Ashen Lands world illustration - Grimdark theme
Grimdark

Ashen Lands

M
ManaH

A realm of ancient treasures and forgotten magic, where dragons once ruled with fire.


Author's Note: A classic D&D-style campaign set in a dark fantasy world, inspired by games like Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Dragon Age. To share feedback or report issues, contact me here: https://discord.com/channels/1087479995083018372/1345866598908432486
Played3326 times
Cloned86 times
Created
47 days ago
Last Updated
1 days ago
VisibilityPublic
Abandoned Warehouse

Abandoned Warehouse

An abandoned, dusty, neglected space filled with crates and barrels.

Black Veins

Black Veins

A series of unstable tunnels rich with a rare, shimmering ore. The deeper one digs, the louder the whispers become, as if something is listening.

Blighted Veil

Blighted Veil

The Blighted Veil is a glowing rift in reality, flickering with bright cold, golden light. It is possible to enter this dimension through the rift, but leaving afterward is nearly impossible. Inside, time stands still. The place is frozen in eternal emptiness, where towering trees with withered branches stand, their golden leaves glowing brightly in the suffocating darkness. The silence is oppressive—there is no sound, no movement, only the cold, indifferent void. Rumors speak of an secret ancient relic hidden within this place.

Chapel of Sorrow

Chapel of Sorrow

Hidden deep within the Greywood Forest lies an old, abandoned chapel, its stone walls smothered in moss and ivy. Inside, a stone basin sits, filled with pure water that never fades. It is said that when one dares to touch its surface, the water reveals visions of their deepest regrets, as though the basin itself feeds on their sorrow.

Council Chamber

Council Chamber

A sturdy stone building at the Highguard in Drakenstone, the Council Chamber serves as the center of the city's governance. With its wide doors and imposing architecture, it blends seamlessly into the surrounding cityscape. Inside, a long oak table sits at the center, surrounded by the city's leaders who gather regularly to discuss matters of trade, security, and the welfare of the people. The room is lit by flickering candles and the soft glow of lanterns, with maps and scrolls scattered across the tables. The presence of the Council Chamber is commanding, a constant reminder of the decisions that shape the city's future.

Drae'kar Bridge

Drae'kar Bridge

The bridge arches gracefully over the forest floor, its weathered grey stones blending seamlessly with the surrounding trees. Beneath it, the earth is quiet, the timeless structure standing as a silent boundary between Greywood Forest and Drakenstone. The air is cool, filled with the scent of damp earth and moss, offering a peaceful yet solemn passage.

Draken's Vigil

Draken's Vigil

The Draken's Vigil is a guard tower built from dark stone, adorned with red dragon flags. It serves as the headquarters for the City Guard, who patrol and protect Drakenstone. From its elevated position, the guards keep a keen eye on the city and the surrounding wilderness, ready to respond to any threat. Equipped with signal fires and reinforced windows, it serves as both a lookout and a command post, ensuring the city’s security remains steadfast.

Eastern Gateway

Eastern Gateway

A tall, quiet gateway of weathered stone, standing in solitude as the daylight fades. Lanterns hang low, their flickering light barely reaching the edges of the shadowed arch. The atmosphere is still, with few passing through, and the air carries the faint scent of old timber and dust, giving the place an almost forgotten feel.

Forge of Wyrmsteel

Forge of Wyrmsteel

The Forge of Wyrmsteel is a well-known blacksmith shop in the Drakenstone. Its powerful fires are fueled by coal and rare mountain minerals, creating a steady, intense heat ideal for forging weapons and armor. The blacksmiths here are highly skilled, crafting swords, shields, and armor designed for both strength and durability. The walls are lined with finely crafted pieces, each one built to withstand the toughest of journeys. Adventurers and mercenaries frequent the shop, drawn by its reputation for quality and the precision of its work. Its expert craftsmanship make it an essential part of the city's gear supply.

Forge of the Forgotten

Forge of the Forgotten

A massive, crumbling forge deep within the Hollow Deeps, its cold hearth long extinguished, but the faintest, unnatural glow lingers around it. The forge stands in silence, surrounded by rusted tools and shattered remnants, with no records or legends to explain its purpose. The air is still, and the forge seems to pulse with a quiet energy, though what it once created—or still might—remains a complete mystery.

Grey Manor

Grey Manor

Inside, the air is damp, thick with the smell of mildew and rot. Sunlight filters through shattered windows, casting cold, pale beams across the darkened rooms. The light feels distant, out of place, as if it’s reluctant to touch the decaying walls, hesitant to reveal the secrets hidden within. The stone walls are cracked, their cold surfaces almost unnoticeable beneath layers of decay and moss. Every step deeper into the mansion feels like an intrusion, as though the place itself is trying to push back against those who would uncover its forgotten truths, urging them to turn away before something buried long ago is found.

Hangrad Bridge

Hangrad Bridge

A massive, stone bridge stretches over an endless abyss, its surface worn smooth by time yet fractured with deep cracks. The air is thick and cold, and a deep, resonant hum occasionally rises from the chasm below, vibrating through the stone. The source of the sound is unknown, but it echoes through the vast emptiness, sending a shiver through those who dare cross.

Hollow Deeps Entrance

Hollow Deeps Entrance

The air is damp and cool, carrying a faint, musty scent of earth and stone. A sense of unease hangs in the silence, as if the darkness beyond is watching. The faint echo of footsteps reverberates endlessly, hinting at the vast, unseen expanse below.

Ironholt Market Stalls

Ironholt Market Stalls

A row of classic, tightly-packed stalls located at the heart of Ironholt Market. The area is a maze of colorful canopies and wooden counters, each stall brimming with an eclectic mix of goods—everything from common wares to exotic magical artifacts. The cobbled walkway is always bustling, with merchants calling out to potential customers, and the air is filled with the sound of lively haggling and the scent of street food. Lanterns hang from the rafters, casting a warm, inviting glow as dusk falls. It’s a place where the pulse of Ironholt is strongest, with locals and travelers alike weaving between the stalls, searching for a bargain or an unexpected find.

Misty Shack

Misty Shack

A shack stands surrounded by mist and towering trees. The air feels heavy with ancient magic, as if the shack itself is protected from the dangers that lie within the Greywood Forest. The wooden structure is worn and weathered, its planks darkened with age and moss creeping up its sides. A small, slanted roof is covered in patches of moss, and a crooked chimney puffs smoke into the air, blending with the mist that swirls around it.

Murmuring Steps

Murmuring Steps

A long, descending staircase carved from black stone, lined with doorways that lead to empty, dust-choked chambers. The deeper one goes, the thicker the silence becomes. Rumors say travelers hear voices—sometimes their own—calling from the rooms. Few dare to open the doors, and even fewer return after doing so.

Northern Gateway

Northern Gateway

A formidable stone gateway, standing resilient against the harsh mountain winds. Its weathered surface bears the marks of time, yet its lanterns burn bright, offering a guiding light to those arriving from the wilds. The air is thick with the scent of worn leather and cold metal, a sign of travelers hardened by the road.

Obsidian Tyrant

Obsidian Tyrant

A grand statue of an ancient elder dragon stands in the Drakenstone, carved from volcanic obsidian. Its wings are unfurled, claws outstretched, and its maw frozen in an eternal roar. Crimson gemstones in its eyes flicker like dying embers, while the ground beneath remains scorched. Some whisper that at dusk, its eyes glow faintly, and the air around it grows still—revealing its mystery only to the bravest.

Pale Tree

Pale Tree

A decayed, colossal tree rises from a shallow pond, its roots submerged in the still water. Though rotted, the tree retains a haunting elegance, with pale white leaves that drift in the air. The atmosphere is thick with a subtle, magical energy, and strange whispers seem to emanate from the tree itself, indecipherable yet compelling. Legends say the tree hides a secret, only revealing it to those who approach with respect and reverence.

Red Crown Tavern

Red Crown Tavern

Tavern in Drakenstone, a gathering place for mercenaries, adventurers, and bards. The Red Crown atmosphere buzzes with deals being made, boasts being exchanged, and songs filling the air. Bounty hunters scan the "Bloody Board" for contracts, while warlords and nobles negotiate in shadowed corners. Brawls break out as often as friendships, and wagers are placed on everything from duels to drunken bets. Rumors of lost treasures circulate freely, and those who seek knowledge often find their way to Vargas "The Red", barkeep who knows more than he lets on.

Silver Fang Tavern

Silver Fang Tavern

A cozy tavern on the edge of the Drakenstone, where the mountain fog seeps in at dusk. The Tavern is made of dark stone and timber, with a silver fang-shaped sign hanging above the door. Inside, a roaring fire warms the room, and the smell of roasted meats and hearty stews fills the air. It’s a popular spot for travelers and locals alike, offering strong drinks, good food, and a place to unwind. Outside, the sounds of the mountain forests and distant wolves add to the tavern’s quiet, mysterious charm. It’s the perfect spot to make friends and set out on a journey with those you meet along the way.

Southern Gateway

Southern Gateway

A grand stone gateway, its sheer size commanding attention yet exuding a welcoming warmth. Lanterns flicker along its edges, casting a soft glow on those who pass through. The atmosphere hums with the movement of travelers, offering a sense of open arms and new opportunities beyond.

Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar

A lively section of the market filled with vibrant stalls selling exotic spices and herbs from distant lands, filling the air with rich, intoxicating scents.

Stonewell Fountain

Stonewell Fountain

A charming stone fountain located at the center of the market, known for its clear, cool water that locals swear has a calming effect. The surrounding area is a popular spot for resting and people-watching. It’s whispered that every full moon, a shadowy figure appear, quietly trading forgotten dragon relics—no one knows where he come from or where he vanish to.

Thrift Emporium

Thrift Emporium

A mysterious, magical tent, far larger on the inside than its exterior suggests. Trader inside sells second-hand treasures, books, clothing, and antiques. Rumor has it that some items in the emporium have a memories of their past owners, though no one knows for sure.

Western Gateway

Western Gateway

A towering stone gateway, sturdy and well-worn by time and countless travelers. Lanterns cast a steady glow, guiding merchants and wanderers alike. The air carries the scent of pine from the nearby forests, mingling with the distant sounds of the bustling city beyond.

Whispering Library

Whispering Library

The Whispering Library holds ancient tomes and scrolls, some thought to be written by the gods themselves. Its walls are lined with books that softly whisper forgotten knowledge when touched, and the deeper you go into its labyrinthine halls, the more cryptic and mysterious the secrets become. Scholars from across the lands travel here to study the old texts, and rumor has it that certain volumes can show glimpses of the past or even the future. The library is kept by mysterious librarians who never seem to age, and it’s said that those who enter in search of knowledge sometimes find more than they bargain for.

Widow's Window

Widow's Window

A quiet room in old building where a Shade Widow sells secrets. For a price, she shares information on fugitives, politics, or anything else, watching the alley through a small window.

This work includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC . The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
We are not affiliated with Dungeons & Dragons or Wizards of The Coast in any way.
© 2025 Friends & Fables
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service