Cradle of the Lost

Clearly, the Cradle of the Lost is modeled after the Stolen Lands, so full credit to Paizo for the body of this region. The Cradle is my homebrewed modification of the Stolen Lands as inserted into Emaxus for use in the homebrewed Kingmaker I am running.

The Cradle of the Lost is the several hundred mile wide valley between the Gloumeda Mountains and the Frozen Ramparts. It forms the westernmost portion of the massive stretch of untamed land aptly named The Drumian Wilds, and is a locale of great mystery, looming danger, and constant interest. Bordered to the southeast by Alleriath and the northwest by Kingdom Mourn, the Cradle has been the subject of numerous settlement attempts over the past century---almost all of which have ended in failure. Recently, Lady Inmera Llyran of Alleriath has set her sights wholly on the Cradle, hoping to at last establish a "civilized" foothold in the valley.

Inhabited by the Locals

Despite how Mourn and Alleriath tend to view the Cradle (see: untamed wilds needing to be civilized), the Cradle is host to diverse occupants already. Centaur herds and nomadic tribes of mortals roam the Cradle, while bands of outlaws and the occasional pariah also make these lands their home. Beasts without number make dens and hunt, while monsters from The Reckoning and before haunt the forests and lakes. The Cradle is dangerous, yes, but it is home to many; in fact, it is a safe and even sacred place to those who learn how to live within its bounds.

Haunted by the Reckoning

The Cradle, as with much of Drumis, is dotted by the ruins and scars of the Reckoning---especially from the Year of Divinity's Fall. It is unknown which or how many civilizations called the Cradle home before the Reckoning, but many are the pillars and broken structures strewn about the Cradle's hills and plains or hidden within its forests and swamps. And, beyond these ruins with their vast secrets and untold histories, there are the many remnants of the Reckoning which move, hunt, and slaughter. Tales are many of the horrific monsters who stalk the forests, the crazed beasts who rampage through the hills, and the great titans who stomp across the plains and rivers; but how many of these tales are true is anyone's guess.

Eyed by the Kingdoms

The Cradle has been desired by the nations of The Warring Lands since their inception and/or growth after the War of the Greatwyrms, especially so in the case of Alleriath and Kingdom Mourn. While almost all settlement attempts have been met with myserious vanishments or open disaster, more attempts are still made every few years. Lady Inmera Llyran has embarked on the largest one yet, sending dozens of expeditions into the Cradle and hoping that any of them stick.

Maps

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  Cradle of the Lost

  A map of the known vistas and geography of the unsettled Cradle of the Lost.

Type

Region

Location under

The Warring Lands

Contested By

• Alleriath
• Kingdom Mourn

A Cauldron of Change

Between Lady Llyran's current settlement initiative and King Irathin's interest in the region (and other factions beyond with desires in the Cradle), it is clear that change is coming to the Cradle of the Lost. For many, this change has great hopes attached to it: hopes of new nations forged in peace and equality, and of peace brought to a grand valley. For others, this change has great fears haunting it: locals who fear displacement, conflict, or worse, and outsiders who worry of dangerous magic that could be reawakened and relearned. And, for some, the Cradle represents something else entirely: a land where fate can be forged, tested, or bought, and the future can be wrought by mortal hands---for better or for worse.