Something Rotten in Ilmahal! (Akrasia's C&C campaign.)

[Akrasia]

The campaign takes place in my homebrew setting of 'Ilmahal', so the initial posts will provide a brief summary of the setting. (Very roughly, I would descibe it as: "Tales of a mythical pseudo-Arthurian Britain, as written by R.E. Howard, with some creepy Cthulhu stuff".)

I will then post a summary of my last campaign, which took place 26 years ago (campaign time, not real time !).

Well ... hopefully someone else will find my crazy campaign entertaining (aside from my players, of course!)...

And even if their antics do not interest you, the first few posts might, as they concern the campaign setting.



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System note: I ran my previous Ilmahal campaign using the 3.5 D&D rules. The new campaign uses the "Castles and Crusades" system from TLG. C&C is very similar to D&D (indeed, it resembles OAD&D and OD&D more than 3e), hence the use of the 'D&D' label for the category.

 

[Akrasia]

Ilmahal -- A Brief Overview

Historical and Literary Comparisons:

The island of Ilmahal is approximately two-thirds the size of Britain, and also resembles Britain in terms of geography and climate, except for the fact that Ilmahal has a number of small but imposing mountain ranges along its eastern coast. It exists in the northern part of the world of Ilden.

Culturally and politically, Ilmahal resembles post-Roman, Dark Ages Britain. The southern portion of the island is largely controlled by a young kingdom called Olbian, and resembles pre-Saxon, ‘Arthurian’ England. The main literary inspiration for the setting is the Lyonesse trilogy by Jack Vance. Other key sources of inspiration include David Gemmell’s Rigante novels, R.E. Howard’s Conan stories (especially the ones with ‘Lovecraftian’ gods and monsters), and, of course, the collected works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

An Absurdly Brief History of the Island:

It is widely believed by sages and loremasters that approximately 10 eons ago the last of an ancient and powerful race -- the 'Oeldreya' -- departed from the island of Ilmahal, and presumably from the rest of Ilden as well. The reason for their departure remains unknown, though some legends suggest that they died out as the result of a terrible curse. Only a few scattered ruins and artifacts remain as their legacy.

Shortly after the end of the time of the Oeldreya, two peoples from the plane of Faerie -- the Alfar (elves) and the Waldleuti (gnomes) -- arrived in Ilden. While the Waldleuti were content to dwell in the green hills and forests of the world in a state of blissful anarchy, the Alfar of Ilmahal established the Kingdom of Adalbrikt (which means 'noble and bright' in the Alfar tongue). Adalbrikt lasted many eons, during which time humans lived as primitive feral creatures, away from the cities and towers of the Alfar. Also during this time, some small scattered Vadhre (dwarven) clans established underground towns in the mountains of Ilmahal.

The last Eldar War, roughly 3500 years ago, ruined the Kingdom of Adalbrikt, and the surviving Alfar entered into a period of gradual decline. Some centuries later, the 'Morghain' emerged as a distinctive culture. Feeling some affinity with these woodland humans, the lingering Alfar taught the Morghain the art of metallurgy, as well as the essential elements of magic. The deities known as the 'Green Lady' and the 'Pale Hunter' also made their presence known to the free spirited Morghain, and gained many worshippers. These deities taught the most promising and wise of the Morghain the druidic secrets.

Around 2000 years ago, a great empire in the south arose: it was called the Aphorian Imperium. In time, approximately 1200 years ago, the Aphorian Imperium conquered the southern parts of Ilmahal. They ruled this province -- which came to be known as 'Arsilonia', and whose chief city was Arislond -- for some eight centuries. However, they eventually were forced to abandon Arsilonia due to an event called 'The Devastation' which destroyed the ancient Aphorian capital and plunged the empire into civil war.

Shortly after the collapse of the Aphorian Imperium, the northern Vadhre towns and strongholds were lost to hordes of goblinoids, black forgrim (orcs), and grey ('Iron') Vadhre -- all led by an enigmatic being known only as the 'Golden One'. Also around this time, a small Morghain island to the west of northern Ilmahal called Fiachna was conquered by blue forgrim (orcish) pirates. Raids from Fiachna have troubled the western coasts of Ilmahal ever since. Finally, over a century ago, a terrible disease called the 'Crimson Plague' ravaged Ilmahal, affecting mainly the human population, and greatly depleting its numbers. It is little wonder that the past four centuries -- the time since the withdrawal of the Aphorian legions -- are commonly referred to as the 'Black Years' by the inhabitants of Ilmahal!

But hope has recently returned to the southern lands of Ilmahal. For almost five decades now, the divided and demoralized lands of southern Ilmahal have been united under the leadership of King Emrich, the former Duke of Arsilond. The new kingdom is called 'Olbian', which means 'the Land' in ancient Aphorian. However, not all is bright. Two decades ago the Golden One managed to conquer the northern Morghain lands with his hordes of goblinoid, forgrim, and corrupt Morghain followers. In response to this move, the surviving free Morghain clans called upon Olbian for help, and were subsequently incorporated into the Kingdom.

Now two hostile powers dominate Ilmahal: the Kingdom of Olbian in the south, and the Dominion of the Golden One in the north. In addition to these two powers, there also exist a number of smaller independent realms: the Republic of Cif, the Alfar city of Fridmund in the center of the Lake of Mists, the beautiful witch Amarrah's domain in the Weeping Woods, the pirate realm of Fiachna, and the Vadhre enclaves within the Collain mountains. With the exception of Fiachna, these independent realms are not hostile towards Olbian, but only the Vadhre enclaves actively support King Emrich in his struggle against the vile Golden One.

So, in the year 2030 (Aphorian Reckoning), the island is a place of conflict and struggle. And while Olbian is perhaps the island's best hope for a brighter future, the kingdom itself is not free of corruption and intrigue. Moreover, the Golden One's strength seems to grow daily. Who can say when his malevolent hordes might strike again?

 

[Akrasia]

Ilmahal: Some Places, People, and Powers

Amithos: The 'Sun God' and champion of benevolence. The most widely worshipped deity in the Aphorian Imperium and the Kingdom of Olbian, and informal ruler of Godsland. He signed the 'Treaty of Noninterference' with Asmodeus eons ago, which minimized divine and infernal involvement in the affairs of mortals.

Arsilans: Folk of mixed Aphorian and Morghain blood who live throughout the southern half of Ilmahal and surrounding islands. Most Arsilans are subjects of the Kindgom of Olbian.

Asmodeus: Lord of Hell and the chief deity of evil.

Briz: A duchy on the island of Brohn to the east of Olbian. Also the name of the Duchy's capital and main port. Traditionally ruled by the line of Briz, the last descendent of Flavius Briz (the founder of the duchy) was assassinated by the Cult of the Prime in 2004. Following the 7 year waiting period required by traditional Arsilan law, King Emrich named Lady Alaine of Solan the new Duchess of Briz.

Cif: The Republic of Cif is a small realm northeast of Ilmahal, and its people appear to be of Morghain descent, though they differ in some important respects from the Morghain of Ilmahal. Physically, they tend to have blond or red hair, but otherwise resemble regular Morghain. Culturally, however, they are rather scholarly in nature, maintain a republican system of government, and are master traders and sailors. Cif merchants can be found in most major towns throughout Ilmahal. Unlike the Morghain of Ilmahal, they do not worship the Green Lady or the Pale Hunter. Instead, the people of Cif revere Muirgen, Murth and Vanimos. Cif has successfully fought off raids from the blue forgrim corsairs of the Golden One for centuries.

Faerie: The home plane of the Faerie (fey) folk. A seemingly pleasant, but subtly disturbing, place of perpetual twilight. The Seelie and Unseelie Courts exist here, and many 'gates' exist between Faerie and the Mortal world. The Alfar (elvish) and Waldleuti (gnomish) folk originally hailed from Faerie -- it is said that they tired of the endless conflict between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, and chose to be bound to a mortal lifespan (albeit of great length) in order to avoid the tedium of their home plane.

Forgrim: A race of violent humanoids (essentially orcs) distantly related to humans. There are three main kinds: 'Blue' Forgrim ply the seas as fishermen, whalers, and raiders; 'Green' Forgrim dwell deep in the wild forests of Ilmahal; and the 'Black' Forgrim live in the dark caves beneath the hills and mountains. Forgrim can breed with humans: their progeny are known as 'Mangrim'.

Godsland: A plane where most of non-evil deities reside. Amithos and the Green Lady both reside there, as do the members of their respective 'courts'.

Ilmahal: A northern island. It is divided into two main regions: the lands of the Morghain in the north, and the lands of the Arsilans in the south. A number of smaller islands (including Briz, Trillo, Cif, Fiachna, and Zaruth) surround Ilmahal.

Morghain: An ancient 'Celtic' people, and the original inhabitants of Ilmahal. They are dispersed into many distinct clans, and dwell throughout the highlands and coastal regions of northern Ilmahal. Most are now incorporated into either the Kingdom of Olbian, or the Dominion of the Golden One.

Olbian: A kingdom, recently formed (46 years ago), in southern Ilmahal. It covers most of the former territories of the Province of Arsilonia, as well as the southern Morghain lands. It is ruled by King Emrich the First.

Prime: An evil deity, allegedly more ancient than even Asmodeus and Amithos. He dwells in a plane largely unconnected to the mortal world. It is said that the Golden One is a servant of the Prime. The Cult of Asmodeus and the Church of Amithos are especially hostile to the followers of the Prime.

Ulfor: A powerful and ancient wizard. He was once the apprentice of Nimrul, and helped Flavius Briz to establish the Duchy of Briz over a century ago. He now dwells in his tower near the fishing town of White Cove.

Vadhre: An elder race (essentially 'dwarves'), originally from another (now unknown) plane. They have lived in the mountains of eastern Ilmahal for countless millennia. There are two main strains of Vadhre: the honour-bound 'Stone' tribe, and their hated cousins, the nefarious 'Iron' tribe. The Vadhre have special ties to the 'essence' of the earth, and some can draw on this essence for power. Though gruff, they generally have cordial relations with the Arsilans of Olbian.

Vanimos: The Aphorian God of secrets and knowledge. The Order of Vanimos is small, but dispersed throughout all of Ilmahal. Their only two true 'temples' are located in Arsilond and Alfenstone. Most members of the Order are alchemists, scholars, sages, wizards, and loremasters. However, the directors of the Order are priests with special abilities in the acquisition of knowledge. Followers of the Order adhere to the dictum 'knowledge is power', and are very reluctant to share their lore with others.

Ysfael: An earldom in the eastern reaches of the Kingdom of Olbian on the island of Ilmahal. The current ruler is Earl Bracca Faelsum.

 

[Akrasia]

Recent History (All years are in Aphorian Reckoning.)

[Note: the names of PCs in my past campaign are in bold.]

1,972
Duke Emrich of Arsilond begins the War of Unification.

1,978
The Golden One resumes his raids on nearby Morghain settlements.

1,983
The War of Unification ends. The southern lands of Ilmahal -- the lands that once comprised the Aphorian Province of Arsilonia -- are united into the realm of Olbian. Duke Emrich is declared the first King of Olbian.

1,992
The Emperor's Wall is rebuilt (renamed the 'King's Wall'), formalizing the boundary between Olbian and the Morghain lands.

2,004
The Cult of the Prime emerges as a destructive, malignant force in the Duchy of Briz. They appear to be allied with a secret cabal of Alfar sorcerers (apparently the remnants of the ancient Aphorian 'Order of the Amber Savants'). The line of Briz comes to an end, with the assassination of Duke Aeligg Briz and his son Hess. A small group of adventurers -- Gareth, the honourable, but deadly, rogue; Kendall, the solemn, and strangely skittish, paladin of Amithos; Zigildun, the fierce Vadhre fighter from Kharvun, cursed with a bad liver; Aribus, the enigmatic sorcerer with traces of devil blood flowing through his veins; and Friar Glick, the rotund priest of Amithos with a checkered past -- ultimately thwart the Cult's plans. Unfortunately, though, the Alfar sorcerers escape through the 'Tree of Peace' (which acts as a conduit through the realm of Faerie, allowing those with fey blood to travel great distances across Ilmahal in mere minutes). Lady Alaine of Solan becomes the temporary ruler of Briz.

2,005
The heroes Gareth and Ziguldun mysteriously disappear while exploring an ancient tower of the Amber Savants. Subsequent attempts to enter the tower to discover the fate of the two adventures (led by Aribus Golhalm and Kendall Valdrulith) are unsuccessful, as the tower appears to be sealed. Even the potent wizards Neveldar and Ulfor are unable to penetrate the magical seals. The heroes are presumed dead.

2,007
Marriage of Lady Alaine and Aribus Golhalm.

2,009
Kendall Valdrulith leads the forces of Briz -- including the rangers of the Maelvorn forest, the Knights of the Azure Order, and the Holy Warriors of the Church of Amithos -- on an extended campaign to rid the island of Brohn of all humanoid influence.

2,011
Lady Alaine and Aribus are elevated to the status of Duchess and Duke of Briz. Duchess Alaine reigns over Briz, while Aribus serves as the High Merchant of the Briz Council.

2,012
Year of Tragedy. The Golden One leads his followers -- hordes of goblinoids, ogres, giants, and corrupt Morghain -- in an assault on the free Morghain northlands. He is assisted by troops of Iron Vadhre and Black Forgrim. The Uarraig Highlands fall within months, and siege is laid to the towns of Uban and Osgar.

2,013
Osgar and Uban fall to the Golden One's forces. The northern hordes stop their advance in order to consolidate their gains. Their supply lines are harried by Waldleuti and Morghain scouts operating out of the Weeping Woods -- possibly with the arcane help of the witch Amarrah. Also, an enigmatic champion of the Pale Hunter, Erim Glynmorangie, leads scattered bands of Morghain in the northlands in a protracted struggle against the Golden One. The remaining free clans of the Morghain appeal to Olbian for aid.

2,014
Olbian incorporates the Morghain lands of Taogh, Invil, the Barr Highlands, the Comnall Highlands, Lulach, and Fiddich into its kingdom. The clan chiefs are formally recognized as dukes by King Emrich. Olbian forces head north across Giric's Fields, and engage the Golden One's horde. After a bloody battle, both forces withdraw to their respective strongholds. Giric's Fields become known as the 'Crimson Fields'.

2,015
Beginning of the 'Long Watch', as the forces of Olbian and the Dominion of the Golden One consolidate their positions, and engage in small skirmishes against each other for many years to come.

2,022
Sir Kendall's campaign in northern Brohn is completed. The island is effectively purged of any humanoid presence. Kendall becomes High Priest of the city of Briz (second in authority within the Duchy's Church of Amithos to Bishop Glick).

2,027
The Golden One's forces attempt to capture the city of Taogh. They are repelled by the forces of Olbian.

2,030
The present. A small band of young adventurers reach Bracca Keep, in the northern part of the Earldom of Ysfael...


[Note: my last campaign in Ilmahal took place during the year 2004. The entry for that year, above, describes what happened. My players ran Gareth, Kendall, Zigildun, and Aribus. Friar Glick was a regular NPC. 26 years later, Aribus is the Duke of Briz, Glick is the Bishop of the Duchy of Briz, and Kendall is the High Priest of the City of Briz. The fate of Gareth and Zig remains unknown.]

 

[Turanil]

I like the feel of this simple setting. When can we see a map posted here?

 

[MonsterMash]

I definitely like the setting Akrasia, looking forward to the story now

 

[Akrasia]

I like the feel of this simple setting. When can we see a map posted here?

Hmmm ... I have my hand drawn, colour map of the island (which is not too shabby, if I say so myself). I'd have to scan it in order to post it. Things will be too hectic in the immediate future to do this, but I will try at some point.

 

[Akrasia]

Something Rotten in Ilmahal -- The Protagonists

Galen Greyhelm (Vadhre/dwarf, Lawful Good, Fighter)

Galen was born and raised in the great Vadhre town of Kharvun, hidden deep within the northern Collain Mountains. He has travelled to the Earldom of Ysfael on a quest to discover the secret of forging a potent alloy known as 'Blue Steel'. The secret of Blue Steel was known only to the Vadhre smith Inzark 'the Grimy', who lived deep within Wigan Wood. A century ago, Inzark stopped communicating with the outside world -- his fate remains unknown. Galen also hopes to discover the fate of his kinsman, the Vadhre warrior Zigildun 'One Horn'.

Aldamir of Briz (Arsilan/human, Chaotic Good, Wizard)

Aldimar was an apprentice of Ulfor, the archmage of White Cove. From Ulfor, Aldamir learned many things about the Cult of the Prime and the remnants of the Order of the Amber Savants (now a secret cabal of Alfar/elven sorcerers). He has travelled to the Earldom of Ysfael to uncover more information about these malevolent organizations. He also seeks the ancient home of the great Waldleuti (gnome) alchemist, Bleys Felfo, who lived deep in Wigan Wood with his comrade, Inzark the Grimy.

Muroclin Raznell (Valudrith) (Arsilan/human, Chaotic Neutral, Assassin)

Muroc is the younger son of the famous paladin Kendall Valudrith (now the High Priest of Briz). Dissatisfied with his father's pious lifestyle, at a young age Muroc joined the King's Army. He gained a reputation as a great marksman during the siege of Toagh. Unfortunately, he also gained a reputation for insubordination. The young archer could not stand obeying orders, and his superiors disliked Muroc's unorthodox 'methods' (including the liberal use of rat poison on his arrows). Leaving the King's service, Muroc has journeyed to the Earldom of Ysfael for reasons known only to himself.

Earnan Brandubh (Morghain/human, Neutral, Priest of Vanimos)

A citizen of the unusual Morghain realm of Cif in the far north, Earnan was orphaned by Blue Forgrim (orcish) sea raiders of the Golden One. He was subsequently raised by the Order of Vanimos (the "Seeker and Keeper of Secrets") in the port city of Cif. Like all followers of Vanimos, Earnan is skilled at stealth and opening locks. Upon completing his studies with the Order, Earnan travelled to the Earldom of Ysfael. Thus far he has kept secret his reasons for journeying to Bracca Keep -- as befits a follower of Vanimos.

[NOTE: Earnan does not join the party until after the first adventure.]

 

[Akrasia]

December 2030 (Imperial Reckoning)

20th.
Galen, Muroc, and Aldamir, accompanying the food merchant Timor, arrive at Bracca Keep (border keep in northern Ysfael). At the Keep's tavern, the "Wet Whistle", they meet the publican 'Harry' Godwin, and some guards; they talks to the Captain of the Guard, 'Irontooth' Bennett, from whom they learn that a party of Holy Knights of Amithos (the sun god, and chief deity of the Kingdom of Olbian), led by Bishop Glick of Briz, disappeared into Wigan Wood on the 18th. Apparently they were on some kind of 'mission', but the Bishop only informed the Castellan of the Keep of their exact plans.

They also learn from Bennett that a small party of adventurers (including a Waldleuti druid, an Arsilan ranger, and a Morghain warrior) discovered a goblin hide-out to the southwest of the keep. This party ventured there on the 16th, but has yet to return. The party also meets Priestess Vanora (a follower of Fiona, the goddess of community). The day ends with Aldamir impressing the patrons of the tavern with his mandolin.

21st.
The party journeys to the Goblin hide-out in order to discover the fate of the other band of adventurers, and help end the menace posed to travelers. They explore the upper level of the complex: many goblins, and one ogre, are slain. In a ruined well, the party discovers a corpse (several months old). The corpse is wearing a symbol (three clawed talons) of the Prime (an ancient entity of terrific evil who predates both the gods Amithos and Asmodeus). Later, on a slain hobgoblin, they discover another holy symbol -- this one portrays a goat's head and a rod (symbols of Asmodeus). Since Asmodeus and 'the Prime' have opposed each other for countless eons, this find is a puzzle.

Later, during a conflict, Aldamir accidentally hits Muroc in the back with a sling stone. Somewhat battered, the party returns to the Keep. They report to Sgt. Jollanus. In the evening, the party visits with Priestess Vanora. The priestess uses her healing hands to help the battered adventures. Vanora agrees to accompany the party on their current mission.

22nd.
Moderate snow falls, and the party returns to the ruins. They dispatch a number of goblin guards. Exploring further, the party comes across a stairway heading down.
They rescue a gnarly looking Waldleuti (forest gnome) named 'Udrich the Singing Fox'. The Waldleuti oozes ingratitude and distinctly unpleasant odours. Many goblins are fought. Galen is knocked out. The party decides to rest.

After six hours of rest, the party progresses. They encounter an archway that reveals that the complex is devoted to the evil god Asmodeus! The archway demands that the party declare: "Hail the Lord of the Hells!" Of course, they refuse. The intrepid band is attacked by an unearthly minor minion of the Hells. After a harrowing combat, they manage to defeat the horrific entity. ("Shudder, shudder!") Licking their many wounds, the party returns to the banquet hall. Much resting ensues.

23rd.
The party explores deeper into the complex. They stumble upon an evil shrine -- evidence of human sacrifice can be seen on the altar. Goblin acolytes attack!
A magical blue rod is animated by a vile priest -- it attacks Muroc. A vile human priest enters the shrine -- he seems to recognize Vanora, and is temporarily stunned. Upon recovering, he wreaks great damage.

Amazingly, the party is eventually triumphant. They press on into the evil priest's quarters, where they find, strangely, a robe of a priest of Muirgen (the neutral goddess of sea and trade). They also find two letters (both written in the tongue of the Hells). The 1st letter is to the Cult of Asmodeus in the city of Ysfael. It reports that the Cult of the Prime is active in Wigan Wood, near Bracca Keep. The 2nd letter is addressed to the 'Head Temple' somewhere in the Duthac Mountains. It reports that the shrine complex has been discovered by adventurers from Bracca Keep. Consequently, the Cult is in the process of abandoning the complex.

Having cleansed the warrens of their malignant denizens, the party departs.

[END OF THE FIRST EPIC ADVENTURE]

 

[Akrasia]

24th.
The party returns to Bracca Keep and hangs out in the Wet Whistle tavern. There they meet a mysterious Priest of Vanimos (god of secrets and knowledge): Earnan of Cif. (Cif is a small Morghain city-state located on a small island to the northeast of Ilmahal; the people of Cif are known to be great merchants and scholars).

Based on some notes that Aldamir gleaned from his apprentice days, the party makes plans to investigate the hidden and abandoned domain of the wizard Zelligar. Earnan decides to join the party (whereas Vanora will not accompany them on this particular quest).

25-26th
The party rests.

27th.
A light snow settles upon the Swaefa Tors as the party heads out from Bracca Keep. After three hours, the party enters the woods that surrounds Zelligar's lair, on a rugged tor.

Muroc encounters an elderly hermit, and follows him to his tree dwelling -- only to be attacked by a wild cat named 'Fluffy'! The party manages to force the hermit and Fluffy to surrender. They tie up the hermit and cat, and leave them. Needless to say, Muroc is most bitter over the whole affair!

The party later reaches the entrance to Zelligar's lair. Upon entering, they encounter some horrid magical mouths that shout a dire warning. They then encounter some corpses, and black forgrim (cave orcs). Pressing onwards, they find a statue of a nude female human that produces red and white wine by twisting her hand in different directions. The party then decides to leave the complex and make camp in the surrounding forest.