Return to Blackburn

[Johnny Champion]

DM: Please post thoughts, ideas and comments for the return from Haliford towards Calachuk and Blackburn.

[Johnny Champion]

Tungsten wrote:
Faelwen sends a message to Fulcrum at the Gold Mine:
Party returning to Blackburn. We would like to speak with you regarding progress and needs. Meet us in town ASAP.


As you rest in Calachuk, the raven returns to your window above the Peter Matay's Stable and Inn. It waits patiently until you wake.

The bird begins its speech in a language that no other can understand but you....but clearly it is the response from Fulcrum.

"Where have you been my Lady? Work at the mine has reached a great point. We have now are extracting and processing 300gp per day.
and have accumulated over 10,000 gp worth for our next caravan. The vein though is showing signs of ending. There is another opening that we plan on exploring.

I am trying to remember our agreement...but I think you can claim 2500gp as part of your ownership. Please let me know of your plans in Blackburn."

[Johnny Champion]

Malantrha UnderDark Map:

[Johnny Champion]

Map of Greenhaven and Surrounding Lands:

[Tungsten]

This is getting interesting and deep with the multiple layers. What are your thoughts about where we should go with the specie boat waiting for us in Greenhaven?

Just guessing it looks like the Araca/ Forsaken Area is under the Uhlvane and the Dwarven Stronghold.

I think the Ukladen Drow area is below the Deerwood /Olam Thalor. This could explain their dwindling numbers. Faelwen would very much like to aid her brethren stay safe and vital. After going to Blackburn and seeing Harshoon and Fulcrum, she would like to go to Greenvale and then go to Ukladen area of underground.

The Fungi areas freak her out. We need to ask about these areas and take every precaution to make sure we don't end up tripping our balls off and die.

And of course, Vahl-u-myl is under Milvane. DANGER ZONE!!! And I don't like the sound of the Spawning Loch one bit.

[Doricin]

Doricin needs to complete his mission and become the true master of the Koshi Thrax

[Tungsten]

To Doricin:

DUH

[Doricin]

Doricin pokes Tungsten in the eye and then stomps on his toes

[Tungsten]

Tungsten knocks over Doricin's ladder before he gets up to my waist!!!

[Johnny Champion]

DM: I am working on the Underworld aspects of the Caldaera area. The area in parts of the world is well known but in the Nepekan it was basically forgotten.

It should be able to be used in this campaign or another. It is just one more area that can be explored and evolved overtime.

I will provide information that your party has rec'd from Falinor and the Sages of Blackburn and Tradonne.

George provided some feedback and that is listened to and appreciated.

[Johnny Champion]

Vahl-um-Thor (City of Vahl)

Location: Subterranean Area of Lacedon

[Johnny Champion]

The open city of Vahl

Information your party has determined through Divination with Archeon of Malazar and through knowledge obtained with Esterik Sage and Faelwen Master, Falinor.



Lacedon
This is the name given to an underground opening of enormous proportions located deep below the surface of Caldaera. To many surface dwellers of Caldaera this area is more the making of legends and fables. However, to others in Caldeara, active interaction in terms of trade, culture and warfare with the Lacedon are all too real.

No one is sure of the extent of Lacedon other than some who dwell deep within the roots of this subsurface world. Sages of Wesphalia speak of one region below the Nouveau region of the Duchy that legend states traded frequently with the surface world.

This region of Lacedon below the Nouveau is centered on a large underground lake called the Spawning Loch. It is there that interconnecting rivers, canyons and deep crevasses join disparate cities that actively trade and battle each other for dominance. There is also bitter resentment of the surface dwellers that lies at the heart of these creatures.

All manner of humans, dwarves and elves inhabit Lacedon. Most have relinquished the desire to see the sun again and are content to thrive in the darkness of Lacedon. But there are other strange creatures that have taken root in the underworld who call this world home. Where they originated, sages are not certain.

But along the Spawning Loch there lies an ancient city that somehow clings to power. It attracts sentient beings of all alignments and types.

Vahl-um-Thor
The City of Vahl, or Vahl-um-Thor, resides in the underground realm of Lacedon. It lies at the northern end of the Spawning Loch and at the mouth of the Morgon River that flows out of the lake. It is an ancient city, likely built by Torrean Overlords millennia ago but now the seat of an open-city, comprised of Underlings (strange underground dwelling humans), Drow and Duergar. Other races inhabit the more forsaken parts of the city.

However, the true power of the city is governed by a fallen band of Storm Giants called the Elders. They reside on Uruk Island and demand tribute from the city in return for protection of Vahl as an open city. They tend to not involve themselves in day to day activities of Vahl; but their fortress on the Uruk Island is awe inspiring from those entering the Morgon Harbor. They select the leaders of the city and keep the differing factions from destroying each other. This power structure has been in place for several centuries. The true nature of why the Storm Giants live in this strange world is unknown. Speculation that they are rebels or outcasts from the larger world of Storm Giants has been suggested.

Description
The city has well-fortified walls and has only 4 main road exits. There barge traffic on the river and the loch frequently make stops along the expansive dockyards. Tribute is always demanded for river and loch traffic regardless of destination.

There are seven (7) main districts within the central city.
1. City Center and Market District
2. Noble District
3. Temple District
4. Drow District
5. Duergar District
6. Warehouse District
7. Black-Market District

City Center and Market District
This district provides the primary area for trade, commerce and political activity within the city. The City leader called the Kahn resides in a large estate within the district. Market St. runs through the district with most artisans and craftsmen represented.

Noble District
Beautiful homes with intricate fountains, pillars and columns adorn this district. Many of the 9 ruling houses have large mansions sprawling through the streets of the district. Large patrols of guards constantly patrol the area and keep it safe from intruders and peasants.

Temple District
Several temples dedicated to gods of the underworld are represented. These structures are not intended for general worship as they are focal points for the power of the divine in Lacedon. Fervent and powerful clerics of often evil and cunning gods, roam the streets of this district, each with plans to further the power of the deity in this open city.

Drow District
Though the Drow tend to gather in cities dedicated to their strange culture, however, Vahl is large enough with influence in greater Lacedonto attract a large population of Drow. They number under a 1000 elves. Their home city of Ukladen lies 20 miles up-lake (south) through the wandering maze of caverns and chasms from Vahl. They maintain active communications with Ukladen and maintain the interests of the Drow within this district. This district is walled and patrolled by dark elven guards and is protected with a variety of magic.

Duergar District
Like the Drow, the Duergar are fiercely loyal to their kind. However, they have learned that cooperation with the powers of Vahl will further their aims; namely, the destruction of the Uhlvane Dwarves, who are a constant menace to their long term plans of domination and return to the sun. They had been granted dominion in this district as payment for their service to the Elders. They destroyed many of the old building and built an impenetrable complex of structures throughout the district. They are numerous in the city, and are represented in almost all guilds and merchant activities in Vahl. They travel frequently on their long boats to and from their stone city of Clokenmullen.

Warehouse and Dockyard District
It is unknown the extent of the Morgon River as it flows downstream. Traders from other open cities provide insight to the broader world of Lacedon. In that light and due to the advantageous location of Vahl, trade and commerce is plentiful. Large long boats built by Duergar masters of various sizes move in and out of the Loch and its estuaries. The Dock Master, appointed directly by the Elders, demands the payment of a tax on all goods moving through the area. Trade in gold, food, spices, fungi and other exotic metals and components flow through the harbor. Large warehouses line the district as well as brothels and other elements of the underbelly of society.

Black-Market District
Even the darkest of cities maintain the rule of law to some degree. Vahl is active with trade and welcomes travelers of the underworld. However, elements that seek to gain profit by other means, and act on the margins of the council and the Elders, operate in this area. An active trade in human and dwarven slaves thrives in the district. The Elders look down on this practice but are not active in diminishing its place in Vahl.

Other points of interest
Uruk Island
The eerie glass waters of the Spawning Loch meet the rocky 200’ cliffs of Uruk Island, the home of the Uruk Citadel. The island is the home and quarters of the Elders, the band of Storm Giants who are the unquestionable rulers of the lands of the Spawning Loch. From their citadel they monitor the movement of traders and armies along the loch and the Morgon. There are other powerful entities in Lacedon who have resentment for these usurpers from the lands above, but few will openly challenge their supremacy. The city has grown since their arrival 300 years ago.

Their isolated and protected lands include the main island itself, along with the smaller Thegor Island and the coastal region that is called The Park, where lavish magic and lush greenery has created a magnificent paradise that only they can enjoy.

There are large bridges that allow passage to both the northern and southern parts of the city. Few, if any non-giants walk those bridges unless invited.

Spawning Loch
The underground lake of immense depth lies at the heart of the Lacedon complex of caves, caverns and rivers. Its calm waters, never influenced by winds, have a mysterious glow that penetrate its depths and give additional light the monstrous openings that form Lacedon Underworld itself. The cold waters are host to untold creatures and an intelligent race of Octopods.

The Loch is part of a much larger system of interconnecting rivers, lakes and underground seas. The Loch itself 30 miles long and 15 miles wide.

Octopods
These strange creatures live and thrive in the underground waters of Lacedon. They have voracious appetites and often ambush Underlings that stray too close the water’s edge. However, mostly they trade rare coral and gems of the depths of the Loch in exchange for other materials they use for their aquatic city.

Their species is divided into two distinct forms. The first is similar to a large octopus with a gaping mouth and 2 webbed appendages that act like a functional arm. This form only lives in water environments. They are the hunters of the deep underworld seas, lakes and rivers. The second form has developed 2 appendages that act as legs and their arms have developed strange fingers of sorts. They have also have what appears to be humanoid faces, but this is just for appearances for interface with land dwellers. This form functions as well out of water as in; these are encountered in Vahl. They are more intelligent and converse in a variety of underdark languages; they are a more friendly form and often apologize for their more voracious brethren.

[Rhourk]

Sounds like a cool base of operations to work from while in the UnderDark. And I am dying to see the Spawning Loch!

[Agnati]

Sounds like a cool base of operations to work from while in the UnderDark. And I am dying to see the Spawning Loch!

Rickul volunteers to bring your snorkel and his own popcorn for the show.
Seriously though, is there any lore or information pertaining to the lake?
I get the feeling we wouldn't be very welcome at the keep. Should we try to get through the Lower Gate without drawing attention to ourselves and find He-who-must-not-be-named once inside? Or do we have any magical means of determining where, in this large city, he may be?

-Ag

[Tungsten]

Who do they worship at their Temple?

DM: You are not sure, but what you do know is that there are many gods of the underworld and as an Open-City, there may be several. You know these details of the city only in limited fashion.

There may be a way to track him down via spells but Faelwen would have to talk to Falinor about it. Perhaps the easiest way to find him is to speak with Lord Cartwright. That no-good-nick knows where that evil SOB is for sure.

DM: All you can surmise is that he is somewhere in Vahl. Considering his power, he will likely not be in the Shantytown District.

DM: Goric has mentioned that Cartwright has vanished from Wyndam. His mansion has been barred shut and only a few employees guard his estate.

[Agnati]

Who do they worship at their Temple???

There may be a way to track him down via spells but Faelwen would have to talk to Falinor about it. Perhaps the easiest way to find him is to speak with Lord Cartwright. That no-good-nick knows where that evil SOB is for sure.

Rickul: How important is it that Cartwright be able leave the meeting.... upright? I ask, being ignorant of his possible influence and connections, only knowing the problems (and potential problems) I hear the party speak of.