Description of the Dark Coast

Azcatlan: This is a dangerous land of humanoids that worship a god that demands blood sacrifices. There are rumors that the leader of the humanoids is a terrible lich, however, no one has encountered this creature and lived to tell about it. The leader of the orcs in Grochualan is a huge brute named Groch. He periodically leads attacks against the Turanian Empire, Tarn, and Tha. Blackport is a den of pirates and slavers. Slaves are often exported to Tha and Klik.

Giant Holds: This chaotic region is the last remaining holding of the clans on giants on the Dark Coast. It is a lawless land where 'might-makes-right'. Ogres and hill giants are common in the forested areas but frost, fire and stone giants can be found in greater numbers in the hills and mountains.

Illmara: A small kingdom that successfully broke away from the Turanian Empire. The nearby hills are rich in copper and iron which are the major exports. There is a rather large dwarven popluation in Illmara.

Istylasur: Istylasur, the home of the elves, is as closed to the outside world as the dwarves of Rockmoor. However, unlike the dwarves, the elves do not allow any contact with outsiders. Those who enter the woods of Istylasur can expect a quick death by elven arrows without ever seeing the elves who fired them.

Klik: These peoples on the north island of Klik are relatively peaceful. They trade fish and wood products if approached with cation. Each tribe chief with advice from his shaman has to decide if the traders are worthy of trading with them. If not, the traders may not survive the experience. The Klik practice a strange form of magic called totem magic. A large totem pole is found in the center of every village and the totem shaman is a feared man.

Rockmoor: Rockmoor is the homeland of the xenophobic dwarves. The only access point for outsider, “tall ones”, is at Rockgate where great items of dwarven craftsmanship can be purchased. The Silver Mines is a ruined dwarven citadel that is now the lair of Vysig, a huge red dragon.

Tarn: This large kingdom is a former province of the Turanian Empire. Although mostly an agricultural area, the former Duke, now King Eridal, was easily able to hold the pass near Koris Keep. The Empire never contested the loss of the province but it has not forgotten it either. Forestry and agricultural products are mainstays of the Tarn's economy however, since the county is surrounded with enemies, Tarn does not have any trading partners. There have been attempts to cross the mountains with caravans to trade with Tha as well as to cross Ulon Ladur but it is extremely dangerous as the mountains are humanoid territory and the Ulon have destroyed every caravan.

Tha: The River Tha provides a desert paradise for the Pharaoh of Tha in an otherwise harsh land of devastating sandstorms. Dates and palms are exported to Ulon Ladur and Klik during times of peace.

Turanian Empire: This is a declining empire which recently fought a civil war. Emperor Turan XIII is rebuilding his county and the occupied territories of Hinholds and Strettan. The capitol city of Turan is the market place of the empire. Anything, both legal and illegal, can be found here for the right price.

500 years ago an earthquake shook the region and caused part of the mountains to fall into the sea. A Tsunami washed up the Tarn river, destroyed the town of Xak Saroute and created the Black Swamp.

Ulon Ladur: These steppe lands are the home of the war-like centaurs of Ulon. Their gods too demand blood sacrifices but are often appeased with the blood of small animals. The Ulon are herders of sheep and oxen and trade wool and meat on the hoof for items that can not be produced on the steppes. They have fought wars against the Tha and the Turanian Empire when it controlled the Kingdom of Tarn. It has been quiet in the Ulon Ladur steppes for the last few years. Some say it's been too quiet.