The Regions of the World
Gray Sparrow and Darius are now introduced into the adventure. The last two adventurers will be invloved as soon as their characters are finished.
Does anyone have any questions or concerns? I do not have a map of the region, at least an electronic one, but I do have a rough sketch on paper. I will try and get you some pics to see where the towns are, respective to Springside. Here's the main parts:
Springside is a medium sized town, with not a lot of inhabitants. Possibly a few hundred. It lies in the shadows of the Black Mountains, which border it's eastern and it's northern city limits. The mountains extend both east and north for at least a mile in each direction. The Black Mountains edge also continues west and south, forming a shape almost like the number 7, with Springside situated in the inside corner. Outside it's city limits, there are various farms and crops that the villagers attend to.
To the south of Springside, is a large valley, called the Valley of Draken. It is riddled with various patches of forests, high grass, clearings, rocky formations, and small creeks here and there. It is a place that none enter, as it's past has prevented others from daring to move into this area. The nearest town south of Springside is at least a full days ride south by horseback. Further if walking.
To the west is the main road. This is the road most everyone uses to go to and from Springside. It is a dirt road, but travelled frequently and reasonably safe. The nearest town west of Springside is Bretonshire. It is a small town of about 70-100 inhabitants. A small path heads north of Bretonshire, for those that live north and traverse to Springside, as they can not cross the Black Mountains to the east. So those that come from any northern city, they must head south to Bretonshire, then head east to Springside, to avoid the mountains.
From Bretonshire, you have the path north, leading to the northern region and many other cities and towns a few days ride. To the west, you can travel the main road for days, crossing other small towns and such to the western region. But south, you meet the forest. This is the Forest of Hunters. It is a vast forest that spans many miles south and west. They say that deep in the forest, past a pool of still water, you may find the hunters of the forest, as they have come to be called. Centaurs. Half man, half horse. It is their domain and they protect it from outsiders.
The regions of this area are spread out at great distances. Springside is on the border of the west and east regions. It also can be considered as the border for the south and north as well. The three main regions are the North, West, and South. The East region is not known as well as the others, as it is a much more foul place for the more 'uncivilized' creatures of htis world.
The Northern region, known as the Northlands, is the most populated, and includes the main cities of Anton and Quay. The capital is Quay, situated in a vast valley, with abundant resources of wood, stone and other mines of precious metals such as silver and iron. It is a full 2 weeks ride from Bretonshire north and northeast to Quay. It is the most advanced city of the 3 main regions and it is run by a council of peers from the various main cities of the region.
The Western region, known as the Earthlands, is the second most populated region. The largest cities are Essembra and Cormanthor. Cormanthor is the capital of this region, with a large population of Human and Elf inhabitants. Dwarves also frequent this region, as it is better for mining and small villages riddle the lands. There are abundant lakes and waterways, as the fishing is good here. Forests are seen, but not in too large of areas. It is lush with vegetation and is ideal for crops to be grown here. From Sprigside to Cormanthor is a full 3 weeks ride by carriage. The main road actually extends from Cormanthor to Springside.
The Southern region, known as the Freelands, is a little behind times. The capital is not really known, as there never seems to be a city with enough advancements in culture, politics, and technology to be called the capital. Instead, there are many provinces in this region, with local Dukes, Barons, and such ruling over their lands. The lands are fertile in places, and bareen in others. There are more forests in this region, and often more attacks from kobolds and goblins. It is a constant struglle for power between good and evil forces there, but not enough to warrant any type of war.
Lastly, the Eastern region, knwon as the Darklands, is pretty much off limits. The Black Mountains separate the west and east regions, while the north and south do have access. Savage beasts of Orcs, Goblins, Kobolds, and other vile creatures seem to take to living there and doing what they want with the lands. The Northlands have made an attempt to halt the various attacks on the border villages by creating sentry towers and small outfits of warriors to protect the borders from invasion and give a warning to other villages nearby of danger. The south on the other hand, has not been able to subdue the attacks, and only rises up against invasions when it threatens a large area. Many Dukes and Barons have pledged oaths to aid one another if a time arises. The evil creatures know this and keep to small attacks and pillaging instead of all out war.
I hope this helps...
Let me explain. The bonuses for my skills are listed as "Total (Stat+Ranks+Misc)" All the misc bonuses are from being a half elf. So, I only spent 20 skill points. Though I will double check my math. 
