Avashire
Avashire is a large, diverse land and
many races call the realm of Avashire home. Humans, Dwarves, Halflings, Elves and
Dark Elves are the primary inhabitants. Rumors also abound of the ancient race
of Giants, although nary a one has been seen in hundreds of years.
The landscape of Avashire is equally diverse, from the fertile plains of Eldenwein and the rugged Torloc mountains to the wastelands of Haran-dur and the frozen tundra of Tolunda. Those are merely the surface regions. The very land of Avashire is merely a roof, if you will, over an equally vast region called the Netherworld. The Netherworld lies deep in the rock below the surface land of Avashire and is accessible only through a few caves and passages. The Netherworld is home to all sorts of beasts, both of natural origin as well as evil creation. It is through these caves and passages that hordes of these beasts have been known to spill into the surface of Avashire. There is no doubt there there are even some caverns which connect the two lands which have yet to be uncovered - at least by the surface dwellers.
Maps
As provinces and regions of Avashire are added to our community, they will be described in these pages. Currently, there is information on the following areas of Avashire:
Eldenwein (pronounced Elden-wine) is a small province of Avashire located along the western coast between the northern reaches of Coral Bay, the Torloc Mountains and the Anbar River to the north. Eldenwein is primarily a fertile plain, although a portion of the eastern reaches delve into the Torloc Mountains.
The City of Eldenwein, of which the province is named after, is the largest city along the western coast of Avashire. A thriving sea port fuels the economy here, and while the inhabitants are primarily human, it is not uncommon to see elves and dwarves. On a rare occasion, you may even catch a glimpse of a gnome or dark elf from the far east. Pirate ships will often patrol the waters nearby and occasionally will make their way into port under guise of a peaceful trader. The Eldenwein Navy has their hands full with these marauders.
The City of Eldenwein is actually divided into two parts which straddle the Anbar River: North Eldenwein and Eldenwein. Although a prosperous city, the population has segregated into the two regions. North Eldenwein is where the bustling sea port resides and thus tends to attract the more ruffian in nature. Eldenwein proper is where the civic center lies as well as the Palace of Ashlyn, Baroness of the Eldenwein province. The rich tend to live near the civic center as opposed to the shadier portions of North Eldenwein.
The Torloc Mountains are reportedly a result of the geologic upheaval of the Netherworlds during the fabled battle between the mad mage Il'haen and the Dragon Lord Osirus. Legend has it that the battle was of such grandeur that it forced the rock mass between the realms to thrust upward thousands of feet into the sky.
The steep jagged peaks of the Torloc Mountains divide the land of Avashire into what is commonly referred to as the Western Plains and the Eastlands. The mountains are rugged and trecharous. Parts of Torloc are forested, while the upper regions are barren and snow capped year round. There are two main passes that are travelled through the mountains. Others exist, although they are more home to bandits and Trolls.
Deep in the heart of the Torloc Mountains, through a treacherous portion of Windham pass lies the Torloc Keep, legendary home of the Council of Mages. Through a narrow portion of sheer rock known as the "Gauntlet" have many lives been lost during the futile raids to overtake this formidable Keep.
It is in Torloc that will be your first journey from the Wiltshire Abbey.
The Wiltshire Abbey is home of the Church of Avashire, perched along the shores of the Tor River. The Abbey is one of the most ancient settlements in Avashire, and the hospitality of the Monks is widely known. The Abbey is larger than many small villages, and contains most things you'd find in such a village. A healer, butcher, bakery, blacksmith, tailor and general store are all part of the facilities. The Beggar's Feast Inn & Tavern is a welcome respite for the weary traveler. The Abbey also is where some of the best ale and wine are made. The 'per Ankh' (Library) is a two-leveled storehouse of ancient knowledge.
It is here that you meet a young boy who is investigating the murder of his parents. Will you set aside your own adventures and aide him in tracking down the murderers?
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Eldenwein
