Bordering Blackmarsh to the south, is the region known as Southland. It lies on the western frontier of the Vasa Province of the Grand Kingdom (or Vasaland) and was recently opened for settlement. The Kingdom of Bolzak in the White Mountains is the birthplace of many Dwarves in Blackmarsh; and they are not to be trusted!
The Crimson Hills
Over the last few centuries, a few Orc (Dæmon-Pict) tribes have entered the region to conquer or be conquered among these hi ls. Their continual conflict has caused this region to be known as the Crimson Hills. The two main tribes are the Bateaters and the Bloodcrushers, but there are several smaller Orc clans and tribes hiding and hunting in the hi ls. Numerous battles between orc and nomad take place within the ridges and ravines here, but neither side has managed to gain the upper hand. This area also contains several ruined towers dating back to ancient times, where it is rumoured the mighty artefacts were crafted. Some of these artefacts may still remain within the ruins.
The Blood Forest
Once known as Silverwood, this was the ancient home of a little known subrace/culture of forest dwelling lizardmen, calling themselves the Children of Sobek or Sobekese . Being very xenophobic they shunned contact with other races. The Sobekese who were somewhat advanced made their home in villas scattered through the forest, although many also lived within the main settlement of Silver Hall. Being relatively peaceful they fled enmasse from the orc invasion, many of their homes remain just as their owners left them, and have been virtually untouched by the passage of time. Two hundred years ago, an evil winged outsider called Arcador, led the Bloody Fist orcs against Silverwood. After the Sobekese were defeated, Arcador plundered the treasuries of Silver Hall, and then flew back to his lair in the White Mountains. The Bloody Fist orcs remained and claimed the forest for their own. Since that time, the Silverwood has been caled the Blood Forest in memory of the Sobekese that were slain. The main body of the orcs currently resides in the ruins of Silver Hall, but the fell humanoids patrol widely around their main encampment. Although many of the Sobekese' former allies have been killed by the orcs, a few pockets remain protected by powerful treants. In place of the more benign forest creatures, wolves, spiders, and other fel creatures now make the forest their home.
The Dark Fence Forsaken Plains
This is a rocky ridgeline rising sharply from the floor of The Forsaken Desert. Enough rain falls on these mountains to give rise to Nightshade Creek and carve numerous passages into Underborea. The middle section of the Dark Fence forms part of the south wal of Nightshade Canyon, while the northeast end is a jumble of blind canyons and arroyos. The Oon have released giant spiders and tentacular horrors into the area, and ropers and giant ant colonies are known to infest the northeast region.
The Darkwine River
The Darkwine River gets its name from its muddy, purplish colour. It rarely runs clear due to the tons of sediment washed downstream from the Dark Fence. The river runs shallow and slow, and the only deep sections are along the western edge of the Twilight Forest. The river can be crossed via a ford.
The Forsaken Desert
This is a vast stony desert formed in the rain shadow of the mountains to the northwest. Only the Jackal Tribe, a colection of outlaws and exiles from the Kubar Nomads, makes a home here. Threats in this area include several bands of lamia and various types of giant lizards. The Forsaken Plains begin on the eastern edge of the desert where it emerges from the rain shadow of the mountains to the northwest. Several bulettes inhabit this flat area of high grass, and are a constant menace to anyone traveling through this area.
The Golden Pass
This is the only pass for a hundred miles in either direction that crosses over the Westwalls. Vasaland now uses it as the main gateway to Southland, and dozens of caravans use the pass every month.
Greenelm Woods
To the east of the Westwalls are the vast Greenelm Woods, which form part of the western border of Vasa province. Lumberwrights from Hawksleigh exploit the woods for its timber. This has angered the Great Druid of Greenelm, and he has marshalled his forces (druids, treants, dryads, etc) against the lumberwrights. The King’s Rangers have been sent to protect the lumberjacks, and now the two sides are waging a small-scale war.
Grey Downs
These forlorn hi ls are scattered with dozens of barrows built by the Sobekese of Silverdim to house those who died on the journey from Silverwood. Banshees haunt the region, and its fringes are guarded by Sobekese patrols.
Greystone Cave Road
This paved stone road runs from the gates of Gilhig to Nilik, albeit al underground. It is wel guarded by dwarven foot patrols. Caravan Frequency: Season (2d6–1 wagons) Spring 1 per 3 days/Summer 1 per week/Fal 1 per 3 days after harvest/Winter 1 per month Kubar Creek This broad stream marks the boundary between the range of the Kubar Nomads and the Forsaken Desert. It is frequently the site of fighting between the nomads and slave raiders from Castle Beldon. Although those forces no longer have access to the ford as forces from Conan Bridge now patrol it.
Kubar Steppes
The Kubar Steppes stretch for hundreds of miles to the southwest. Here the tribes of Kubar Nomads (Half-Blood Picts) make their home, herding cattle/goats and following well travelled routes from waterhole to waterhole. The nomads are animists, and take on an animal as their totem. The Wolf Tribe ranges from Hex 019 to Hex 0418, while the Bear Tribe ranges from 0518 to 0719, then north to the Sarduin. The tribes have numerous conflicts with slavers from Castle Beldon and members of the Jackal Tribe in the Forsaken Desert. They have made a pact with Lord Drunn that protects his holdings and allows them to use their services.
Lanis River
The Lanis River is formed by the confluence of the Darkwine and the Sarduin. It varies from a mile wide where the Darkwine and the Sarduin meet to three miles wide when it exits Southland. The current is deep and slow, and the river is navigable from the confluence to its exit, far to the north. Sea Raiders are known to sail south and attack, forcing Westguard to employ six war galleys to patrol the Lanis River.
Lanisdown Forest
The southern half of this forest is dotted with lumber camps. Bear, deer, and other game are plentiful in these woods, as the lumberwrights have al but exterminated the wolves and dire wolves that once hunted here. Only one pack of dire wolves remains led by a crafty, old alpha wolf known as Redeyes (8 HD).
The Mist Falls
A rainbow cloud of mist marks these spectacular hundred-foot-high falls. On a clear day the mist cloud can be seen two hexes away. Legend has it there is an entrance to the fey realm hidden behind the falls. Baron Beldon has sent two expeditions to find this entrance, but none have returned.
Nightshade Canyon
This canyon is carved out of the living rock by the Nightshade Creek. With wals ranging from 100 feet to 200 feet high, it is one of the most spectacular sights in Southland. However, the Oon of Nightportal Keep have made it an unwholesome place. The Oon have released giant spiders, tentacle horrors, and rust monsters into the canyon that now inhabit the formations at the western end. Other dangers in the Nightshade include packs of chimera that roam the eastern end of the canyon.
Nightshade Creek
This swift, shallow stream runs along the bottom of Nightshade Canyon. The creek is dotted with broad gravel flats, and its banks form a small canyon with 10- to 20-foot high walls. When the stream emerges from the canyon it widens considerably, until merging with the Darkwine River. Dangers include giant toads inhabiting the gravel flats of the stream and packs of stirges near the confluence with the Darkwine River.
Olden Bog
This noisome swamp is found across the Lanis River from Castle Westguard. Stirges, river trols, and will- ‘o-wisps inhabit the bog, along with an assortment of dangerous mundane creatures, such as crocodiles and venomous snakes. History has it that an early expedition from the Age of the Hyperboreans met its demise in the bog. Rumors state that this expedition was loaded with gold, gems, and other valuable items, leading many would-be treasure seekers to their deaths attempting to find it.
Orcfell Creek
This once pristine stream is now polluted and choked with weeds as it runs through the Blood Forest. Anyone who drinks from the stream must make a Poison save or become sick within 1d3 days.
Osric Hills
The Osric Hills form the borderland between the Blood Forest and the White Mountains. Both orcs and agents of the dwarves patrol this region, and the remnants of past battles between the two races can be found amongst the hills.
Redstone Ridge
The Redstone Ridge looms over the Sunset Rim. The mountains get their name from their distinctive red colour in the setting sun. The ridge is noted for its large deposits of gemstones, and Baron Beldon and his Oon allies jointly run several small mines in an attempt to extract this wealth from the mountains.
Ryne Creek
Ryne Creek forms the eastern boundary of Baron Beldon’s lands. The baron’s cavalry patrol the creek down to Wicking Lake.
Sarduin River
One of the major rivers of Southland, the Sarduin is wide and deep. It reaches a width of one mile when it runs past Nilik, and is navigable by barge up to Sam’s Landing, but they can go as far as Conan Bridge. Throughout the year, barges travel between Nilik and Castle Westguard and indeed further afield trading goods from both human and dwarven merchants. Piracy is a problem, and many raiders wait with small boats in the shallows along the shores, hoping to waylay fat merchant vessels. Galleys from Castle Westguard protect the major barge fleets, but individual barges are easy