Dungeons & Dragons Group The Hague
Marsenland
Capital: Slagterome
Population: 609,871 (orc 64%, goblinoid 21%, giant 8%, half-orc 6%, other 1%)
Government: No centralized government, tribal warlords rule the lands.
Imports: Food, leather, furs, horses, weaponry.
Exports: Mercenaries, precious metals.
Life and Society:
Marsenland is no-mans land ruled by orcish and goblinoid warlords who constantly battle each other for the dominion of land, for bounty, gold, weapons or simply for no reason at all. Marsenland has been abandoned long time by the civilized races: humans, elves and dwarves are rarely seen on the desolate steppes of Marsenland. Instead the land is now dominated by roaming warbands killing and plundering everything in its wake. Warfare is an important part of the society. And respect is only gained by force of arms, power and strength in battle. When not in battle the races of Marsenland usually prepare for battle, all activities of the clans are in service of war. The local tribes fight for dominion over land and for power over a region.
The creatures of Marsenland do not live in cities instead they live as nomads in tribes, travelling from place to place. In these monstrous communities men are always in position of power and authority, women serve the men as servants, mothers and wives (in this order). Slavery is common here, and since slaves do not live long in monstrous captivity, many raids are needed to continuously supply the tribal slave demand.
Magic is feared in Marsenland and only few of its denizen master magic, arcane or divine. Magically powerful individuals receive a great lot of respect and can demand obedience and inspire fear in their companions. In the tribal societies, magically powerful individuals often take the position of advisor or councilor to the chieftain. The Marsenland denizens often perform raids at outlaying nations, cities and villages, strangers are not welcome here.
Next to the orc and goblinoid populations this land is infested with various other monsters. Especially a large population of blue, brown and sand dragons’ lives and hunts in this area. The Dragons frequently terrorize the orcish clans roaming the Marsenlands and the human cities on its borders.
Geographical Features:
The land of the orcs’ or Marsenland is a sad place to see. The land is a barren, desolate and dry steppe with sandy and rocky underground and little vegetation. Although Marsenland cannot be called a desert it certainly resembles one. Without the occasional trees or even the rare standing bush or small forest Marsenland would definitely be a desert. This land is the result of havoc wreaked upon the land by the Starstone, Saranthar and the thousands of destructive orcs’ through the ages. Currently only orcs’, goblinoids and other mosters live in these regions, however scholars are afraid that when these lands will loose all its fertility even those creatures will have to move somewhere else.
Fort Avastar: This secret, well hidden fort is located the middle of the city of Avalon. Fort Avastar functions as the headquarters of the Silverstars of Avalon in Tilea. Although Avastar lies in the middle of hostile territory of former Avalon, the fort’s walls are well defended and fortified with powerful magic. The fort is cloacked with illusions and only high standing members know of its existence and location. The fort is run by the dwarf Beldar Hammergrim (LG, male dwarf, Ranger 6 / Palladin 6) and populated by large amount of dedicated Silverstars. The Silverstart of Avalon use this location as their secret hideout, important meetings are also held here. Members are often also trained here, and the location also functions as a safe sanctuary.
Rock Fields (F): The Rock Fields is an area of floating nodes in Marsenland. The Rock Fields are rich on adamantine and valuable gems, minerals and other treasures, unfortunately a strong orc band, the bloodletters, controls the area. Nevertheless many expeditions from Grand Grennalda try to reach and penetrate the Rock Field, which leads to frequent skirmishes with the orcs. The Keepers of Steel Trading Periakos from Grand Grennalda organizes frequent raids into the Rock Fields, the organization is keen on the adamantine found in the area and will do everything in its power to gain access to the resource.
Ruins of Avalon: The ruins to the great capitol of Daranthar can today still be found in Marsenland. Even though the city was hit hard by the devastation from the Silverstone meteor and by the onslaught of Saranthar, still some standing structures remain in the ruins of the former metropolis. Depending on the weather the ruins can be very difficult to find, when sandstorms cover the remaining buildings of the city, little can seen of its structures. Experienced local scouts can lead adventurers and explorers to the city. Teleportation into and out of Avalon and in the areas around it is hazardous at least, the chance for failure increases by 25%.
The Mud Lake: This Lake is located a few days travel east of Slagterome, this lake once had clean waters and rich fish population, but all of that was lost in the past. What remains now is a large pile of mud and swamp and just very little fresh water. For travelers requiring drinking water this is probably one of the few such places in Marsenland, since good clean patches of water can still be found on the shores of the lake. However the swamp is infused with various monsters roaming its surroundings and even the occasional black dragon hunts the lake’s shores.
Two-peaks: This two large hills standing in the north of Marsenland function as a beacon to travelers in this area. The hills are visible from a large distant and guide’s scouts and rangers use them to navigate through the harboring terrain of the Marsenland. The hills stand strangely amidst of the otherwise flat lands and it is rumored that extensive tunnels and dungeons of a long time ago death wizard are located beneath the hill slopes.
Important Sites:
Slagtherome (Small City 3,618):Conventional (Monstrous); AL CE; 4,000 gp limit; Assets 192,300 gp; Population 3,618; Mixed (orc 63%, goblinoind 24%, ogre 5%, half-orc 5%, other 3%)
Authority Figures: The Eye (LE, male orc, Cleric of Bane 8 – the current chieftain of Slagtherome)
Important Characters:Canstunthis (NE, male orc, Ranger 6 / Fighter 5 – leader of the Ugly Company), Fobius Galla (N, male half-orc, Druid 12 – renown potion maker).
Description: Slagtherome can hardly be called a city, nevertheless a relatievely large population of Orc’s lives here. Most of the cities buildings are tents, an occasional building is from wood and only few buildings are from stone. The city is a chaotic mangle of filth and lawlessness. The local lord, The Eye, only minimally cares for law and order in the city, and most crimes and fights are pretty much frowned upom. The right of the strongest counts here. The city is considered neutral territory by all tribes and warbands and no tribal conflicts are fought within the city walls. Only a few humans and dwarves populate the city, while most elves are attacked on sight. Nevertheless this might be still the safest place in Marsenland for travelers and merchants.
Locals and Locations: Inn in the middle of Nowhere (This Inn is one of the few stone buildings in the city. Bug (NE, male hill giant), the owner hates all orc’s except his friend Fobius Galla. No orc’s are allowed in this Inn)
Organizations and Institutions:
There are no real organizations, institutions or any form of authority in Marsenland. The orcs are grouped in tribes, clans and warbands. The warbands fight for control of Marsenland, yearly they vary in strength and number. Luckily for surrounding lands the warbands do not cooperate, unless a powerful and influential leaders stands up to unite them. Currently there are numerous smaller and bigger warbands, tribes and clans in Marsenland. The 5 most notable and powerful clans are:
Bloodfangs: This large orc warband makes raids and attacks caravans and merchants travelling through Longarn.
Bloodletters: Known to be the most powerful warband in Marsenland, the bloodletters move around in the Rock Fields area. They profit greatly from the many adventurers and expeditions going into the Rock Fields, either by slaying them or by being bought off to allow passage by powerful individuals.
Headeaters: The most powerful goblinoid warband, roams the south-west of Marsenland. The Headeaters consist entirely out of bugbears and are known for eating the heads of their victims.
Hellskulls: The Hellskulls warband controls the lands in the north of Marsenland. They are often employed by the Saranthar Summoners, from which they follow orders unquestionable: fearing their demons. Currently Uton is occupied by the Hellskulls warband.
Redaxes: The Redaxes are known for their ferocious hellbred Tannarukk leader. The Redaxes paint their weapons red, to inprent fear in their opponents. The Redaxes roam the lands just west of the middle of Marsenland.
The Ugly Company: This is the most notorious hunting company in Marsenland and the surrounding lands. The Ugly Company operates from Slagterome, is very experienced and small in size; it is lead by Canstunthis (NE, male orc, Ranger 6 / Fighter 5). The company is often hired to track people, guide expeditions or fight skirmishes and battles. Most surprisingly, the company is frequently hired by foreigners that have some business in the Marsenlands.
Regional Facts and History:
Marsenland has not always been populated by orc’s and other monsters. In the old days, before the cataclysm took place, Marsenland was known as Daranthar, a peaceful nation of great wizards and portal builders. The Daranthar dominated the north-eastern part of Tilea, living in peace with other nations. But the Daranthar were also crafty, powerful and aspiring wizards, always wanting to become more powerful and to exceed others with their wonders.
Ages after the portal discovery of Cyan, the Daranthar were the first humans to create portals to other planes.
The lands currently belonging to Grand Grennalda, Marsenland and Wyvernhorn were completely or partly under Daranthar control. In the south of Daranthar were the elven lands of Falfarren, while in the west the great nation of Saranthar existed. In 1000 BC Daranthar and Saranthar almost simultaneously discovered how to use portals to travel to other planes. For the control of those powers the two nations warred each other. Saranthar, tainted by evil, created portals to the abyss and hell and aided by thousands of demons launched attacks on Daranthar. Daranthar on the other side used great magic and the aid of powerful elemental and archon outsiders to fight back.
It is unknown how long the war would have taken, but not long after a great Startstone crashed into Tilea, large pieces of stone landed in the nation of Daranthar, consequently almost completely destroying it. With Avalon, the capitol of Daranthar crushed under stone and dirt, the war ended and Daranthar ceased to exist. In the years after, monstrous tribes started to roam parts of Daranthar lands currently known as Marsenland.
Important Characters:
Canstunthis (NE, male orc, Ranger 6 / Fighter 5): This large, ugly leader of the Ugly Company is an important figure in the Marsenland area. Canstunthis is an imposing, broad shouldered orc with an exceptionally ugly face, even for an orc. As a leader of the Ugly Company he is proud, intimidating and wise, he never appears without his equipment and always wears his camouflaged armor, on his back rests a waraxe, while a short sword always hangs at his belt. Canstunthis is often underestimated for a simple orc and not many opponents found their death due to his superior battle tactics and terrain knowledge. Canstunthis speaks several languages and can be often found in cities surrounding Marsenland such as Olgath, Deacarta or Suhorn.
The Eye (LE, male orc, Cleric of Bane 8): The Eye is the current aspiring leader of Slagtherome. Where he came from and who he is, nobody exactly knows. But the Eye is there to stay. The Eye has managed to make Slagtherome into an almost civilized town and aspires much more, he wants the place to grow and prosper. However even he is aware that such grandeur is still far. The Eye is always surrounded by his guards and adepts when appearing in public. Usually the Eye dresses in gray robes, in situations of need he rarely enters combat instead relying on his spells. The Eye is especially an extraordinary good diplomat and some human leaders fear that one day he will be able to unite the orcish tribes in the Marsenlands. However currently he seems uninterested in such a role.
Population: 609,871 (orc 64%, goblinoid 21%, giant 8%, half-orc 6%, other 1%)
Government: No centralized government, tribal warlords rule the lands.
Imports: Food, leather, furs, horses, weaponry.
Exports: Mercenaries, precious metals.
Life and Society:
Marsenland is no-mans land ruled by orcish and goblinoid warlords who constantly battle each other for the dominion of land, for bounty, gold, weapons or simply for no reason at all. Marsenland has been abandoned long time by the civilized races: humans, elves and dwarves are rarely seen on the desolate steppes of Marsenland. Instead the land is now dominated by roaming warbands killing and plundering everything in its wake. Warfare is an important part of the society. And respect is only gained by force of arms, power and strength in battle. When not in battle the races of Marsenland usually prepare for battle, all activities of the clans are in service of war. The local tribes fight for dominion over land and for power over a region.
The creatures of Marsenland do not live in cities instead they live as nomads in tribes, travelling from place to place. In these monstrous communities men are always in position of power and authority, women serve the men as servants, mothers and wives (in this order). Slavery is common here, and since slaves do not live long in monstrous captivity, many raids are needed to continuously supply the tribal slave demand.
Magic is feared in Marsenland and only few of its denizen master magic, arcane or divine. Magically powerful individuals receive a great lot of respect and can demand obedience and inspire fear in their companions. In the tribal societies, magically powerful individuals often take the position of advisor or councilor to the chieftain. The Marsenland denizens often perform raids at outlaying nations, cities and villages, strangers are not welcome here.
Next to the orc and goblinoid populations this land is infested with various other monsters. Especially a large population of blue, brown and sand dragons’ lives and hunts in this area. The Dragons frequently terrorize the orcish clans roaming the Marsenlands and the human cities on its borders.
Geographical Features:
The land of the orcs’ or Marsenland is a sad place to see. The land is a barren, desolate and dry steppe with sandy and rocky underground and little vegetation. Although Marsenland cannot be called a desert it certainly resembles one. Without the occasional trees or even the rare standing bush or small forest Marsenland would definitely be a desert. This land is the result of havoc wreaked upon the land by the Starstone, Saranthar and the thousands of destructive orcs’ through the ages. Currently only orcs’, goblinoids and other mosters live in these regions, however scholars are afraid that when these lands will loose all its fertility even those creatures will have to move somewhere else.
Fort Avastar: This secret, well hidden fort is located the middle of the city of Avalon. Fort Avastar functions as the headquarters of the Silverstars of Avalon in Tilea. Although Avastar lies in the middle of hostile territory of former Avalon, the fort’s walls are well defended and fortified with powerful magic. The fort is cloacked with illusions and only high standing members know of its existence and location. The fort is run by the dwarf Beldar Hammergrim (LG, male dwarf, Ranger 6 / Palladin 6) and populated by large amount of dedicated Silverstars. The Silverstart of Avalon use this location as their secret hideout, important meetings are also held here. Members are often also trained here, and the location also functions as a safe sanctuary.
Rock Fields (F): The Rock Fields is an area of floating nodes in Marsenland. The Rock Fields are rich on adamantine and valuable gems, minerals and other treasures, unfortunately a strong orc band, the bloodletters, controls the area. Nevertheless many expeditions from Grand Grennalda try to reach and penetrate the Rock Field, which leads to frequent skirmishes with the orcs. The Keepers of Steel Trading Periakos from Grand Grennalda organizes frequent raids into the Rock Fields, the organization is keen on the adamantine found in the area and will do everything in its power to gain access to the resource.
Ruins of Avalon: The ruins to the great capitol of Daranthar can today still be found in Marsenland. Even though the city was hit hard by the devastation from the Silverstone meteor and by the onslaught of Saranthar, still some standing structures remain in the ruins of the former metropolis. Depending on the weather the ruins can be very difficult to find, when sandstorms cover the remaining buildings of the city, little can seen of its structures. Experienced local scouts can lead adventurers and explorers to the city. Teleportation into and out of Avalon and in the areas around it is hazardous at least, the chance for failure increases by 25%.
The Mud Lake: This Lake is located a few days travel east of Slagterome, this lake once had clean waters and rich fish population, but all of that was lost in the past. What remains now is a large pile of mud and swamp and just very little fresh water. For travelers requiring drinking water this is probably one of the few such places in Marsenland, since good clean patches of water can still be found on the shores of the lake. However the swamp is infused with various monsters roaming its surroundings and even the occasional black dragon hunts the lake’s shores.
Two-peaks: This two large hills standing in the north of Marsenland function as a beacon to travelers in this area. The hills are visible from a large distant and guide’s scouts and rangers use them to navigate through the harboring terrain of the Marsenland. The hills stand strangely amidst of the otherwise flat lands and it is rumored that extensive tunnels and dungeons of a long time ago death wizard are located beneath the hill slopes.
Important Sites:
Slagtherome (Small City 3,618):Conventional (Monstrous); AL CE; 4,000 gp limit; Assets 192,300 gp; Population 3,618; Mixed (orc 63%, goblinoind 24%, ogre 5%, half-orc 5%, other 3%)
Authority Figures: The Eye (LE, male orc, Cleric of Bane 8 – the current chieftain of Slagtherome)
Important Characters:Canstunthis (NE, male orc, Ranger 6 / Fighter 5 – leader of the Ugly Company), Fobius Galla (N, male half-orc, Druid 12 – renown potion maker).
Description: Slagtherome can hardly be called a city, nevertheless a relatievely large population of Orc’s lives here. Most of the cities buildings are tents, an occasional building is from wood and only few buildings are from stone. The city is a chaotic mangle of filth and lawlessness. The local lord, The Eye, only minimally cares for law and order in the city, and most crimes and fights are pretty much frowned upom. The right of the strongest counts here. The city is considered neutral territory by all tribes and warbands and no tribal conflicts are fought within the city walls. Only a few humans and dwarves populate the city, while most elves are attacked on sight. Nevertheless this might be still the safest place in Marsenland for travelers and merchants.
Locals and Locations: Inn in the middle of Nowhere (This Inn is one of the few stone buildings in the city. Bug (NE, male hill giant), the owner hates all orc’s except his friend Fobius Galla. No orc’s are allowed in this Inn)
Organizations and Institutions:
There are no real organizations, institutions or any form of authority in Marsenland. The orcs are grouped in tribes, clans and warbands. The warbands fight for control of Marsenland, yearly they vary in strength and number. Luckily for surrounding lands the warbands do not cooperate, unless a powerful and influential leaders stands up to unite them. Currently there are numerous smaller and bigger warbands, tribes and clans in Marsenland. The 5 most notable and powerful clans are:
Bloodfangs: This large orc warband makes raids and attacks caravans and merchants travelling through Longarn.
Bloodletters: Known to be the most powerful warband in Marsenland, the bloodletters move around in the Rock Fields area. They profit greatly from the many adventurers and expeditions going into the Rock Fields, either by slaying them or by being bought off to allow passage by powerful individuals.
Headeaters: The most powerful goblinoid warband, roams the south-west of Marsenland. The Headeaters consist entirely out of bugbears and are known for eating the heads of their victims.
Hellskulls: The Hellskulls warband controls the lands in the north of Marsenland. They are often employed by the Saranthar Summoners, from which they follow orders unquestionable: fearing their demons. Currently Uton is occupied by the Hellskulls warband.
Redaxes: The Redaxes are known for their ferocious hellbred Tannarukk leader. The Redaxes paint their weapons red, to inprent fear in their opponents. The Redaxes roam the lands just west of the middle of Marsenland.
The Ugly Company: This is the most notorious hunting company in Marsenland and the surrounding lands. The Ugly Company operates from Slagterome, is very experienced and small in size; it is lead by Canstunthis (NE, male orc, Ranger 6 / Fighter 5). The company is often hired to track people, guide expeditions or fight skirmishes and battles. Most surprisingly, the company is frequently hired by foreigners that have some business in the Marsenlands.
Regional Facts and History:
Marsenland has not always been populated by orc’s and other monsters. In the old days, before the cataclysm took place, Marsenland was known as Daranthar, a peaceful nation of great wizards and portal builders. The Daranthar dominated the north-eastern part of Tilea, living in peace with other nations. But the Daranthar were also crafty, powerful and aspiring wizards, always wanting to become more powerful and to exceed others with their wonders.
Ages after the portal discovery of Cyan, the Daranthar were the first humans to create portals to other planes.
The lands currently belonging to Grand Grennalda, Marsenland and Wyvernhorn were completely or partly under Daranthar control. In the south of Daranthar were the elven lands of Falfarren, while in the west the great nation of Saranthar existed. In 1000 BC Daranthar and Saranthar almost simultaneously discovered how to use portals to travel to other planes. For the control of those powers the two nations warred each other. Saranthar, tainted by evil, created portals to the abyss and hell and aided by thousands of demons launched attacks on Daranthar. Daranthar on the other side used great magic and the aid of powerful elemental and archon outsiders to fight back.
It is unknown how long the war would have taken, but not long after a great Startstone crashed into Tilea, large pieces of stone landed in the nation of Daranthar, consequently almost completely destroying it. With Avalon, the capitol of Daranthar crushed under stone and dirt, the war ended and Daranthar ceased to exist. In the years after, monstrous tribes started to roam parts of Daranthar lands currently known as Marsenland.
Important Characters:
Canstunthis (NE, male orc, Ranger 6 / Fighter 5): This large, ugly leader of the Ugly Company is an important figure in the Marsenland area. Canstunthis is an imposing, broad shouldered orc with an exceptionally ugly face, even for an orc. As a leader of the Ugly Company he is proud, intimidating and wise, he never appears without his equipment and always wears his camouflaged armor, on his back rests a waraxe, while a short sword always hangs at his belt. Canstunthis is often underestimated for a simple orc and not many opponents found their death due to his superior battle tactics and terrain knowledge. Canstunthis speaks several languages and can be often found in cities surrounding Marsenland such as Olgath, Deacarta or Suhorn.
The Eye (LE, male orc, Cleric of Bane 8): The Eye is the current aspiring leader of Slagtherome. Where he came from and who he is, nobody exactly knows. But the Eye is there to stay. The Eye has managed to make Slagtherome into an almost civilized town and aspires much more, he wants the place to grow and prosper. However even he is aware that such grandeur is still far. The Eye is always surrounded by his guards and adepts when appearing in public. Usually the Eye dresses in gray robes, in situations of need he rarely enters combat instead relying on his spells. The Eye is especially an extraordinary good diplomat and some human leaders fear that one day he will be able to unite the orcish tribes in the Marsenlands. However currently he seems uninterested in such a role.
