Broken Spine Wilderness

"Want to get rich quickly? The towns in the Broken Spine can help you quickly build up a respectable amount of capital just trading between them. Want to meet a quick end? The wild tribes in the same region are sure to get you if you're active long enough. But if you weren't born with it, and you're not into raiding ruins, taking risks like these are the way to make a fortune to last you the rest of your life. Heh. However long or short that may be..."

— Fournan, Caravan Master

Across the expanse of territory known as Helenic, neither the Myrisic Sages or Rhyliss Imperium hold official sway due to the Treaty of Helen. This had led to a number of consequences over the centuries, both obvious and subtle. Most obviously is the lack of a central authority, or rather the lack of one beholden to either the Sages or Imperium. Most towns and cities within Helenic function independently, and the spaces between are home to all sorts of wonders and terrors not understood within the civilized boundaries of the greater political powers. And then there is the "Broken Spine".

In the eastern reaches of Helenic is a mountain range known for ages as the "Titan's Spine", running almost entirely from the northern ice-clad coastline to a warm-water bay in the south. On the northern end of the Spine there are a number of ancient passes and a worn-down 'orphaned' cluster of peaks. This is where the "Broken Spine" name comes from, and the geography lends a wealth of resources to be exploited by those with the courage and perserverance to do so.

Once in the distant past there was a great city by the name of Parseil, destroyed by a horde of monsters which dispersed into the region. Descended from the horde are various threats to civilization in the area, or rather to the towns and cities which try imprinting their own idea of order on the region. Currently there are only a handful of stable settlements, all of which are fortified against simple attacks and protected by substantial means. Recent years have had an uneasy, and unstable, balance of power formed between the wild tribes and those who dwell behind stone walls. Only time will tell what may come to pass, but it will most likely be the people of the region who determine the outcome instead of a great Empire.

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A map of the region.

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Notable Locations

Northrun, City of Prosperity

Main Article: Northrun, City of Prosperity

In the lands of the northern Broken Spine Mountains, the city of Northrun stands as a beacon of civilization in the wilderness. The city can trace its history back only a handful of centuries, yet it has persevered against most challenges in that time. Thanks to many trade routes passing through it, and the city sitting outside the jurisdiction of the Rhyliss Empire and Myrisic Sages, almost anything can be acquired if you know where to look.

Hilgar

It feels like for as long as civilization in the region has existed, so has Hilgar and the attached keep. Many travelers use the Old Alishan Way which passes through the town, and the Trademaster keeps everything flowing smoothly. In recent generations, farmers began experimenting with fermenting their excess yield. The results have drawn a considerable amount of prestige, and money, to the town. It is prosperous, and more importantly well-fortified and defended.

Glistel

Main Article: Glistel

Glistel is situated at an old crossroads where Northrun’s roads would reach east into Myrisia’s borderlands and north to the Frostclad Coast. Over the years it has developed into a major stop for caravans, and houses one of the offices for the Copper Coffers trading group. The town is somewhat infamous for “The Counselor”, an inn enjoyed by the rich and those who save up a bit of money to experience what wealth can buy.

Elada Hill

Situated along the Old Alishan Way, the town of Elada Hill exists as a haven for travelers heading either west or east. There are ample fields of grain and livestock outside the town walls, and it is relatively safe. The town itself is only a few generations old as a notable town, but the prestigious Aetherfall Academy has been here for longer. Those seeking instruction in the arcane arts must show true promise in order to be admitted to study there.

Barda's Folly

Main Article: Barda's Folly

The village of Barda's Hope lies southwest of Hilgar, close to the Blueleaf Swamp. Recent changes to their fortune have changed the name to "Barda's Folly", and they have been barely sustaining their existence through forays into the swamp for plants to sell. Caravans mostly give the area a wide berth due to a feeling of "bad luck", which has many residents of Hilgar expecting the village to disappear after the next harsh winter.

Breakwater Crossing

Main Article: Breakwater Crossing

The Old Alishan Way used to be an old trade route through the region, but it fell into disuse as tension between Myrisia and the Rhyliss Empire grew and war seemed inevitable. This turned out to be a boon for smugglers and traders, who saw the benefit in a trading post in "neutral territory". This trading post eventually grew into Breakwater Crossing, a place where there may not be rule of law but there is a mutual understanding not to act in a fashion which harms the long-term survival of the settlement.

Starfall

Main Article: Starfall

The elves of Starfall are purveyors of something interesting called “moonsilk”, a splendid material which fetches a considerable price in civilized areas. Clothing made of it is considered valuable, and a sign of good wealth. As such, the village enjoys a good reputation for caravans to stop and attempt to purchase as much moonsilk as they can afford to.

Blackmore

The village of Blackmore is situated along the road between Elada Hill and Northrun, in some of the wet lowlands west of the Broken Spine Mountains. The terrain makes it less than pleasant to live, but many rare herbs which are useful love the swampy conditions. These herbs are useful in cooking, alchemy, and medicine. The villagers make a meager living harvesting these herbs and trading them to caravans who stop at the village.

Dandel's Needle

Main Article: Dandel's Needle

Located along the road between Glistel and Hilgar, Dandel's Needle is a landmark useful for orienting travelers in the case they become lost when traveling "off-road" between the two cities. Standing several hundred feet over the nearby plains, the ease of spotting it led to people using it as a meeting place. Over time, a small village of temporary buildings grew up around the base of the rock.

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Type

Region

Included Locations

• Barda's Folly
• Breakwater Crossing
• Dandel's Needle
• Glistel
• Grove of Winter's Incursion
• Northrun, City of Prosperity
• Starfall
• The Black Keep
• The Second Tomb of Delos

Inhabiting Species

• Cerdian Scorpion

Map created with Worldographer 2.