping Grove: Although very few of them remain today in Thousand Voices, the legendary Trees That Weep are one of the more frequently whispered rumours about this dense forest. Said to possess twisted, humanoid faces and the ability to weep tears of pure fear, these creatures are in fact even more terrifying and dangerous. N. Rushlight Festival Grounds: This area is detailed in Part 1, adjacent to the city of Balic. O. Razorwing Camp: The Razorwing Marauders consist of the displaced Thieves' Guild of Balic, forced out of the city some years ago. They eventually became a mercenary band of warriors and assassins, and were paid a not-insignificant sum from Balic's treasury to work against the PCs' city. They maintain a semi-permanent camp amid a small oasis here. Return next week for the showdown with High Praetor Irovetus at Whiterose! Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 29 January 2021. Comments are closed.
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AuthorI'm Luke. He/him pronouns. Archives
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