Forgotten Realms North 38-68 Geography

Geography he geography of the North ranges from the rugged mountains of the Spine of the World to the lush forests of Lurkwood and Moonwood—and a great deal more in between. Within these highly unique areas lie ruined towers, lost gold, and enough rumors to keep even the most active adventuring company busy. Sword Mountains N estled west of the Lurkwood, the Sword Mountains form a shield between the Sea of Swords and the forest and flatlands beyond. While not militarily significant, these mountains are home to savage beasts, vagabonds, and other unsavory creatures. Of more importance to travelers though is the High Road, connecting the cities of Leilon and Waterdeep with the rest of the “civilized” North. Iniarv’s Tower A ruined fortress located on the High Road between Waterdeep and Leilon, Iniarv’s Tower was destroyed in the final orc assault against the Fallen Kingdom. It’s said that on the anniversary of the battle, ghostly defenders walk the battlements, waiting for allies who never come. Though the tower is usually uninhabited, attempts by the Lords’ Alliance to rebuild it have always ended in failure. Bandits often inhabit the ruins of Iniarv’s Tower, east of the Mere of Dead Men, and the nearby hills are roamed by orcs, bugbears, kobolds, leucrotta, and other dangerous creatures. Iniarv was a mighty archmage of the ancient North who became a demilich later in life. Some say he guards the ruins and his subterranean spell libraries, though many believe the claims of the Company of the Howling Wolf, who maintain they destroyed Iniarv 60 years ago. None who investigate the area have publicly made any comments on the truth of this dispute, however. Kryptgarden Forest Named after Southkrypt, this small forest is believed to be the second-most-powerful source of the evil that pervades the dwarven ruin, the first being the Sword Mountains lying just north. The eastern outskirts of the forest are often used by the inhabitants of Westbridge for hunting purposes, even they don’t delve farther than a few hours’ walk into it. Unsubstantiated rumors of another dwarven citadel in the hills near the center of the forest have circulated in recent years. A mad adventurer, apparently the lone survivor of a nine-man adventuring company, was captured on Khedell Path in the plains west of Red Larch. He babbled about a citadel of erect insects casting spells—and hurling weapons that killed a man from 500 paces. According to the man’s crazed tales, the insects are able to camouflage themselves (probably magically) to the point where the only way to find the creatures is by scent and tracking. He’s a known liar, yet he was found with nothing in his possession and strange burns along his arms and back that cannot be explained. Mere of Dead Men A vast salt swamp stretches along the Sword Coast shore over 100 miles, reaching a width of 30 miles at its greatest extent. It’s a desolate, insect-ridden place seldom visited by civilized races and home to a variety of fell creatures. The Mere has grown in recent memory, swallowing several farms and holdings along the road, and it’s now avoided by all but crazed adventurers equipped with water-breathing magic and looking for battle practice. Several rich castles and manor houses stand flooded in the Mere, with only spires and battlements showing above the dark waters. Sunken riches and powerful magic guarded by evil creatures await those mighty enough to take it. Khelben “Blackstaff” Arunsun advises adventurers that some of these flooded places (Castle Naerytar, Holk House, Mornhaven Towers, and Wolfhill House) have their own wards. These allow certain spells to be cast at double strength, and other spells are negated. These effects are discovered by trial, for all relevant records are lost. 35 The Mere gained its name when thousands of men were slain by orc hordes str