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Sura-Khiri is beset by troubles inside and out but remains too proud to ask for help. Treacherous Bite: Yuan-ti coming from the newly formed hakararenil west of Thalath Lanialusa have created a curse carried by animals that causes them to become enraged. Elves bitten by these animals transform into yuan-ti tainted ones.
TEREPPEK Capital: Paluak Population: 3,597,400; human (98%), dwarves (1%). Government: Pedocracy (humans), monarchy (dwarves) Religions: Chaniud, Durann (dwarves), Soggelos, Uhanam. Imports: Glass, iron, beef, herbs and spices, silver Exports: Cheese, grain, fish, gold, paper, rice Alignment: LN, N (barbarians CN)
COUNTRIES
Plots and Rumors
Familiar Horrors: Strange monstrosities from the vicinity of Kavaniivaediir have been wandering further and further south. Bearing elven weapons and armor, these creatures resemble undead elves but are limned with cold green flames and breathe poisonous gas. At least one elf has recognized the face of his own cousin among the abominations.
CHAPTER 4:
Corenial Maskanastacia (Small City, 5,400): The elven capital’s name means “home of the king of the starfire.” King Dalaglis Everwood is the latest bearer of Starfire. He is old before his time, worried about the fate of his people as their youngest and strongest are worn away by attacks from the scaled obscenities. The elven palace is built of living wood, with a large open courtyard that gives a view of the stars that made the gift of the meteor. Half of the elves living here are trained in war and patrol the vicinity for any sign of encroachment by the enemies of the people. None other than elves are allowed to enter the city. Thalath Lanialusa (Small Town, 1,500): Meaning “the place of the blue tree and beautiful water” in the Elven language, this is a holy city of the elves, for thousands of years ago this site was visited by Eanius and Galaedros, giving the gifts of speech, beauty, and longevity to the elves. As proof of their power, they changed an ancient oak and a quiet pond so that the tree bore blue fruit that healed those who ate it and the pond was so beautiful that even the most hardhearted elves wept at the sight. This settlement is primarily inhabited by clerics and guards and is a pilgrimage site for devout elves. It is subject to frequent yuan-ti attacks, for Traagash Daur sees the fall of Thalath Lanialusa as a major goal in the destruction of the elves. Kavaniivaediir (Formerly Small Town, 1,800) (current status unknown): This town, whose name means “branching brightstone,” was once the center of a minor independent elven principality within SuraKhiri. Ruled by an offshoot of the Everwood family, prince Shalolin Wanderstar founded this place 200 years ago after many philosophical arguments with his sister, Queen Silienipho. Wanderstar’s followers kept separate from those of the greater kingdom for 120 years, and only toward the end of that time did relations begin to warm again. Unfortunately, reconciliation was impossible because of the intervention of the yuan-ti, who managed to create a hakararenil a few miles from the town and stormed it with murderous intent. Everyone within the city was slain or driven into remote parts of the forest. Among the dead were the prince himself, and when the news reached the queen, she died of heartbreak. Now the vine-covered standing stones of the town are shelter for yuan-ti, undead, and corrupted beasts. Old elves approaching their last days sometimes mount suicidal attacks upon the city in a gesture of defiance against the yuan-ti.
Tereppek is a nation of philosophers and intellectuals. Such pursuits often lead to the study of magic, and a disproportionate number of wizards live in Tereppek. Ruled by a council of learned bureaucrats who must pass classes in history, politics, philosophy, law, and ethics, it is a nation whose people enjoy an enlightened life, and even the lowest commoner is literate and often schooled in the basics of reason and logic. Tereppek trades peacefully with the dwarves in the Thanaurmar Hills, and stands vigilant against attacks from the yuan-ti of Sura-Khiri. Also known as the Golden Beacon, Tereppek is known for its wisdom, strength, and desire for peace. Because of a great and bloody conflict with Salkiria known as the War of Turrin River, the people of Tereppek turned away from violence as an acceptable course of action except under the most extreme circumstances. They still retain a legacy of powerful battle magic, which they have used to fortify their borders in the hopes of deterring aggression. Major Geographical Features:
Tereppek is a flat, coastal land, bordered on the northwest by hills and sylvan forests. Thanaurmar Hills: These hills mark the northern border of Tereppek and are the source of the country’s gold exports. The eastern hills experience frequent rainfalls that make them lush with vegetation, small herd animals, and the creatures that prey upon them. The Grumnyr dwarf clan that live under these hills have been here for eight dwarven generations and are easily recognized by their bright red hair. The colony itself numbers 13,000 and routinely sends caravans of goods to Manifest, as well as young adventurers eager to defend the city against its attackers. Many of these dwarves have moved to other cities within Tereppek. Plains of Graumar: These extensive plains are used for growing corn and rice and for grazing goats, sheep, and a few small herds of cattle. The area gets a great
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