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Royal Seal of the Blackstone Family I do not claim this document as a complete original, I have taken many parts of it from other documents and attempted to compile them here in an updated format. It is by no means complete and may still contain errors. It is an ongoing project. Many have contributed to this, and I thank you all for your assistance. Eric Augustson, April 603 E.R. Blackstone, named for its active volcano was once a separate kingdom,
having been ruled for many years by the Blackstone family.
About 500 years ago, as Evendarr grew around them, the king offered them
a place within his kingdom. King Hender Blackstone, glancing about at the good
king’s troops, decided that such an arrangement would be beneficial to
everybody. In fact the people of Blackstone have taken Evendarr to their hearts
and thoroughly enjoy the new markets that have been made available to them
through this compromise. For Blackstone is possibly the largest trading and
shipping capital on the continent of Avalon, and as such it is also one of the
richest.
Blackstone had been a political anomaly - Until the year 601, it was a
County without a Duchy, at that time King Mykel Endar II elevated Count Derrick
Blackstone to the rank of Duke. It is expected in the spring of 603 that Duke
Blackstone will establish the first Counties and raise various Lords to the rank
of Count. Baronies are sure to follow. Politics is what Blackstone is all about. The
nobles of the county seem to be in constant political struggle with each other
to gain status and standing in the court. Gossip and innuendo can make or break
a noble house here, and word as to who was at each party, and who has the
Duke’s ear at any time are valuable commodities.
It consumes their lives to the point where it provides meaningful
employment for the local thieves guilds, which provide nobles with the necessary
spies and assassins. When visiting Blackstone, you may wish to travel to the capital city of Braughm-Raor, where the marketplace is open from dusk to dawn. It is a colorful ongoing pageant of sight, sound and smell, and I have seen nothing like it in my travels. Row upon row of shops, inns, taverns, gambling parlors and other places of pleasure and leisure abound in the city. Of course, remember what I said about powerful thieves guilds, and watch your money carefully when there. ----------------------------------------
Currently, the lands of Blackstone are recovering from several
calamities, in 601 & 602; various undead fought a Civil war amongst
themselves. Duke Blackstone had hoped to contain the fighting and let it burn
itself out, but the scale of warfare escalated quickly and sucked in several
companies of the Blackstone army. Malik overran many towns around Blackstone and
their populaces were killed and raised as undead conscripts. Fields were burned
herds slaughtered or scattered to the four winds. Famine was rampant during the
winter of 601/602. The Undead Civil war was finally suppressed and the famine
was brought under control by food trains from Evendarr, Kitheria and storehouses
in Braughm-Roar. In 602 however a new enemy presented itself, the Lords of Eight were discovered, spreading the corrupting influence of Chaos. Duke Blackstone was captured by the Lords of Eight, and held ransom. Geography
Braughm-Roar: A very old city and one of the Largest in Evendarr,
currently holding the number 2 position. In order of size, they are the
following, Evendarr City (Duchy Evendarr), Braughm-Roar (Blackstone), Goldhaven
(Therendry), Daven (Rotaria), and Ravenholt (Ravenholt). Castle McAlistar: This fortress guards Kren Pass and was built by
the King of Evendarr to provide safe passage from Kitheria to Southern
Blackstone. Patrols are often sent out from here to patrol the southern reaches
of Blackstone and along the passes and valleys of the Arawyn mountains. Great Dark Swamp: A
huge swamp on the southernmost tip of Blackstone, it forms part of the border
with the Duchy of Therendry. Rumor has it that there is lair of a powerful
necromancer there. It is known for sure that the Swamp is a deadly place none
are known to have journeyed there and survived. In fact, over 200 years ago, the
Queen of Evendarr, Katherine I, sent 2000 troops of the 4th Crown
Guards into the swamp to investigate it and disprove the rumors of Necromancers.
None returned. Of Two thousand men, there was not even ONE resurrection to tell
the tale. To the last man, they disappeared and were never heard from again.
Naturally, a close watch has been kept on the swamp ever since. Haven: One of the many small towns around Blackstone. It lies high
on the southern slopes of Mt. Barobar. Populated by woodcutters who supply the
shipyards at Braughm-Roar. It was attacked and taken over by Gnolls in 601.
During the same attack its Primary water supply was poisoned. Survivors were
rescued by adventures from Stonereach. Homegate: This city is the 4th Oldest Dwarven city in
Evendarr. It is a massive & mysterious place. Non Dwarves are seldom let
further in than the front gates. Accounts from those that have gotten further in
tell tales of huge natural caverns converted over to living spaces, and a mine
system as extensive as any found anywhere. It is believed that the mines
themselves extend throughout the nearest three mountains that Homegate is
located under. Homegate’s primary resource is its copper, and finished metal
goods. Its depends on trade with Blackstone for foodstuffs, but buys food from
Kitheria, Evendarr, and Rotaria. Siren’s Isle & Academy for Arcane Studies: Island off the
Northeast corner of Blackstone, and home of the Mages Guild of Blackstone. There
is limited access to the Island except for scholars and researchers. This island
is defended by the 4th Crown Guards. Whitestaff: A small
town on the edges of the Whitemane forest, almost the exact center of
Blackstone. Its main population is made up of Farmers, Herders & Weavers.
Every few months however there is an influx of Military as units are rotated
through the training grounds a mile or two outside of town. The Whitemane Forest: One of the oldest and most "Virgin"
of the old growth forests in Blackstone. It has larely remained intact by being
in accessable to most uses. That and the jealous guarding of it by its
residents, several clans of Wood Elves. Recently however, logging companies have
been looking at the woods with a new light. The Whitemane River has opened new
possibilities for Logging, and there are great profits to be made at the
shipyards of Braughm-Roar for such fine old wood. There have already been several incidents between the clans
and groups of loggers making inroads into the forest. The Whitemane River: A new river formed in the winter of 602 after
a series of powerful earthquakes in the Arawyn Mountains. It has quickly cut
itself a new channel all the way to the sea, and empties out just south of the
town of Barradach. The town of Whitestaff has quickly grown with the new trade
route down from the mountains and up from the Sea. Rivermen are already poling
small barges up and down the river from Whitestaff to Barradach. Earthquakes: These rarely occur in Blackstone except in the
vicinity of Mt. Barobar. This volcano is a sleeping Giant that has rumbled in
its sleep and rolled over a time or two. There is no way to tell if Mt. Barobar
will awake to its full fury any time soon. Recently, during the winter of
602/603 a series of powerful earthquakes struck along the Arawyn mountain range.
Flooding occurred from landslides and a new River formed leading from the
mountains, past the Town of Whitestaff and down to the sea. With the
earthquakes, there was also a Landslide of horrific proportions that came down
the mountain and destroyed the upper end of the Whitemane Forest. The Wild Elf
village of “Welcomes Green” was reported to have been wiped out by a wall of
Mud and stone nearly 100 feet high. Maps and Travel Times: From City to City, based on 2 miles per hour for walking, 4 miles per hour if on horseback. Roads not shown on maps are rough and unpaved, little more than swampy bogs in rain and frozen rutted ankle-breaking terrain in winter (OOG: Military roads are Paved and on the level of Roman Roads). Many of the Kingdoms standing armies, when not active in the field, are used to make repairs to the paved roads. An example of one being the one that runs between Braughm-Roar and Evendarr City. Currently, the Road from Braughm-Roar to Whitestaff is being Upgraded to a Military level of Constrution. Plans are to continue this road to Kren Pass and the Kitheria Border, and from there down to Don Wise in Therendry. Who's Who in and around Blackstone The
Blackstone Nobility Duke Derrick Blackstone: The Duke is currently unmarried, though there is a great effort on the parts of MANY to marry him off to their granddaughters, daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins… Currently, there is no Heir to the Throne of Blackstone. No Legitimate ones anyway. Rumors abound of various illegitimate children but none have proven their claim to the Dukes paternity. Duke Blackstone was briefly captured by forces of Chaos in 602 and replaced by a Doppelganger. Adventurers in the town of Stonereach later rescued him. Assassinated & resurrected in 603, by persons unknown. Rumor has it he has been tainted w/chaos when he was kidnapped. Lord Moravia: Duke Blackstone’s personal Scribe. Assassinated
& Resurrected in 603. Lord Dain Ironhammer II: Lord of the Dwarvish city of Homegate.
Homegate is a semi-independent vassal of Blackstone. Jonathan Buttons: Aide to Duke Blackstone, Arch-Wizard of Flame and
Focus, Grand Guildmaster to the Celestial Guilds of Blackstone Lord Stephan Saxony: Deceased, assassinated in spring 603, Former
Lord of Whitestsaff. Sir Cedric Warclaw: Knight of Blackstone. Sir Cedric
is a native of Blackstone and began his career as an adventurer in the year 592
E.R. He was Knighted by the Duke at a gather in Stonereach. Sir Cedric is
commonly found in the southern reaches of Blackstone, patroling the borders and
wild areas and training troops. Sir Delwyn Mithrilmyst: Knight of Blackstone. A dedicated Knight of the Duke’s, commonly found ranging far and wide across the lands. He regularly attends the Gathers wherever they are held. Sir Delwyn is well known for the streak of bad luck he had during his squireship. Because he had the misfortune to repeatedly lose his sponsorship (and then gain new ones), Sir Delwyn currently holds the record for longest period of being a Squire, for a total of four years. The Duke formally knighted Sir Delwyn in 602. Sir Noah Darkstrider: Knight of Blackstone. A regular attendant at the Gathers. One of the few Wolven known to frequent Blackstone. Sir Strider: Knight of Blackstone. A regular attendant at the Gathers. His colors are Red & Black. Visiting
Nobles Queen Mab of the Fae: Queen Mab was frequently seen with Duke
Blackstone, during his attendance at the May gathers held in Stonereach. She
would also accompany him during the Fall festivals there. It is not known if she
will be attending the Gathers in Whitestaff. Lady Kes De'Kiernan of Havencrest: Wife of Baron Zug De'Kiernan of
Havencrest and also a frequent visitor to Blackstone. Dame Parthynia Cesca Domamore:
Knight of Therendry, Guildmistress Calais Healer's Guild, Archwizardess of
Life and Law. A native of Therendy, Dame Parthynia has long been a presence in
Blackstone, for a time she was even a Guildmistress in Stonereach. She is
fequently acompanied by her champion Mario on her trips, and has recently been
named a Protector of the Woods (named for the forests around Whitestaff).
Curently she carries the same colors as her Leige lord, Duke Ellis
Pinetree. Corin Sunliner: Protector of Kilana, Knight of
Therendry. Corin has held MANY titles over the years, Magistrate, Warmaster of
House Silvercord, etc. But currently, the first two are what he calls his own.
Corin began his career as a adventurer and fell in with Cedric Warclaw and
Simeon Silvercord (this was well before either attained a Noble rank). Some 2
years ago he was apointed Magistrate of Stormcross County by then Barons
Silvercord & Treehawk. Recently he was elevated to Knight of Therendry by
the Duke. As of yet, he has not decided on Colors. Guildmasters Darius: Current Guildmaster of the Stonereach Mages Guild.
Little is known about Darius, he is said to be over 250 years old. Darius
himself has said he was raised by Wild Elves after he was orphaned at the age of
5. He has long had been friends with Sarr, Wild Elves and Mystic Wood Elves. Adventureres
& Citizens Draelin Phoenix Elcor Wellspring Darkmoon Kel'Jara De'Kiernan Carlylin:
Squire of Myrr. Squire Draelin has an long and interesting history,
including one of the shortest durations of Noble Title ever. VERY briefly Squire
Draelin was appointed to the Lord of Pinetree in the Barony of Havencrest. After
an hour or so he was released from this position and took up his duties as a
Squire of Myrr instead. A native to Myrr he journeyed to Therendry for the first
time as an adventurer in 597. One of Draelin's other claims to fame is his
having undergone a somewhat "Voluntary Obliteration" during a
Fae-mushroom eating contest in Blackstone, in 597 E.R.. Papaya Effendi: The embodiment of all that is great
upon Tyrra, Weilder of the massive fist of greatness, Master Tradesman and
Merchant, Traveler of the secret route of Quaz, Wearer of the blue turban of
Sahul Al-Maertion. A native of Dar Khabad, Papaya Effendi travels around
southern Evendarr, going as far south as The Sutherlands, and follows the coast
from there all the way up to Blackstone. He is nornally acompanied by a
hunchbacked manservant named Iago. Papaya Effendi plans on opening a Merchant
establishment in Whitestaff in spring of 604. It is unknown if any of his 1,374
wives will follow him from Dar Khabad. He can be identified by his turban and
his personal sign, a blue cresent moon facing to the right upon a field of white
that is in the shape of a triangle facing with the big point facing downwards
like the capitol letter "V". Hooch: Merchant, Brewer, Owner & Operator of the
Purple Rose Inn. A native to the
Sutherlands, Hooch has come north and established himself as a tradesman &
adventurer. His first Gather in Blackstone was during the rescue of Haven, in
601. Known for his brewing and willingness to make a deal he is well established
as a trader and merchant. He is currently in the process of formally opening an
Inn in Whitestaff, having moved his base of operations from Stonereach.
He Can easily be pointed out as being a Purple Mystic Wood Elf, and takes
as his personal symbol a Purple Rose, which he also used to identify his businesses. Og M'thrg: Chef, Owner & Operator of the Angry
Ogre Tavern. Rastlin Dawnware: Guildmaster of Exeter Celestial
Guild, Archwizard of Peace and Destruction. Guildmaster Rastlin is part of House
Silvercord, and carries thier colors in addition to his own, shown as an Ivory
Star. He is one of the older adventureres to frequent the gathers of Blackstone
& Therendry, and has long been associated with several who have risen up
through the ranks, such as Sir Strider and Sir Sunliner. He has long aided the
defense of Blackstone agaisnt several threats, such as Necros and Infernos the
Storm Wizard. At one point he was also Leader of The Order of the Ivory Star.
Groups The Belmont Clan: Andris, Caliphar,
and Ramsus Belmont. a A
loose federation of friends, commonly found ranging all over the wide spaces and
deep into Therendry. Theyhave also ranged as far west as Dar Khabad, and some of
thier members are rumored to have been originally from the forests bordering Dar
Khabad & Myrr. The Blood Guarde: Are they the last victims of
the Bane of Nekros? Alcuin, Tygil Stonebrook, Ivy Hawthorne, Scarlet, and
Germage appeared in Stonereach in the late summer of 601 and announced
themselves as the Blood Guarde, a mercenary company for hire. Alcuin was their
leader and they quickly garnered several important jobs, one being the Escort
guard for King Mykel II of Evendarr when he visited the town of Stonereach in
601 to elevate then Count Blackstone to Duke. At the same time, the Blood Guarde
was gaining members, an Elf named Paine, a Human named Eric Augustson, and Arial
Goldenwine (owner of the towns Tavern & Inn). In early 602 Alcuin announced
his retirement, and Tygil took over as commander of the Blood Guarde. Tygil even
though a very new adventurer was approached and asked to become the new leader
of the Healers Guild. It should be noted, with this act, the Blood Guarde; a
group of paid mercenaries were in control of the Healers Guild, the Town Guard,
the Armorsmithy, the Inn and the best Tavern in town. Since then, Arial has
disappeared under mysterious circumstances, Paine has left for parts unknown and
Eric has closed his Armorsmithy and has not been seen in Stonereach in two
years. At this point, the sole survivors of the Blood Guarde are Eric, Tygil and
his companion Ivy Hawthorne. Tygil & Ivy briefly disappeared over the winter
of 602 & spring of 603. Some time during the fall of 603 Germage was
reported to have been assassinated while in Dar Khabad. The whereabouts of his
companion Sage are currently unknown. The Ivy Hind Guild: A jack of all trades Guild, known for massage,
messenger & scribe services. Members are known by a round silver Medalion
inscibed a stylized Elk. The Therendry/Blackstone Herald: A Monthly
publication of both Blackstone and Therendry, articles on any topic are
published, some possibly even being true. The herald will accept submissions and
advertising from anyone, along with rumors and innuendo. All in all it is an
excellent source for the current happenings around the Kingdom.
History
of Whitestaff The town of Whitestaff was made the host of the local
Gathers in April of 603, it is located almost in the very center of Blackstone,
on the northeastern edge of the Whitemane forest. Its major claim to fame is the
sudden appearance of the Whitestaff River, which pours down from the mountains
west of Whitestaff, and empties into the sea just south of the town of
Barradach. Whitestaff Originally just a few clusters of farming
families, it has grown over the years into a decent sized town. There is an
established Weavers Guild here dealing in Flax and wool products. Recently, with
the Whitestaff river becoming navigable as the channel cuts itself deeper trade
is flowing thru Whitestaff downriver to Barradach. Timber is being cut here and
floated downstream for a burdgoneing Shipyard at the coastal town. Military wise, the area around Whitestaff is used as a
Military Training ground for Blackstone Milita and The 4th Crown Guards. A Small
Keep to the NE of the town is maintained as an Armory for the training grounds
and acts as one of the bases for units patroling along the Road from
Braughm-Roar to Therendry. Features
and Services Healers Guild: The Healers Guild provides needed
services and goods for an adventuring populous. They perform rituals, healings,
and sell potions and protectives and other services in addition to giving aid
and comfort to the ill and wounded. Currently the Guild is run by Tygil
Stonebrook, recently transferred to the area from Stonereach. It also appears that the Oracle from the Stonereach
graveyard has followed the adventurers to Whitestaff. It was sighted recently by
Winston during one of his rounds, however when he came back to check on it later
it had disapeared. History
of Stonereach The town of Stonereach has been the host of
the local Gathers for some years, it is located northwest of Mount Sarobar in
the Black Hills, a few miles inland from Darksands Bay. Its major claim to fame
has been the local phenomenon of naturally forming Gates. For some unknown
reason, the vicinity around Stonereach is a focus point for the Natural world of
Tyrra, and the other Planes of reality. The most recent convergence was between
Tyrra and the Plane of Chaos in the year E.R. 602. The mages of Sirens Isle were
often in Stonereach investigating new gates and exploring the Plane beyond them.
(Or doing whatever possible to seal it off before anything there came here…) Originally just a few clusters of farming families, Stonereach could not even claim to be a village, with the appeance of the first Gates in E.R. 347, Count Hendrik III Blackstone ordered a Garrison built there to act as a research station to study them, and to keep anything that came through from wandering to far from their Plane of Origin. Over the course of the years, a proper town grew up around the garrison and Adventurers flocked to the area to explore the planes when they could sneak past the guards.
Features
and Services Healers Guild: In 598 Nekros attacked the town, and destroyed the building that contained the Healers Guild at that time. Only one item in the guild survived intact, a unique magical item locally known as “The Life Bench”. Nowadays in amongst the weeds and grasses on that buildings former site, there is a stone outcropping that had been carved into a bench. Enchantments were laid upon it and the Guild built around it to contain it. This bench, (really only the very top of a Granite outcropping) was capable of casting the Spell of Life, up to three times per day. Many an adventurer was pulled from the cold grasp of Death by the quick use of this item. During a period of great magical upheaval in E.R. 599, the bench lost its power to grant Life to the dead. The occasional adventurer still brings a downed comrade to it in the hopes that some magic may be left within its form, but none have reported success. One researcher of magical items noted an odd “veiny” look to the stone that was not noticed previously. Currently it is not known if this is a natural effect of weather and plant life slowly covering over the bench or something possibly more sinister. The town guard is now in the habit of stopping by during its rounds, just in case. Another interesting note about the Healers Guild, may people believe it to
be cursed in some way? Few Guild-masters last more than a year, and Bad luck
seems to follow in its wake. While the items and services provided by the guild
are always top-notch, the Guild itself has a troubled history. Guild leaders
have disappeared, and it is know that Nekros, an Undead of great power (Thought
to be killed by adventurers in E.R. 601), placed a Bane upon the town of
Stonereach, commanding that there was Never to be a Healers Guild established
there. Mages Guild: The Mages Guild and
Healers Guild are much alike; both providing needed services and goods for an
adventuring populous. They share another common trait, a Black cloud of
misfortune. Over the last several years Guildmasters have been a scarce
commodity for the Mages guild. The latest, Raistlin, disappeared sometime during
the fall of 601 or early 602. It
has not been made public if there is a formally established Mages Guild
operating at this time.
The Tavern: "The
Lazy Dog Tavern" Late In the year 602, the Tavern suddenly changed hands
and was formally renamed from "Arial’s Tavern" to "The Lazy Dog
Tavern". The former Operator & Cook, one Goodlady Arial has disappeared
under somewhat mysterious circumstances. She had hired the current owner as an
assistant Chef, and left him in charge when she went on a well-deserved extended
vacation. She has since disappeared. The Current Owner, Og M'thrg, a Half-Ogre
that attended the Culinary Academy of Evendarr denies any involvement in her
disappearance. Currently, the Lazy Dog Tavern offers a wide selection of foods
of reasonable quality and good prices. Adventurers looking to pick up a few
coins are well advised to speak with Og as the Taverns larders are always in
need of fresh meat for the tables or interesting (some would say Odd, or even
Lethal) culinary items. Townspeople have learned to be Highly suspicious of
anything containing Mushrooms served by Og during the May gather. The Inn: "The Purple Rose". It is run by
Hooch a local merchant that traveled north from the Sutherlands a few years
past. Having been a brewer for most of his life Hooch is a connoisseur of
beverages. His house wine "Purple Mystic" is a tart and tangy drink.
Due to his long exposure making and drinking this beverage he is slowly turning
purple from the horns down. He has an eclectic mixture of wares on display and
can usually find something for you if given enough time. A great place to rest
your feet, quench your thirst, play some cards, or find a great deal, The Purple
Rose is a fine establishment and Hooch is always willing to barter on his prices
for those less fortunate. It is also interesting to note that both Hooch and Og
arrived in Stonereach about the same time. Both worked for Arial in her Kitchen
at some point. The Graveyard: “Hero’s Rest” This is a place best stayed out of, especially after nightfall. Though not common, the occasional undead tends to pop up here when rude adventurers stomp across their graves. Rumor has it; somewhere within a Graveyard near Stonereach there is an Oracle that can answer questions on the past, present and future. Neighbors
of Blackstone Leaders of Evendarr
King Mykel Endarr II Leaders of
Rotaria Leaders of
Kitheria Leaders of
Therendry
Known
Enemies Nekros: A Lich of considerable power who began harassing the local
population periodically after adventures broke in and desecrated his tomb.
Nekros gained power and quickly became the most powerful of undead that was
known to be operating within the bounds of Blackstone. He was killed and nearly
destroyed on several occasions by adventurers. After MANY years of struggle, it
is believed he and his Spirit Bottle were both destroyed for the final time in
601. An interesting note about Nekros, for an undead he was rarely as chaotic as
must stories say Lich's are. It is believed he only attacked when attacked
first, and behaved with honor to those who acted with Honor. On several
occasions he engaged in personal combat when challenged and was known to leave
the unarmed alone. He is also known to have pronounced a Bane upon Stonereach,
that so long as he (un)lived that there would be no Healers guild there. After
the last Destruction of Nekros (undead being VERY hard to get rid of when they
gain as much power as Nekros did), several of his minions fought an extended war
amongst themselves for control of his domain and position. Several were
destroyed, along with many of the Inhabitants of Blackstone; it appears that the
final winner of this coup-de-tat was Malik Bane. Malik Bane: Once the Right-hand-man of Nekros, now his successor.
Malik Bane, a Death Knight of considerable power was the 1st and most
powerful of all of Nekros’s Lieutenants. After the last death of Nekros, a
civil war was fought amongst the Death Knights that served him. Malik Bane is
now thought to be the new leader of the undead forces that plague the dark
corners of Blackstone. Captain “Black” Thorne and the Pirate ship “Rosehaven”: Captain
Black has been a marauder of the sea-lanes along the cost of Evendarr for at
least the last 5 years. So far his base of operations has gone undiscovered. The Shakir: A race of Ice beings, thought to be from another plane
of existence, or possibly the southernmost continent of Tyrra. The connection is
unclear at this time. One notable feature of the Shakir is a magic confinement
that sheaths the recipient in Ice, which acts much like the spell
“Imprison”. The Lords of Chaos: Eight are known to
exist, to depict one of the eight points on the symbol of Chaos.
Each lord is an embodiment of pure chaos, and the ways of twisting the
world around them. One such being is The Slime-lord, who’s direct actions
where said to have started the most recent struggle between the local adventures
and the Chaos Realm. Darkmyst: Little is known of this place, it is believed to be a
great cave system somewhere under the lands of Blackstone and Therendry. No
adventurers have found and entrance and returned to tell the tale. Nekros made
mention of it, but little is said of it by the leaders of Blackstone. Current
Mysteries Arial Goldenwine: Arial (a Mage of considerable
power, but low in accuracy) was the operator of the Stonereach tavern and owner
of the Inn. She was believed to have disappeared in Early 602 while on vacation.
Further investigation discovered she never left on the caravan to Ravenholt as
she had planned. Her house was found empty and no signs of foul play were
discovered. Two former employees have since purchased the rights to the Inn and
Tavern. The Perseverance: Assumed to be lost at sea with all hands in the
early winter of 602, but was sighted under full sail off the coast of Blackstone
by the ERN Snapdragon in Late December of 602. Contact was lost by the
Snapdragon due to damage sustained in an earlier fight with the pirate Black
Thorne & his ship the RoseHaven. Ice Drake: During an incursion of by the Race of Ice beings known
as the Shakir, they lost control of an Ice Drake of medium size. It was sighted
several times during the winter of 601, but has not been seen since. Rumors
still filter in from the mountains of a Drake prowling the high valleys during
the cold season. How it could survive a summer is unknown at this time. Military Military Organization of Blackstone: 1 in 5 rule, the standing
levee is that one man in 5 between the ages of 16 and 40 must be in the
military, the 4 others are responsible for providing his armor and weapons when
he reports for service. One man may keep this position for as long as he likes,
or may rotate with the other 4 on a yearly basis. In addition in times of War
one man in three must have equipment to join the service.
In either case, the 5 and the 3 may hire another to act as a mercenary to
fulfill their service. Military
Officers& Enlisted of Blackstone Captain Malcolm Montrose: 4th Crown Guard Captain Herald Scrivver of the ERN “Snapdragon” Sergeant Venril Bellerive: 4th Crown Guard Sergeant Michael Williams: 4th Crown Guard
Races Barbarians: There are four tribes of Barbarians to be found within
the bounds of Blackstone. Two of
which, the Snow Owl Clan, and the Sleeping Bear Clan (High Chief Ilktar
Beasttamer currently leads the Sleeping Bear Clan), are found in the depths of
the Arawyn Mountains. The third tribe, the Alligator Clan, can be found along
the banks of the Derby River, that separates Duchy Blackstone from Duchy
Therendry. The fourth and smallest of the Tribes is the Coyote Clan, a plains
tribe of barbarian that drifts through central Blackstone, but is often found in
the vicinity of the Whitemane forest. Dwarves: The Dwarven Enclave of Homegate is located in the far
Northwest of Duchy Blackstone. It consists of three mountains; each heavily
mined and riddled with tunnels. These mountains can be clearly be seen from the
Evendarr Military Highway, a spur of which runs along the valleys directly to
the Front doors of Homegate itself. Dark Elves: There are currently no Clans of Dark Elves in
Blackstone, though rumor has it of a Draelonde house working out of an outpost
near the Stonereach region. Most Dark Elves that attend Gathers in Blackstone
are native to Therendry and the Province of Kore-Ket, an underground region of
those lands. Gypsies: Throughout Evendarr there is a constant Ebb and Flow of
Gypsies. They wander freely from place to place and Blackstone is no different.
While there are no permanent camps of Gypsies currently within Blackstone, there
are always a few around. Just listen for the bells… Half-Orc: Half-Orcs are one of the rarest of races to be seen
around Duchy Blackstone, a few wander through, usually as part of a mercenary
band. Where they hail from originally, none have bothered to ask. Hoblings: While few Hoblings make Blackstone their home, there is a
small enclave of them in Braughm-Roar, primarily traders and Merchants that work
the caravans and shipping companies located there. Humans: Are the most common race in Blackstone, and are as varied
in their mannerisms and professions as anywhere on Tyrra, but all abide by
common Blackstone sensibilities and superstitions. Quentari Elves: There are currently no established tribes of
Quentari in Blackstone, though travelers are common and some reside year-round
through-out Blackstone. Sarr: There is a single enclave of Sarr that are native to
Blackstone, some 50 years ago an adventuring group of Sarr stopped in the town
of Barradach to rest and refit. During the winter and following spring they grew
to regard it as home and have since brought their families to Blackstone and
made a new settlement there. Scavengers: There are currently no Scavenger tribes established in
Blackstone, though there is a small population of various types to be found in
Southern Blackstone near the town of Cypress. Also some few are known to inhabit
the slums around Braughm-Roar. By their very nature most scavengers rarely
settle in one place, but are most often found on the fringes of established
cities and towns. Stone Elves: There are currently no established tribes of Stone
Elves in Blackstone. They are much rarer than the Quentari and few are known to
make their homes here. The few that are found in Blackstone have usually
traveled in from Kitheria, where a small clan lives in the Dryad Woods. Wolven: The Territories of Blackstone
have been scouted out and marked by Noah Darkstrider.
Wood Elves: There are a handful of Tribes and Clans of Wood Elves
in and around the Whitemane forest Known
Monsters Elementals
Fire - Usually around Mt. Barobar
Water - rare, but often seen near rivers and the coastline Fire Newts - Usually around Mt. Barobar Kobolds - several types and tribes Giants - Rumored to haunt the Arawyn Mountains Giant Insects - Many types crop up around the Duchy, spiders being
the most common. Gnolls - several types found in a single tribe around Mt. Barobar Goblins - Many types, too numerous to list here Orcs - several types and tribes Trolls - several types and tribes Undead - MANY types, lesser to greater, from skeletons to Arch-Liches. Were-Creatures - Most commonly Werewolves, but other types have
been discovered, such as were-rats.
The Fae: Depending on who one talks too, it would be very hard to
get an accurate description of the Fae and their nature. The most notable among
them in Blackstone would be Queen Mab and King Oberon. Both are to be treated
with great care and dignity. They are Royalty in their own rights and are
protected by the Nobles of Blackstone as Peers of the Realm. Insult to them is
the same as offering insult to the Duke himself. (A painful and probably lethal
prospect for anyone.) It is to be noted by everyone that the Fae of Blackstone
have shown themselves to be of a more friendly type than the ones that can
normally be met in other lands. Many Fae here are not outright hostile (except
to those who bear Iron weapons in their presence) and are generally of an
amiable disposition. In other lands, the Fae are NOT so friendly. There are many
tales of innocent people being snatched up in the middle of the night by a Fae
who happens to wander across them. People used as playthings and put through
tests of an unspeakable nature are common. Those who return from such
experiences are rarely the same again. Luckily,
The Fae of Blackstone are usually not so, malignant. There is a common refrain
that should be kept in mind when dealing with the Fae of Blackstone, “They
give you the exact length of rope you need to hang yourself with”. Little is known of the Fae’s history as few dare to ask.
For any service asked of a Fae, their fee can be high, and it can Never
paid in mere gold. |
