Adric Greycloak: A sylvan elf from the Dreadwood, Adric (ADD-rick), along with his twin brother Gilandril, was one of the original adventurers who investigated the smuggling ring in the town of Saltmarsh, and led an assault against the Sahaugin fortress nearby. Adric and Gilandril later joined the Heart of the Wood forces at the Battle of Elmreddy Glen which drove Nackles out of the Dreadwood. Adric is currently a captain of the Heart of the Wood forces. Adric is the son of Jenness.

    Aerdy, Kingdom of: The official name for the Great Kingdom. The Kingdom was created by the Aerdy (AIR-dee) family from the Suel Empire. The family comprised much of the Empire’s military brass. Nearly a thousand years ago, following the Rain of Colorless Fire, the Aerdy fled Suel for the East. Managing to survive the Hellfurnaces, the family and their loyal forces swept into eastern Oerik, along with hundreds of thousands of refugees and the surviving Legions of the Golden Dragon, a fierce order of undefeated knights loyal to the Aerdy. They displaced and subjugated much of the original population, which was still recovering from the wars against Gnarley Bones. The Aerdy conquered most of the open lands on the continent, not stopping their flight until they reached the Great Sea far to the East. There they stopped and founded Rauxes, a fabulous city modeled on Apollokeen, the fabled capital of the Suel Empire. The “Common Year” (C.Y.) of Oerik began on the date of Rauxes’ founding.
    Originally, all the lands from the Hellfurnaces to the Great Sea, aside from the demi-human kingdoms of Celene and Veluna, the Heart of the Wood and the territory of Iuz, were claimed by the Aerdy, at least in name. Over time, the Aerdy parceled out the Kingdom to various princes and dukes, all loyal to the Overking at Rauxes. Over the past five hundred years, the Overking has cared less and less for his (and her, there have been two Overqueens) western lands. Eventually, some of the Kingdoms claimed independence, or alleged only a nominal allegiance to the Golden Throne. Some nations, such as the Shield Lands, have even declared open hostility against Aerdy.
    The Aerdy were originally a fierce and decadent line, coming as they did from Vecna’s reign as the Suloise Emperor. However, when Rauxes was founded, the Aerdy gave much to the world. They brought art, literature, architecture, paved roads, and plumbing. They also brought their expansive pantheon of Gods (Boccob, Hextor, Nerull, Pholtus, Rao, Zilchus, etc.), who widely replaced the “Dozen Deities,” the twelve gods worshiped prior to the collapse of the Suel Empire. Over the past six hundred years, the line has largely become more benign, if also more pontific. They have largely abandoned their campaign against Iuz, leaving Furyondi and the Shield Lands to fend for themselves with only symbolic aid. However, the last few Overkings have been weak and self-absorbed. The current Overking, Ivid IV, is said to be power-mad, cruel and possibly insane. It has been rumored that Ivid has been eyeing his western territories and may seek to reestablish his rule all the way to his ancestral homeland. It has been centuries since the Legions of the Golden Dragon have marched West, the Kingdoms tremble and worry at this Overking’s desires.

    Age: A great span of time of indeterminable length. The history of the World is divided into Ages, each coming to an end with the arising of the Horned King. It is unclear how many Ages there have been, although there have been at least three, for the Snake Mother was imprisoned for three Ages before being freed in 598 C.Y.

    Ahmazda: One of the Fey, Ahmazda (AH-mahz-DAH) was one of the first beings awoken by the Gods when the world was new. Ahmazda was the brother of Celene and Veluna.
    Ahmazda was one of the fiercest of the Fey. He spent much of the first Age in the company of Morrigan, the Goddess of War. He warred against the Mother of Monsters in the beginning of days, and was also known by the title “Alfvenmor,” literally, “goblin’s doom.” Ahmazda spent most of the Ages traveling the face of the Earth, acting as a scourge against the goblin tribes.
    In the last Age, Ahmazda took Celene as a wife, and together they had a daughter, Morwen. He was instrumental in the formation of the Empire of the Petal Throne, and served as the commander of its elf and faerie forces. When the last Horned King (see Gnarley Bones) set himself up as a God-Emperor, Ahmazda convinced his sisters to join the druids in resisting the Horned King’s forces. Gnarley Bones smashed the Empire’s forces, and his ally the Mallamie captured Ahmazda, imprisoning him beneath Atter Towen. Ahmazda escaped, and led the forces at the Battle of Atter Towen. Imbued with the power of Danu, Ahmazda was able to wield The Sword of the Moon, one of the Horned King’s holy weapons. Ahmazda struck Gnarley Bones a grievous wound with the Sword, shattering the Crown of Horns, and breaking the chain of the Eye of the Witch. Gnarley Bones killed Ahmazda, blasting him out of existence, but deprived of his weapons and fearing his imminent death, he retreated to modern-day Deepingdale, where he remained in hiding for nearly two thousand years.

    Alastor the Undying: Little is known regarding this individual. First encountered leading a band of rebels in the Little Hills, Alastor was a half-orc fighter/priest of Arawn. Slain by a group of adventurers, he lived up to his title, returning again and again as a coffer corpse, a revenant, and a wight. It is unknown if Alastor has been destroyed at long last.

    Alecto: One of the Furies. She, along with her sisters is one of the three primary servants of Ralishaz, the God of misfortune. Since the beginning of time, she has aided her Lord in causing suffering and ruin in the World. Alecto, like her sisters, was captured Ages ago. Alecto was captured by Mommy Fortuana, and kept in an iron cage whose lock could only be undone by the touch of a unicorn’s horn. In 595 C.Y., this came to pass, and Alecto was freed. Under Ralishaz’s bidding, she captured the Egg of the Phoenix and hid it in Sepulchre. In 598 C.Y., a band of adventurers traveled to Sepulchre, managed to defeat Alecto, and recaptured the Egg. Having her physical form destroyed on the Etheral Plane banished Alecto to Pandemonium for only seven years.

    Altice, Lady: Altice (ALL-teese) was a commoner, a citizen of the Kingdom of Keoland. She was asked to be a handmaiden to Lady Elaine, the wife of Gustav IV of Shankshire. After Elaine’s death at the hands of her husband, Altice witnessed the depravity and madness of Gustav. She was assigned to work the stables, where she was abused and mistreated by the now-immoral knights of Shank. She met Guy II of Shankshire when Gustav maimed his only son by cutting out the boy’s tongue and forcing him to work as a stableboy. For years Altice and Guy lived in horrible conditions, having only each other for support.
    During the Winter of Tears, a group of adventurers killed the devil-ridden Lord of Shank, and Guy assumed his rightful title. Upon being knighted by the King of Keoland, Guy wed Altice and the two have governed Shankshire since.

    Anakka: One of the Fey. An undying spirit, Anakka (ANN-ah-KHA) was given a physical form by the Goddess Meness in the First Age. Anakka served Meness during the creation of the World, and assisted her in the teaching of the elves. Anakka was assigned the responsibility of overseeing night-blooming flowers and nightingales. Of exceptional beauty, the spirit Belaiden wooed her during the First Age. Following Belaiden’s expulsion from Govannan’s forge and exile into the World, Anakka took the wounded spirit in and shielded him within a deep enchanted pool to protect him from the vengeful dwarven lords. She ignored the counsel of the Fey and of the elves to cast Belaiden off. Belaiden later betrayed Anakka, capturing much of her power in a magic mirror he gave her as a token of his affection. Belaiden has used the captured power to make himself beautiful throughout the Ages, using her stolen beauty to hide his own corruption and greed.
    Anakka was much diminished by the loss, and fell among the more common of the Fey. She kept a lonely home in a deep pool in central Oerth that was noticeable only because it did not cast reflections. Her whereabouts are unknown, she may have passed to the Outer Worlds.

    Annunaki, The: The Annunaki (AH-nunn-AH-keye) are massive treants, possibly the largest of their kind. The Annunaki (there are three) were all grown by Celene from identical cuttings. The source of the cuttings is unrevealed but probably a treant from the Beastlands. The Annunaki act as guardians of the Fey. One is stationed in Avenmore, one in the court of the Heart of the Wood, and one accompanied Veluna to the far east.

    Arcilla Loma: Arcilla Loma (AR-sill-AH LOHM-ah) is a hill located in the Witches’ Hills. It lays at the intersection of ley lines and is therefore a nexus of magical energy. Arcilla Loma has been the site of practice for witches for at least an Age. Atop Arcilla Loma is a tall pillar made of an indestructible black stone. Beneath Arcilla Loma is the tomb of Tanak Constantine, the Witch King (see also Pnume).

    Arkenstone: A mythic gem incomparable in beauty. The stone dazzled every being who beheld it. The creation of the Arkenstone was begun in the First Age by the dwarves under the guidance of Belaiden. The dwarves at this time still worked in the forge of Heaven with their creator Govannan. Belaiden and the dwarves intended to use the stone to purchase great power in the World, but lacked the skill to complete the job. They turned their nascent work over to Govannan, who completed the stone. Govannan was spellbound by the stone and kept it for himself. Later, Belaiden stole the Arkenstone and attempted to sell it to Zilchus. Accompanied by the dwarves, he snuck to the lowest gate of the forge, still far above the World.
    The Fey had also heard of the stone. Already jealous of Belaiden and the dwarves’ riches, they assembled an elven army and assailed the forge seeking the Arkenstone. Belaiden, once he himself beheld the stone, could not give it up, and a great battle between Belaiden and the dwarves, the Fey army, and Zilchus wracked the Heavens. Discovering the theft of the Arkenstone, and realizing its power, Govannan shattered that tier of Heaven on which the battle was fought, causing the combatants to fall into the World.
    The dwarves survived the fall, but found themselves exiled in the World. The Arkenstone fell with them, but could not be found. Some of the dwarves set off at once searching for the stone, while others collected themselves and sought to regain the graces of Govannan. The dwarves believe that those of their number still obsessed with the Arkenstone ferreted their way into the bowels of the earth looking for it and became twisted with greed and loss. They believe that the Derro are descended from these dwarven lines.
    The Arkenstone, if it exists at all, has never been found. The dwarves assert that the fall from Heaven plunged the stone deep underground. Frequently, throughout history, claims have been made as to its discovery, but none have been verified. Most attempts to locate the stone have ended in tragedy. The dwarves of Mimroddin believed that they had located the stone and tunneled perilously close to an underground river in an attempt to retake it. Their efforts breached the river and flooded the city, drowning thousands.

    Atter Towen: An evil place. Atter Towen was erected by forces of the Horned King (see Gnarley Bones), to monitor the Empire of the Petal Throne. Occupied by Gnarley Bones’ forces, Atter Towen was governed by the Mallamie, who wrapped the fortress with powerful enchantments. It is said that only those looking for the Tower could find it, others passed by the fortress, obscured as it was by an enveloping mist. It was described as a multi-towered fortress that resembled a horribly withered tree in form. Atter Towen was the site of the Battle of Atter Towen, where Ahmazda led a massive force in a last-ditch effort against Gnarley Bones. The Fey, though victorious, were horribly shattered by the battle, and lacked the strength or resolve to tear the tower down.
    Atter Towen remained empty for nearly two thousand years until it was occupied by the Witch King. After his death, the walls of Atter Towen were torn down by Heart of the Wood and the Knights of the Watch, but the foundation remained. Nackles later occupied the ruins of Atter Towen and rebuilt much of the site. He used Atter Towen as a base of power in his war against the Heart of the Wood. After the Battle of Elmreddy Glen, Atter Tower was destroyed a second time by Heart of the Wood forces. This time, the foundations were scoured and put to fire. The elves admit, however, that some tunnels beneath the awful place may have escaped detection. Recently, the site has been occupied by Darkling forces loyal to Lord Feg.

    Augusta: Augusta is the Archdruid, second in rank only to the Great Druid, who resides in the Valley of the Earth Mother. Augusta resides in Orlane, where she guards the Navel of the World. Augusta is the mother of Dorian.

    Avenmore: A safehouse created by the Heart of the Wood. Avenmore is located in the Dreadwood. It is a place of safety created by Fey magic. During the time of the Empire of the Petal Throne, Veluna kept a summer house there. Jenness is the mistress of Avenmore.

    Axe of the Dwarvish Lords: A powerful artifact forged by Moradin in Anzulbelegost.  The Axe was presented to Kharas I, the founder of Mîmthorbardin circa 6300 B.C.Y., and passed down along his line.  Approximately two thousand years ago, it passed to Kharas III, who served as High Thane of Mîmthorbardin during the Invoked Devastation and the ensuing Dwarfgate War.  Kharas was able to withstand the siege of his city, but could not bear the subsequent in-fighting among the dwarves that led to the murder of his two sons.  He went to the Valley of the Thanes, bearing the Axe with him, and it remained there until 606 C.Y., when it was recovered by the Stormcrows.
    The Axe had many powers.  Its blade was forged from laen, a magic volcanic glass that grows harder when exposed to heat.  Forged by the God of Smiths, the weapon was formidable indeed.     
    
    Baba Yaga: Baba Yaga is a mysterious figure. She is both a seeress, widely sought for information and prophecies, and a feared witch. She typically travels in her marvelous hut, which dances on giant chicken legs, but sometimes she travels in a huge flying cauldron that causes storms to surge around her. Paradoxically, Baba Yaga can be both kind and wicked. She is known to help orphaned children, while at the same time kidnapping others.
    Baba Yaga is apparently ageless, she first began to appear near the Beginning, but it has been theorized that her hut can travel through time as well as space. It might be possible for Baba to be in more than one place at a time. It is known that she is a mage of exceedingly high level, and that she has access to virtually every spell ever created, including some that have not yet been created. Baba Yaga never gives anything for free, however. There is always some price to pay, and the price varies according to the person. For greedy and materialistic persons, the price is nearly always gold and treasure, for others, it is often service. Sometimes the price is bizarre, Baba has accepted bodily parts, years off a purchaser’s life, even souls.

    Baldwyn Bandersnatch: Baldwyn was a member of the Circle of Light, and a servant of Order. He was in fact a Greater Lammasu, and dwelt in the Free City of Greyhawk where he masqueraded as an eccentric nobleman. In fact, he was a powerful behind-the-scenes player in the battle between Law and Chaos. He became drawn into the struggle against Gnarley Bones when Order realized that the corruption of the Horned King had been the result of a wager between the twin Gods of Fortune and Misfortune. Baldwyn aided a band of adventurers in attempting to thwart Ralishaz’s schemes. As a result, the Harlequin destroyed his physical form. Another member of the Circle, Faragon Fairingway, almost immediately replaced him.

    Battle of Atter Towen: Nearly two thousand years ago, at the wicked fortress of Atter Towen, the remaining forces of the Empire of the Petal Throne challenged Gnarley Bones. Ahmazda, one of the Fey, led the Empire forces. Gnarley Bones headed his own force of undead treats, Darklings, gibblerlings, beholders and Cauldron-Born. Prior to the Battle, druidic forces had already captured several of the Horned King’s weapons -the Sword of the Moon, the Cauldron of Plenty (already corrupted into the Black Cauldron by this time), and the Ship of Earth and Sea.
    Ahmazda, imbued with the power of the Earth Mother, was able to wield the mighty Sword of the Moon. Wielding the weapon, Ahmazda was able to penetrate deep into Gnarley Bones’ personal Huntsmen bodyguards and strike at the corrupted Horned King. Ahmazda’s blow shattered the Crown of Horns, and cut the chain of the Eye of the Witch. The sword also injured the near-invulnerable Gnarley Bones. Although Gnarley Bones blasted Ahmazda out of existence, the painful wound instilled fear in the Horned King that his own weapons would destroy him. Gnarley Bones fled far to the southeast, to modern-day Deepingdale, and hid in an invincible fortress of his own making (see Slaine Towen).
    Gnarley Bones’ retreat caused his forces to scatter. His allies Frodomere and the Mallamie were sealed beneath Black Towen. The forces of the Heart of the Wood were so mournful of Ahmazda’s death, and so decimated by the battle, that the fortress of Atter Towen was left standing.

    Battle of Elmreddy Glen, The: In 595 C.Y., the Heart of the Wood launched an assault against the forces of Nackles, a goblin leader who had amassed a host of humanoids in the Witches’ Hills. The assault was in response to large-scale wildfires Nackles had set in the Dreadwood. Talf Tengwûr led the Heart forces; Balor, a verbeeg chieftain, led Nackles’ forces.
    Nackles’ forces were defeated at the Battle, and the Heart forces swept into Nackles’ stronghold, Atter Towen. Although the Heart forces were able to sweep the above-ground levels of the ancient, evil fortress, they could not dislodge Nackles' forces from the tower’s labyrinthine foundations. Aided by adventurers, Talf, Artemoff and Adric and Gilandril Greycloak ventured into the tunnels beneath Atter Towen. Nackles was forced to flee, but Gilandril was slain and Talf turned to stone. Following Nackles’ retreat, the Heart of the Wood tore Atter Towen down and set cleansing fires to its foundations.

    Beginning, The: A period of incalculable time just prior to the First Age. Accounts differ as to what occurred during the Beginning, but it is clear that the Gods predated the creation of the World and thus came into being at some point in the Beginning. Many faiths hold that Danu gave birth to at least some of the collective Gods during this span of time. Also in existence were spirits, both good and evil, some of whom were later given physical forms. See Belaiden, Fey, Irda, Titans.

    Belaiden: (beh-LAY-den) “Good Maker” or “Maker of good things” in the tongue of the Fey. The name by which Iuz was known during the First Age while he served the God Govannan.

    Black Cauldron, The: Originally the Cauldron of Plenty, this artifact was one of the holy weapons of the Horned King. Created by Danu at the beginning of time, in its original form, the Cauldron could be used to create an inexhaustible supply of food. Additionally, the Cauldron could resurrect the dead. Lastly, the Cauldron served as a portal between this world and the Beastlands, where Danu held court in her form of the Flower Maiden.
    Gnarley Bones used the Cauldron to pervert the natural scheme. He twisted the Cauldron into a caricature of itself. The Cauldron killed those placed inside and created the unliving Cauldron-Born. The Cauldron was also used to power Gnarley Bones’ near-unstoppable Huntsmen. The Cauldron could be used to create an inexhaustible supply of poison and diseases. Lastly, the Cauldron opened a pit leading from this World to the court of the Mother of Monsters. The Cauldron could only be destroyed if a living person willingly knelt inside it, in which case both the person and the Cauldron would be irrevocably destroyed.
    The Cauldron was kept inside Black Towen by Gnarley Bones, but was stolen by forces loyal to the Empire of the Petal Throne. The Cauldron remained held by the Heart of the Wood for nearly two thousand years until it was stolen by the Witch King and taken to Atter Towen. The Cauldron was buried with the Witch King beneath Arcilla Loma, but was again stolen, this time by Baba Yaga.
    In 599 C.Y., Tanak Constantine (see also the High Drune) sought to use the Cauldron to resurrect Gnarley Bones. He was successful, but Gnarley Bones himself, craving nothingness, knelt in the Cauldron and destroyed it and himself.

    Black Ice, Land of the: A land located in the far north of Oerik. An enormous swath a territory noted for its freezing temperatures, vast and unending tundra, and fields of ice. Many nations claim portions of the Land, and some of these claims overlap, but the claims are largely only made in lip service, for there is little advantage to owning the land. Towards the arctic range of this territory it is said that the standing snow and ice have taken on a deep bluish-black color for unknown reasons. Little lives in this region, even the barbarian hordes seldom travel far. There is little life, there are arctic hares, foxes and herds of musk-oxen, but little else. Stories do tell of mysterious ruins within the Land, within the arctic circle of Oerth.

    Black Towen: An evil place. Black Towen is the name given to the fortress raised by Gnarley Bones subsequent to his abandonment of his quest (see Horned King) as he laid claim to all lands east of the Suel Empire.
    The hill upon which Black Towen stands was once Danu Towen, a circle of standing stones with a great stone in its center. The site was holy to the druids, second only to the Valley of the Earth Mother. The stone was the Navel of the World. For Ages Danu Towen remained until this last Age when Gnarley Bones set himself up as a God-Emperor. With mighty magics, he raised a towering spire of unbreakable black stone around the Navel. From Black Towen, Gnarley Bones oversaw the subjugation of the druids and witches and the war against the Empire of the Petal Throne. When Gnarley Bones went forth to personally oversee his forces, he left the fortress under the command of his bride Frodomere. Black Towen was the site of Veluna’s capture by Frodomere. When Gnarley Bones exiled himself to the southwest (see Battle of Atter Towen), Frodomere controlled Black Towen. The druids and the newly-formed Heart of the Wood sealed the fortress, trapping Frodomere and the Mallamie within.
    During the Winter of Tears, Tanak Constantine broke the seal using the power of the Black Cauldron. A great battle was fought beneath Black Towen to stop Constantine from resurrecting Gnarley Bones. Ultimately, the battle was futile, but Gnarley Bones allowed himself to be destroyed by the Black Cauldron, thereby destroying the Cauldron as well.

    Bloodguard, The: An order of monks devoted to the protection of the Despotrix of Hardby. The Bloodguard are renowned for being a near-unparalleled fighting force. The guard is trained to fight without weapons. In 564 C.Y., a regiment of one hundred unarmed Bloodguard stopped an invasion of more than five thousand Abbor-Alz barbarians.

    Bronwyn: Bronwyn (BRONN-win) was a magic-user first encountered in the Free City of Longspear. She used magically-animated puppets to commit robberies. Chased out of the city by adventurers, she later reappeared in Deepingdale searching for Lashan, the lost school of wizardry. It was presumed that she perished when her party was wiped out by the lich-professor remaining at that school. She reappeared in the Ffenargh, a morass outside of Greyhawk, where she sought to make herself immortal. The same adventurers who fought her in Longspear upset her plans. She appeared to be killed by the revenant of her husband, whom she had killed.

    Burghoff: Called Deepingdale by much of the world, Burghoff (BURR-goff) is a tiny nation located in the southwest corner of Oerik. Surrounded by the Hellfurnaces, Burghoff is isolated from the rest of the World. The dwarven kingdom of Mîmroddin is located in the mountain wall north of the nation. Burghoff’s past is unknown, but it was apparently it’s own nation roughly around the same time that it’s neighbor, the Suel Empire, rose to power. How Burghoff managed to stay independent of Suel is unknown.
    What is known is that roughly fifteen hundred years ago, Burghoff was ruled by the High King Llewellyn MacArt, a master bard with an extensive history of dangerous adventures. He, according to Burghoff legend, won a promise from the Emperor of Suel to let Burghoff remain independent through a game of chance. Later, when Gnarley Bones, fleeing the Battle of Atter Towen, fled to a far corner of Burghoff, and raised Slaine Towen to protect himself, Llewellyn -on a bet from his father-in-law at the time, snuck into Gnarley Bone’s supposedly impenetrable fortress to steal the Crown of Horns. Llewellyn lost a contest with the Horned King, and drank himself to death. Llewellyn’s body was placed in a secret place, for it was prophesized that he would one day return.
    When the Kingdom of Keoland was established, the Overking of Aerdy laid claim to Burghoff, and renamed the province Deepingdale. Later, when the Kingdom of Keoland was bequeathed, title to Burghoff passed with it. The inhabitants of Burghoff lived as they always had, paying only lip service to the far-off King of the Keoland, and the even more remote Overking in the West.
    In 523 C.Y., the Sea Princes invaded Keoland, and conquered a wide swath of territory. The Princes claimed Burghoff as their own. Unlike the distant royalty of Keoland, the Princes saw opportunity, and put much of the populace to work mining valuable ore and materials. In 596 C.Y., the people of Burghoff desperately sought relief. A native, Marya Darkeyes, recruited a band of adventurers to recover the necessary implements to resurrect the High King. The adventurers succeeded, and Llewellyn lived again. He led a rebellion against the Princes, and succeeded in driving Sea Prince forces out of Burghoff.
    Burghoff’s freedom was short-lived. In 598 C.Y., Gnarley Bones marched north from Slaine Towen towards the Valley of the Earth Mother, leaving desolation in his wake. Burghoff was wiped clean of civilization. Presumably, Llewellyn was killed, and Burghoff remains an empty, sad nation.

    Caine Thistlecrown: A half-elf, Caine is commonly known as “Caine the Despised.” Caine hails from the nation of Celene (see Celene). The son of a human ranger and a grey elf mother, Caine has exceptional longevity, although when last seen he had begun to show signs of middle-Age.
    Caine was an adventurer in his youth, and took part in the campaign to destroy the Temple of Elemental Evil. In recent years, he has been active in the cause of freedom, and has appeared in the Javan River Valley, the Free City of Greyhawk, the Wild Coast and the Pomarj. He seems to be acting as an agent for an unknown principal.
    The Harlequin killed Caine in 598 C.Y.. Caine was an avid cartographer during his life, and maps he drafted have become the model throughout much of eastern Oerik. Many maps similar in style to his have appeared subsequent to his death still bearing his name. Whether Caine is living still, or whether his work has been taken up by another is unknown.

    Carys: A minion of the Earth Mother. Carys (KARE-iss) dwells within the Lodge of the Rock, the resting place of the Navel of the World. Carys appears as a small box turtle whose shell depicts a white tree against a green background. Carys acts as the ultimate protector of the Lodge, should the Order of the Shawl fail. Carys’ powers and abilities are unknown.

    Castle Greyhawk: Also known as “Zagyg’s Folly,” this rambling fortress was begun circa 800 B.C.Y. by the mad mage, not far from the trading post that would eventually blossom into the Free City of Greyhawk. Never completed, the fortress fell almost immediately into ruins. However, there are those who suggest that Zagyg had ulterior motives in creating the castle. Almost immediately after the mage’s abandonment of the project, rumors spread that Zagyg had hidden vast troves of his wealth within the ruins. Adventurers from all over Oerth traveled to Castle Greyhawk to seek their fortunes. More often than not, they never returned. But those who did came away bearing treasure and magic loot, often they quartered at the nearby town of Greyhawk. Their wealth and the town’s close proximity to the ruins enabled the town to prosper and spread.
    The ruins remain today. Although they have been heavily plundered, bands of adventurers plunge into the twisting catacombs beneath the Castle every year. To this day, most never resurface. But each year a few emerge safely, boasting of the wonders beneath.

    Cauldron-Born: Horrible creations of the Black Cauldron. When corpses were laid in the Cauldron, they rose again as unliving automatons, obedient to the possessor of the Cauldron. The Cauldron-Born were greatly feared, as they were mindless and fought until they were hacked to pieces. Even then, the pieces would remain animated. Nothing short of complete cremation could destroy a Cauldron-Born.
    Gnarley Bones first created the Cauldron-Born in his war against the Empire of the Petal Throne. A host of Cauldron-Born comprised the meat of his army, growing ever-larger with each victory as corpes were fed into the ravenous Black Cauldron. Later, after the Horned King’s retreat from the Battle of Atter Towen, they were used by Frodomere to defend Black Towen. When the Empire captured the Cauldron, they ordered all the Cauldron-Born in existence into a massive pyre, thereby destroying them all. However, in the mid-500s C.Y., the Witch King stole the Cauldron and created an army of Cauldron-Born from the remains of the dead surrounding Atter Towen. Although the Heart of the Wood defeated the Cauldron-Born army, and tore Atter Towen down, the Witch King escaped with the Cauldron.
    The Cauldron-Born appeared again during the Winter of Tears when the Witch King, now calling himself the High Drune, sought to use the Cauldron to resurrect Gnarley Bones. The Cauldron was ultimately destroyed by Gnarley Bones’ self-sacrifice, and all the Cauldron-Born were presumable destroyed with it.

    Cauldron of Plenty, The: See the Black Cauldron.

    Celene: 1. One of the Fey, she and her sister Veluna were among the first of those awoken by the Gods. Celene (SEE-leen) aided Danu and Marzanna in the creation of natural things, and taught her wisdom to many of the early peoples of the earth. Celene was particularly beloved by the elves. During this last Age, Celene and Veluna established the Empire of the Petal Throne (see also Grenveilleux), one of the first nations where humans, demihumans and Faeries co-existed.
    When the Horned King later called Gnarley Bones rose to power, Celene resisted him. The result was the near destruction of the Empire. Celene and Veluna refused to surrender, and the Empire fought Gnarley Bones continually for several centuries. The Empire was finally broken when the Empire launched an assault on Black Towen while Gnarley Bones was laying waste to the Valley of the Earth Mother to the north. Celene and her sister sought to slay Gnarley Bones’ horrible bride Frodomere, and return the Navel of the World to the druids. The assault failed, and Frodomere captured Veluna, and bound her in silver chains beneath Black Towen. Frodomere demanded a tribute of one thousand elven maidens for Veluna’s release.
    Celene paid the ransom, and the maidens entered Black Towen and never returned. Unable to forgive her sister, Veluna departed for the North, taking with her much of the Empire’s forces. Celene never recovered from her sister’s anger, and withdrew to the deepest parts of the wood for the remainder of the struggle against Gnarley Bones. When Gnarley Bones returned, he marched in strength against the elven forces. Celene’s brother-husband Ahmazda led the final battle against the Horned King (see Battle of Atter Towen), forming the nucleus of what would become the Heart of the Wood. Gnarley Bones destroyed Ahmazda, but the Horned King retreated into modern-day Deepingdale.
    After the Horned King’s retreat, Celene could no longer bear to remain in the Empire she founded with her sister. She also departed to the east, where she founded the nation that bears her name today. She left her daughter Morwen to rule over the tattered remainder of the Empire. Morwen continues to rule the Heart of the Wood.
    2. A nation of Oerth nestled between the Lortmill Mountains and the Wild Coast. Celene was settled by the Fey of the same name and those who followed her from the tattered remains of the Empire of the Petal Throne. Celene has become an elven kingdom as the Fey slowly scatter or choose to return to the Outer World. The nation is no longer governed by the Fey lady Celene, but instead by a regent chosen by her. The current regent, Yolande, has ruled the tiny nation for eight centuries.
    The borders of Celene are guarded by powerful magics. Although not out-of-phase like the Heart of the Wood, Celene cannot be easily entered by those not invited.

    Chest of Many Winters, The: A powerful artifact created by the druids that was ultimately used against them. Kept at Danu Towen, the Chest was used to keep the seasons temperate in that area. It did so by capturing the fiercest portions of the winter. For centuries, the Chest was so used.
    When Gnarley Bones came to power and raised Black Towen, the Chest was kept secreted within that wicked fortress. Fifteen hundred years later, Tanak Constantine broke the seal placed on Black Towen by the Heart of the Wood and opened the Chest, releasing centuries’ worth of winters upon the world at once and plunging western Oerik into the Winter of Tears.

    Circle of Light: A powerful group of agents loyal to Order who inhabit the World, having assumed human identities. In fact, members of the Circle are typically Lammasus, Shedus and Ki-Rin. They secretly aid the hidden war between Law and Chaos.

    Crow: A member of the Bloodguard, Crow was sent to the secret city of Highport to investigate the Slave Lords. He was captured and held in the dungeons below Highport. With the aid of a band of adventurers, he was able to escape. He was then assigned to watch over the adventurers by the Despotrix, and eventually took part in the struggle against Gnarley Bones. Crow was present during the Last Battle, and joined in the attempt to stop Tanak Constantine from using the Black Cauldron to resurrect Gnarley Bones.

    Crown of Horns, The: One of the holy weapons of the Horned King. The Crown was fashioned Ages ago by the druids. In appearance, it appeared to be circlet bearing the horns of some fantastic animal. While worn, it allowed its wearer to understand the speech of animals, and to win their friendship. When worn by the Horned King, it allowed the King to control plants and animals, and to shape them according to his desire.
    The Crown was worn by an untold number of Horned Kings until the last one. That Horned King (see Gnarley Bones) corrupted the Crown, allowing him to create undead plants and animals, and to bend living things to his will. During the Battle of Atter Towen, Ahmazda, wielding the Sword of the Moon, shattered part of the Crown, depriving Gnarley Bones of its power. Gnarley Bones remained in possession of the Crown however, wearing it so long that it became fused with his body, an inseparable part of him.
    When the new Horned King destroyed Gnarley Bones at the Last Battle, the Crown was destroyed with him. It is to be noted that when Tanak Constantine resurrected Gnarley Bones during the Winter of Tears, his resurrected form was still wearing the Crown.

    Dame Gold: Dame Gold’s true name is unrevealed. The Dame was a powerful merchant from the Wild Coast. She resided in Fairport, the northernmost of the Free Cities. She controlled an enormous and lucrative trading fleet, the Gold Company. With the possible exception of the Despotrix of Hardby, who inhabited the far side of Wooly Bay, Dame Gold was possibly the most powerful woman in Oerik.
    In 597 C.Y., Dame Gold’s niece was captured and held hostage by the Snake Mother in an extortion attempt to fill the coffers of Iuz’s followers. A band of adventurers freed her niece and were subsequently invited to her lush villa for a celebration. Following the celebration, the Slave Lords kidnapped Dame Gold and other party goers.
    The same adventurers freed Dame Gold and returned her safely home. In 598 C.Y., the Harlequin killed Dame Gold. Her niece now oversees the Gold Company, and has assumed the title of Dame.

    Danu: The Earth Mother, supreme among the Gods, with the possible exception of her sister, the Mother of Monsters. Danu (DAH-noo) is the ultimate creator of all life and of the World.

    Danu Towen: A sacred place. Formerly, Danu Towen was located on a hill located in the western portion of Grenevielleux. After Gnarley Bones raised Black Towen around it, Danu Towen ceased to exist, polluted as it was by the Horned King’s corruption.
    When the Navel of the World was recovered from Black Towen, and moved to the Lodge of the Rock in the town of Orlane, that site was renamed Danu Towen.

    Danzig Farplains: Danzig was born to druid parents at the Valley of the Earth Mother. Danzig was born Slaine MacRoth, and was intended to act as the new Horned King, to unseat Gnarley Bones, and to end this Age by toppling the Great Kingdom. Those plans were dashed however. While still a child, Tanelorne the Wicked, for unknown reasons, led a host into the Valley and assaulted Danu’s temple. Danu intervened, send the White Stag to rescue young Slaine. Slaine’s parents were killed, and the child given up for lost.
    In fact, Slaine had been delivered to Samhast Farplains, a disciple of Tritheron. Samhast adopted the child as his own, and raised him. Samhast was a wandering priest, traveling throughout Ket and Keoland, rarely staying in any one place long. Danzig knew he had been adopted, but did not know his true parentage until adulthood.
    Danzig was raised in his adopted father’s faith, and upon reaching adulthood set off on his own to spread the faith. Arriving in the small seacoast village of Saltmarsh, Danzig found himself enmeshed in the adventuring life. He took part in many adventurers, and traveled extensively throughout much of western Oerik. At one point in time, Danzig unseated Janziduur, and became the high priest of the Church of Tritheron in Greyhawk. It was his chance meeting of Gnarley Bones in Deepingdale that prompted the old Horned King to march north against the Valley of the Earth Mother in an attempt to destroy the World.
    His experience in Greyhawk led him to discover that his true love was that of the cloistered cleric. After striving to prevent Tanak Constantine from using the Black Cauldron to resurrect Gnarley Bones during the Winter of Tears, Danzig built a small church in Saltmarsh, where he presides over a growing congregation.

    Darklings: The name given to faeries corrupted by the Mother of Monsters. Evil faeries such as buckawns, eblis, jermalaine, kech, kelpies, korreds, nereids, quicklings, etc.

    Datahnne: (DAH-tan) The troll bodyguard of Tormaq.

    Deepingdale: The common name of Burghoff.

    Despotrix of Hardby: A despot who took control of the lawless seaport of Hardby in 524 C.Y. For over seventy years, the Despotrix (dess-POT-trees) has held the city in her iron grip. Under her control, Hardby has become an organized, sanitary, safe model of civilization. Her strict laws have become notorious throughout Middle Oerik, but Hardby remains by far the safest city in Oerth. Because of the stability, business thrives in Hardby and the city is perhaps one of the richest on earth.
    The Despotrix is served by the Bloodguard, a quasi-religious order that obeys her every command. Those who oppose the Despotrix are typically thrown into Granite Mountain, a magically-created prison deep within the neighboring hills. No one has ever escaped from that prison.

    Derwin Despana: (Also “Derwin Darkenstone”). A drow. Derwin failed a test to his goddess, and was cursed to become a drider, an awful half drow, half spider abomination. Through unknown means, Despana came to unite several goblin tribes under his control. To hide his identity, he adopted the title Nackles (goblin slang for “boss” or “chief”). Despana lead his forces from the Jotens to the Witches’ Hills in the Dreadwood. There, he found many evil things struggling against the Heart of the Wood. Despana organized the creatures, and became a legitimate threat to the Heart. Setting himself up in the ruins of Atter Towen, he rebuilt the ancient, wicked fortress and made war against the Heart. At one point during the War, he burned down tens of thousands of acres of forest, creating Nackles’ Waste.
    At the Battle of Elmreddy Glen, Despana’s forces were routed. Despana retreated to Atter Towen, but was forced to flee when adventurers loyal to the Heart attacked his lair. He fled from the Dreadwood, taking only a few loyal servants with him. He crossed the mighty Javan, and found the ruined fortress of Skulltop.
    From Skulltop, Nackles began again to draw evil forces around him. He rebuilt the fortress in secret, and used the confusion caused by the Winter of Tears to bring thousands of goblin troops from the Hellfurnaces. When Gnarley Bones led his chaotic host north, for unknown reasons, he spared Despana. Thus, in the Horned King’s wake, Despana had the only standing military force in the Javan River Valley.
    Despana, capitalizing on the power vacuum, seized a wide swath of territory as his own. Renaming his fortress Khaverdess, and taking that name for himself as well, Despana created the Kingdom of Terromberre, a goblin-controlled nation.

    Dorian: Daughter of Augusta, the Archdruidess. During the Winter of Tears, Dorian accompanied a band of adventurers beneath Black Towen in the failed effort to prevent Tanak Constantine from using the Black Cauldron to resurrect Gnarley Bones. Dorian later entered into a series of year-marriages with one of the adventurers.

    Dragons: Dragons are very powerful creatures which were spawned by Danu in the First Age. They are spirits of the World itself, and are thus very different from the spirits who predated the World, some of which took on physical forms such as the Fey and Irda. Dragons are spirits of the Earth encased in forms made from the physical world. Upon death, their spirit returns to the earth. Dragons can reproduce, although there is probably a hypothetical limit to the number of dragons that could take form at one time.
    Dragons are exceptionally long-lived and grow increasingly powerful as they Age. The philosophies of dragons cover all ranges. They are united by one common weakness however, and that is greed. Second only to dwarves, dragons are notorious for their love of material wealth and power. They hoard gold, gems and other treasures. Dragons also tend to be egotists, and prone to narcissism. They are exceedingly dangerous when aroused. Most dragons live is isolated places where their hordes are unlikely to be threatened.

    Dreadwood, The: A large forest on the border of the Kingdom of Keoland and the Hold of the Sea Princes. The forest itself is a no-man’s land between the two kingdoms, and is claimed by neither. The forest is actually the property of the Heart of the Wood.
    The forest is the largest remaining piece of Grenevielleux, the rest destroyed by Gnarley Bones. The eastern portion of the forest is largely patrolled by the Heart and is safe, but the westernmost reach of the Dreadwood is taken up by the Witch’s Hills. Despite active patrolling by the Heart, this area remains dangerous. A road once led through the center of the forest, created by a pact between the Heart and Keoland. After the Sea Princes captured the Hold in 523 C.Y., Keoland lost the use of the road. The Heart would not allow the kingdom to use the road for troops during the brief contest against the Sea Princes, and as a result, the Kingdom has had little to do with the Dreadwood or the Heart since.
    The Northwest corner of the Dreadwood was burned down in 595 C.Y. by Nackles, creating a long scar of burned land since called “Nackles’ Waste.”

    Drowning, The: The curse that fell upon Mîmroddin. The dwarves of that fabled city fell victim to their greed and mined too close to an underground river. The resulting flood submerged most of the city and drowned much of its population. Those that were able to escape settled with their Burghoff neighbors.

   Dwarfgate War: The Dwarfgate War erupted approximately two thousand years ago when the dwarves of Mîmthorbardin refused entry to the Suloise fleeing the Rain of Colorless Fire.  The desperate Suel laid a tremendous siege upon the city, bringing all their arms and magic against Mîmthorbardin’s gates.  There were many sorties and forays, and thousands perished on both sides.  In the end, the gates held, and the besieging forces were utterly destroyed by the Rain.  It is said that the dying Suel cast an awful curse upon the city, and since the War, Mîmthorbardin has experienced a long series of tragedies.

    Dwarves: The first mortal race created. Although the elf were the first mortals in the World, the dwarves actually predate the World’s creation. In the beginning, the God Govannan needed assistants in his Outer World forge. The Irda were too delicate. The God sought strong, unyielding servants who shared his love of hard work and perserverence. He forged nine figures in his own image from adamantium, the strongest substance in all of creation. He forged life into his works and thereby created the nine fathers of the dwarves, or “moradha,” as they call themselves (“children of the Smith;” Govannan is known among the dwarves as “Moradhin,” the “One Smith,” often corrupted into “Moradin”).
    The dwarves served Govannan faithfully and assisted him in the creation of the World and of many wondrous things. However, Govannan’s greatest servant was a powerful spirit given the name Belaiden by the Fey. Whether Belaiden was always evil or whether he became corrupted over time is unknown. Belaiden swayed the dwarves from Govannan’s service into his own. Eventually, he persuaded the dwarves to attempt to steal Govannan’s greatest secrets. Furious, and deeply hurt -for Govannan thought of the dwarves as his greatest creation- the Star-Smith cast Belaiden and his accomplices out of the forge and exiled them to the World. See the Arkenstone.
    The dwarves floundered in the World. Belaiden abandoned them, and the elves and fey had turned against them. But Govannan had made his children from strong material, and the dwarves regrouped and made their homes in the World. It is said that those who followed Belaiden would become the Derro, while those who sought by their hard work and ethics to emulate Govannan will eventually return to Anzulbelegost, the forge of the heavens to work beside their creator.
    Dwarves retain their strong character. They are famously strong, resistant to temperature, exhaustion, disease, poison, magic and pain. Their unyielding nature is both their strength and weakness. While they are universally feared and respected on the battle-field, for they will never surrendor nor give quarter; they are absolutely true to their word and are known for being painfully honest. They are quick to take offense and nearly never forgive, yet they make friends for life. Dwarves’ greatest weakness is the flaw that sent them into the World. Even “dragon greed” is second to “dwarf greed.”

     Earth Mother, The: Another name for Danu.

    Egg of the Phoenix: The Egg of the Phoenix has a metaphysical existence. In one sense, it is a powerful artifact of sorts created by Danu in the beginning of things as a contingency lest the World come to an end. Contained within the Egg is an entire new World, exactly like this one, aging as this one ages. In the event this World ends, the Egg can be broken and the new World hatched.
    In another sense, the Egg is, or at least was at one point in time, the new Horned King child. As Gnarley Bones came closer to destroying this World, a new Horned King child was born in the Valley of the Earth Mother. The child existed on more than one plane of existence, on others he took the form of the Egg. Thus, when Ralishaz commanded Alecto to capture the Egg, and hide it in Sepulchre, in this World the child was also kidnapped and hidden.
    It was Ralishaz’s hope to destroy the Egg, thereby preventing the World from being created anew should his pawn Gnarley Bones fail. In 598 C.Y., a band of adventurers traveled to Sepulchre, managed to defeat Alecto, and returned the Egg to the Congress of Life in the Beastlands, on this World, the child was returned to the Valley of the Earth Mother.

    Elves: The first race awakened by the Gods during the First Age, though not the first created (see dwarves). The elves were especially favored by the Gods and were taught by the Fey. They were given the right to give names to all the things in creation. Their language is descended from the High Speech used by the Fey and the Gods.
    In form, the elves tend to be tall and thin. Their skin color ranges from peach to light brown, and their hair is typically dark. The elves from the Empire of the Petal Throne were exceptional in that they tended to have light hair. They have sharp features, almond-shaped eyes and pointed ears. elves have keen senses and can see well in the dark. They have an innate adeption to magic and most know at least a few spells. elves live the longest of all the races, typically forty centuries. They tend to live in thick woodlands, but make their homes in all climates.

    Empire of the Petal Throne: The Empire of the Petal Throne was a nation formed at the beginning of this Age by the Fey sisters Celene and Veluna. The Empire encompassed the majestic forest Grenevielleux (see also Grandwood the Great). The Empire fostered unity between humans, gnomes, elves and the Fey. The Dwarves of the modern-day Good Hills declined an invitation to join the Empire, but traded with it. The Empire’s main rival was the burgeoning Suel Empire to the West.
    The Empire clashed with Gnarley Bones when the Horned King raised Black Towen and set himself up as God-Emperor. He laid claim to much of Grenevielleux. The Empire joined the druids and the witches in opposing Gnarley Bones, and paid a terrible price. Much of Grenevielleux was destroyed and the Empire’s forces were laid waste. Many undying spirits were cast into the Beastlands, or destroyed irrevocably by Gnarley Bones and his horrid bride Frodomere. The battle against Gnarley Bones raged for centuries, but eventually he beat the Empire forces all the way back into a corner of the once-mighty forest. Pausing to devastate the Valley of the Earth Mother, Gnarley Bones created the evil fortress of Atter Towen to keep watch on the nearly-defeated Empire.
    The Empire tried a last ditch forked attack. Ahmazda led a host against Atter Towen, while Veluna led a second army against Black Towen. Both efforts failed horribly. Ahmazda was captured by the Mallamie, and imprisoned beneath Atter Towen. Frodomere met Veluna’s force at the foot of Black Towen, scattering the army before her and capturing the Fey Empress. Celene, facing certain defeat, sued for her sister’s release even as her brother-husband languished beneath Atter Towen. Frodomere required a horrific price for Veluna’s release, a tribute of one thousand elven maidens. Celene paid the price, dooming the maidens and depriving the Empire of nearly all its young women. Veluna could not forgive her sister, and departed the Empire, leaving with those who would follow to the north.
    Celene attempted to hold the Empire together. It seemed as though she faced certain defeat. Indeed, the Horned King offered her an opportunity to surrender, requesting her daughter Morwen’s hand in marriage as a symbol of peace. Celene managed to delay the emissaries from Black Towen while her agents stealthily made a counterattack devastating to the Horned King.
    Where her sister and brother failed in bravery and raw strength, Celene succeeded through guile and stealth. Her agents were able to free Ahmazda, and steal the Cauldron of Plenty (by now corrupted into the Black Cauldron), the Ship of Earth and Sea, and most importantly, the Sword of the Moon. Ordering the Cauldron-Born to march into a great pyre and destroy themselves, the Empire succeeded in destroying much of the Horned King’s army. Terrified that his enemies were now armed with weapons capable of harming him, Gnarley Bones launched a massive attack against the Empire’s remaining forces (see Battle of Atter Towen).
    After Ahmazda’s destruction, and the Horned King’s retreat, Celene herself departed for the East, formally dissolving the Empire. Morwen was left in her stead to govern those who would stay (see the Heart of the Wood).

    Eöwen: (Alternately, Eöwyn) A swanmaiden. Eöwen (YO-WENN, or AY-oh-WENN)was an adventurer from Ket. While battling a spirit naga outside the village of Orlane, she entered the Lodge of the Rock, the holy sanctuary enclosing the Navel of the World. Eöwen converted to the faith of Danu. After tirelessly battling on the Earth Mother’s behalf, Eöwen was asked by Lady Iwain to join the Order of the Shawl. Eöwen made her oaths to the Earth Mother, accepted the shawl, and became a member of the Order.
    For many decades, Eöwen has defended Orlane from enemies of the Earth Mother. When the druids began to suspect that Gnarley Bones was stirring again in Deepingdale, Eöwen investigated. She was captured by Gnarley Bones and nearly sacrificed atop a wicker giant when she was captured by a band of adventurers that included Danzig Farplains. Eöwen accompanied the adventurers on several occasions. She spent much of her time with the adventurer Wolfmoon Treeman, the son of Gleam Treeman. The two have planted an orchard in Saltmarsh in reverence of Celene’s orchard in Avenmore, Wolf and Eöwen’s garden has become a popular attraction in the small seacoast village. She also took part in the unsuccessful campaign during the Winter of Tears to stop Tanak Constantine from using the Black Cauldron to resurrect Gnarley Bones.

    Eye of the Witch, The: An artifact of unknown origin. It first appeared in the Suel Empire. By unknown means, the Eye traveled west, where it came into the possession of the Wicca. The last Horned King had been coronated when the witch-queen presented the Eye to him.
    The Eye became considered one of the holy weapons of the Horned King (see also Cauldron of Plenty, Crown of Horns, Navel of the World, Spear of the Sun, Sword of the Moon). The Eye allowed the Horned King to perceive events far away. He wore it on an adamantium chain. Not long after he accepted the Eye, however, the Horned King violated his oaths to the Earth Mother and declared himself a God-Emperor. As Gnarley Bones, the Horned King came into conflict with the Empire of the Petal Throne. Ahmazda, the leader of the Empire’s forces struck Gnarley Bones with the Sword of the Moon during the Battle of Atter Towen. The blow severed the chain holding the Eye and it fell to the battlefield.
    The Eye passed through many intervening hands following the Battle. Eventually, it made its way into the Suel Empire again, where it was brought to Lashan, the Suloise academy of wizardry, for study. As it was being studied, the Invoked Devastation occurred, changing the face of the earth and stranding Lashan high in a range of raging volcanoes, the precursors of the Hellfurnaces. The Invoked Devastation was followed by the Rain of Colorless Fire, which annihilated the Suel Empire.
    For more than a thousand years, the Eye remained in the ruins of Lashan until discovered by Tanith Constantine and his companions. Tanith brought the Eye west with him. He discovered two things about the Eye: it contained a dream world within it; and it could not be gotten rid of easily. The Eye carried within it the Nightmare Beast, who was accidentally freed.
    Despite several attempts to rid himself of the Eye, it continued to return to him. During his invasion of Highport, the hidden city of the Slave Lords, the Eye left him at the Temple of Iuz, creating a battle between Gnarley Bones and the Old One, and causing the Pomarj to fall under Gnarley Bone’s control.
    The Eye was not seen again until the Winter of Tears, when Tanak Constantine appeared at Khaverdess. Some deal was struck between Constantine and Nackles, as Mallang delivered the Eye to Tanith once again.

    Faeries: The name given to the least powerful, and most numerous of the Fey. Faeries vary widely in appearance, disposition and power. As (largely) good spirits encased in a physical form, faeries are undying, and if their physical form is destroyed, they return to the Outer World. Pixies, Nixies, Sprites, Dryads, Sirines, Nymphs, Sylphs, Nereids, Kelpies, Satyrs, Korred, Kech, Eblis, Quicklings, Buckawns, Brownies, and Leprechauns are examples of the varied faerie race (see also Darklings).

    Feg: Feg is a quickling lord (see Darklings). He first appeared in the service of Nackles. He fought at the Battle of Elmreddy Glen, and did not accompany Nackles during his flight to Skulltop. Since the Battle, Lord Feg has remained in the Witches’ Hills, where he musters forces to harry The Heart of the Wood. Lord Feg has recently occupied Atter Towen, where he has set himself up as a minor tyrant.

    Felperic Mîmklar: Felperic was an influential moudhi, or dwarven priest, from the dwarf capital of Mîmthorbardin, rising to power circa 2000 B.C.Y.  Felperic survived the Invoked Devastation, and the ensuing Dwarfgate War.  It was shortly after this time that Felperic received a vision be believed to come from Moradin.  The vision revealed the resting place of the Arkenstone.  Felperic believed that the stone was located in one of Mîmthorbardin’s farthest-flung copper mines, in a northwest range of hills then known as the Iron Legs (today known as the Jotens). 
    Felperic petitioned the Council of Thanes for permission to leave the City with a band of devout followers to retrieve the Arkenstone.  Mîmthorbardin, at this point, was completely sealed off.  For this reason, and based upon the council of the High Moudi, the Thanes denied Felperic’s request.  In response, Felperic fermented revolt and dissention in the Sealed City. 
    Circa 1800 B.C.Y., Felperic had risen in power even further, and was next in line to be the High Moudhi.  The revolt he had started had led to the division of the derro and dwarven cities.  After the death of the High Moudhi, it was revealed that Felperic was not a priest of Moradin at all, but rather of Abbathor, the god of secrets.  Felperic organized an abortive coup against the Temple of Moradin, but was quickly defeated.  Due to his noble parentage, he was ordered to be imprisoned for life rather than put to death.
    Felperic served less than a century of his sentence when his followers orchestrated a bloody escape.  Felperic and his followers fled the City, treasonously opening the gates of the City for the first time in three hundred years, and fled to the northwest, where the vision had revealed the location of the Arkenstone.
    Felperic found the land greatly changed.  Following the Invoked Devastation, the Iron Hills had become the lava-belching Hellfurnaces and the Iron Legs, once gently rolling hills, were now towering snow-encrusted peaks.  He led his self-proclaimed pilgrims through the wastelands, losing many along the way.  Coming to the mine, he set about digging up the Stone.
    Throughout the many centuries, he never wavered from his fanatic task.  As his followers fell, they were forced into undying servitude to continue the task.  Those who attempted to flee were slain and reanimated under his command.  Soon, the mine became a haunted, desolate place.  All those who stumbled into its maw were put to work on Felperic’s plan.
    In December of 606 C.Y., the adventurers known as the Stormcrows investigated the mine.  Stumbling upon the unholy operation, they discovered that Felperic was continuing his obsession.  They destroyed his body, but his fierce spirit possessed a relic owned by one of the Stormcrows; the hammer Whelm, owned by Mogrim Mîmbalroth.

    Fey, The: The Fey are spirits that were given a physical form by the Gods in the First Age. The Fey acted as servants of the Gods, and helped them in awakening the races, and spreading the faiths of the Gods.
    Like the Gods, the Fey are undying. Eventually, even the physical forms created by the Gods will expire (the forms being made out of physical substances). Freed of their physical forms, the Fey return to the Outer World. Many choose to return to the World, and the God whom the Fey follows (or a high-ranking servant) usually creates a new form for the Fey to inhabit. Good spirits, they are highly magical creatures, and most exhibit a tendency towards an archetype. Ahmazda, for example, was a fierce warrior, much like Morrigan, the Goddess he primarily served, whereas Celene, who served Danu, had power over plants and living things, etc. Short of violence, they will never die; even if killed, their spirits will return to the earth after a period of time. It is, however, possible to permanently destroy one of the Fey under certain circumstances. The Fey can reproduce, but do so rarely.
    There are great differentiations among the Fey. Much of the difference depending on the deity the particular Fey followed in the beginning of time and of the individual power of the spirits. All faeries, such as Nixies, Pixies, Nymphs and the like (and Darklings) are lesser types of Fey. Others, such as Celene, are nearly as powerful as minor deities. In the beginning of time, the Mother of Monsters captured some of her sister’s creations and corrupted them, creating the goblin hordes. Thus, there is undying enmity between the Fey (and their descendants) and goblins. In the Beginning, there was a multitude of Fey. Their numbers have slowly dwindled over the Ages, as some choose not to return to the World when their physical form at last expires, fewer are permanently destroyed. The greatest of the Fey, beings such as Ahmazda, Celene, Morwen and Veluna are very few in number, the majority of these having chosen to return to the Outer World.

    First Age, The: The first Age began immediately upon the beginning of things, when the Gods and their servants, the Titans, created the world. Several millennia into the First Age, the Gods created life in the World. Danu created plants and animals, the other gods, assisted by their personal servants the Irda, fashioned her creations according to their tastes, and the World was seeded. Danu created the Fey to oversee her creations. Other Gods, such as Govannan, created their own races to serve them.
    Discord entered the first Age when Danu’s shadow, the Mother of Monsters, entered the World. Vamatar corrupted that which she could not kill. The Fey she captured degenerated into goblinkind; she created the race of orcs from elves; strife and division broke out among the races, creating the precursors of the drow and the derro; the titans revolted against the Gods; the Irda became gross parodies of themselves as they surrendered to their gluttonous hunger. Iuz caused the nascent dwarves to be cast out into the World by turning them against Govannan.
    Danu, seeing the discord, created an Order in the World. Near the end of the First Age, the first Men awoke. Humans served the deity of their choice. Although they lived only short lives, they had the capacity to change the World. Danu set in motion the cycle of the Horned King, whereby Ages would begin and end. The First Age came to a calamitous end as the races watched in awe and terror as the first Horned King tore civilization down so that it could begin anew.

    Fist of God, The: One of the tallest mountains in all of Oerth. Named “Suneater” in the orcish tongue, the seven-mile tall mountain stands in the near center of the Pomarj. It is so named because it completely blocks out the sun during certain times of the day. On one of its slopes is a lake, the secret city of Highport is located on an island therein.

    Flan: A human race that constitutes the indigenous people of central Oerik. They are a separate ethnicity than the Oeridians and the Suloise. The Flans are roughly characterized by their smallish, wiry body type, dusky skin, wide noses and dark hair and eyes. Prior to the Suloise migration east from the Suel Empire, they were the dominant human racial type in the area stretching from Suel to the west to Wooly Bay to the east. Their language, flannish is still spoken, but the Great Kingdom’s occupation of the continent and intermarriage have largely reduced its use to small pockets. In Western Oerik, most druids tend to be of flannish stock. The populations of Yeomanry, Keoland, Ket and the Hold of the Sea Princes are largely flannish, although the ruling class of the Sea Princes are Oeridian. The people of Burghoff are from an entirely separate ethnicity, Burghal, although pockets of Burghal populations exist in the Sea Princes’ holdings, particularly in the area of the Dreadwood.

    Fortinbras: Lord Guy of Shank’s loyal valet. Fortinbras (FORR-tin-BRAH) has been a Knight of Shank for nearly forty years and Guy is the fourth Lord he has served. Fortinbras survived Lord Gustav’s despicable reign, but spent the last four years of that reign imprisoned beneath Shank Hall for refusing to carry out the mad Lord’s insane whims. Lord Guy freed Fortinbras upon his father’s death. In recognition of his long service, the Kingdom of Keoland granted Fortinbras the wondrous steed Gramshen. One of the Winhimm, Gramshen speaks the common tongue of Oerth.

    Frodomere: The first, and most horrible, of Gnarley Bone’s brides. In life, Frodomere (FROH-doh-MEER) was a woman named Dredeleine, a druid alive at the time of the last Horned King’s rise to power. She guided Slaine MacRoth through the preliminary rituals and even aided him during some of his quests to recover the holy weapons of the Horned King (see the Cauldron of Plenty; Crown of Horns; the Eye of the Witch; Navel of the World; Ship of Earth and Sea; Spear of the Sun; Sword of the Moon). It was rumored that they became lovers. By the time Slaine set foot upon the Navel of the World and assumed the role of the Horned King, Dredeleine had become the Archdruidess.
    As the Horned King marshaled his forces, preparing war against the Suel Empire, Dredeleine attended him at Danu Towen. Soon after, the two entered into a marriage, breaking the Horned King’s most sacred vow. Immediately, the Horned King declared himself to be a God-Emperor with Dredeleine as his Empress.
    Dredeleine became corrupted by the Horned King’s influence. Stripped of her title by the druids, she became the first High Drune, and fostered that horrid faith. The awful energies she wielded devoured her completely. She matched and possibly even exceeded her husband in wickedness and depravity. Her enemies knew her as “Frodomere,” flannish for “Mother of Fear.”
    Although the Horned King would take many brides, Frodomere retained her title of Empress. She governed Black Towen when the Horned King was away in battle. Towards the end of the war against the Empire of the Petal Throne, Frodomere faced an assault led by Veluna. Frodomere herself took the field and the Empire’s forces broke before her. She captured Veluna, and imprisoned her beneath Black Towen. When Veluna’s sister Celene sued for her release, Frodomere demanded an almost impossible price, one thousand elven maidens. Celene paid the ransom, and Frodomere released Veluna, knowing that by doing so, she would shatter the Empire. The maidens entered Black Towen, and never returned. It was rumored that Frodomere had them horribly tormented, tortured and finally bled to death. Some say that she had her bath filled with their blood and bathed in it. The undead known as banshees first appeared around this time.
    When Gnarley Bones fled the field at the Battle of Atter Towen and departed for the southeast without her, Frodomere tried for a time to rule in his stead. Forces led by the druids and the newly-formed Heart of the Wood sealed Black Towen, trapping her within. Frodomere remained in the bowels of that evil place for nearly fifteen hundred years, festering away without Gnarley Bones’ power to sustain her. During the Winter of Tears, Tanak Constantine used the Black Cauldron to break the seal. Several years later, Frodomere, now much weakened by her imprisonment, was able to rouse herself and escape.

    Furies, The: The three most feared agents of Ralishaz, the God of Misfortune. In name, they are Alecto, Callisto and Euryale. The furies were sent forth by their Lord to bring ruin upon the proud and the materialistic. Over the Ages, the three furies were captured and bound in unbreakable cages. Each of the three cages can only be opened in certain ways: Alecto’s by the touch of a unicorn’s horn, Euryale’s by an honest man and Callisto’s by one beloved by Ralishaz. Both Alecto and Euryale’s cages have been opened, and they have been released into the World. Callisto remains a prisoner of the Heart of the Wood in Avenmore.
    Alecto stole the Egg of the Phoenix from the Valley of the Earth Mother in 598 C.Y. She hid it away in Sepulchre. She was later defeated on that plane, and her material form destroyed. She has thus been dismissed to Pandemonium for seven years.
    In form, the furies resemble great harpies and are second to nothing in the fear they generate. They are as strong as giants, bear sharp feathers made of iron and adamantium claws. They can use lightning bolts as whips and can summon destructive winds.

    Gilandril Greycloak: A sylvan elf, twin brother of Adric, and son of Jenness. Gilandril (GILL-lann-DRILL) accompanied his brother, Danzig Farplains and a band of adventurers in the investigation of a haunted house in Saltmarsh, a nearby lizard man lair, and took part in a full-scale assault on a Sahuagin fortress located just off the coast from the Hool Marshes. Gilandril later took part in the Battle of Elmreddy Glen. Nackles killed Gilandril beneath Atter Towen.

    Glaurung: A young red dragon living in the Hellfurnaces, near Lashan, the lost Suloise school of wizardry (see Suel Empire). Glaurung (GLAHR-rung) fought, and was slain by, Karat.

    Gleam Treeman: Father of Wolfmoon Treeman, Gleam was in fact a wolfwere from the Witches’ Hills. Masquerading as a woodsmen, he passed from village to village, preying on the unknowing inhabitants. For a time, he took a human wife and settled down, but soon a rash of local murders were traced to him, and he was chased deep into the Dreadwood. Gleam remained a menace haunting the woods for several decades, avoiding attempts by the Heart of the Wood to capture him. For a time, the Sea Princes placed a ransom for his hide, an offer pursued unsuccessfully by several adventurers. He was finally killed by his son during the Winter of Tears.

    Gnarley Bones: The being called Gnarley Bones was once a human man. At what was intended to be the end of this Age, a man named Slaine MacRoth, who rose to fame and renown throughout Grenevielleux, completed many perilous quests to recapture the holy weapons of the Horned King (see the Cauldron of Plenty, the Crown of Horns, the Eye of the Witch, the Navel of the World, the Ship of Earth and Sea, the Spear of the Sun, the Sword of the Moon). Standing atop the Navel at Danu Towen, he was proclaimed the Horned King of this Age and was imbued with one-seventh of the Earth Mother’s power.
    Soon after his ascension however, this Horned King committed a vile act of betrayal that was unprecedented. As he gathered his forces for the supposed assault against the Suel Empire, the Horned King took Dredeleine, the Archdruidess, as his wife (see Frodomere). Since he was already ritually married to Danu, this act was a blasphemous rejection of the oaths he had taken. He raised Black Towen to surround the Navel and proclaimed himself God-Emperor.
    The Empire of the Petal Throne immediately challenged him. Thus, while he would have likely been drawn into conflict with the Suloise simply by their proximity, and perhaps have averted the Invoked Devastation and Rain of Colorless Fire, he instead waged war against the druids and the Fey Empire. Invulnerable as he was, no force on earth could truly harm him. He was not however, immortal, thus he aged and decayed during the course of the war against the Empire. He became a decrepit mockery of himself and took the self-degrading name given to him by the children of his Empire, “Gnarley Bones.”
    Gnarley Bones defeated all his enemies, but was undone by his own self-loathing and fear of death. He destroyed most of Grenevielleux, annihilated the Wicca, devastated the Valley of the Earth Mother, and beat the Empire of the Petal Throne back to an indefensible corner, backed on all sides by the Azure Sea. Celene, however, managed to steal, among his other weapons, the Sword of the Moon. Ahmazda, temporarily imbued with power from Danu, wielded the Sword at the Battle of Atter Towen, dealing him a grievous wound. Gnarley Bones destroyed Ahmazda irrevocably, and therefore stood victorious. The wound was not mortal, he could have defeated what was left of the Empire then and there. The pain of the wound, combined with the fear at the loss of his weapons, added to his own self-destructive streak, causing him to flee to the far south-west, abandoning his allies. In a corner of the world, he fashioned an impenetrable fortress around himself (see Slaine Towen).
    Gnarley Bones hid in Slaine Towen for nearly fifteen hundred years, cowering in the unfathomable foundations of that place, fearful that a new Horned King would be born and, wielding the holy weapons, destroy him. By a twist of fate, Gnarley Bones encountered Danzig Farplains in 596 C.Y. Danzig was in fact the very figure Gnarley Bones had feared, but Danzig had never undergone the training of the Horned King. Realizing that there was no one to stop him, Gnarley Bones launched the horrific host he had been building for centuries, marching north toward the Valley of the Earth Mother to destroy the World at last.
    Gnarley Bones was defeated at the Last Battle. Unbeknownst to him, yet another Horned King child had been born. This one existed on both worlds, this one and the Beastlands. At both the Valley of the Earth Mother in this world and the Temple of Life in the Beastlands, Gnarley Bones easily defeated the forces arrayed against him. Striding up the steps of the Temple he delivered what he thought would be the coup de grace, breaking the Illearth Staff. The deadly energies released drained the very life essence of many, and aged the rest. By a cruel trick, the energies aged the Horned King child into an adult. Imbued by Danu with an adult’s intelligence, the new Horned King was able to kill Gnarley Bones with the Spear of the Sun. Gnarley Bones, laughing as he stood witness to the cruel irony, was destroyed. All along he had been a game piece in a vast game of chess played between the twin gods of fortune and misfortune. His soul presumably returned to Danu. The new Horned King was returned to infancy, and is at the Temple still.
    But the Horned King’s soul would not rest for long. During the Winter of Tears, Tanak Constantine sought to use the Black Cauldron to resurrect the old Horned King. Although he was opposed, he succeeded in bringing Gnarley Bones back into the World. Gnarley Bones, though, longed for the black embrace of nothingness. Thus, he knelt within the Cauldron, shattering it, and destroying himself irrevocably. His soul was banished to the Outer Void.
    In “life,” Gnarley Bones was an exceedingly high-level ranger, who later became the High Drune upon renouncing his oaths to Danu, his symbolic wife. He was completely invincible to all attacks save those caused by his holy weapons, when wielded by his own hand. He was not invulnerable, however; while aging could not kill him, it did cause him to decay and rot. Likewise, he could not die from disease, but he could suffer its effect; he could be tricked by illusions, or conceivable even imprisoned.
    His power seemed to increase over the centuries, perhaps through arcane studies. He battled and defeated Iuz on the Astral Plane, where his immunities would have little effect. He also created the Illearth Staff, thereby exponentially boosting his magical power. Eventually, he became so rotten and foul that his mere presence caused death and decay around him. His approach was often heralded by the wilting of plants and death of small animals. The Earth could not abide his touch, and every footstep he made on the surface of the World remains to this day a perfect imprint made of dry, lifeless sand. These are the smallest of the wounds he inflicted upon the World.

    Goblins: The many goblin races are descended from Fey corrupted in the First Age by the Mother of Monsters. The variety of goblins belies their varied beginnings. It is probable that near the Beginning, minor spirits fell under the sway of evil. Like the fey from which they came, goblins are undying. If their material forms are destroyed, they are cast into the Abyss or Acheron, only to return to the World in time.
    At any rate, there are many forms of goblins. Once there were far more, but many strains have been completely eradicated from the World. Goblins have been at war with the Fey, and the Fey’s adopted children the elves, since their inception. Driven into inhospitable places by war, they managed to alienate the dwarves as well. The smallest and most numerous of the races are the jebli (JEBB-lee), or “red backs.” Simply referred to as “goblins” in the common tongue, these goblins stand between three and three and a half feet tall. They have spindly arms and legs, giving them a fragile appearance. Like all goblins however, the jebli are tough and hardy. The facial features of goblins appear almost exaggerated. They have large noses, ears and eyes. They are typically hairless, have red eyes, and tend towards a tannish orange in color. They outnumber all other races of goblins, but are the weakest and are often forced to serve their more powerful brethren. The jebli cannot stand sunlight, and are completely subterranean in nature, which limits their habitat.
    Hobgoblins, or wermot (WERR-moht), “strong hands,” are the next most numerous, and probably the most dangerous. Wermots can stand the light of the sun and see quite well in total darkness. They stand between four and four and a-half feet in height, and are as strong as men. Their features are less exaggerated than the jeblis, and their skin ranges between a rose and yellow in color. Like the jebli, wermots are hairless. Hobgoblins are excellent smiths, and are nearly always well armed. They are usually led by high-level warrior/priests. They are the most highly organized of the goblins, and their culture embraces a tight, military mind-set. Hobgoblins control wide portions of the territory of Horned Society and Iuz. Much of the Hellfurnaces is also under Hobgoblin rule.
    Norkers, or werrut (WERR-root) “strong teeth,” seem to be a sub-race of hobgoblins. Found only in the northern reaches of the Hellfurnaces and the Jotens, werrut are short and stocky. They stand between three and a-half and four feet tall, and are as strong as dwarves. Their skin ranges from dusky orange to brown. Their eyes are squinty and they are noted for their enormous canines, which look much like tusks (causing them to be mistaken for orcs). The werrut are fewer in number than the jebli or wermots, but make up for small numbers with great physical strength and magical abilities. They count many illusionists within their numbers.
    Bugbears, or azwermot (AZZ-werr-MOHT) “great strong hands,” are giant, hairy goblins. They tower over the other goblins, standing over seven feet in height and weighing over three hundred pounds. They are entirely covered with short, thick brown fur, except for their faces and the pads of their hands and feet. Their facial features resemble the jebli, except that their ears are even larger, often ending in tufts, like that of a lynx. Surprising swift for such large creatures, the azwermots can be found nearly everywhere, often sneaking in alarming numbers across civilized areas to congregate in hidden strongholds.
    Sligs, or malakur (MAHL-ah-KURR) “devil hearts,” are the worst of the goblins still in the World. They are discussed elsewhere.
    So-called “nilbogs,” or jeblimal (JEBB-lee-MAHL) “devil red backs,” are highly-magical goblins. They have the ability to be made stronger by each wound inflicted upon them. Only healing magic can harm them. They are exceedingly rare. However, due to the goblin race’s unanimous worship of Vamatar, and the subsequent dearth of curing magics available to goblin priests, most goblin leaders tend to be jeblimals.

    Gods: Gods are supremely powerful and immortal entities responsible for and overseeing various aspects of existence. Gods may or may not have an actual physical form. If they do, it is not made of the same material as the World, for Gods predate the World’s creation. None of the Gods are truly omnipotent, although some appear more powerful than others. It is probably impossible to accurately scale the powers of any of the deities. It has been hinted that Gods derive their power from their worshippers, and that the more worshippers a God has, the greater they become in power. The truth of this theory has never been tested, although Ralishaz once boasted that he “killed” a minor diety, Dalt the God of Portals and Passages, by causing all of his worshippers to be simultaneously slain by a cataclysm.
    In Oerik, there are two distinct but occasionally overlapping major pantheons. The first, the so-called “Dozen Deities,” were worshiped east of the Suel Empire for Ages. They are Ahto, Amra, Arawn, Danu, Govannan, Marzanna, Meness, Mokosh, Morrigan, Ukko, and Vamatar (see the Mother of Monsters). The second major pantheon comes from the Suel Empire, and consists of several dozen deities, some of whom came from the Suel, others from nations the Suel conquered. Some of the most-widely worshiped deities of this pantheon are Pholtus, Tritheron, and Zilchus. Other deities of Suloise origin are not widely-worshiped, but are influential, such as Kord and Ralishaz. The Oeridian gods, if they had a pantheon separate from the Flan, have been largely forgotten. The people of Burghoff worshiped their own gods, only one of whom is named, Dagda. The barbarians of Oerik’s far northwest worship their own pantheon of Gods, of which Kos is chief.
    The overlapping occurs because several of the deities exist in multiple pantheons under different names: Danu is worshiped in the East as Danaan, Arawn as Nerull, Govannan as Moradin, Meness as Wee Jas, etc.
    Some deities come from no known pantheon, such as Iuz and Wastri. This may be because they are not worshiped or because they perhaps came into existence in some manner after the creation of the World.
    Gods are more akin to sentient ideas than actual beings. Ralishaz once suggested that it was possible for deities to be destroyed however, and during the Suloise-Baklunish Wars, the Lich-Emperor Vecna created weapons capable of slaying the Gods (see Terminus Est).

    Govannan: The star-smith. Govannan (GO-vahn-NAHN) is the flanninsh equivalent of the Suel god Moradin, which itself is a corruption of the dwarvish Moradhin (the “One Smith”) in his role as creator of the dwarven race. Govannan is an interesting deity; he was worshipped both among the flan and suloise, and no doubt traces his origin to a primordial deity worshipped by common ancestors of those two ethnicities (he is known as “Math” to the people of Burghoff). Govannan is the god of crafts, smithing, engineering and creation. He fashioned much of the World at the behest of his mother, the goddess Danu. His work was then set in place by the Titans in the beginning of things.
    In the First Age, he created the race of dwarves to assist him at his work. Govannan’s chief aide was Belaiden, an undying spirit blessed with the gift of creativity. Govannan fashioned many works, including the stars, which he set in the sky to woo his sister, the goddess Meness.
    Before the end of the First Age, however, Govannan was dealt a blow. His most trusted servant Belaiden turned the dwarves against him, and together they sought to steal his secrets. Deeply hurt by the betrayal, Govannan banished his children, together with Belaiden, out of his forge into the World. Belaiden would eventually become the scourge known as Iuz. Ever since their banishment, the dwarves have sought to prove themselves worthy of their creator with great works of craft and skill. It is their belief that dwarves who prove themselves in life are allowed to return to their creator’s side upon death and join him in his labors.

    Gramshen: One of the Winhimm, Gramshen was awarded to Fortinbras by the King of Keoland in recognition of that knight’s four decades of service to the realm.

    Grandwood the Great: Grenevielleux, in the common tongue.

    Great Druid, The: The highest ranking member of the druidic faith. The Great Druid must face a magical challenge from the Archdruid every three years to retain his or her title. Thus, the Archdruid and the Great Druid have a competitive relationship. The Great Druid oversees the Valley of the Earth Mother.

    Great Kingdom, The: The common name for the Kingdom of Aerdy. The Great Kingdom is surrounded by many vassal states, such as the North and South Provinces, the Bone March, Ratik, Ahlissa, Onwall, etc., all of which waiver in and out of existence depending on the treaties of the time and the whims of the Overking. All these sister-states are subordinate to the Great Kingdom and are not true independent nations. They are governed by members of the House of Aerdy, and are all therefore related to the Overking.

    Great Spring, The: After the Winter of Tears was stopped by closing the Chest of Many Winters, the thick blanket of snow and ice that had gripped Western Oerik for eighteen months melted, causing massive floods. The floods were in many ways as destructive as the winter had been, but the spring brought new life and hope to the land.

    Greneviellieux: Also called Grandwood the Great, Grenevielleux (GRAHN-ah-VEYE-yoo) was a majestic forest that covered millions of square miles of land east of the burgeoning Suel Empire. Although the Invoked Devastation has changed the face of the World, remnants of the forest can still be seen as far south as the Dreadwood in Keoland, and as far north as the Bramblewood in Ket. The forest extended as far west as the present-day banks of the Javan River and as far east as the present-day Wooly Bay.
    The Empire of the Petal Throne claimed most of Grenevielleux. Gnarley Bones destroyed Grenevielleux during his war against the Empire. At one time, forest fires raged from horizon to horizon, and so much smoke was carried east by the trade-winds that the barbarians of the Abbor-Alz carry an oral tradition of the Dark Times, a century when the sun never rose.

    Greyhawk, Free City of: The so-called “Jewel of the Flaeness.” Greyhawk was founded by Zagyg circa 2000 B.C.Y. as a trading post on the Selintan river. The post was mostly frequented by Oeridian traders sailing to and from Wooly Bay. When Zagyg began construction of Castle Greyhawk nearby, circa 800 B.C.Y., the City began to flourish.
    By the time the Suel refugees reached the Greyhawk area, they were amazed at the City. Greyhawk was by that time (circa 200 B.C.Y.) a walled city with a thriving economy, culture and society. Greyhawk was also still under the protection of its mayor, Zagyg, at this point. Even the haughty members of the Aerdy family knew enough to allow Greyhawk to remain free.
    Greyhawk has evolved into arguably the greatest city in Oerik. Although not the largest (Rauxes, the capitol of the Great Kingdom holds that title), nor the oldest (the Oeridian city of Rel Astra holds that distinction), Greyhawk is arguably the most advanced city. It is certainly thriving. Within its walls, all nationalities and races mix. Although open use of magic is regulated, Greyhawk is recognized at the premier source of magical items, research and experimentation. Likewise, temples to virtually all the Gods are represented here, coexisting with each other. Many of the greatest adventurers of this Age, Mordenkainen, Bigby, Rary, Evard, and Otto all settled in the Greyhawk area. It is recognized as the leading source of fashion, culture and the arts. Even the Great Kingdom looks to the Free City for the latest trends. Greyhawk also boasts the most complete libraries in existence. Although it has little in the way of a standing army, Greyhawk wields one of the most powerful political forces on Oerth.

    Gustav, Lord of Shankshire: Lord Gustav IV of Shankshire was the sixteenth Lord of that Province. In 596 C.Y., Gustav underwent a fever that lasted several weeks. Although he recovered, it was widely whispered that he had become devil-ridden. His madness began to infect the once-proud Knights of Shank, and his knights became mere extensions and tools of his depravity. He plundered the province’s resources, murdered his wife, and maimed his son Guy II. Gustav was himself killed in 599 C.Y.

    Guy, Lord of Shankshire: Lord Guy II of Shankshire is the seventeenth Lord of that Province. He was preceded by Lord Gustav IV, who went mad and squandered much of the region’s resources before being killed during the Winter of Tears. Lord Guy endured horrible tortures during his father’s reign. He witnessed his mother, Lady Elaine being murdered by his devil-ridden father, and was himself maimed when his father cut out his tongue. He was forced to work as a stable boy, but was able to warn a passing band of adventurers of his father’s evil.
    Upon becoming the newly titled Lord of Shankshire, Lord Guy has begun the work of rebuilding the Knights of Shank, a once famed cavalry regiment. In 599 C.Y., Lord Guy married Lady Altice.

    Haldar Mîmbalroth: (HAL-dahr MIM-bahl-ROTH) A mountain dwarf hailing from Mîmroddin. Cousins with Mogrim Mîmbalroth, Haldar competed with his cousin for the family heirloom Whelm, an enchanted war hammer. Haldar bested Mogrim is feats of strength, and claimed Whelm. Haldar is believed to have been killed in 599 C.Y. by the hordes of Gnarley Bones. Whelm was later reclaimed by Mogrim.

    Harlequin, The: One of the deadliest agents of Ralishaz, the God of Misfortune. In 598 C.Y., the Harlequin was dispatched to wipe out all existence of a band of adventurers meddling in Ralishaz’s scheme to use Gnarley Bones to end the World. The Harlequin did so first by destroying records of the adventurers, then by slaying persons close to them. During the fall of 598 C.Y., the Harlequin slew dozens of people, including Baldwyn Bandersnatch, Caine, Dame Gold, Morat Aurung-Zebe, and Janziduur, to name a few. The adventurers caught up to the Harlequin and destroyed his physical form, sending him back to Pandemonium for a span of thirteen years. Presumably, the Ragged King has since retracted his order. Presumably.

    Heart of the Wood: An elven realm located in the Dreadwood. The Heart is the successor of the Empire of the Petal Throne. When the Empire dissolved after Veluna’s passing to the East, Celene left the remaining tatters of the Empire to her daughter Morwen. Morwen has presided as mistress of the realm for nearly fifteen hundred years. Most of the Fey left with Celene and Veluna, leaving the Dreadwood to the elves and faeries. During Morwen’s reign, she has seen the rise and fall of the Witch King, the destruction of Atter Towen, the rebuilding of that wicked place and the struggle against Nackles. During the Winter of Tears, Morwen wisely chose not to dispatch Heart forces against Gnarley Bones. The Heart dug in during the Winter, and secured the Dreadwood's borders against incursion from Terromberre troops. The Witch’s Hills at the Dreadwood’s westernmost reaches are said to be a constant concern of Morwen’s.
    The Heart has a court -the actual “Heart”- which is protected by Fey magic such that it is slightly out of phase with the rest of the World. This protection was created by Celene and Veluna during the Empire’s war against the Horned King. Only those who can find its location and know the correct passwords can enter into the court itself, which is said to far outstrip Avenmore in beauty. It is protected by the Annunaki.

    Hellfurnaces, The: A range of monstrous volcanoes in the West of Oerik. The Hellfurnaces create a barrier between the civilized lands to the east and the Sea of Dust. The Hellfurnaces were a range of gentle foothills rising up to meet the lofty Crystalmist mountains until the Invoked Devastation. The Devastation wracked the earth and caused the Hellfurnaces to rise in towering might, vomiting lava and smoke. Some thousand years later, the Hellfurnaces are still largely active. They have become a home and haven to all sorts of creatures, largely due to the inability of any large force to penetrate them. There have been no successful large-scale crossings since the Suel refugees crossed en masse. Even their successors, the Kingdom of Aerdy, likely no longer possess the means.

    High Drune, The: 1. The title given to the highest ranking member of the Drune religion, roughly comparable to the Great Druid. The Drunes are a type of anti-druid, worshiping death, decay and sickness. They revere the Mother of Monsters. Although there are reputedly none left living, several low-ranking drunes were encountered beneath Black Towen during the attempt to destroy the Black Cauldron. The Drune religion was founded by Frodomere, but she later abdicated her title to her husband the Horned King (see also Gnarley Bones; Slaine MacRoth).
    2. The title taken by Tanak Constantine during his attempt to use the Black Cauldron to resurrect Gnarley Bones. During life, Tanak was a witch, and not a Drune. It is unknown if Tanak became an adherent subsequent to his escape from Pandemonium (see Pnume).

    Highport: The secret city of the Slave Lords, located in the shadow of the Fist-of-God in the Pomarj. It is likely that the city was destroyed by the eruption of a volcano caused by Gnarley Bones’ battle with Iuz for control of the Pomarj.

    Horned King, The: A key figure in the cycle of the Ages. The Horned King is a creation of Danu, he serves to balance Chaos and Order, and operates as a check on the power of humanity. The institution of the Horned King was created at the end of the First Age. When the balance shifts one way or the other in too extreme a direction, a Horned King will be born. Initially, the Horned King is a human like any other (and not necessarily male, there have been Horned Queens). However, destiny will guide the Horned King to become a leader and hero unequaled in his time. Eventually, Danu will approach the nascent Horned King and guide him towards the collection of her holy weapons: the Cauldron of Plenty, the Crown of Horns, the Navel of the World, the Ship of Earth and Sea, the Spear of the Sun, and the Sword of the Moon (see also the Eye of the Witch). Unerringly, these weapons will have found their way into horribly dangerous places, and the Horned King will undertake a great heroic quest to obtain them.
    Once they have all been obtained, the Horned King will ascend the Navel of the World. Danu will either accept him, in which case there will be a great shout from the earth itself and one-seventh of the Earth Mother’s power will be channeled into her hero, or the individual will be struck irrevocably dead (this has happened many times). A person accepted becomes the ceremonial husband of Danu, marrying himself to the earth, symbolizing the fertility and renewal of life. With the weapons and the Earth Mother’s power, the Horned King is virtually unstoppable. He cannot be killed by any force in the World, save one. The power comes with a great price. The Horned King’s most sacred oath is that he will return the borrowed power back to the earth. He does so through a ritual suicide that returns him to Danu’s womb. Only the holy weapons, when wielded by the Horned King himself can inflict a mortal wound.
    The Horned King, upon receiving his title, has seven years to balance the World. This is usually done by tearing down the human civilization that is upsetting the balance. Thus, the Horned King has become an apocalyptic figure of doom and war. This is often the case, but in truth the Horned King is a symbol of renewal, in his wake, the World will be reborn anew. Just as winter fells the crops, spring revives them.
    The cycle has gone on unendingly. It is unclear how many Ages have preceded this one (at least three, see Sakatha). In every Age, the Horned King has assumed his (or her) title, performed his duty, and returned to Danu’s embrace. Until this Age.
    Ralishaz, the dark God of Ruin made a wager with his twin brother Norebo, the God of Fortune, that he could destroy the World. His twin accepted the bet, and Ralishaz set about putting his plan in action. He waited until the end of this Age, when the Suel Empire grew great enough to threaten the Gods themselves. A Horned King arose, a ranger named Slaine MacRoth, renowned in sagas and legend. It is unclear when he did it, or how, but Ralishaz began to plant the seed in Slaine’s mind -a fear of death. When Danu appeared before Slaine, and offered him the opportunity to become her Horned King, he accepted it. He underwent terrible trials to recover the Holy Weapons. At last, around circa 2000 B.C.Y., he ascended the Navel of the World, and was crowned the Horned King.
    But the seed Ralishaz planted grew to fruition. Only seven years, the Horned King obsessed. He feared his imminent death. Even as he gathered his forces for the apocalyptic war against the Suel, an awful, monstrous idea grew in his mind. Why give back the power at all? Who can stop me? Ralishaz’s scheming worked, the Horned King betrayed his oaths to Danu, taking a human wife in her stead, and declaring himself God-Emperor. He was immediately opposed, not only by the terrified druids, but by the Empire of the Petal Throne. Thus, a horrible war began, one that caused centuries of pain and suffering, unimaginable damage, and which allowed the Suel to grow strong beyond all imagining.
    Because the Horned King refused to surrender his power, he remained invulnerable past the seven years. He could not die. But the weakness inherent in his invulnerability was revealed. Although he could not die, he could Age. Thus, Slaine MacRoth withered and festered into a foul parody of the hero he once was. He became a ghastly undying thing, taking the name by which he was mocked, “Gnarley Bones.” His story is told elsewhere, but his betrayal caused serious damage to the World. Without the Horned King to end things, the Age careened on, out of control. the Suloise-Baklunish War resulted in the Invoked Devastation, which changed the face of the World, and came very close to destroying it.
    The Earth Mother had been stripped of one-seventh of her power. It took her a very long time to recover, and when she did, her attempt to rectify the matter was ruined by cruel fate. Danu caused another potential Horned King to be born, this time directly to the druids, where he would be trained and prepared. His goal would be to slay Gnarley Bones at last and end the Age. Ralishaz would not so easily be denied. He enjoined Tanelorne the Wicked to lead a host of evil things into the Valley of the Earth Mother to kill the child, who had been named Slaine MacRoth, symbolically replacing the old Horned King. Danu, invoking the White Stag, was able to save the child. He grew up to become Danzig Farplains, a hero of renown in his own right, but unworthy of the Horned King title. All was not yet lost, Danu played her trump card, she had created the Egg of the Phoenix ages before. With it, she could save the World yet.
    But Ralishaz’s game was only yet beginning, and in 596 C.Y., he played his hand. He maneuvered Danzig into Deepingdale, then engineered a meeting with Gnarley Bones. Gnarley Bones, realizing that there was no Horned King to face him, decided to destroy the World once and for all. Ralishaz’s plan was laid clear. He had never intended the Suel to destroy the World. He would use the Earth Mother’s own estranged husband against her, killing her with her own power. He, through his agent Tanak Constantine, and his unwitting dupe Tanith, Tanak’s son, cleared the stage for the Horned King’s victory. The Nightmare Beast was unleashed, spreading chaos, killing the remaining Witches, and settling an old score. Nation was set against nation, chaos was unleashed. Every good deed Tanith and his comrades committed was orchestrated with Ralishaz’s design. Their actions in Longspear fueled suspicions of cultism, the Yeomanry and Keoland were called in to calm the Free City. By resurrecting the High King Llewellyn, they sparked a war between Burghoff and the Sea Princes. Their actions in Greyhawk turned the City’s attention away from the horror being unleashed in Deepingdale. Their campaign against the Slave Lords completely destabilized the Pomarj and the Wild Coast. They unwittingly ignited an Astral battle between Gnarley Bones and Iuz, triggering the release of the Old One’s vast army against the Kingdoms of the North. By sending his servant Alecto to capture the Egg of the Phoenix, he sent the party careening through the plains, igniting a civil war by the Despotrix of Hardby, causing the near-destruction of Sepulchre, diverting the God’s attention from the old Horned King’s host as it tore north towards the Valley of the Earth Mother and destiny. By granting Tanak a human body, they allowed him to open the Chest of Many Winters, plunging the World into a near-ice Age.
    Ultimately, Ralishaz lost his wager, however. All his plans were for naught. His brother had hedged his bet. He staked his wager on Gnarley Bones’ character. He allowed his twin to pervert the Horned King, sat idly by as the Invoked Devastation rocked the World, allowed Gnarley Bones to awaken to the fact he was unopposed, and did nothing as the World plunged headlong into Chaos. He knew that Gnarley Bones would not be content with only victory. Without a Horned King to oppose him, that result was preordained. Norebo knew that Gnarley Bones would want to rub the World’s face in it.
    And he did. As he stood at the Temple of Life, victory in his hand, Gnarley Bones broke the Illearth Staff, hoping to inflict one last grievous wound before he drew the curtains of Reality closed. The Act aged the infant Horned King within, and led to his defeat, and the return of his power to Danu.
    It is unclear what has become of the Horned King seen at the Last Battle. Since the Egg of the Phoenix and this child were one and the same, it appears that this Horned King was born Ages ago. Will the Horned King rise again to end this Age, or did the Age already end with Gnarley Bones’ death, and no one noticed? Or, has Danu kept a Horned King in her sleeve this entire time, the dealer’s hedge against Ralishaz’s hand? The truth will not be known until 617 C.Y., when the child, if he is the Horned King, will be an adult and will begin to make his mark on the World.

    Horned Society, The: After Iuz’s capture by Zagyg, and imprisonment beneath Castle Greyhawk, Iuz’s most powerful servants, largely evil humans, cambions and alu-demons, formed their own federation, splitting Iuz’s realm between themselves but uniting against their enemies to the south. The Horned Society was able to prevent the Great Kingdom’s forces from overwhelming them, but were eventually driven north of the Nyr Dyv, and surrounded. They might have fallen if not for Iuz’s escape. Since Iuz’s return, he has granted his western lands to his faithful agents, and the two nations remain the scourge of the flaeness.

    Illearth Staff, The: Originally, the Illearth Staff was a powerful artifact considered holy to the druids, the Arm of Dagda. Dagda was apparently a deity worshipped by the people of Burghoff. At least an Age ago, the staff was hidden in his trapped tomb in Burghoff. In 596 C.Y., a band of adventurers coming to retrieve another relic, the Finger of Dagda, unwittingly led Gnarley Bones into the tomb. They witnessed the foul Horned King take the Arm and corrupt it into a weapon of death and decay.
    Before its corruption, the Arm could raise the dead and heal damage done to nature. Dagda was the so-called “Dozen King,” and the Arm was said to increase the wielder’s magical power twelve times. The Staff was only fleetingly seen while used by Gnarley Bones, but it did seem to increase his drune powers -he was after all, originally only an exceptionally high-level ranger, the title High Drune was honorary. With the Staff, Gnarley Bones was able to control the weather, summon clouds of locusts and enter the Astral Plane.
    The Illearth Staff was destroyed during the Last Battle. Gnarley Bones, thinking he had defeated the forces of Danu broke the Staff as his coupe de grace. The resulting shockwave aged or outright killed the living forces assembled. Unfortunately for him, the shockwave aged the new Horned King to adulthood. Granted the mind of an adult by Danu, the new Horned King slew Gnarley Bones both in the World and in the Beastlands.

    Invoked Devastation, The: A horrible spell unleashed by the Lich-Emperor Vecna at the end of the war between the Suel Empire and the rebelling Baklune province. As the Baklunish forces shattered the gates of Apollokeen, the legendary capitol of Suel, Vecna unleashed the Invoked Devastation, a spell so powerful it changed the face of the World. The spell blasted all the Baklunes out of existence as if they never existed. It also caused a blow to the earth that annihilated the Baklune republic and the resulting aftershock caused earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. The very face of the World was changed as the Western Sea rushed in and swallowed nearly half of the Empire. To the East, the Devastation caused the Hellfurnaces to erupt out of the earth, vomiting magma and choking smoke. The Devastation leveled every single standing building in Suel, turning the apotheosis of civilization to ruins in an instant. It is estimated that the Devastation killed nearly one-third of the Suel population. The resulting Rain of Colorless Fire caused the survivors to flee, mostly to the East, through the Hellfurnaces, where most perished. Those that made it through colonized the gentle lands to the East that had already faced a war between the Empire of the Petal Throne and Gnarley Bones.
    Vecna itself survived the Devastation, it is said, although Apollokeen itself, the center of the Devastation, was largely vaporized. It is said that even as the Rain fell, Vecna was assassinated by its most trusted henchman, a bodyguard named Kas, who used a sword Vecna had itself enchanted to be capable of slaying deities.
    No known copies of this spell exist.

    Irda: The Irda (IRR-dah) were a race created by the gods. An offshoot of the Titans, the Irda acted as messengers and personal servants of the gods. Handmaidens and squires of the Gods, in appearance, they were lovely to look upon, as their creators wished to surround themselves with beauty. When the titans made war on the gods, the weakness of the Irda was revealed. Although they were beautiful, well-spoken and gifted, they suffered from a ravenous appetite. They gave in completely to their monstrous appetites and became gluttonous, beastly things. They, too, revolted against their creators, and were cast into the World. The once-beautiful Irda became the scattered tribes of Ogres, who continue to scour the world to satisfy their unending hunger. Only the magic-using Ogre Mages still display their relation to these long-lost creatures.

    Iuz: (YOOZ) Iuz “the Old One,” is a mysterious figure in the World. Whether he is a demon, the son of a deity, an Irda, or one of the renegade titans is unknown. It is known that Iuz was present at or near the beginning of things, and spent much of the First Age in the service of the god Govannan. He was for a time Govannan’s greatest servant and friend, although it is said that Govannan’s later creation of the dwarves sparked jealousy and greed in Iuz’s heart. Iuz was known by the name Belaiden by the Fey during the First Age, in reference to his mastery of the craft of smithing. Iuz acted as Govannan’s agent, often traveling to the World, performing errands on behalf of the star-smith.
    Iuz was interested in the secret working of things. He was very creative and skillful. At least during the beginning of the First Age, Iuz created many items of beauty for the Irda and the Fey, and assisted his Lord in the creation of major gifts to the Gods and the World. He assisted his master in the creation of the stars as an offering to Govannan’s love, the Goddess Meness. He also helped in the construction of the Ship of Earth and Sea. He aided Govannan in instructing the first Dwarves in the art of metal crafting and gem cutting.
    It is unknown whether Iuz’s heart was always evil, or whether he grew corrupted over time. It has been theorized that he was corrupted by the Mother of Monsters, or that he revolted against the Gods along with the Irda and the Titans. Some say that the beautiful creations he made in Govannan’s smithy tempted his heart too greatly. It is known that his greed for material possessions overcame him, and his first known vile act was the corruption of the dwarves, Govannan’s most prized creations. Turning the dwarves against their Maker, Iuz conspired to instill in them a love for wealth, and bent many into becoming his servants. Iuz’s corruption resulted in the banishment of the dwarves into the World, and Iuz’s exile as well. It is theorized that Iuz’s actions may have resulted in the creation of the Derro race.
    Iuz would continue to bedevil the world. He has eternally strived to bend the races of the world to his will, and enslave its nations. He flooded the World with magical creations that charmed with their beauty, but that spawned greed, avarice and jealousy. He has traveled throughout the World, appearing in many guises, usually coming into a position of power through betrayal. Throughout the various Ages, he has had various degrees of success. It has been reported that Iuz has created vast empires during some of the Ages, and oppressively ruled most of the World in at least one Age. Always, he has been opposed by the dwarves, who shared his exile from the Heavens, and the Fey, who have shunned him since his appearance in the World. He has always called to him and surrounded himself with evil things. Since his exile, he has especially commanded the Orcs, who, depending on who is telling the tale, are either his creation or flocked to him after being corrupted by the Mother of Monsters. Iuz is undeniably responsible for the abominations of half-orcs and half-ogres. It is likely that he had some part in the creation of the hobgoblin race from the inferior goblin stock.
    In the beginning of this Age, Iuz established himself as a tyrant in a northern kingdom he had conquered through guile and treachery. Instead of hiding in a feigned shape, he declared himself openly. Calling evil forces around him, it seemed that he was preparing to make war against the Empire of the Petal Throne, and wrest Oerik from his long-time foes Celene and Veluna. He is known to have traveled to Apollokeen, the fabled capitol of the Suel Empire, where he attempted to sway the Lich-Emperor Vecna to his side against, he argued, their common foe. Iuz left Suel upon the coronation of the Horned King, recognizing, as all did, that Suel would be the Horned King’s target; instead he solidified his position by capturing the northern lands all the way to the Land of the Black Ice, and capturing as far south as the Nyr Dyv. He was no doubt pleased when Gnarley Bones turned his attention to the Empire rather than the Suel. He had little time to savor this turn of events however, roughly at the same time, the archmage Zagyg captured Iuz and imprisoned him beneath Castle Greyhawk.
    While Iuz was imprisoned, his armies fell asway, although the most capable of his servants formed the Horned Society in his absence, and ruled in his stead. Thus, Iuz missed the Invoked Devastation and the Rain of Colorless Fire. He likewise missed the coming of the Suel to the East. The early Suloise Overkings made war against the Horned Society and captured most of Iuz’s gains.
    It was not until 433 C.Y. that Iuz was released from his prison. His accidental release has become a song of sadness and horror in the Great Kingdom. The Aerdy had no knowledge of the dark tyrant’s existence. They attributed the native beliefs to superstition. Iuz returned to his home in the nation that now bears his name, and quickly organized the scattered and frayed armies into tight, disciplined and deadly units. He unleashed horrors he had bred for his anticipated war with the Fey. The Great Kingdom was beat back, and it seemed for a time as if Iuz would prevail. The Overking at that time, Avril III, was terrified by this “new” evil in the World and unleashed the Legions of the Golden Dragon, who by this time had become the Overking’s personal military force. The Legions were able to hold the hordes of Iuz back, at least until the Kingdom could fortify the land, thereby creating the Shield Lands. Since then, the fighting between the Great Kingdom and Iuz has abated, neither having an advantage over the other. The stalemate in middle Oerth has not stopped Iuz, he has continued his evil designs. During the Winter of Tears, Iuz’s monstrous armies conquered Perrenland, and threatened Ket.
    Iuz in form was once much like Govannan, a strong spirit full of intelligence, creativity and stamina. Able to change his shape at will, it is unknown what his form is now. He often represents himself as a horrid, withered old thing, but this must be to lure his opponents into underestimating him (although elvish stories tell that Iuz’s true form is that of an ancient and venerable dwarf-lord). Iuz is almost certainly undying, he has lived through every Age. Iuz is one of the most powerful entities in the World, probably more powerful than Celene or Veluna. He has shown a mastery of magic throughout the Ages and is probably one of the more powerful mages in existence. He has many unique and mighty magical items at his disposal. His smithy beneath his iron fortress at Dorakaa is said to be second only to Govannan’s.

    Ivid IV, Overlord of Oerth: The eighty-second Overking of Aerdy. Ivid (EYE-vid) assumed the Malachite Throne in 591 C.Y. after the poisoning death of his father Orin IX. Although the assassins were caught and duly punished, suspicion has continued to center around Orin’s youngest son. None of Ivid’s three older brothers, nor his two older sisters, lived to adulthood. His six younger sisters live “sequestered” lives in the Palace of Rauxes (it is rumored that they are kept in velvet-lined prison cells), and a younger nephew drowned in the baths three years ago.
    Ivid makes his home in the Great City of Rauxes at the heart of Aerdy. He oversees the kingdom itself, and indirectly rules over surrounding nations. Kings as far away as Keoland pay lip service to him, although he has little if any true influence over the far west. However, unlike the Overkings before him, Ivid has shown an interest in the West. He has openly expressed a desire to visit his ancestral homeland, and has been planning various expeditions to the Sea of Dust for some time. Recent events have only fueled his concerns for his westernmost lands. Iuz’s conquest of Perrenland has sent ripples throughout his court, as did Gnarley Bones’ devastating march north through the Javan river valley. Now that Terromberre has established itself as a power in the region, Ivid has begun to lay plans to bring order to that troubled region.
    Moreover, he seems intent on reestablishing order in the Kingdom. During his father’s reign, his cousins, the Herzogs of the North and South Province largely broke away from the Great Kingdom. Likewise, the Holy See of Medigia, the highest ranking priest and personal spiritual advisor to the Emporer, laid claim to his own territory. Ivid has brought all the provinces of the Kingdom into line with a harsh hand. Only the rebellious state of Ahlissa, governed by his hated second-cousin, refuses to kneel before the Overking’s iron grip.

    Iwain, Lady: The head of the Order of the Shawl. Iwain (EE-wain) is a swanmaiden who hails from the Kingdom of Furyondi originally. A lady of nobility, she forsook her family to join the adventuring life. Eventually, she found her way to Orlane, where she converted to the faith of Danu. After brave quests made in the service of her Goddess, Iwain was invited into the Order. She has spent over a century in the Order, protecting the Navel of the World, and acting as an agent for the Archdruidess. In 529 C.Y., she ascended to the head of the Order and now oversees younger swanmaidens. She spends much of her time with Augusta, and is the archdruidess’ personal aide. She has recently become involved with MacKulkin, but, as most relationships between swanmaidens and mortals, it is a bittersweet love.

    Janziduur: The former High Priestess of the Church of Tritheron in the Free City of Greyhawk. Janziduur (JANN-zah-DUHR) was herself a former slave from the Pomarj, who had battled in gladiator matches put on by the fierce Slave Lords. Having won her freedom, she emigrated to Greyhawk, where she found faith in the God of Vengeance. Janziduur’s fierce devotion, unrelenting energy and overbearing confidence enabled her to rapidly ascend the ranks of the Church. Within seven years, she had wrested control of the temple, and set herself up as the High Priestess.
    In 594 C.Y., led by a vision, Janziduur traveled to the Cairn Hills where she located the Spear of the Sun, hidden there nearly fifteen hundred years before by agents loyal to Celene. Janziduur brought the holy weapon back to Greyhawk, and with its power rapidly turned the Church into a formidable political and social force in the City. She also fell under the power of the weapon however, and became bloodthirsty and vengeful. She lost her true faith, and turned the Church away from Tritheron, instead worshipping Trithera, a female avatar. Under her guidance, the followers of the Summoner became terrorists, carrying out attacks on City authorities and followers of Pholtus.
    In 597 C.Y., a band of adventurers including Danzig Farplains came to Greyhawk. Opposing her stance, Janziduur had them excommunicated from the faith. In doing so, she brought Tritheron’s wrath upon herself, and the great bronze bell of the temple crashed upon her, shattering her legs. The wound would not heal magically. During her year-long recovery, Danzig assumed her place as High Priest and restored the temple to the true faith. Janziduur rediscovered her faith, but upon recovering, fell under the control of the Spear once again. She and Danzig battled, both calling upon the Spear, in the Church itself. Finally, Janziduur, realizing that Danzig was in the right, yielded. She served as his second in command for nearly a year, becoming very close to him. When Danzig left to take up the struggle against Gnarley Bones, he surprised nearly everyone by naming Janziduur as his successor.
    Janziduur led the Church for less than a year. In 598 C.Y., she was slain, along with the rest of the congregation, by the Harlequin. Recently, Danzig has learned that Tritheron resurrected Janziduur because of her renewed faith. Today, she again leads the Temple of Tritheron.

    Jenness: A sylvan elf, Jenness (JENN-ess) is the mistress of Avenmore. A handmaiden to Celene during the Empire of the Petal Throne, Jenness witnessed the terrible war against the Horned King (see also Gnarley Bones). When Celene departed to the east following the Horned King’s retreat the Battle of Atter Towen, she left her daughter Morwen to rule the Heart of the Wood. In recognizance of her service to her mother, Morwen asked Jenness to govern the elven safehouse.
    Jenness is the mother of Adric and Gilandril Greycloak.

    Jotens, The: A spur of steep mountains arising at the juncture of the Crystalmist Mountains and the Hellfurnaces. The Jotens (YO-tens) separate the Yeomanry from Sterich and fall away into both the Little Hills and the Good Hills. The Jotens are notorious as the homelands of monstrous things. Marauding bands of giants and dragons have both been known to dwell within the sharp peaks. Although there are dwarven mines and continuing excursions by adventurers from the Yeomanry, Sterich and beyond, the Jotens remain an uncontrolled territory.
    The Jotens’ elevation is quite high, higher at times than the Crystalmist range. As a result, most peaks within the Jotens are snow-covered. Glacial rifts are common where the Jotens meet the Crystalmists. The Jotens are rife with wildlife. In addition to dragons and giants, humanoids from the Hellfurnaces often migrate to the relatively temperate Jotens. Demi-Humans from the Crystalmists, most notably dwarves, have delved beneath the peaks from well-hidden mines. Derro as well are said to have holdings beneath the mountains.
    Since the rise of Terromberre, the humanoid population in the Jotens has exploded. The range is used as a staging ground for mass migrations from the Hellfurnaces to the goblin nation.

    Karat: “Karat” was the self-given name of a young gold dragon. Karat, curious about the world, managed to elude his mother and hide for a time in the Dreadwood. It was there that he met a band of adventurers who were assisting Marya Darkeyes through the forest. Karat assumed the form of a housecat and followed the adventurers for a time before being collected by his mother.
    Later, Karat escaped again, and followed the adventurers to the Free City of Longspear, where, assuming the form of a young boy, he did his best to free them from their imprisonment and execution (see Trevor Wentle). He was unsuccessful, but after Marya Darkeyes freed them and forced them to travel to Deepingdale, Karat followed. Karat was able to protect his friends from many dangers while they successfully resurrected the High King Llewellyn MacArt, and traveled to Lashan. While leaving Lashan, Karat and his friends stumbled upon a collapsed part of a Suloise city. There, they encountered Glaurung. Karat battled the red dragon for his hoard, and was successful. The last time Karat was seen, he had taken up residence in the ruins of the lost city, somewhere deep in the Hellfurnaces.

    Keoghtom: A powerful mage and priest, Keoghtom claimed to be the son of the God Govannan. Whether or not this is true is unknown, but Keoghtom predates this Age. Keoghtom acted for a time as an adventurer, but later retired to an island in the center of the Nyr Dyv to concentrate his studies of magic. He was an honored guest to the Suel Empire, and was a personal friend to many of the Emperors. He was generally regarded as the greatest sorcerer east of the Suel Empire. The Empire’s decline into lichdom left Keoghtom cold, and he no longer accepted their invitations. Keoghtom’s northern neighbor, Iuz, regarded the sorcerer as a peer, and the pair had an uneasy understanding.
    Largely, Keoghtom was content to act as a player behind the scenes. He rarely allowed himself to become actively involved. He declined the Empire of the Petal Throne’s request for aid against Gnarley Bones, and did nothing to prevent the Suel Empire’s spiral into destruction. He did however, object to Iuz’s conquest of territory so close to his home, and the pair engaged in a brief wizard’s duel before Zagyg, who had come expressly for Iuz, captured both and imprisoned them beneath Castle Greyhawk. Keoghtom languished for several centuries, until he was freed around 300 C.Y.
    Since his release, Keoghtom has taken little interest in the workings of the World. In 599 C.Y., however, he became actively involved in the quest to recapture the Egg of the Phoenix, which had been captured by Alecto. He aided a band of adventurers to successfully return the Egg, only to betray them for reasons unknown, and left the adventurers to die. The Egg was stolen from him in turn by agents of the Circle of Light, who passed the Egg off to the Valley of the Earth Mother. Keoghtom’s actions since the resolution of the Last Battle are unknown.

    Ketchie-mau-mau: The protector of Dagda’s Thumb, a hill in Burghoff that concealed the entrance into Dadga’s tomb (see Illearth Staff). The Ketchie-mau-mau was a magical giant of frightening appearance. In 595 C.Y., a band of adventurers seeking Dagda’s Finger, an artifact capable of resurrecting the dead, encountered the Ketchie-mau-mau. Although he managed to slay one of their number, Tanith Constantine, he was himself slain.

    Khaverdess: The goblin name for both the hill formerly known as Skulltop and the fortress atop it. Khaverdess means “copper top” in the goblin tongue, a reference to the bronzed, arid appearance of the hill. Around 22 C.Y., the Suel commander later known as Murgleyes destroyed a wicca temple atop the hill and built a fort. He was later slain circa 75 C.Y. by an assassin, but continued to haunt the keep.
    In 595 C.Y., his shade and other foul things that had crept into the hill were destroyed by a band of adventurers led there by Caine. The fort did not stay empty long. In 596, Nackles, fleeing his defeat at the Battle of Elmreddy Glen, fled across the Javan, and found refuge in the ruins. Slowly, he drew forces around himself, using the instability caused by Gnarley Bone’s re-emergence to conceal his smuggling of goblin troops from the Jotens, down through the Little Hills. From 596 to 600 C.Y., he rebuilt the fort in secret.
    During the Winter of Tears, Nackles revealed himself. His forces took advantage of the calamity caused by the early winter to establish himself as a military and political force in the area. He renamed the fortress Khaverdess, and laid claim to a wide swath of territory, including the Free City of Longspear, which he captured with the aid of Tormaq. Naming his nation Terromberre, Nackles, who now referred to himself as Khaverdess or the Lord of Khaverdess, besieged the gnomish city of Rollin and sent troops to put pressure on the surrounding weakened nations.
    Khaverdess itself has been rebuilt into a formidable fortress overlooking the Javan. From there, the Lord of Khaverdess regards his growing nation, developing dark schemes in the depths of that haunted place.

    Khaverdess, Lord of: The title claimed by the wizard once known as Nackles (see Derwin Despana).

    Knights of the Hart: The Knights of the Hart are an order of Knights who followed Keol from the Kingdom of Aerdy upon the grant of the Kingdom of Keoland. The Knights present the strongest arm of Keoland. Their selective ranks are made up of the greatest horsemen and knights in the realm. There is no higher honor in the entire kingdom, than to be invited into the ranks of the Order of the Hart. Every high-ranking military official in Keoland is, or was, a member of the Order. The order’s symbol is a rack of white antlers against a black background.
    The Order of the Hart had a long and distinguished career until the failed attempt to retake the Yeomanry circa 366 C.Y. They would not suffer another defeat until 523 C.Y., when the Sea Princes captured Keoland’s southern quarter, although the war was truly lost on the Azure Sea and Javan River, and not by land forces. In 599 C.Y., the Order was virtually wiped out by Gnarley Bones’ forces on the frozen Javan.

    Knights of the Watch: An order of Knights established by the King of Keoland in 510 C.Y. The Knights were originally intended to protect Keoland’s southern border not only from the growing menace of the Witch King, but to watch the Heart of the Wood, whom the Kingdom did not fully trust. Their symbol, a white owl swooping out of a black background, suggests their directive. The Knights of the Watch became a monastic order. They studied magic extensively, not its uses, but methods of protection against it. They became a powerful arm of Keoland. It is said that each Knight knows words of magic capable of unraveling enchantments, and that they can see through illusions and phantasms.
    In the early 500s, the Knights moved against the Witch King in concert with the Heart of the Wood. Although they succeeded in destroying most of the Cauldron-Born and tearing down Atter Towen, the Witch King eluded them. Later in 523 C.Y., the Knights moved against the Sea Princes. Although they succeeded in winning a handful of decisive victories against the Sea Princes, the war was ultimately lost and the Knights recalled.
    The Knights of the Watch keep a tower on the northernmost of the Witch’s Hills. They recently suffered a great loss, their first, against the hordes of Gnarley Bones during the Winter of Tears.

    Kord: A God from the Suel, brought into eastern Oerik by refugees fleeing the Rain of Colorless Fire. Kord is a typical Suloise deity. He is the God of warriors, soldiers and strength. A cruel and self-absorbed god, he is more brawn than brains and was widely worshipped by the lower classes, and lower-ranking members of the mighty Suloise army (Heironeous and Hextor, being the twin Gods of War and Bloodshed respectively, were more widely worshipped by upper classes and military ranks).

    Kos: A diety of unknown origin. Kos (KOSS) is worshipped mostly by the so-called “barbarian” peoples of Oerth, notably the fierce nomads inhabiting the Abbor-Alz and the Bright Desert, the Snow, Ice and Frost Barbarians of the Northwest, and the Rovers of the Barrens. Kos is an unusual diety, his worshippers aver that he never answers prayers and cares nothing for humanity. Kos is the God of Doom. His worshippers see him as a grim king presiding over the Hall of the Dead. He represents fate and the pitiless course of nature. His adherents believe that it is futile to resist the course of fate, and one should live as best as one can before death.

    Lashan: The lost school of wizardry. During the time of the Suel Empire, Lashan was one of many universities dedicated to the study of magic. Located high in the austere hills near the city of Tsaroth, the school was very exclusive, presided over by a staff of powerful liches. The school was considered rural, although prestigious, at the time, located as it was not far from the nation of Burghoff. There was little interaction between the school and the “barbarians” living there, except for the occasional need for the acquisition of living experiment subjects.
    Just before the Invoked Devastation, the Eye of the Witch made its way to Lashan and became the object of study. The Devastation largely destroyed Lashan, the rising and raging Hellfurnaces caused the death of most of the student body and staff, and those who survived fled east away from the Rain of Colorless Fire. The Rain did not touch the ruins of the school however, and its ruins remained untouched high in the Hellfurnaces for centuries. Eventually, a band of adventurers found an ancient map pointing to its existence. Hoping to explore it, they set out for a journey into the Hellfurnaces, but they were captured and left for dead by Bronwyn, who hoped to exploit the lost Suloise school herself. She arrived first at Lashan, only to discover that the horrid dean of the academy survived. The powerful lich slew Bronwyn’s party and it was thought, Bronwyn herself. The adventurers, arriving at Lashan with Karat, also encountered the dean, and many were slain. It was only through the use of a Wish, that they survived. Later, after discovering the Eye of the Witch, they discovered that Lashan was a dangerous place. They discovered a magic mirror that led to the capture of “Tommy” (see Tammath Chattan) by Gnarley Bones, and accidentally freed an intellect devourer from its pen.

    Last Battle, The: The battle fought simultaneously in the Beastlands, the highest level of Acadia, and in the Valley of the Earth Mother in the World, between the host of Gnarley Bones and the forces defending Danu. It was late summer, 599 C.Y., and Gnarley Bones was attempting to end all of Creation by simultaneously killing Danu and shattering the Egg of the Phoenix, thereby ending any hope of a new world. Gnarley Bones’ slavering host was made up largely of gibberlings, evil treants, slaad, yeth hounds and juju zombies.
    The forces of Danu fought bravely at the Temple of Danu in the Valley of the Earth Mother, and at the Temple of Life in the Beastlands. The bodies of the defenders and the chaotic swarm began to form mountains. The Sword of the Moon and the Spear of the Sun were in use, wielded by Wolfmoon Treeman and Danzig Farplains, respectively. In the end however, Gnarley Bones entered the field, riding a Chariot of Sustarre. He waded his way through the defenders, and mounted the stairs leading up to the Temple of Life, the steps cracking beneath his feet. Despite the best efforts of Danu’s champions, he could not be stopped. He reached the doors of the Temple, the Water of Life becoming a river of blood. Thinking he was delivering the coup de grace, he broke the Illearth Staff, sending a shockwave of destructive energy surging all around him. It killed or aged everyone it touched. By a cruel twist of fate, the shockwave aged the nascent Horned King within the Temple (see Egg of the Phoenix), turning the infant into an adult. Danu granted the new Horned King the intelligence of an adult, and using the Spear of the Sun, he killed Gnarley Bones at last. Gnarley Bones, realizing the ridiculous folly, died laughing.
    Someone was not laughing however. Ralishaz unzipped and stepped out of the gibberling costume he had been wearing. Furious beyond all restraint at seeing his carefully-executed plan, two thousand years in the making, fall apart by such a stroke of luck, he threatened to finish the job himself. He was stopped only when his brother Norebo revealed himself, stripping out of the satyr costume he had worn during the Battle. Norebo reminded his twin of their bet. Suddenly laughing, Ralishaz paid his due, a single piece of gold. Together, the twins cheerfully addressed the battered heroes over the sea of ruin they had so casually caused:

    Bidding the heroes goodbye, the twin gods returned to Pandemonium. Whether of not the wager existed or has been completed is unknown.

    Llewellyn MacArt: The legendary High King of Burghoff. Llewellyn (LOO-well-LENN) was a hero of old and led an amazing life. Llewellyn was born circa 1500 B.C.Y. in Burghoff to the unmarried daughter of a poor farming family. The daughter claimed that a beautiful knight who wore a suit of blazing armor had wooed her. This legend led some scholars to believe that Llewellyn may have been a son of the God Amra, or perhaps Ukko, but this is unsubstantiated. As a child, Llewellyn exhibited amazing abilities; he ate as much as seven men, and could lift a steer as a toddler. He had many childhood adventurers in and around Burghoff. It was agreed that Llewellyn had superhuman abilities. He wooed the daughter of one of the Elders of Burghoff, but her father refused to allow his daughter to marry a man of such dubious parentage. As a young man, Llewellyn journeyed the Suel Empire, and is said to have served in the Empire’s army for a time.
    Returning home circa 1470 B.C.Y., he found Burghoff greatly changed. Fleeing the Battle of Atter Towen, Gnarley Bones had retreated through Burghoff and raised the fortress of Slaine Towen in the southwestern corner of the province. The people were greatly, and rightly, afraid of the Horned King’s presence so close by. Llewellyn led a campaign to slay or drive away all the horrid things that had followed Gnarley Bones, and soon the valley was cleansed of all the evil creatures outside of Slaine Towen.
    Llewellyn had many amazing exploits, and was crowned king of Burghoff. He was greatly loved and was recognized during his lifetime as the wisest king ever to rule. He took the hand of his beloved, Belinde, the same girl he had wooed as a young man. Together, they ruled the Kingdom in peace and prosperity. The neighboring Suloise took an interest in the thriving nation and sent troops to capture it and force the people of Burghoff to pay tribute to their Emperor. Llewellyn managed to trick, capture or confuse the Suloise troops again and again. The province could not be taken by force. Eventually, one of the Emperor’s viziers had Llewellyn magically transported to the Emperor’s magnificent throne room in Apollokeen. The Suel Empire was at this point in its most wicked and decadent phase. The Emperor at this time was none other than Vecna. Instead of being cowed by the archmage, Llewellyn charmed Vecna with his wit and guile, and was spared. The people of Burghoff told how Llewellyn became a favored slave of Vecna, and how Llewellyn challenged the Lich-Emperor to games of chance and skill. Llewellyn related how the Emperor was amazed that the High King had no fear of him. Often the wager was Llewellyn’s own life, but if he won, Vecna would allow Burghoff to go yet another month without paying tribute. It is said, and it is unknown how true this is for Llewellyn himself related the story and he was a renowned teller of tall tales, that after thirty-one straight months of losing to the deposed King, Vecna had him banished from Suel rather than face him over a gaming table again.
    Whatever the true story, Llewellyn returned to Burghoff around 1455 B.C.Y. He related the Empire’s wish to have nothing to do with Burghoff and was named the High King, or King of Kings. But treachery awaited him. Belinde’s father had never forgiven his son-in-law for the slight of taking his daughter’s hand without first asking permission. During a feast celebrating one of Llewellyn’s many defeats of the giants who inhabited the steep hills surrounding Burghoff, his father-in-law reminded the High King of his breach of etiquette. Llewellyn responded that he would do anything within his power to rectify the slight. His father-in-law demanded that Llewellyn bring him the Crown of Horns, which Gnarley Bones wore. Although his people were horrified at the impossible demand, Llewellyn accepted the challenge.
    Llewellyn left the next morning and through wit and luck managed to make his way through the guardian forest, comprised entirely of evil and undead treants. Next, he sang the great vampire briars that covered Slaine Towen to sleep. Then he did the impossible; he snuck into the fortress undetected, getting past its seven-foot-thick adamantium gate, avoiding the innumerable traps and foul things inside. He made it into the deepest, foulest, most despairing catacomb in the fortress, where he found Gnarley Bones, asleep. Attempting to steal the Crown, he was the first to discover that Gnarley Bones had worn it so long that it had merged with his rotting form. Gnarley Bones awoke and captured the High King. Like Vecna before him, he was impressed with Llewellyn’s bravery and charm. He demanded to know how Llewellyn penetrated his insurmountable defenses. Llewellyn offered the Horned King the answers if he prevailed in a game of skill. Gnarley Bones accepted. If he won, Llewellyn would reveal his secrets and become a prisoner within Slain Towen forever; if he failed, he would grant Llewellyn his freedom -and his Crown.
    Llewellyn challenged the Horned King to a drinking contest. The contest was delayed for nearly a month. Humorous stories existed that Gnarley Bones, who had stopped eating and drinking centuries before, had neither food nor drink within “all the twisting miles beneath Slaine Towen.” Since his touch fouled any organic substance, and many of his servants were incorporeal shades, Gnarley Bones had to wait until Llewellyn -who was allowed a furlough to collect the necessary ingredients (this period encompasses a wealth of tales in and of itself)- brewed the alcohol (which was said to be the finest ever). At last, when the Horned King could stand it no longer, the contest began. It was said that Llewellyn drank more than “seventy thirsty men.” Unfortunately, the Horned King was immune to poison, although he became more and more intoxicated, he could never lose consciousness. The pair gamed for seven straight days, matching one another drink for drink. At last, after the pair had finished an “ocean” of beer, Llewellyn MacArt, the High King of Burghoff, died of alcohol poisoning.
    Gnarley Bones, it was said, was so impressed by the High King’s character, that he had Llewellyn’s body returned intact to his wife, along with the remaining kegs Llewellyn had brewed. He forgave the intrusion into his fortress, and crawled away to sleep off his hangover for several centuries.
    Of course, Llewellyn could not stay dead forever. In 596 C.Y., the Elders of Burghoff, tired of the Sea Princes’ rule over their Kingdom, organized a quest to recover certain relics belonging to Llewellyn in life. A band of adventurers successfully collected the relics, and penetrated Dagda’s Tomb to gain Dagda’s Finger, an artifact capable of resurrecting the dead. Llewellyn was raised, and successfully led a rebellion against the Sea Princes. Although Burghoff was free, peace would not last long. In 599 C.Y., Gnarley Bones left Slaine Towen with his ghastly army, marching north against the Valley of the Earth Mother. Persons who have visited Burghoff following the Horned King’s march report that the entire valley is lifeless and devastated. Whether or not Llewellyn died again in unknown.

    Longspear, Free City of: Founded in 212 C.Y., Longspear was originally a trading post of the Kingdom of Aerdy. It was considered a backwater and unimportant place. Business increased as the Kingdom began to divide its western provinces. In 235 C.Y., the Kingdom of Keoland was created, and the first King of that territory developed Longspear into much the way it appears today. Longspear holds a strategic position on the Javan River, and quickly became a lucrative and important city.
    It also came between the Kingdom and its enemies. In 366 C.Y., Keoland’s westernmost territories revolted and attempted to secede from the Kingdom. A brief civil war was fought between the Kingdom and the precursor of today’s Yeomanry. The civil strife resulted in Longspear being invaded and sacked twice, once by the Yeoman when it was under Keoland’s control, and once by Keoland after the Yeoman had captured it. In 414 C.Y., the Kingdom and the Yeomanry entered into a wary truce, one that would be broken many times. As a condition of the truce, Longspear was made a Free City, nominally the territory of both nations. Signs of the agreement could be discerned everywhere: Longspear’s High Court was made up of three judges, one appointed by the King of Keoland, one appointed by the Yeoman Congress and one chosen by the Citizens of Longspear; the mayor was chosen by the citizens from candidates sponsored by either nation. This is not to say the arrangement was harmonious. Violence erupted often between Keoland and what it considered a rogue province, and Longspear was often placed in the middle.
    During the Winter of Tears, the Horned King’s horde passed very close to the city, and the tragic battle between Gnarley Bone’s host and the armies of the Yeomanry, the Kingdom of Keoland and the Dwarves of the Good Hills occurred only twenty miles from the City. Longspear was as devastated by the war and the Winter as the rest of the Javan River Valley, but it paid perhaps the greatest past. No sooner had the Horned King moved on, leaving the bodies and bloody snow behind him, than the Lord of Khaverdess declared that Longspear was now part of the nation of Terromberre. Aided by the wizard Tormaq, Khaverdess’ troops easily captured the city, imprisoning officials, slaying the City guard, and committing a terrible pogrom against the City’s halfling citizenry. Longspear is now under Khaverdess’ control, and is used to funnel wealth into Terromberre’s coffers. Tormaq has been appointed as regent of the Free City.

    MacKulkin: The Champion of Orlane. MacKulkin is said to be the highest-level ranger in western Oerik. He has loyally served Augusta for two decades, defending the Lodge of the Rock (which contains the Navel of the World) against the druids’ enemies. MacKulkin is armed with Dagda’s Fist, a spear than can turn itself into a bolt of lightning when thrown.
    MacKulkin is the lover of Lady Iwain, but she has refused his many offers of marriage.

    Mallamie, The: One of the most dangerous of Gnarley Bones ‘s servants. In life, the Mallamie (MAHL-ah-MEE) was a faerie dragon. Corrupted by the foul Horned King, the Mallamie became a dracolich. The Mallamie was greatly feared by the Empire of the Petal Throne, as it knew the Empire’s inner workings so well. The Mallamie was used to infiltrate deep within the Empire’s territory and wreak havoc from within. The existence of the Mallamie was one of the reasons the Heart of the Wood itself was made out-of-phase from the rest of the World.
    After Gnarley Bones had beaten the Empire’s forces back into a corner of its territory, he created the wicked fortress of Atter Towen to watch over his beaten opponents while he directed his attention towards the Valley of the Earth Mother. Leaving Frodomere to watch over Black Towen, he set the Mallamie in charge of Atter Towen. That choice proved fruitful for the Horned King. The Empire made a two-pronged attack. Veluna led a host against Black Towen, and Ahmazda led another against Atter Towen. The Mallamie ensnared the Fey lord in its spells, and imprisoned him beneath Atter Towen. Although he was later freed by his sister/wife Celene, the seeds of the Empire’s downfall had already been sown.
    The Mallamie fought at Gnarley Bones’ side at the Battle of Atter Towen, where it faced Ahmazda again. This time, Ahmazda wielded the Sword of the Moon, and the Mallamie fled before him. After Gnarley Bones’ retreat, the Mallamie served Frodomere for a brief time before becoming sealed within that dark place by the Heart of the Wood. Black Towen remained magically sealed for nearly fifteen hundred years before Tanak Constantine used the power of the Black Cauldron to break the seal in 599 C.Y., during the Winter of Tears. Frodomere, greatly weakened by her imprisonment, left Black Towen in 602 C.Y., and crossed the Javan River into Shankshire. The Mallamie’s whereabouts, if it still exists, are unknown.

    Mallang: An emissary of Khaverdess. Mallang (MAH-lang) appears to be a well-dressed nobleman. He usually precedes the forces of Terromberre, offering targeted cities and towns an opportunity to accept peace of Khaverdess’ terms.

    Marya Darkeyes: A priestess of Zilchus, Marya (MAH-ry-AH) was first encountered in the Dreadwood, where she was engaged in the sale of elven bodies to create potions of longevity. She later freed a band of adventurers from execution in order to send them to Deepingdale. There, the adventurers were coerced into resurrecting the High-King Llewellyn MacArt. Marya hoped to marry MacArt and become the High Queen of Deepingdale, and lead a rebellion against the occupying Sea Prince forces. Unfortunately, not long after Llewellyn’s resurrection, Gnarley Bones emerged from his two-thousand-year hiding and marched north in strength. Marya is presumed to have died along with the rest of the Deepingdale population.

    Mîmkhazâd: (MIM-kah-ZAHD) A hidden dwarven city located in the Good Hills not far from the Free City of Rollin. The dwarves fashioned the halls of Mîmkhazâd four Ages ago. The city followed great veins of silver and copper. Those veins were mined out long ago, and now iron, coal and tin are the city’s chief exports. Many have looked for the city’s location, but it is hidden well.
    The dwarves of Mîmkhazâd are notoriously isolationist. They declined an offer to join the Empire of the Petal Throne, and took part only begrudgingly in the battle against Gnarley Bones. Their involvement in that conflict has become a sticking point between the dwarves and the elves of the region. The dwarves charge that the elves failed to finish off Gnarley Bones at the Battle of Atter Towen (and make similar charges regarding Nackles at the Battle of Elmreddy Glen), and the elves charge that the dwarves fought only to protect their mines and left their neighbors to perish.

    Mîmroddin: (MIM-row-DINN) The fabled Dwarven city located in the steep hills north of Burghoff, Mîmroddin survived the Invoked Devastation. The dwarves who lived there had especially good relations with their human neighbors, largely due to the winning charm of the High King Llewellyn MacArt. The dwarves dug deep beneath the newly-emerged Hellfurnaces, and found rich, unexploited veins of precious metals. They became wealthy beyond even their dwarvish imaginations, and it is said that the beauty of Mîmroddin was greater than any other dwarven city in Oerik.
    In 324 C.Y., tragedy befell the city. The dwarves, following a great vein of diamond, grew too greedy. Ignoring their own engineers, and their collected wisdom of mining, they sought the perfect stone, the Arkenstone, and in their pursuit, they unleashed the Drowning. Despite their best efforts, the dwarven miners breached an underground river which flooded the city, killing thousands. So horrific was the tragedy, that those who survived fled the “Drowned Halls of Mîmroddin,” as they came to be called, and lived among their human neighbors, forming, perhaps, the only flatland colony of mountain dwarves in the world.
    The dwarves continued to wait for a brave leader to rise among them to undo the damage, and drain the halls. Mogrim Mîmbalroth hails from the refugee colony. In 598 C.Y., when Gnarley Bones led his host north towards the Valley of the Earth Mother, the dwarves of Mîmroddin bravely challenged him alongside their friend of old, the High King Llewellyn. Mogrim, returning two months after the battle of Burghoff, reported only rotting mountains of bodies, every structure destroyed, and all the earth scoured of life. He did not find any survivors of his people.

    Mîmthorbardin: A great dwarf mega-city located deep beneath the Hellfurnaces west of Burghoff.   The city was founded circa 6300 B.C.Y. by Kharas I after his discovery of the Roof of the World.  The city was originally located deep within an imposing range of stark highlands known as the Iron Hills.  The city drew several isolated dwarven communities to it, creating a unique cosmopolitan population, one that even included derro.
    Mîmthorbardin reached its peak circa 2000 B.C.Y. with a population of approximately 100,000 citizens.  The city has mines throughout the Iron Hills and the surrounding territories and did extensive trade with the Suel and Baklunish Empires, as well as with the Empire of the Petal Throne.  A good portion of magical items, particularly armor and weaponry in Oerth that predate the Invoked Devastation can be traced to master smiths from Mîmthorbardin.
    The city came to rely heavily on trade with the Suel, looking the other way at the decadence and corruption of their neighbors as long as their gold was flowing.  When Vecna unleashed the Invoked Devastation upon the Baklunes, thereby bringing about the Rain of Colorless Fire, Mîmthorbardin found itself involved in one of the great tragedies following those cataclysms.
    Mîmthorbardin was wracked by the Devastation.  More than one-half of the city was destroyed, and far-flung colonies were completely cut off.  The Suloise populace, fleeing the coming Rain, sought entry into the Halls of Mîmthorbardin, either to be accepted as refugees, or to brave any dwarf roads surviving beneath the newly-formed Hellfurnaces.  The dwarves refused the humans entry, thereby causing the brief but terrible Dwarfgate War, wherein the desperate Suloise laid a tremendous siege upon the doors of the city.  Many thousands died on both sides, but the doors held.  Those who did not seek other routes through the hellish volcano chain were destroyed by the Rain.
    The dwarves maintain that the dying Suloise laid a curse upon them.  Whether or not this is the case, the city faced a long, slow decline.  Not long after the Dwarfgate War, the dwarf priest Felperic fermented dissention and discord among the trapped populace.  Inter-family feuds and bloody struggles for power erupted.  The High Thane, Kharas III attempted to keep the fractious clans together.  After the death of his second son, however, Kharas departed to the Valley of the Thanes, never to return.  He bore with him the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords.
    With Kharas gone, the next two thousand years wore terribly on the city.  It withered and declined, unable to attain its former glory, undercut by internal fighting.  By 605 C.Y., the city was largely controlled by the derro, through their representative Ahmal Mîmtheiwar.  However, in the winter of 606 C.Y., the Stormcrows entered Mîmthorbardin and, in quick succession, recovered the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords and assisted in overthrowing Ahmal’s coup.  Ahmal was sentenced to life imprisonment, and the Axe is currently held by Tuff Mîmklar, who holds the titles of High Priest and High Thane.

    Mommy Fortuana: A mysterious figure who frequented the Javan River valley in 597 C.Y. Mommy Fortuana led a carnival of fantastic creatures, most of which were only illusionary. She did however, have a real unicorn. She also exhibited the fury Alecto.
    In 598 C.Y., Shadowplay freed the unicorn, which in turn freed Alecto. The fury destroyed Mommy Fortuana and returned to Pandemonium, from whence she would be ordered to steal the Egg of the Phoenix.

    Morat Aurung-Zebe: (MORR-aht ORR-ung ZEEB) A wizard, and member of the Greyhawk Guild of Sorcery. In 597 C.Y., Morat befriended Tanith Constantine and offered to sponsor Constantine’s application to the Guild. Actually, Morat used Constantine and his comrades to promote his trade in selling the dangerous yellow musk drug in the city. When Constantine’s drug-pushing was revealed, Tanith was barred from the Guild and banished from the Free City for seven years. The Harlequin subsequently killed Morat in 598 C.Y.

    Morwen: One of the Fey, Morwen (MORR-wenn) is the daughter of Ahmazda and Celene, and niece to Veluna. She has followed in her mother’s footsteps, and has a great deal of influence over living things, particularly plants. After Veluna departed for the north, and Ahmazda died at the Battle of Atter Towen, Celene dissolved the Empire of the Petal Throne, and established a new nation to the east. She left Morwen to govern the Heart of the Wood.
    Morwen, who has never taken a husband, has ruled over the Heart for nearly two thousand years. She, perhaps more than any other member of her kind, has made overtures to human nations, such as the Kingdom of Keoland. Her reign has been relatively peaceful until recent years, when Atter Towen became inhabited by a twin menaces, first the Witch King (see Tanak Constantine), then the goblin leader Nackles (see Derwin Despana). Morwen sent the Heart of the Wood Forces to battle Nackles’ forces at the Battle of Elmreddy Glen. Nackles’ army was defeated, and he fled the Dreadwood, seeking sanctuary in the abandoned fortress of Skulltop.

    Mother of Monsters: The name given to the goddess Vamatar. She is the archenemy of her sister Danu. She represents destruction, death, and disease. She is not widely worshipped, but she is revered by goblins and other humanoids. Her representative on earth was the High Drune. Some beliefs aver that Vamatar is not a separate entity from Danu but is in fact the destructive, perverse side of nature. Other faiths contend that Vamatar is Danu’s shadow, reversing every move by the Earth Mother.

    Murgleyes: (MURR-gleez) The name given to an unknown Suel general who, fleeing the Rain of Colorless fire, settled on the hill near the modern-day Javan river. He destroyed a Wicca temple that he found there, and built himself a small keep. He acted as a tyrant, and demanded homage from the neighboring communities. Those who displeased him were burned alive for his amusement. Thus, he came to be known as “Murgleyes,” or the burner, in flannish. His keep came to be known as Skulltop.
    Murgleyes was eventually assassinated by one of his bodyguards. He was so wicked, however, that he continued on after death as a wraith. He haunted Skulltop, and it was abandoned, eventually falling into ruins.
    In 596 C.Y., a band of adventurers, led by Caine “the Despised,” entered Skulltop, and destroyed Murgleyes shade at last.

    Nackles: “Boss” or “chief” in the goblin language. See Derwin Despana.

    Navel of the World, The: One of the holy “weapons” of the Horned King (see the Cauldron of Plenty, the Crown of Horns, the Eye of the Witch, the Ship of Earth and Sea, the Spear of the Sun, and the Sword of the Moon). The Navel is actually a largish smooth stone. It is imbued with Danu’s power, and the druids draw upon it for strength. The Navel by itself is a repository for druidic energy. However, it’s true function comes into play when a contender for the title of Horned King, armed with the regalia, steps atop the Navel.
    If Danu accepts the applicant, there is a great shout from the earth and the Horned King is imbued with one-seventh of her power. If Danu denies him, which has happened, the applicant is struck irrevocably dead.

     Nightmare Beast: A malevolent spirit kept within the Eye of the Witch. Its identity and purpose are unknown. It is known to possess the artifact and force its owners into the dreamworld where it challenges them. Those who fall to the Nightmare Beast become slaves to the Beast’s will, and often become mad. Those who defeat the Beast are able to exercise control over the Eye.
    In 597 C.Y., Tanith Constantine unwittingly released the Beast from the Eye. The Beast, fulfilling an ancient order made by an unknown party (Ralishaz is suspected), set out to destroy the remaining Wicca and Witches. Returning to the Eye, the Beast boasted to Constantine that it was successful in its task. With the aid of his companions, Constantine was able to defeat the Beast in the dreamworld, and wrest control of the Eye, although it would eventually leave him. The Nightmare Beast presumably remains in the Eye, awaiting either a new owner or a rematch against Tanith Constantine.

    Nyr Dyv: (NEER DEEV) The “Lake of Unknown Depths.” A great lake in central Oerik whose depths have never been adequately determined. It is possible that the lake bottom is geologically active; hence the varying depths, or that it is a conduit to the Elemental Plane of Water. It is worth noting that the sorcerer Keoghtom makes his residence on an island near the center of the lake.
    The Nyr Dyv is as large as an inland sea and provides sustenance for the surrounding nations. It is rife with aquatic life, including some very large species. It is common knowledge to the fishermen surrounding the lake that those who fish the great depths are as likely to become “fished” themselves.

    Oeridians: (OH-RIDD-ee-EHNS) The human peoples native to the eastern portion of Oerik. They are members of a race separate from the Flan and Suloise, the other major human ethnicities of Oerik. Oeridians are roughly characterized by their short, strong build, olive colored skin, glossy black hair and distinctive profiles. The Oeridians have their own language that is still widely spoken. The Oeridians now make up about one-half of the population of the Eastern Kingdoms, although the Great Kingdom is still predominantly Suloise. The Oeridians are famous for their sailing and trading. The Sea Princes, and the ruling class in their Holding, are Oeridian in stock.

    Oerik: (OH-rick) The name of the largest continent on Oerth.

    Ogres: Ogres are the debauched descendants of the Irda. They have lost all vestiges of their former beauty and have given themselves completely to savagery and gluttony. Ogres are mortal and have souls. As a race, Ogres are near-giants. They typically stand nine feet in height and weigh close to eight hundred pounds. They are greatly feared for their strength and savagery in battle. Ogres are considered quite ugly by other races. They typically have small, pig-like eyes, enormous ears, wide noses and large lips. Their teeth and nails are black in color. An ogre’s pupil is white and the cornea is usually black or purple. Skin color varies widely, anything from shiny black to albino white has been observed.
    The so-called Ogre-Mages, a sub-race of Ogres, are easily distinguished by their smaller stature (eight feet in height, six hundred pounds in weight), and a single long curving horn on their forehead.

    Olyhydra: (OH-lee-HY-drah) The Princess of Evil Water Elementals. Little worshipped in the World now, she once had a strong following among the Kuo-Toa, Sahaugin and the worshippers of the Temple of Elemental Evil. Her worship has largely died out. She hates Tanith Constantine however. After defiling one of her remaining temples not far from the seacoast village of Saltmarsh, Constantine and his comrades met her and the Princes of Elemental Evil on Sepulchre. Olyhydra and her brothers invaded the realm searching for the contested Egg of the Phoenix. The Egg had just been recaptured by the adventurers from the fury Alecto. Ultimately, Gnarley Bones himself entered Sepulchre in search of the Egg. In the climactic battle, Tanith destroyed Olyhydra’s material form with his staff of striking. As Sepulchre was a demi-plane within the Ethereal, and therefore so close to her home plane, Olyhydra was subsequently banished to the Plane of Water for 101 years.

    Orcs: A mortal race. Depending on who one asks, Orcs are either elves corrupted by the Mother of Monsters, or degenerative humans created by Iuz. The Orcs themselves believe that they were created by Vamatar (whom they call “Vanu”) from an amalgram of all the races of the world, bred to be the strongest of all mortals. They appeared in the First Age, not long after the appearance of humans.
    In appearance, Orcs are nearly as tall as men, but their stooped posture and bandy legs make them appear shorter. They have large ears and noses but tiny eyes and have infamously poor vision. They have no sense of taste at all. Adult males are covered with a short, but thick, coat of bristly hair. They also sport tusks. Given their pronounced snout it is often said that Orcs resemble boars.
    What they lack in appearance and social skills, they make up in other areas. The Orcs call themselves “Uruk,” or “the Ones,” and they believe that they are a superior race destined to rule over the World and supplant the other races. Of all the races, they have the greatest endurance, outlasting even the sturdy dwarves. They are virtually immune to disease, poison, hunger and thirst. They can subsist on nearly any organic substance. Orcs reproduce faster than any other sentient species, born as they are in litters of three to five infants at a time. A female orc can expect to mother 20-40 children in her lifetime.
    Historically, Orcs have been shunned by the other races and forced to live in inhospitable areas. This has only served to reinforce their xenophobia. Only their lack of organization prevents them from overwhelming their foes, indeed orcs are their own worst enemies. From time to time, Orcs will rush out of their habitat in well-armed hosts tens of thousands strong. They are nearly always victorious in their early battles, but soon they will fall upon each other, fragment and be driven back by their more organized enemies. Orcs tend to respect strength, thus it is not uncommon for Orcs to follow charismatic non-orc leaders.
    In this Age, Orcs control two nations outright -the Pomarj and the Bone March (although both are probably actually governed by half-orcs or worse), and live in great numbers in the nation of Iuz and the Horned Society. Many millions live in the Hellfurnaces, Crystalmists, Barrier Peaks and Yatil Mountains and large clans thrive in the inhospitable Jotens.

    Order of the Shawl: An order of Swanmaidens, led by Iwain, sworn to defend the Lodge of the Rock, the holy resting place of the Navel of the World. Members of the Order are loyal to the Archdruid/Archdruidess, who resides in Orlane. In addition to protecting the Lodge, members of the Order act as agents for the Archdruid.

    Orlane: A town outside the Dim Forest. Orlane (ORR-lane) is noted for being the site of the Lodge of the Rock, the resting place of the Navel of the World. After the Navel was recovered from Black Towen, it was brought here. The Archdruid or Archdruidess also resides in Orlane, as the Navel is perhaps the holiest of all druidic artifacts.

    Outer World: A name given to the places outside of the World. The Gods created the Outer Worlds after the creation of the World. They are made up of materials left over from the World’s creation. Home to the Gods and to spirits both good and evil, the Outer Worlds are the eventual destination of all living things.

    Pholtus: One of the Gods of the Suel, Pholtus (FOHL-tuss) was the God of Light and Law. Pholtus was a particularly narrow-minded deity, and his followers, convinced that they were doing the right thing, often committed horrific acts by forcing people to convert to his faith. Paradoxically, although typical of a Suloise deity, most of whom represented conflicting ideas, Pholtus was also a healer of the sick, a grantor of relief to the oppressed, and a defender of the weak. Pholtus’s followers are among the greatest forces of good in the East, where his faith is still strong.

    Pnume: Pnume (NOOM) was the name taken by Tanak Constantine while he served as a mentor to his son, Tanith (see also the Witch King; the High Drune). At this time, Tanak was still a prisoner of Pandemonium, but was able to answer his son’s summons to the Earth. Pnume eventually tricked his son into sacrificing a human being so that he might possess the body and thus escape his torment. Tanith performed the sacrifice, but did so on the body of a hunter already flayed and prepared for food by a band of Verbeegs. The body Tanak possessed was horribly disfigured and maimed.

    Pomarj: (POMM-mahrj) A nation on Wooly Bay at the end of the Wild Coast. The Pomarj was once a rich nation. It’s steep hills and inhospitable terrain kept most would-be invaders at bay, and hid a wealth of precious metals and gems. It’s leaders were Oeridian pirates who took the land by storm and held it.
    In the early 300s C.Y., the dwarves of the Lortmill Mountains near the nation of Celene waged a fierce war on the Orc tribes of that region. The Orcs had, in turn, been driven there following the defeat of the Temple of Elemental Evil. An orc-chieftain had slain the dwarvish king Mahad Mimdwallin in an ambush. In response, the dwarves launched a pogrom intended to wipe out every living orc in the area. The war had an unintended consequence. Faced with certain extinction at the hands of the unyielding dwarves, the multitude of orc tribes united as one and fled the Lortmills en masse. The horde marched through Ulek, leaving a wide swath of destruction in its path, and completely overran the Pomarj.
    The inhospitable terrain perfected suited the orcs, who could thrive in the worst of habitats. They grew strong and dug in. Due to the former government’s abuse of its neighbors, there were no friendly nations to come to their aid. The pirate navy of the Pomarj sailed west, where it came upon the lightly guarded “Southern Quarter” of the Kingdom of Keoland. The “Sea Princes,” as the refugees named themselves, captured the holding and hold it to this day. Many hundreds of refugees still live a nomadic life throughout the area between Wooly Bay and the Nyr Dyv. They are known as the Rhennae, or “raft people.”
    The Orcs remain in control of the Pomarj and even engage in trade with the less scrupulous of their neighbors. Although fiercely loyal to Iuz, the Pomarj fell under the control of Gnarley Bones in 598 C.Y., when the Horned King wrested control of the area. The priesthood is now in considerable disarray, with Iuz growing in prominence once again.

    Pugliares: Pugliares (POOG-lee-ARR-eez) is the court magician of Monmurg, where he acts as an advisor and agent of the Sea Princes. Pugliares’ background is unknown. It is rumored that he is of great Age and experience.

    Rain of Colorless Fire: The end result of the Invoked Devastation. After the lich-emperor Vecna unleashed the Devastation, blasting the Baklune forces into oblivion, the Gods themselves wept a colorless rain over the ruined Suel Empire. The rain burned and disintegrated everything it touched. The Rain caused a mass exodus of Suloise refugees to the East, and completely annihilated the Empire, leaving behind only the Sea of Dust.

    Ralishaz: A God, probably of Suloise origin, although possibly of one of the many cultures the Suel Empire conquered and absorbed into itself. Imported into eastern Oerik by Suloise refugees fleeing the Rain of Colorless Fire, Ralishaz (RALL-ah-SHAHZ) occupies an interesting place in the Suloise pantheon. He and his twin brother Norebo represent the twin sides of luck, good and bad. While originally conceived as merely a deity of bad luck, the obvious tragedies befalling the Suloise led him to evolve into the God of Misfortune, Calamity and Disaster. Ralishaz oversees the misfortune of the World.
    Ralishaz, often called the “Ragged King,” is said to live in an inverted palace fashioned from human bones floating in a turbulent sea of blood, all contained within one of the deepest pockets of Pandemonium. His three greatest agents are the furies, whom he dispatches to ruin the lives of the proud and materialistic. He is served by many other agents, such as the Harlequin.
    Ralishaz has been intimately involved with the events at the end of this Age. He entered into a wager with his brother that he could destroy the World. He claims responsibility for the corruption of Gnarley Bones, the Invoked Devastation, the Rain of Colorless Fire, the Horned King’s subsequent re-emergence in 596 C.Y. and the resulting death and destruction done to the World in 599 C.Y., leading to the Last Battle. Ralishaz was the ultimate villain of As the Curtain Falls, but ultimately lost his wager, one piece of gold, at the Last Battle, when Gnarley Bones was killed by the new Horned King.

    Randobas Took: The true name of Shadowplay, an adventurer who, along with his comrades, played a key role in world events from 595-599 C.Y.

    Rhenne: The Rhenne (RENN-ay) are the exiled inhabitants of the Pomarj, driven out by the humanoid capture of that kingdom. They are commonly known as the “raft people.” They travel throughout the Wooly Bay area, as far north as the Nyr Dyv, in large family groups on their barges. They have become gypsies of sorts. They are seldom welcomed by any community, although the Free City of Greyhawk allows the Rhenne to gather outside its walls at Shacktown each fall until the Spring weather makes travel more reasonable.

    Rollin, Free City of: A free city located in the Good Hills on the banks of the mighty Javan river. Unlike the Free City of Longspear, Rollin was never a territory of Keoland. Rollin evolved from a trading post set up near the hidden dwarven settlement of Mîmkhazâd. As it developed, Rollin was continually fortified (at a price) by the dwarves of Mîmkhazâd, largely to prevent the Keoland kings from laying claim to it. Eventually, Rollin became one of the most fortified cities in Oerth. Built into the surrounding hills, the city presents a series of seven terraces, each protected by a progressively more massive gate. The market and working portion on the city is located in the lowest terrace, while the nobles live in the highest. Carved back into the hill are deep cisterns and larders intended to break any siege. The rear portion of the hill has been carved away so that it is insurmountable. Any invaders would have to battle their way through successively larger and more fortified gates, always climbing, in order to take the City.
    In 600 C.Y., Terromberre forces laid siege to the City. For two years, Khaverdess’s forces have beset the City, but have yet to capture it. It is said that much of the warring is subterranean, as Terromberre forces tunnel under the gates, only to meet dwarven and gnomish soldiers engaged in engineering warfare; collapsing the Terromberre tunnels, and engaging in suicide runs, tunneling out to engage the Terromberre troops, and collapsing the tunnels behind them.

   
Sakatha: The true name of the Snake Mother. A daughter of the Mother of Monsters, Sakatha (sah-KATH-ah) was born during the First Age. She was one of the first of her kind, the Medusae. She was infamous for her ruthlessness and love of power. At some point, she became a paramour of Iuz, and assisted him in conquering a wide swath of the World. In return, he granted her a province that encompassed the modern-day Bright Desert, Abbor-Alz and Wild Coast. While today, it is an arid, dry place; at that time it was a lush paradise. Sakatha set herself up as a Goddess, and had temples erected in her honor throughout the region.
    The details are unclear, but at some point, Iuz was involved with a struggle with foes from the West, perhaps Ahmazda, Celene and Veluna, due to the animosity Iuz bears against them. At any rate, Sakatha’s realm was invaded, and she was magically imprisoned deep below the ground near the precursor of the Selintan River.
    At least three Ages passed and the World changed. The Free City of Greyhawk was founded near the point of Sakatha’s imprisonment, and it eventually grew to cover the ground above her. In 598 C.Y., agents of Iuz magically located her position, and managed to free her from her long imprisonment. Acting in concert with her love, she made terrorist strikes against the City, particularly against the Church of Pholtus (Sakatha once made a statement that she knew Pholtus before he became a deity, but it is unknown whether she was telling the truth, or the meaning of her statement). A band of adventurers fought her schemes, and managed to drive her from the City. She did not travel far, however. She located an ancient shrine dedicated to herself buried beneath the Bright Desert. She lured the adventurers to her temple by kidnapping the daughter of local magnate Dame Gold, and very nearly killed them, petrifying several and destroying Aarioch MorDanus-Vangaard. In the end, Sakatha was slain, and her evil laid to rest at last.

    Saltmarsh: A small town on the shore of the Azure Sea. Once a part of Keoland, the town is now technically a part of the Hold of the Sea Princes. The sleepy little town would be largely unknown if not for the band of adventurers who live there.
    In a villa overlooking the town live Danzig Farplains, Wolfmoon Treeman, Tezzerall, Mogrim Mîmbalroth, and Tanith Constantine. The town also boasts an orchard and garden planted and tended by Wolfmoon and his frequent companion Eöwen. Both are modeled after gardens and orchards in Avenmore, and are an attraction to the town for people in the surrounding regions.

    Sea of Dust: All that remains of the Suel Empire. The Rain of Colorless Fire that followed the unleashing of the Invoked Devastation reduced everything in the Empire to dust. A vast sea of white dust is said to cover millions of square miles west of the Hellfurnaces. The few who have traveled here, for crossing the Hellfurnaces is a deadly and dangerous feat, have reported only a depressing wasteland, featureless and entirely without water. Stories remain however, of Suloise ruins and artifacts that managed to survive the cataclysm.

    Sepulchre: A demi-plane within the Ethereal. Sepulchre (SEPP-ull-KERR) is the place where undead are created. Overseen by Orcus, the realm consists of ghastly factories where souls are fashioned into undead forms, and is peopled by the demons who perform the awful task.
    In 598 C.Y., the fury Alecto came to Sepulchre, bringing the Egg of the Phoenix with her. She was followed by a band of adventurers who sought to return the Egg to the Valley of the Earth Mother. The Princes of Elemental Evil, joined by Olyhydra also entered Sepulchre in search of the Egg. Lastly, Gnarley Bones, using the Illearth Staff, gated himself to Sepulchre. The cosmic battle that followed caused the plane itself to shatter, although the Egg was saved. Orcus arrived in time to salvage the pieces and begin the reconstruction of that terrible place.

    Shankshire: A province of The Kingdom of Keoland. Shankshire was bequeathed to Sir Thomas the Lion, the Grand Knight of the Knights of the Watch, by the King of Keoland in 321 C.Y. The region was so named because it was considered the flank, or hind-quarters of the kingdom, nestled between the Goods Hills, the Dreadwood, and the Kingdom’s prosperous Southern Quarter (now the modern-day Hold of the Sea Princes). The province came unto its own in 366 C.Y., when the Yeoman of the Kingdom’s western plains revolted and sought to secede. Shankshire was used as a staging ground for four largely unsuccessful invasions into the modern-day Yeomanry. Although Keoland was unsuccessful to recapturing its western lands, Shankshire became a powerful, fortified province.
    Later, in 523 C.Y., when the Sea Princes invaded the Southern Quarter, Shankshire was again used as a staging ground for Keoish forces. Again, Keoland’s attempts to reclaim its territory failed.
    In 596 C.Y., the current Lord of Shank, Gustav IV, went mad, and plundered much of the provinces wealth and resources. Because of the instability of the region at that time, Keoland was unable to send aid to its troubled province. Gustav was killed in 599 C.Y., during the Winter of Tears, by a band of adventurers. Shankshire is currently led by Guy II.

    Shadowplay: The adventuring name of Randobas Took, a halfling from the Free City of Longspear. Shadowplay was a member of an assassin’s guild located in that city and was intended to assassinate the mayor of Longspear and implicate the Yeomanry, thus instilling civil warfare. The plot failed, and instead Shadowplay and his companions became key figures in world events from 595-599 C.Y.
    At the climax of the Last Battle, Shadowplay’s untrustworthiness and true nature were revealed when he assassinated one of his closest companions, the ranger Wolfmoon Treeman. Shadowplay’s current whereabouts are unknown.

    Ship of Earth and Sea, The: A powerful artifact created at the end of the First Age by the God Govannan with the assistance of his servant Belaiden. The Ship was delivered to Danu as a gift and became one of the holy weapons of her Horned King. The Ship travels through earth and easily as water, and can be sailed upon the ground. Trees and minor impediments are swept aside its prow and returned to their rightful place upon the ship’s passage. The ship cannot move aside larger obstacles, such as buildings. Hills can be surmounted, with as much difficulty as huge swells upon the ocean, but mountains may not. The Ship can, however, submerge itself in either water or solid earth for periods of time without harm to its passengers, and can travel modest distances.
    As one of the holy weapons, the Ship is virtually invulnerable to harm. The only things that can harm it are the elements of air and fire, and only if directed by a deity. Olyhydra has always made it a point to hunt down the owners of the Ship.
    The Ship has been used by all the Horned Kings. The last Horned King, Gnarley Bones, sailed into battle on the invincible ship. It was taken by the Empire of the Petal Throne after Gnarley Bones abandoned it at the Battle of Atter Towen. The Ship disappeared circa 1100 B.C.Y., and did not reappear until a band of adventurers found it in 600 C.Y., hidden in a temple sacred to Olyhydra. The Ship is currently held by those adventurers in the town of Saltmarsh in the Hold of the Sea Princes.

    Shivenakh, The: The Shivenakh (SHIV-ann-NACK) was one of Gnarley Bone’s greatest servants in his war against the Empire of the Petal Throne. Once an Elder Treant in the service of the Empire, grown by Celene herself from a cutting from the Annunaki, the Shivenakh was corrupted by the Horned King and led a greatly-feared host of evil and undead treants, needlemen and vampiric plants.
    The Shivenakh was charged with protecting Black Towen after the unsuccessful attempt on Frodomere’s life by the Empire (see Veluna). Following Gnarley Bone’s retreat from the Battle of Atter Towen, the Shivenakh served Frodomere for a time. After her imprisonment within Black Towen by the Heart of the Wood, the Shivenakh remained in the area, haunting the place, yet avoiding capture.
    During the Winter of Tears, a band of adventurers on the heels of the High Drune encountered the Shivenakh. After a tremendous battle, the Shivenakh was at last destroyed, and its remains burned.

    Skulltop: A hill located in the southern portion of the Little Hills, overlooking the mighty Javan River. The hill was originally called Copper Top by the indigenous inhabitants due to the hill’s lack of vegetation and bronze-colored soil. The hill was the site of a Wicca temple for most of this Age.
    A Suel general, fleeing the Rain of Colorless Fire laid claim to the hill circa 22 C.Y. Slaying the priestesses and destroying the temple, he built himself a small keep and set himself up as a minor despot in the area (see Murgleyes). Infamous for his cruelty, he maintained an iron grip on his territory until circa 75 C.Y., when he was assassinated. His shade continued to haunt his keep, and the fort was abandoned completely. It was around this time, during the founding of the Free City of Longspear, that the hill, together with its haunted fort, became known as Skulltop.
    Several aborted attempts were made to rebuild Skulltop, first by the Kingdom of Keoland, and later by the Yeomanry, but Murgleyes’s shade and the stink of evil drove both forces away. In the Spring of 595 C.Y., a band of adventurers were led into the ruins by Caine in search of the legendary Blue Dragon Staff, a Suloise artifact Murgleyes was said to have brought out of the Empire. The adventurers dispatched Murgleyes at last, and slew the foul inhabitants that had been brought to that evil place.
    Skulltop did not remain empty for long. In the winter of 596 C.Y., Nackles, fleeing the Battle of Elmreddy Glen, crossed the Javan and took refuge in the ruins. Over the next four years, he drew evil forces to him and secretly rebuilt the fortress. In 600 C.Y., he revealed himself and renamed the fortress Khaverdess. Taking for himself the title Lord of Khaverdess, his goblin forces laid claim to a wide swath of land, creating the nation of Terromberre.

    Slaine MacRoth: 1. The name of a great ranger dwelling in Grenevielleux circa 2000 B.C.Y. Apparently hailing from the area of modern-day Keoland, MacRoth rose through the ranks of his order and became one of the most renowned and famed adventurers in his time. Songs of his exploits made their way as far west as the burgeoning Suel Empire. He and his companions became, in their lifetimes, living legends.
    MacRoth was already at the apex of his power, and settled in the Empire of the Petal Throne with his lover, the high-ranking druidess Dredeleine (see Frodomere), when he was visited by Danu, who informed him of her holy weapons (see the Cauldron of Plenty, the Crown of Horns, the Eye of the Witch, the Navel of the World, the Ship of Earth and Sea, the Spear of the Sun, and the Sword of the Moon). Hungering for the powers the Earth Mother hinted at, MacRoth and his companions engaged in a great quest to regain the items, all of which, except for the Navel, were held in far-off dangerous locales. It was roughly around this same time that MacRoth was visited by Ralishaz, possibly masquerading as Danu, who planted an evil seed in his mind.
    Through heroic adventures, MacRoth managed to recover the weapons. Ascending the Navel of the World, he was accepted by Danu, and imbued with the power of the Horned King. He would later turn that very power against the Goddess (see Gnarley Bones).
    2. The name given to a child born circa 635 C.Y. who was intended by the Great Druid to become the next Horned King and destroy Gnarley Bones. The child was taken from the Valley of the Earth Mother by Danu to escape death at the hands of Tanelorne the Wicked. He would grow up to be the man known as Danzig Farplains.

    Slaine Towen: A supposedly invincible fortress Gnarley Bones built circa 1400 B.C.Y. in the low mountains that surrounded Burghoff prior to the Invoked Devastation. Fleeing from the Battle of Atter Towen, Gnarley Bones built the fortress to protect himself from a successor Horned King, whom, he feared, would be coming to destroy him. Surrounded by a forest of evil and undead treants, and covered with sentient vampiric briars, Slaine Towen was a spire of the densest volcanic rock, hardened to glass. There were no windows, and the only gate was seven feet thick, and constructed of adamantium. The labyrinthine catacombs within were heavily trapped and patrolled by the most dangerous servants the old Horned King could summon or create.
    The fortress was sufficiently invulnerable to survive the Invoked Devastation unscathed, and it served to protect Gnarley Bones for nearly two thousand years, until a chance meeting with Danzig Farplains, prompted him to abandon his hideout. The only individual who ever penetrated Slaine Towen was the High King of Burghoff, Llewellyn MacArt, who entered the dread place on a wager from his father-in-law circa 600 B.C.Y.
    The fortress still stands, only a deity could destroy it, and it is unclear if even that could be done. It is unknown what lies within.

    Slave Lords, The: A band of powerful evil adventurers who combined their skills and resources, and took control of the Pomarj circa 550 C.Y. The initial Slave Lords built the secret city of Highport, and created a system of kidnapping and hostage taking that filled their coffers with gold, and spread fear and infamy throughout the Wild Coast.
    The Slave Lords faced their greatest test in 598 C.Y., when they kidnapped Dame Gold. A band of adventurers tracked the Dame down, inflicting great harm to the Slave Lords as they followed her trail to Highport. Although the Slave Lords managed to capture the adventurers, one of their prisoners had unknowingly used the Eye of the Witch to allow Gnarley Bones to engage Iuz, the deity of the Lords, in Astral Combat. The ensuing chaos caused an earthquake and volcanic eruption near Highport, destroying the City. The freed adventurers fought and killed those Slave Lords who managed to survive the devastation, save one, Slippery Ketta, who dove into the crater’s lake and escaped death at the adventurer’s hands. Whether she survived the destruction of Highport is unknown.

    Sligs: The worst of the known goblin races. Sligs most closely resemble their faerie ancestors who were corrupted by the Mother of Monsters. Sligs are the most powerful, most intelligent, most evil and most dangerous of all goblinkind. They are as large as human men, have a poisonous bite and spit, and can survive the hottest flames without harm. They are resistant to magic. Sligs live exceedingly long lives. The use of magic is common among them, and they can travel noiselessly and without tracks if they choose to do so. Unlike their hobgoblin cousins, Sligs are unorganized, and seldom travel in large numbers.
    Throughout the Ages, Sligs have made war on their hated cousins the Fey, elves and fairy-kind. Driven to inhospitable mountainous regions, they have become despised enemies of the dwarves as well. In this Age, they are concentrated in the Hellfurnaces. Driven from Grenevielleux by Ahmazda, they found service among the Suel, who used them as shock troops in their efforts to subjugate their slave-states. After the Invoked Devastation, and the resulting Rain of Colorless Fire, the fleeing Slig legions found a haven in the volcanic regions, and have secretly grown to strength, making occasional raids against the Yeomanry. When Terromberre rose to power in 600 C.Y., the Lord of Khaverdess entreated the Sligs to come in numbers to his newly-formed nation. Now Sligs travel in the open under the banner of Khaverdess acting as commanders and intelligence officers in Terromberre’s army.
    Sligs are as large as men, averaging five and a-half feet in height. They have bright red skin, and have been described as having demonic features. They have large, pointed ears, slanted yellow eyes, enormous hooked noses, and sharp yellow teeth and claws. They are completely hairless. They tend to shun clothing, wearing black hooded cloaks in mixed company to hide their identities. Their leaders are always warrior/mages.

    Snake Mother, The: The name by which Sakatha was known during her attempt to take over the Free City of Greyhawk in 598 C.Y.

    Spear of the Sun, The: A powerful weapon created by Morrigan, the Goddess of War, at the beginning of time. The Spear is one of the holy weapons of the Horned King (see also the Cauldron of Plenty, the Crown of Horns, the Eye of the Witch, the Navel of the World, the Ship of Earth and Sea, and the Sword of the Moon). The Spear’s great blade is inscribed with the face of Morrigan herself, and screams in battle. With the correct command words, the Spear can be sent to streak toward any target, and then return to the wielder’s hand. The Spear’s blade is cruelly barbed and causes a greater wound on the way out than on the way in.
    The Spear has been wielded by the Horned King in every Age. The Spear representing the inevitability and chaos of the war he is required to bring. The last Horned King, Gnarley Bones, corrupted the Spear, causing it to become even more bloodthirsty and vicious. The Spear actually drips blood now, and can overpower its wielders, consuming him or her in a battle rage. Gnarley Bones last wielded the Spear in the Battle of Atter Towen. Dropping the Spear as he quit the field, it was taken up for a time by the Fey, but it proved too powerful, even for the greatest of their number. Finally, Celene took the Spear with her when she departed for the East, and had her servants conceal the Spear in the Cairn Hills, until the Gods chose to allow it to be found.
    The Spear lay hidden until 594 C.Y., when Tritheron, who is often represented as using the Spear, led Janziduur to find it. The Spear was meant to await the coming of Danzig Farplains. Janziduur became consumed by the Spear and very nearly destroyed Tritheron’s Temple. The Spear proved too much for Danzig to handle, and for a time he and Janziduur came to blows over it, each using the words of magic to hurl the Spear at the other. The Spear was eventually taken to the Valley of the Earth Mother to await the Last Battle. Danzig was taught to properly control the Spear, and entered the Last Battle wielding the mighty weapon. When Gnarley Bones accidentally caused the new Horned King to come to power, the new Horned King, given the Spear’s commands by Danu used the weapon to slay the old Horned King. The Spear’s present whereabouts are unknown.

    Suel Empire: Without any doubt, the most powerful and successful nation that ever existed in the World, the Suel Empire was also its most tragic. Near the beginning of this last Age, the Suloise people occupied the dry steppes of southwestern Oerik, pushed back to the waterless wastes by surrounding enemy states. Rising from a crumbling republic that had gasped its way through the changing of Ages, a powerful senator arose who dissolved the senate and declared himself Emperor. Under his lead, the Suloise moved into the rich grasslands north of their land and captured the people living there, or drove them away.
    The Suel (SOOL) were infamous for their cruelty and excess. Yet, paradoxically, the Suel were also noted for their love of beauty, and for their art and architecture. The Suel were a cultured society, they even boasted a complex and well-developed pantheon of gods. To the east were unorganized human barbarians, druids and the Empire of the Petal Throne, which kept a stoic distance between itself and this human empire which rivaled it in beauty. The Suel were consumed with the thirst for knowledge, and this led them to make both technological advances and great leaps in the study of magic. Suel soon became the greatest repository of magical wisdom in the World. They founded a great library in Apollokeen, what was once a trading village. Apollokeen would become the fabulous capital of the Empire.
    With their hunger for knowledge came excess and success. They easily conquered the nations north of them, and looked with hungry eyes to the Empire of the Petal Throne. To the west, they sent armadas to capture the unknown lands beyond the western sea. The government became controlled by powerful mages who vied for position. Eventually, the Emperor reinstated the senate as an advisory body. They became the richest nation in the world, gold and gems came from all over the world into their coffers. They could magically open gates onto the Plane of Earth, and mine pure unending veins of gems and metals. Their metallurgists discovered and copied the dwarven process for making adamantium. Roads led in all directions from Appollokeen. Outposts and colonies were started across the face of the world. Suloise explorers mapped the earth, rapidly expanding the holdings of the Emperor. Suloise culture was spread across the globe.
    With their wealth, their cruelty increased. Non-suloise were seen as less than human. Many were enslaved so that the Suel could dedicate themselves to leisure time. Bloodsports became common, and the greater cities boasted several coliseums. Otherworldly creatures walked the streets with impunity. Great inhumanities beyond imagination were committed with callous glee for the amusement of the Suloise ruling class.
    At last, their decadence could go no further, and the ruling Emperor and Senate took the next wicked step. They would deny death itself. Creating the horrid process of lichdom, they became undead. Factories were built across the Empire to manufacture the awful ingredients needed. The process was set down, reproduced and widely disseminated. The Empire’s ruling class became inhuman.
    At this point, two things happened that would change the course of the World. To the East, the Horned King came to power. This event rocked the Empire, for through magical research they knew an invincible foe had come into being with the sole purpose of destroying them. To the North, unrest was developing in the Baklunish Republic.
    The Horned King faded from the Empire’s agenda, as he made war against his own people, and sent his army east not west. The Baklunes were something altogether different. The Baklunes had occupied rich farmlands to the north. A devoutly religious people, they had put up little resistance to the Suloise invasion. They had become incorporated into the Empire, and had even taken up the faith of the Suloise Pantheon. Now however, they resisted Suloise rule and, condemning the Suel’s slide into decadence, refused to recognize the inherent superiority of Suloise culture. Powerful priests and priestesses rose among them. Soon the Empire found itself embroiled in war.
    The Suloise army had never faced defeat. The feared Legions of the Golden Dragon were magically augmented, they wore enchanted armor and wielded fearsome weapons. They were aided by ranks of mages and otherworldly troops. Yet, they could not subjugate the Baklunes. The Baklunes could raise their troops from the dead as fast as they could be slain. The Legion, coming back through Baklunish territory they thought captured, found themselves facing the same armies they had massacred only days before. As they fought, their resurrected foes would surround them. The Baklunes could call upon the Gods to unleash pestilences and blights upon the Suel, destroying their supply lines. The Suel failed to retake the Baklunes, and it declared its independence.
    As the Baklunes seceded, the Emperor was deposed and replaced with a senator noted for ruthlessness. Indisputably the most powerful mage to ever live, the Lich-Emperor Vecna assumed the throne of the Suloise Empire. Vecna was far worse that its predecessors. Under its rule, Suel fell into its most horrifying decadence ever. A significant portion of the nobility of the Empire was now undead, and vampirism was rampant. Iron floors with magic drains were installed in the coliseums so that the cheering spectators might feast of the blood of the combatants. Entire races of humans were now bred solely for bloodsports and experiments. Sligs and other humanoids were welcomed into the ranks of the Imperial Army. Intermarriage between the serving class and orcs was encouraged, and sometimes enforced, to create a stronger race of slaves. Pit fiends and worse held positions of authority in the Suloise government. It was very much a hell on earth.
    Even as Gnarley Bones retreated from the Battle of Atter Towen in the east, Vecna assembled the host that would retake the Baklune Republic. The Legion of the Golden Dragon became clothed in magic adamantium armor, making them invincible to weapons. They wielded vorpal swords, hammers of thunderbolts, axes of sharpness and dancing spears. High-ranking legionnaires were armed with blades capable of harming even deities (see Terminus est). Vecna created spells that turned clouds to iron, capable of flattening nations; that turned the bones of victims to jelly; that reversed gravity and flung its victims off the earth; that caused fertile farmland to transform suddenly into molten magma. So armed, the Suel host attacked the Baklunes as Gnarley Bones, in an act of precognition, raised the invincible fortress of Slaine Towen around himself.
    The Suel were overwhelmed. Their enemies were resurrected the instant they died. The Baklunish Priest-Generals called upon the Gods themselves to undo Suloise spells as they were cast; they dispelled every demon, devil and daemon in the Suloise host; the vampire and wight legions fled or were dashed to dust; and the Suel’s own Gods smote the Legion. The Suel host was broken, and the Baklunes marched on Apollokeen itself, intent on wiping out that abomination forever.
    But Vecna had foreseen defeat. It knew that the Gods could not be beaten by force, it may even have discovered what Gnarley Bones attempted later: In order to harm the Gods, you must first harm their worshippers. Vecna had prepared a particular magic unlike any other. And as the Baklunish forces broke open the diamond-hinged gates of Apollokeen, Vecna unleashed the Invoked Devastation. The Devastation not only blasted the Baklunes out of existence, it changed the face of the World. Every building in Suel collapsed as the Hellfurnaces erupted out of the Suel’s western hills, vomiting lava and smoke. The Western Sea rushed in, swallowing entire provinces.
    As the dust began to settle, and the earthquakes died down, it began to rain. Even as the survivors of the Devastation crawled to their feet and regarded the destruction of everything they had ever known, the Rain of Colorless Fire began. The Rain annihilated the Empire, each drop turning whatever it touched to dust. Survivors, faced with a raging sea to the West and South, a storm of fire bearing down from the North, and the Hellfurnaces to the West, chose to brave the volcanic range. Less than a third of the surviving refugees who attempted the Hellfurnaces survived the journey, but those who did swept east and founded the Kingdom of Aerdy. Vecna, it is said, was not destroyed by the rain, but was instead destroyed by its most trusted bodyguard, Kas, who used a weapon Vecna had itself made capable of slaying even a deity.

    Suloise: One of the predominant ethnicities of Oerik. The Suloise (SOO-loyz) peoples occupied western Oerik, from the modern-day Hellfurnaces all the way to the great western sea. The Suloise (or Suel) people are roughly characterized by their tall, thin build, their delicate features, small noses, and pale skin and hair. Albinism is not uncommon among the Suel, indicating that the entire race may have originated from a very small pool. The Suloise have their own language, but outside of the ruling class of the Great Kingdom, it is seldom spoken, although it can be found in many older documents. There are very few pure Suloise left outside of the Great Kingdom, intermarriage with the Flan and Oeridian races has largely diluted the race. It lives on in their tall, fair-haired descendants throughout Oerth.

    Sword of the Moon, The: One of the holy weapons of the Horned King. The Sword was created by Arawn, and is perhaps the deadliest weapon ever created. The Sword does not so much cut flesh as flesh rips itself open to receive it. The Sword could cut through both metal and stone. No sheaf could contain it, nor would it allow its wielder to wear armor.
    The Sword was usually kept by the various champions of the druids, although it occasionally fell into the hands of various heroes of legend. Inevitably, it would come into the possession of some awful foe from whom the Horned King would have to recover it on his way to surmount the Navel of the World.
    The Sword passed down through the Ages until it was wielded by the Horned King who became Gnarley Bones. Gnarley Bones was not able to corrupt the weapon as greatly as he had others. The Sword did become enshrouded in a cloud of palpable fear by the Horned King’s long use, and few could look upon it without fleeing.
    Agents of the Empire of the Petal Throne managed to steal the Sword from Gnarley Bones. Ahmazda, imbued with power from Danu, used the weapon against Gnarley Bones at the Battle of Atter Towen. Ahmazda succeeded in striking a powerful blow against Gnarley Bones, but it was not mortal. The Sword’s blade shattered several supposedly unbreakable artifacts, namely the Crown of Horns and the Eye of the Witch. Following Ahmazda’s destruction, the Sword was held for a time by the Heart of the Wood before disappearing. Unbeknownst to the Heart, the God Tritheron, foreseeing Gnarley Bone’s re-emergence, hid the Sword in the Astral Plane, where it was recovered in 598 C.Y. by a band of adventurers. The Sword was wielded by Wolfmoon Treeman during the Last Battle and struck several blows against the Horned King. The Sword’s current location is unknown.

    Talf Tengwûr: A sylvan elf. Talf was formerly known as Talf Evergreen. Talf was an adventurer who returned to the Heart of the Wood to aid it in its battle against Nackles. Talf took part in the Battle of Elmreddy Glen, where Nackles’ forces were routed. He accompanied a band of adventurers to the ruins beneath Atter Towen to confront Nackles. Nackles turned Talf to stone. Although the spell was later countered, his right hand remained made of stone. He then took the surname Tengwûr (TENG-WURR), “stone fist” in elf. Talf is a captain of the Heart of the Wood forces.

    Tallin Allindel: Tallin hailed from the Free City of Longspear, where he earned a living as a bodyguard and sometime debt collector for the Church of Zilchus. He was a duelist, and spent most of his time perfecting his craft. Tallin joined a band of adventurers who passed through the City, and took part in several adventures. He traveled to Deepingdale with Marya Darkeyes and his comrades, where he was slain by a giant he engaged in single combat. His comrades have henceforth spread the story that Tallin inflicted horrific wounds upon one of the giant’s feet before being killed horribly by a single blow.

    Tammath Chattan: Also known simply as “Tommy,” Tammath Chattan (TAM-math CHAT-ahn) was a street urchin living in the Free City of Longspear. Tommy became an informant for a certain band of adventurers in 595 C.Y., and eventually joined them in their travel to Burghoff. Tammath studied dueling under Tallin Allindell, his idol, and continued the craft following Tallin’s early and sudden demise. Tammath was best friends with Karat.
    While exploring Lashan, Tammath was captured by Gnarley Bones through a magical mirror. Servants of the Horned King lashed him to a wicker man, along with Eöwen, intending to sacrifice him to Ralishaz. His companions were able to rescue him, and he accompanied them back to Longspear. He left the group to strike out on his own. His current whereabouts are unknown.

    Tanak Constantine: Tanak Constantine was born in the early 500s C.Y. in Keoland. Little is known about his upbringing. It is known that he was a member of a coven of witches who relocated to the Witches’ Hills in an attempt to revive witches in the Javan River Valley. Setting himself up as a self-styled Witch King, Tanak made residence in the ancient fortress Atter Towen. At some point, possibly much earlier in life, Tanak (TANN-ack) became a devoted follower of the god Ralishaz, the Lord of Misfortune. Rather than convert his coven, he sought to corrupt it from the inside-out. At Arcilla Loma, Tanak consecrated his son Tanith’s soul to his dark god by sacrificing Tanith’s twin.
    Tanak became a minor despot of sorts, and sought to spread discord and confusion throughout the area. He captured the Black Cauldron from the Heart of the Wood, and used its power to wreak havoc. Eventually, he caught the attention of both the Heart of the Wood and the Kingdom of Keoland, both of which sought to dispose of him. After a battle against the Witch King’s Cauldron-Born army, the Heart of the Wood tore down Atter Towen, but Tanak managed to escape the fortress’s destruction. He died soon after of unrevealed causes. The coven buried Tanak and his wives beneath Arcilla Loma, and left Atter Towen. They remained in the Witches’ Hills until 597 C.Y., when they were rooted out and destroyed by the Nightmare Beast.
    Death did not stop Tanak. From Pandemonium, he was allowed by his Lord to serve as a mentor for his son (see Pnume). Eventually, Tanak was able to trick his son into sacrificing a human being so that he might possess the body and escape Pandemonium. By a cruel twist of fate, the body Tanith sacrificed was that of a hunter who had fallen victim to cannibal verbeegs; he had been flayed and prepared for food. Thus, Tanak became trapped in a body hideously maimed.
    Tanak remained active as an agent of Ralishaz throughout much of the events of As the Curtains Fall, sowing discord throughout the world. He broke the seal of Black Towen and opened the Chest of Many Winters, a mighty artifact contained within. Thus, Tanak caused the Winter of Tears.
    After Gnarley Bones’ defeat at both the Valley of the Earth Mother and the Beastlands (see the Last Battle), Tanak named himself the High Drune, and attempted to resurrect the dread Horned King using the Black Cauldron. Tricking his son and his son’s comrades into assisting him in recovering the Cauldron, he successfully brought Gnarley Bones back from the Outer Void. Unfortunately, Gnarley Bones craved only nothingness, and knelt in the Cauldron, destroying both the Cauldron and himself. Thinking that he was striking a final blow against his son, Tanak broke his Staff of Power, believing the explosion would destroy them both. The resulting explosion tore a whole between dimensions, however, and Tanak was sucked away to Limbo.
    Presumably, Tanak Constantine is still in existence in some form. As a lower planes creature, the trip to Limbo would not have harmed him. It is likely, however, that having his physical body removed from the World may prevent him from returning without first being summoned.

    Tanelorne the Wicked: The Champion of Arawn, the God of Death, Tanelorne (TANN-eh-LORN) is a powerful anti-paladin who scours the earth on his dread lord’s behalf. Tanelorne hails originally from Rauxes in the Kingdom of Aerdy, where he studied at the Temple of Arawn, the only such Temple in the World. For nearly thirty years, Tanelorne has traveled the earth as the will of Arawn. He once invaded the Valley of the Earth Mother seeking to slay the child who would grow to be Danzig Farplains, although Danu foiled him. He was last seen collecting the weapon Terminus Est from a group of adventurers who had stumbled upon that dread knife.

    Tanis Constantine: Son of Tanak Constantine and twin brother to Tanith, Tanis was sacrificed atop Arcilla Loma by his father in a rite intended to consecrate Tanith’s soul to the deity Ralishaz. Tanis is almost certainly dead.

    Temple of Elemental Evil, The: A fortress dedicated to the worship of the Princes of Elemental Evil (see Olyhydra) hidden not far from the town of Hommlet, near the Wild Coast. The Temple became a powerful force of evil circa 515 C.Y. It was eventually destroyed during the “Battle of Seven Nights,” fought by forces from Furyondi, Veluna, Celene and Ulek.
    For approximately forty years, the ruined temple remained quiet. Around 555 C.Y., dark stirrings began in the Temple again. It was whispered that forces loyal to Iuz had entered the fortress and were preparing an assault. A band of adventurers, including Caine entered the Temple and destroyed the High Priest dwelling within. The foundations of the Temple remain, despite repeated attempts to clear the area.

    Terminus Est: A deadly weapon forged in the Suel Empire. Its name is Suloise for “this is the line of division.” Terminus Est (TERM-in-EHS EST) was a dagger made from an unearthly black metal that did not reflect light. Enchanted with awful magics during the reign of the Lich-Emperor Vecna circa 100 B.C.Y., Terminus Est, like many weapons forged during the Suloise-Baklunish war, was intended to be capable of harming any foe, including deities. Terminus Est, true to form, can harm any creature in existence. Furthermore, anything killed by Terminus Est is forever dead, even undying spirits are banished to the Outer Void.
    Terminus Est was used by a Suloise general during the Suloise-Baklunish wars, and carried by him to the East during the Rain of Colorless Fire. The commander led the tattered remains of his legion to a strategic hill in the Javan River Valley, and built a fort there (see Murgleyes, Skulltop). After the commander’s death, the knife passed through many hands over the centuries, eventually coming into the possession of Tanelorne the Wicked in 595 C.Y.

    Terromberre: The nation claimed by the Lord of Khaverdess. Terromberre (TERR-omm-BARE) means “land of darkness” or “land of shadows” in the goblin tongue. Founded in 600 C.Y., the Lord of Khaverdess lays claim to all lands west of the Javan as far north as Rollin, as far south as the Hool Marshes, and as far east as the Hellfurnaces (thus Terromberre claims to encompass much of the Yeomanry). The fortress of Khaverdess is the capitol of Terromberre, and the formerly Free City of Longspear is the nation’s largest city. Terromberre troops have besieged the gnomish city of Rollin for two years, but have not yet captured the city.
    The populace of Terromberre is largely made up of the original population of the area before Khaverdess’s rebuilding: mostly farmers and peasants and the largely human population of Longspear. That population is nearly matched by goblins, hobgoblins, bugbears and gnolls. Sligs now occupy Terromberre in growing numbers, and ogres have begun to arrive from the Jotens. The sizeable halfling population of Longspear was arrested or driven away in a pogrom on the night Terromberre troops seized Longspear.
    The Lord of Khaverdess (see Derwin Despana, Nackles) oversees Terromberre. He claims no other title, as of yet, other than “Lord.” He has no true second in command, only a group of high-ranking commanders who jockey for favors. The mage Tormaq acts as the Lord of Khaverdess’ regent in Longspear.

    Titans: The first living beings created by the gods, the titans predate even the Fey. The titans were servants used to build the World, laying down the bedrock, building the mountains, filling the seas, etc. Eventually, the Mother of Monsters corrupted many of the titans. Believing that the world they had toiled over should be given to them to rule, they engaged in a war against the gods. The gods triumphed, and the rebelling titans were slaughtered or cursed to wander the Earth. Those accursed gradually degenerated into the giant races known today. Of those who stayed faithful to the gods, it is said that none are currently residing on the Earth. Undying creations of the gods, titans are far more powerful than any of the known giants. It is whispered that some of the original titans who rebelled remain in dark places in the world.

    Tormaq: Tormaq (TORR-MACK) is a mage living in the former Free City of Longspear. A former adventurer, he settled in Longspear circa 570 C.Y., and took up a position as court magician. He eventually retired, and operated a business of selling and identifying magic items found by adventurers passing through the Free City. Upon Terromberre’s annexation of the city in 601 C.Y., Tormaq assumed the position of Regent, where he now governs the city in Khaverdess’s stead. It has been rumored that Tormaq aided and assisted Khaverdess in capturing the city.

    Trevor Wentle, His Honor: A royal judge appointed by the Kingdom of Keoland who presides over the High Court in the Free City of Longspear. In the Free City, one judge is appointed by Keoland, one by the Yeomanry, and one is chosen by the popular vote of the people. Judge Wentle presides over most criminal trials when not sitting in the High Court (the High Court only decides matters affecting the Free City as a whole, or disputes between the laws of Keoland and the Yeomanry involving the Free City’s citizens).
    In 596 C.Y., Judge Wentle’s brother, Travis Wentle, a local merchant died in a house fire. It was later discovered that a passing band of adventurers were cultists of Iuz, and that they had murdered Travis in his sleep and burned the house to cover their crime. The adventurers were arrested and stood trial. Judge Wentle presided over the trial of his brother’s murderers and sentenced them to hang. One accused murderer, Tanith Constantine was actually hung, but was not killed, possessed as he was by his father’s spirit (see Pnume, Tanak Constantine). Marya Darkeyes, a priestess of Zilchus, was able to commute their sentence into life exile.
    Since the capture of Longspear in 600 C.Y., and its annexation into Terromberre, Judge Wentle is now the Chief Justice, presiding over the High Court with two lower judges appointed by the Lord of Khaverdess.

    Tritheron: “The Summoner.” One of the Gods brought into eastern Oerik by the fleeing Suel refugees. Tritheron (TRYTH-er-RONN) was a God of both freedom and of revenge. It is likely that Tritheron became incorporated into the Suloise Pantheon through a people whom the Suel had enslaved, for he has the elements of a deity favored by slaves.
    Tritheron is usually depicted as a tall hunter, wrapped in a red cloak. He wields either a huge broadsword, or a wickedly barbed spear. These weapons may or may not be representations of the Sword of the Moon and Spear of the Sun. He tirelessly and unerringly tracks down his quarry. As the Summoner, Tritheron blows a curled horn to call one of his three servants, Car’rolk, a sea dragon; Harris, a great falcon, or Nemound, a magnificent hound.

    Trolls: Perhaps the most feared of all humanoids, Trolls first appeared near the end of the Second Age in the service of Iuz in one of his many guises. Their origin is unknown, they do not seem to be related to any known races. However, their ability to mate with giants suggests that they may also be descended from Titan stock.
    Trolls are horrid in appearance. They are nine feet tall, long and lanky. Their knuckles reach far below their knees. Their skin is a mottled green in color and is thick with warts. Their tweleve fingers and toes are tipped with cruelly barbed talons, and they possess three rows of sharp yellow teeth. Their noses are nearly comically long, often dipping over their mouths. They are lipless, have only nubs for ears, and have jet black eyes. Their heads are topped with a shock of black wiry hair.
    Trolls possess enormous strength and are tireless. They can eat any organic (and some inorganic) substance and are immune to the most virulent poisons and diseases. They have the awful gift of regeneration. Trolls heal at a fantastic pace, recovering from even the most grievous wounds in hours at the most. Trolls can regrow severed limbs, and can even retain control of lost limbs. Beheading a Troll will not kill it. The severed head can continue to control the body, and even if the body is destroyed, the head will grow a new body over time. Trolls cannot starve to death, they will eat portions of themselves in times of need.
    Trolls, when gathered in large numbers, are a vastly powerful force. Few units can face a horde of trolls. Luckily, their chaotic nature and the fact that they are universally despised by even other humanoids prevents them from unifying.

    Valley of the Earth Mother: A valley at the foot of the Yatil Mountains, bordering the Kingdom of Ket. The Valley has been the holiest of sites to the druids throughout all the Ages. It was here that Danu briefly rested after the creation of the World. Her greatest temple is situated here, and the Great Druid presides over it. The Navel of the World once rested here, but throughout the Ages, it came to rest eventually in Danu Towen to the south, and finally in Orlane.

    Vecna: The last Lich-Emperor of Suel. Vecna (VEKK-NAH) came to power approximately fifteen hundred years ago. It was the most powerful member of the Suel Empire’s senate, and became, undisputedly, the highest-level mage ever to exist on Oerth. Vecna was already centuries old by the time it assumed the mantle of the Empire’s thirty-first Emperor.
    Vecna continued the ongoing war against the Baklunes to the north, creating legions of mage-soldiers, summoning demons and devils to swell their ranks, and creating spells of unmatched destruction. Under its rule, the Suloise army came to bring regiments of mages onto the field of battle. The Empire itself entered a time of unmatched decadence under Vecna’s reign. The senate came to be made up exclusively of liches, with the senior-most decisions made by consulting demi-liches. Vampires held most of the offices of power, and the Suloise people, although reveling in riches undreamed of before or since -rumor tells of how Vecna, not content with doming over its fungi garden with a gold dome a quarter-mile in diameter, paved all roads leading away from the Imperial Palace in gold- strained under an evil and bloodthirsty government. Bloodsports and human sacrifice were the order of the day. Massive domed coliseums ran cruel tournaments, their iron floors fitted with magical drains so that the inhuman audience could drink the blood of the combatants.
    After the Baklunes destroyed the Suel army, and the Baklunish army marched unstopping toward Apollokeen, Suel’s capital, sacking city after city on its way, Vecna unleashed the Invoked Devastation, which blasted the Baklunes from existence and changed the face of the World forever. The devastation resulted in the Rain of Colorless Fire, which turned the Suloise Empire into the Sea of Dust. Popular legend tells that as the color fire rained down from the heavens, Vecna was assassinated by its most-trusted bodyguard, Kas, who used a sword Vecna had itself enchanted, enabling it to kill any being.

    Veluna: 1. One of the Fey, sister to Celene and brother to Ahmazda. Veluna (VAH-loon-NAH) was one of the first of those awoken by the Gods. Veluna was a favorite of Marzanna, and spread the goddess’ faith across much of the new world. Veluna’s gift was the creation of magical pools and fountains.
    Veluna never took a husband. In this last Age, Veluna formed an Empire with her sister, the Empire of the Petal Throne. The Empire ruled peacefully for several millenniums until what was supposed to be the end of the Age. The Horned King later called Gnarley Bones turned against the druids, and sought to install himself as a God-Emperor. The sisters resisted him, and Gnarley Bones and the Empire clashed for several centuries. As a result, the Empire was tattered, and most of Greneveilleux destroyed. Veluna led the attack against Black Towen while Gnarley Bones laid waste to the Valley of the Earth Mother. The Empire forces sought to slay Gnarley Bones’ horrid bride Frodomere, and recapture the Navel of the World. Frodomere defeated the Empire’s host, and captured Veluna.
    Bound beneath Black Towen in silver chains and subjected to unimaginable tortures, Veluna was freed when Celene paid a ransom to Frodomere of one thousand elven maidens. Unable to forgive her sister for making so great a sacrifice on her behalf, and grieving that her defeat had led to such a tragedy, Veluna left the Empire and departed to the far East. Her departure heralded the end of the Empire.
    2. A nation in Oerik south of the Vesve Forest. Named for the “mythical” lady who once dwelled here, Veluna is a fiefdom of the Great Kingdom and is, despite its large elven population, a human nation. The great lady herself retired north to the Vesve following the coming of the Suel peoples into her realm, much of the human populace embraces Veluna as the patron defender of their nation never guessing that the actual lady exists not far away. Veluna is a nation of great beauty, with rich farmlands, and spectacular scenery. It is one of the strongest forces of good in the world, and a staunch enemy of Iuz.

    Wastri: The so-called “Hopping Prophet.” Wastri (WAY-stree) first appeared in the East, among the Oeridians at approximately the same time refugees from the Suel Empire began their colonization of Oerik east of the Hellfurnaces. Wastri promulgates theories of racial discrimination.Although he espouses a pro-human stance, and launches vociferous attacks against humanoids and demi-humans, he also promotes bigotry among the human ethnicities. He has been particularly successful in the far east, where the Suloise race coexists with the indigenous Oeridian population.
    He has instigated racial pogroms, ethnic cleansing and civil war. It is unknown what manner of creature he is, but his long-life and ability to survive countless attempts on his life have led many to believe that he is undying. It is not yet clear if he is a demon, demi-god or undying spirit. He hides his appearance beneath a shawl and moves with an awkward, skipping gait. He was especially active recently, stirring up unrest throughout Oerik, apparently at the bequest of Ralishaz.

    White Stag, The: An agent of Danu, the White Stag is a fabulous animal known to be sent to Danu’s favorites. The White Stag often acts as a guide, leading people onto the right path, or out of danger. The White Stag is legendary, many hunters from sags have stalked the beast, although no one has ever been able to harm or capture it.

    Wicca, The: An offshoot of druids, the Wicca revered Meness more than all the other Gods. They maintained a nearly all-female order parallel to that of the druids. They celebrated many of the same holy days, and observed many of the same practices.
    When the Horned King who would later be known as Gnarley Bones rose to power. The Wicca bestowed upon him the gift now known as the Eye of the Witch. The amulet protected the Horned King from being detected by magical means, and allowed him visions of far-off times and places. It also gave him some control over the dreams of others. It was whispered that the Eye was in fact given to the King as a subterfuge, and the Wicca were making a play for power. Some suggested that the Eye caused its wearer to become susceptible to the Wicca’s influence, and that they sought to increase their own power by controlling the Horned King. After the Horned King’s betrayal of his oaths, some druids went so far as to blame the Horned King’s corruption on the Wicca.
    Whatever the truth, Gnarley Bones initiated a pogrom against the Wicca, capturing and slaughtering them. Some escaped, and became themselves corrupted (see Witches), coming to embrace the very figure persecuting them. It is unknown whether any of the Wicca survived.

    Winhimm: (WINN-im) A fabulous breed of horses. Raised in the Great Kingdom originally, they have been given out over the centuries as gifts to favored vassals. Now many nations maintain small herds. They are exceptionally hardy and strong, although they breed infrequently. They understand human speech, and can be taught to speak it themselves. Most lords ride Winhimms into battle.

    Winter of Tears, The: The period of 597-599 when Tanak Constantine opened the Chest of Many Winters beneath Black Towen. The Chest caused centuries’ worth of winters to descend on western Oerik. In August, snow and sleet began to fall. By October, most of the land was swaddled beneath a thick blanket of five-foot deep snow. The snow and sleet continued to fall for over a year, paralyzing nations, starving and freezing hundreds of thousands. The Winter caused near anarchy, which was Constantine’s plan.
    In the midst of the Winter, Gnarley Bones marched north along the frozen Javan River. Thus, cold and starving refugees were forced to flee before him in droves. The Winter was not ended until a band of adventurers closed the Chest in January of 599 C.Y., which resulted in the Great Spring.

    Witches: Members of the Wicca, who survived Gnarley Bone’s pogrom and became corrupted by him. The Witches changed their object of worship from Meness to the Mother of Monsters. They reveled in evil and anarchy. Along with Gnarley Bones, they opposed the druids and the Empire of the Petal Throne. Many high-ranking witches became Gnarley Bone’s wives. After their Horned King’s retreat from the Battle of Atter Towen, many witches flocked to Black Towen and served Frodomere. They became trapped inside when the Heart of the Wood sealed that dark place.
    The remaining witches scattered across the earth. Some remained close by, hiding in the Witches’ Hills. Many were organized in the mid-500s C.Y. by the Witch King and occupied Atter Towen. That dark fortress became a haven for the dark faith, a place of black sorcery. The Heart of the Wood, joined by the Knights of the Watch, besieged Atter Towen, and tore it down. The witches were forced to go into hiding for many years. Some small covens exist, in fact, the Witch King’s son, Tanith Constantine, was raised by one such coven as a child.
    In 597 C.Y., Tanith Constantine, the Witch King’s son, freed the Nightmare Beast. The Beast scoured the World, killing off the Witches. It is unknown whether any survived.

    Witch King, The: The name taken by Tanak Constantine, when he led a coven of Witches into the Witches' Hills. Occupying the abandoned and wicked fortress of Atter Towen, Constantine set himself up as a despot of sorts. From his tower, he laid dark schemes that affected the Dreadwood, the Kingdom of Keoland and, later, the Hold of the Sea Princes. The Witch King managed to steal the Black Cauldron from the Heart of the Wood, who had held it for centuries. With it, he created an army of Cauldron-Born. He was also able to call the surviving Huntsmen to his cause.
    The Witch King drew the ire of Keoland and the Heart, and eventually a joint force of elvish soldiers and the Knights of the Watch assaulted Atter Towen. They destroyed most of the Witch King’s host, and forced him to flee. The Heart tore down Atter Towen. The Witch King, now humbled, remained in the Witch Hills for a time with those forces still loyal to him. He died of unknown causes circa 580 C.Y., and was buried beneath Arcilla Loma with the Cauldron and several of his wives. Death alone did not stop the Witch King’s schemes, see the High Drune, Pnume.

    Witches’ Hills: (alternately Witch’s Hills) A range of Hills located in the Dreadwood. The Hills were once named murlest, “western wall” in elvish. The represented a boundary of Grenevielleux. The hills had long been a site of worship for the Wicca. After the war between the Empire of the Petal Throne and Gnarley Bones, most of Greneveilleux was destroyed, leaving the modern-day Dreadwood as its only remaining vestige. Gnarley Bones raised Atter Towen to keep a watch on the battered Empire. Around this same time, the Witches took hold in murlest, and dark things began to thrive there. Atter Towen has been torn down twice, but so far no effort has been able to free the hills of their dark inhabitants.

    Zagyg: The so-called “Mad Mage.” Zagyg (ZAHG-gig) is most probably a child of one of the Gods and a mortal. It is unknown which deity, but Boccob from the Suel Pantheon or Meness from the Flannish are likely suspects. Zagyg first appeared in this Age. He traveled throughout the World, and settled in Middle Oerth, where he established the trading post that would one day become the Free City of Greyhawk. He spent several centuries creating a residence, Castle Greyhawk, only to abandon it and serve as the self-elected mayor of his fledgling city. When Iuz posed a threat to Zagyg’s hobby, the mad mage captured him, along with Keoghtom, Wastri and others beneath Castle Greyhawk, where they remained for centuries.
    Zagyg served as mayor of Greyhawk for seven straight centuries before finally abdicating. During his rule, the City grew into the “Jewel of the Flaness.” (a term he coined). It became one of the most wealthy if not most influential cities in all of Oerth. The coming of the Suel, and the founding of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy only fueled Greyhawk’s growth. Allowed to remain free, for not even the Overking wished to tangle with Zagyg, the City became an important “bridge” between the Eastern Kingdom and the Western provinces. When Zagyg finally abdicated, he left an enormous sum of wealth in trust for his beloved city. He then departed for lands unknown, although he hinted he would return if his City were ever threatened. He is the patron deity of Greyhawk, which remains one of the oldest, and certainly the greatest cities in Oerth.

    Zilchus: A Suel God. Zilchus (ZILL-CHUSS) is the God of Money and Wealth. Suffice to say, he is the favored God of the nobility. He has had limited success in attracting worshippers in western Oerik, although his faith is strong in the Kingdom of Aerdy. There was a small ostentatious temple in the Free City of Longspear, but it was looted and sacked in 600 C.Y. by Terromberre forces.