Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Eastwall Mountains
The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance
The current year for our Dragonlance campaign is set during 351 AC "After Cataclysm".
Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

The Eastwall Mountains, also known as the Forsaken Mountains, form the rugged eastern boundary of Abanasinia on the continent of Ansalon. This range acts as a natural divide, separating the western plains from the coastal regions and the murky, cursed lands of Xak Tsaroth to the northeast.

While they lack the extreme elevation of the legendary Kharolis Mountains, the Eastwall range remains a formidable barrier, with only its highest peaks rising above a dense, sprawling forest of conifers, aspens, and vallenwoods. The terrain is characterized by steep slopes and rocky outcrops, creating a wild landscape that has remained largely untouched by civilization since the Cataclysm.

The mountains serve as a vital watershed for the region, as numerous streams and rivers cascade down their slopes. Many of these waterways eventually feed into the Cursed Lands and the New Sea, contributing to the treacherous bogs and swamps that lie at the range's eastern foot.

Historically, the Eastwall Mountains were more integrated into the trade networks of Ansalon. Before the Cataclysm, merchant caravans frequently utilized the Forsaken Pass and the Sageway East—an ancient road built by the Ergothians—to travel between the bustling city of Xak Tsaroth and the western plains.

In the current Age of Despair, the range has earned its "Forsaken" moniker. The collapse of Xak Tsaroth and the subsequent rise of the New Sea have rendered former trade routes obsolete and dangerous. Consequently, few travelers venture into the peaks, and even the local plainsmen avoid the area due to its isolation and lack of resources.

The relative absence of humans has allowed wildlife to flourish within the crags and valleys. The mountains are home to deer, elk, and mountain goats, alongside predators like wolves and mountain lions. Most notoriously, the area is known to be infested with aggressive Owlbears, making any excursion into the high passes a deadly risk for the unwary. Would you like more information on the specific creatures that inhabit these peaks or perhaps details on the lost ruins of Xak Tsaroth located nearby?

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Godshome
The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance
The current year for our Dragonlance campaign is set during 351 AC "After Cataclysm".
Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

In ages long forgotten, the name Godshome referred to two sacred places hidden within the world of Krynn. The first was the famed City of Godshome, a revered settlement known throughout Ansalon for its countless temples dedicated to the major gods of the world. Pilgrims, mystics, and seekers once traveled from distant lands to stand beneath its towering sanctuaries and offer prayers to the divine powers that shaped the fate of Krynn. Though legends of the city endured, its glory slowly faded into myth as war and darkness consumed the lands around it.

The second Godshome was far more mysterious—a hidden valley concealed deep within the Khalkist Mountains near the heart of Neraka, where the Dark Knights held dominion. Unlike the city, this valley could never be found by ordinary travelers. Only those chosen by the gods themselves were capable of discovering the secret paths leading into its isolated depths. Surrounded by steep cliffs and veiled in unnatural silence, the valley remained untouched by time, hidden from the knowledge of nearly all the peoples of modern Ansalon.

At the center of the valley rested a massive circular depression carved into the earth with impossible perfection. Around its edge stood twenty-one ancient boulders, each worn smooth and shapeless by untold ages. Though simple in appearance, the stones represented the major gods of Krynn and radiated an overwhelming sense of divine presence. Those who entered the valley often felt as though unseen eyes watched them from every shadow and every silent stone.

The floor of the depression was formed from polished black rock so flawless that it resembled still water rather than stone. Anyone gazing upon its surface would first believe they were looking into a dark and endless pool. Yet no matter the season, weather, or hour of the day, the black mirror reflected the night sky of Krynn in perfect detail. The constellations glittered within its depths, accompanied by the ever-present moons that governed the balance of magic and fate throughout the world.

When a chosen petitioner approached the sacred surface, the stars themselves would begin to shift. From within the reflected heavens, an avatar of the appropriate god would emerge upon the constellation tied to that deity. These divine manifestations rarely lingered long, appearing only to offer brief guidance to the mortal who sought their wisdom. Their words were almost always cryptic, filled with hidden meaning and prophecy that often revealed their truth only much later.

Once the god’s message had been delivered, the valley would once again fall silent. Then, somewhere among the towering cliffs surrounding the sacred depression, a hidden mountain pass would open where none had existed before. This new path allowed the petitioner to leave the valley and return to the world beyond. By the time they departed, the entrance through which they had arrived would already be gone, ensuring that the secret valley of Godshome remained forever hidden from all except those the gods themselves had chosen.

Monday, January 6, 2025

The Companions
The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance
The current year for our Dragonlance campaign is set during 351 AC "After Cataclysm".
Inspired By Trampas Whiteman
Elora Dawn’s story began with her awakening in a muddy ditch along a lonely road in northeastern Abanasinia beside the burned remains of three wagons and the corpses of travelers and goblins alike, with no memory of who she was or how she survived. The only clue to her identity was the name “Elora Dawn” engraved on a money pouch she carried. After reaching the settlement of Ravenvale and taking refuge at the Ravenvale Inn, she discovered a journal among her belongings that she had apparently begun only days before the attack, allowing her to piece together fragments of her personality and past. From its pages, Elora learned she was intelligent, logical, outspoken, and fiercely loyal, though prone to moments of sharp sarcasm and hidden insecurity beneath her confident exterior. Driven by a need to prove herself worthy, she strives for excellence in all things while remaining focused and dependable. Though her lost memories continue to torment her, Elora has found peace traveling the wilds of Abanasinia, developing a deep love for nature and the people of the land while journeying alongside companions who accepted her despite her mysterious past. In her search for identity and purpose, she has also been struggling to find her faith as well, hoping that both faith and adventure may one day reveal the truth of who she truly is.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Gateway
The Cataclysm & The War of the Lance
The current year for our Dragonlance campaign is set during 351 AC "After Cataclysm".
Inspired By Trampas Whiteman

This walled settlement has a population of around 1,000 citizens and was built in the turbulent years following the Cataclysm. It was a gathering spot for refuges as it was situated on a crossroad. As refuges flocked into the area, they began to settle in the secure location. With traffic flowing from all over the area, the refuges began to build structures to meet the needs.

Within a generation the settlement was known to travelers as the gateway into Abanasinia from the south. The major difference is that it has none of the mighty Vallenwood trees, so the town was constructed on the ground from stone and sturdy wood. The settlement was first called Gateway in 21 AC by the Mayor Pellanis Corvus at a town council. With a growing market the town was well becoming prosperous. It was during this period that a group called the Seekers began to arrive in the area. The Seekers were a group of former clerics who had begun to establish schools in the villages of Abanasinia. They were trying to help rebuild the area and provide guidance to the population.

Over the course of the next 200 hundred years the town steadily grew in its population. One of the main disadvantages of the community was that it had built its buildings on the ground rather than neighboring Solace. This led to frequent raids which resulted in mass destruction of the village. Years later, Gateway raised a stone wall around the settlement to better protect those who lived within.

In 289 AC the Seekers began to instill themselves more into the government of the town. Within a few years the town council was dominated by those associated with the Seeker faith. As the community began to become more focused on the religion changes began to creep in. Once where travelers were once welcomed with open arms now they were questioned in the community. The Seeker religion drove many to seek new areas to trade.

The small community of Gateway was founded in Abanasinia during the first years of the Age of Despair, at roughly the same time as the fledgling hamlet of Solace.

The town is more of a crossroads than anything else, lying south of Solace, at the base of the Sentinel Peaks and Gateway Pass.

It is also located along the White-Rage River. Similar in many respects to Solace itself, the major difference is that all of the town shops are situated on the ground rather than in the trees. Gateway is governed by an elected mayor - Alrick Mangaloe but the Seekers are the ones with the real power.

During the War of the Lance, Gateway was one of the bases for the Seeker religion and was ruled by a High Theocrat, however it has long since returned to the original democratic system. During the same war, the city was sacked by the Red Dragonarmy. This once thriving market town was reduced to ruins, and was later liberated.

The overall community is very friendly and hospitable to outsiders. Outsiders traveling through this quiet town are the main source of outside news and information that is brought into the town. Gateway is very well kept and it structures are sturdy ... mostly made of stone and wood.

The roads are paved in gravel and well maintained. Law enforcement in Gateway consists of a small forse of well armed town guards that patrol on a regular bases, even "at times" outside the towns borders to keep watch of the nearby hills and mountains for any hostile entities that might cause trouble for the town.

Notable Locations
The Steel Piece Inn
Council Hall
Market
Gateway Provisioners
Temple of Mishakal
Stables
Watch House
Smithy
Gateway Bank

Regional Locations
White-Rage River
Cemetery & Catacombs
Gateway Pass
Sentinel Peaks
Darken Wood
Prayers Eye Peak

This community has a standing population of approximately 1,000 people, during the summer months it is slightly higher. The settlement was partially built upon an ancient dwarven settlement that existed many years ago and most of the structures of Gateway carry a slight dwarven manner to them. Gateway mostly consists of locals but does have a few that are not native to the region. The woodsmen of the region consist of a hearty folk with many strong warriors.

The settlements community is made up of friendly folk but they always seem to have there guard up during these troubling times. These people understand that the sporadic raids by bandits and goblins that have been happening recently might cause them to be forced to defend themselves or others whom they are allied with but regardless, life goes on and even though they stand ready to fight, these people still live a normal life.

The climate tends to be cool during the summer but winters are usually very cold with much snowfall in this region. Farming and hunting are the many trades of the region, along with the trade that comes into Gateway from time to time. Exports mostly consist of furs and pelts along with meat from hunting within the surrounding area.

Mayor Alrick Mangaloe commands the well equipped town guard, a force of soldiers who perform guard and police functions in and around the walled settlement. Alrick Mangaloe can muster a force of about 50-75, given a day’s notice, to supplement this force if Gateway is threatened. Gateway is primarily a lumber trade settlement based on barter and trade and the mayor keeps a monetary system afloat, and a market place that sells mostly common goods.

Most residents of Gateway hardly ever travel beyond the immediate region. The majority of citizens are tradesmen of some sort, and the settlement of Gateway employs various other craftspeople as well. Wagons occasionally head north and southusing rounds that leave from Gateway to find trade with the next village, town or settlement within the lands of Abanasinia.

Notable People
• Alrick Mangaloe

A well-equipped town guard imposes order in Gateway, led by the respected captain, Alrick Mangaloe oversees all trials of note, many of the merchant class suffer stiffer fines and penalties, which compel them to scheme against their mayor even further but the mayor only has the best interests of Gateway and the people who live here in mind.

Festivals & Events
Gateway holds frequent festivals such as the Midwinter Solstice Festival, feasts, and fairs throughout the year, and also the midsummer Peachiest Pie bake-off is held during this celebration. The festivals will also have other random events and contests that change from year to year depending on popularity.