As promised . . .
The starting area is a (relatively) fertile river valley in the mountains that divide the Western Wastes from the Old Country (former seat of the Empire). Over the mountains to the east, there are still three vast citadels of cities, which continue to fight for supremacy.
Here in the West, there are several large city-states, whose influence creeps out along the rivers until they come into conflict. The Nakatura Valley boasts a large town (Katsuki Ford) at the mouth, a small town (Hiruma Watch) on a lake in the middle, and several villages spread throughout. The Nakatura River feeds into a small city (Tamori Castle) that serves as the seat of power in the region. House Katsuki serves Tamori’s interests in the area, but is in major competition with House Shiba, which controls the valley directly to the north. Both rivers empty into the heartland of House Tamori, and both Shiba and Katsuki want favored trading status. In addition, a rich gold mine is being worked in the disputed pass between Shiba and Katsuki. Needless to say, these two Houses don’t like each other much.
The campaign will begin on the road along the river between Hiruma Watch and Katsuki Ford. The surrounding lands include a large plateau where nomads roam with herds; some dangerous, tomb-filled hills where bandits make their hideouts; and the mountains themselves, which boasts Goliaths and bigger threats.
The ‘fertile’ lands should be considered more like Savannah or Prairie: the fauna include African wildlife such as lions, hyenas, jackals, etc. The rivers include crocodiles as the major threat. The mountain uplands include bamboo forests and pandas, etc. Domesticated animals include hogs, oxen, and camels. Elephants are a major sign of wealth, and horses are a minor sign of wealth. The traders from the Far West have their own breed of horses, which they breed with great pride.
The ecology is sort of a grab-bag – I hope that doesn’t grind anyones gears too much.
Oh, and I went through and stole bunches of names from Rokugun - If that throws anyone off, I can edit those too.
The starting area is a (relatively) fertile river valley in the mountains that divide the Western Wastes from the Old Country (former seat of the Empire). Over the mountains to the east, there are still three vast citadels of cities, which continue to fight for supremacy.
Here in the West, there are several large city-states, whose influence creeps out along the rivers until they come into conflict. The Nakatura Valley boasts a large town (Katsuki Ford) at the mouth, a small town (Hiruma Watch) on a lake in the middle, and several villages spread throughout. The Nakatura River feeds into a small city (Tamori Castle) that serves as the seat of power in the region. House Katsuki serves Tamori’s interests in the area, but is in major competition with House Shiba, which controls the valley directly to the north. Both rivers empty into the heartland of House Tamori, and both Shiba and Katsuki want favored trading status. In addition, a rich gold mine is being worked in the disputed pass between Shiba and Katsuki. Needless to say, these two Houses don’t like each other much.
The campaign will begin on the road along the river between Hiruma Watch and Katsuki Ford. The surrounding lands include a large plateau where nomads roam with herds; some dangerous, tomb-filled hills where bandits make their hideouts; and the mountains themselves, which boasts Goliaths and bigger threats.
The ‘fertile’ lands should be considered more like Savannah or Prairie: the fauna include African wildlife such as lions, hyenas, jackals, etc. The rivers include crocodiles as the major threat. The mountain uplands include bamboo forests and pandas, etc. Domesticated animals include hogs, oxen, and camels. Elephants are a major sign of wealth, and horses are a minor sign of wealth. The traders from the Far West have their own breed of horses, which they breed with great pride.
The ecology is sort of a grab-bag – I hope that doesn’t grind anyones gears too much.
Oh, and I went through and stole bunches of names from Rokugun - If that throws anyone off, I can edit those too.