The Lost Realms

of

Cormanthor

Volume Two

Ilodhar

A Realm of Broken Dreams

Compiled, edited & in parts written by Snowblood

Contents
A History of Broken Dreams

page 3

Map of the realm

page 9

Localities of Ilodhar

page 10

Arcane Secrets of Ilodhar

page 18

Resources Used

page 19

A HISTORY OF BROKEN DREAMS

-12,000 DR
The Crown Wars Begin/Rise of the
Vyshaantar Empire: After centuries of
fruitless diplomacy, the impatient,
grasping rulers of Aryvandaar attack
Miyeritar and begins putting political
pressure on Shantel Othreier to join them
or suffer the same fate.
-10,900 DR
The Third Crown War erupts as accords
finally fail between Shantel Othreier and
Aryvandaar.
-10750 DR
The High Mage Lady Eshcalona Durothil
leads most of her clan along with the
Moonflower and Taurntyrith clans of
Aryvandaar, (along with gold and moon elf

clans of from Shantel Othreier, Ardeep

and Miyeritar), flee the Vyshaan and
establish the realm of Ilodhar along the
western shores of a mountain-nested lake
(present-day Lake of Miir). The gathered
council of elders selects Lady Eshcalona as
the settlements first Coronal.
The
accompanying High Magi begin the new
city by raising several interconnected
towers which later becomes known as the
Palace of Dreams.
-10688 DR
The first Lore Gems are laid down in the
Grand Caves of Eshcalla, the wizards and
priests of the real establish a series of
hidden portals leading east away from
Aryvandaar. More and more refugees
flood across the border to be met by the
Hidden Knights, a force of war-blades &
spell slingers dedicated to the eventual
3

over throw of the Vyshaan and the

protection of refugees on the Silent Road.
-10,600 DR
Shantel Othreier conquered by the
Vyshaantar Empire of Aryvandaar after
the mysterious death of Coronal Ynloeth.
Many nobles and commoners alike flee
down the ratline known as the Silent
Road, making their way to Ilodhar. The
persecutions and mass executions back in
the old world provide a continual trickle of
those seeking freedom away from
Vyshaan violence and repression.
-10490 DR
Coronal Easchalon leads the citys armed
forces against an incursion of Vyshaan
forces from Sharlarion. After several
bloody and pointless battles the legion
from Aryvandaar is driven away from the
citys walls and back throught he portals
from whence they came. The War of
Brothers is the only time that the Vyshaan
attempt to annex the distant realm.
-10357 DR
The Halls of the Nexus is established as a
clearing house for refugees from the
Crown Wars. The vast covered portal
nexus becomes a way for the distant
realm of Ilodhar to stay in touch with the
disapora of the shattered western realms.
-10089 DR
After a long and glorious life Lady
Eshcalon elects to become the first
Reverend Guardian of the growing Grand
Library of the Burnished Wyrm. Stepping
aside she selects her great granddaughter, the High Priestess of Corellon,
Lady Ahskahala Durothil as the next
Coronal of Ilodhar.

- 10082 DR
Fleeing the growing population of the
lands around Ilodhar, the first Green Elf
clans move into northern Arcorar. The
people rename it Rystallar in honour of
their leader Rystallnhar Audark who leads
the people out of slavery from their
dragon masters in the east.
-9900 DR
Aryvandaars covert persecution of High
Mages and priests begins, as they attempt
to destroy or control any who might
somehow force their descent as they did
the drow. While not destroyed utterly,
Illefarn & its colony in the Llewyrrwood is
annexed by Aryvandaar as its nobility of
priests and High Mages died under the
persecution of the increasingly-crazed
Coronal Giilvas Vyshaan. Many elves of
both lands flee to the remnants of Shantel
Othreier and Ilodhar to the east. This
sudden influx of powerful magi and priests
sees the raising of a powerful mantle over
the city. The population swells to over
50000 elves of all races and creeds (except
Dark Elves). The city continues acting as a
clearing house for those seeking to flee far
from the grasping reach of the Vyshaan
devils.
-9800 DR
The Vyshantaar Empires forces occupy all
elven realms (save Keltormir) from the
High Forest of Aryvandaar to the
sweltering southern forests of Ilythiir.
-9718 DR
Lady Ahskahala is slain by assassins from
Occidian sponsored by the grandsons of
Prince Ectoriss Vyshaan. Her middle
daughter, the Araegisses Lady Synnorha
Durothil is chosen by the council of elders
4

as the next Coronal of the realm. Her first

act is to send agents (along with a
contingent of Song Knights) through the
Silent Road to eldritch Occidian to seek
out and destroy her mothers killers. A
task they set to and achieve with bloody
efficiency and enthusiasm.

nobles to limit their coordination. Coronal

Puraeas calls for a peaceful solution to
the coming conflict fall upon deaf ears as
the tide of hatred and reprisal threatens
to overwhelm the people once again.

-9626 DR

At the Coronals behest a series of way

stations and hostelries are set up for
those people fleeing the conflict that sets
much of the northern and eastern High
Forest ablaze. Thousands of people flee
east taking full advantage of the Coronals
generosity. Many settle in the city and
the lands immediately surrounding Ilodhar
whilst thousands more, after a brief
respite, continue eastwards to greater
Arcorar and beyond.

Lady Synnorha dies suddenly during

childbirth leaving three young children
without a mother and a realm without a
leader as the first of many Orcish hordes
begins to gather in the mountains to the
east and south. The Paladin Songknight,
Lady Fionulla Durothil becomes the
Coronal Araegisses of Ilodhar leading
the realms forces in a crushing defeat of
the orcs upon the northern shores of
Selumiir.
-9438 DR
Lady Fionulla resigns her crown so that
she can carry on her fight against the
hated Vyshaan and their allies in the west.
Taking a large army of volunteers with her
the ex-Araegisses leads her 5000 strong
army west along the Silent road into the
woods of northern Ardeep to begin a holy
war against the hated enemy. The more
pacifistic members of the council elders
elect the peace loving, Angharadian
priestess, Puraea Dahast as the new
Coronal Aradoness of Ilodhar.
-9200 DR
The First Proclamation of Elven Court
leads to the revolt of the nobles of
Aryvandaar and the last Crown War
begins. The Elven Court, the Seldarine
priesthoods, and the long-hidden High
Mages restore pockets of resistance and
freedom across the entire Vyshantaar
Empire, fragmenting the armies and

-9188 DR

-9000 DR
The Vyshaan are utterly defeated and
Aryvandaar is dissolved. Much of the High
Forest is abandoned for an age, leaving
the forest open so the gods might restore
its peace. The madness of the Vyshaan
clan compelled even their most fervent
followers to abandon them before all the
elves lay dead at their hands. Many elves
begin migrating back to Elven Court in its
eastern forest.
-8900 DR
A
desperate
band
of
Vyshaan
sympathisers are flushed out of the
mountains in the nearby Rystalmiir Valley.
Hundreds of former Aryvandaaran troops
led by the exiled Prince Faeran Vyshaan
die in battle with forces from Ilodhar. In a
titanic battle upon the slopes of Mount
Vaearin, high upon the Wyrms Back
Coronal Puraea Dahast lays low her evil
nemisis, at the cost of her own life when
she shatters the Staff of Occidian over the
Princes armoured skull. A monument in
5

the form of an obsidian obelisk is raised

using high magic to commemorate the
Ladys sacrifice. Her only daughter, the
High Mage, Allyssa Dahast becomes the
next Coronal-Aradoness of Ilodhar.

him a plain, archaic looking longsword

said to have been brought to Faerun from
legendary Tintageer.

-8800 DR

The population of Ilodhar continues to

grow as migrants pour in from the west.
Several clan elders petition the Coronal to
allow them to establish a second library
city far away from the increasing threat of
orcs. After months of debate within the
council hall, Lady Athalasstra signs the
charter leading to the Founding of
Uvaeren and its First Rysar with the
crowning of its first Coronal. Uvaeren is
founded by one Sun and Two Moon Elf
Clans led by the Rivleam clan. They
establish the land as a civilization
dedicated to knowledge both magical and
mundane. Uvaeren becomes known as
the Lorelands. Close ties continue to be
maintained between the two cities as any
lore gem created in either city is copied
and sent to the library caverns of its sister
realm.

After much consultation and guidance

from the matriarchs within Ilodhar Lady
Allyssa grants the charter for the founding
of a fresh colony resulting in the founding
of Rystall Wood and the crowning of its
first Coronal.
-8582 DR
Lady Allyssa orders the building of a
stronger wall and fortifications about the
ever expanding boundaries of the city.
This granite and marble wall is further
strengthened through the liberal use of
spells by the citys resident geomancers
and high magi. Just before the main gate
houses completion and giant piece of
masonry comes free crushing to death the
Lady Coronal and her party on guests as
they inspect the almost finished walls.
Her Grand-Daughter, the High Mage,
Athalasstra Dahast is handed the crown
with little fanfare as a giant orc horde
pours down from the mountains. Just in
time the new fortifications are completed
and Ilodhar manages the weather yet
another angry horde.
-8400 DR
The elders of Ilodhar push for the
establishment of a second colony to
relieve
the
increasingly
crowded
conditions within the confining walls of
the city. Coronal Athalasstra proclaims a
new realm across the Saddle named
Jhyrennstar. The new realm first Coronal
is selected by the council elders and is
crowned by Lady Athalasstra who hands

-8210 DR

-8105 DR
Lady Athalasstra and many of her knights
fall before yet another orc horde as it
sweeps through The Saddle and threatens
to engulf the new colony realms of
Uvaeren and Jhyrennstar. Standing shield
to shield at the top of the pass the
Coronal and her knights hold the line long
enough for the three realms combined
high magi to annihilate the 300000 strong
horde. From the survivors, the Araegisses
of Jhyrennstar, The Spellblade, Gildoraen
Irithyl becomes the next Coronal of
Ilodhar.
-8130 DR
The continual arrival of Elves in Rystallar
from Ilodhar, opposed to the increasingly
6

militaristic leaders of the city, leads to the

building of the hidden city of Yrlaancel.
The City of Peace, is built deep within the
White Mountains at the far end of the
glacial cwm in which sits the shimmering
Lake Rystallar. Many Moon and Green
Elves migrate from Ilodhar to this secret
haven of peace, searching for something
long since lost in Ilodhar.
-7863 DR
Coronal Gildoraen orders the Grand
Library Caverns sealed and begins
discussing the possibilities left open to an
increasingly isolationist council of elders.
The option to abandon the city is
discussed openly amongst the common
folk and by several families of Moon and
Green Elves but out-rightly rejected by the
more stiff necked Gold Elf clans.
-7774 DR
Lord Gildoraen is angry frustrated at the
continual
bickering
and
political
manoeuvring that takes place within the
council hall. After beating off a ragtag
horde of goblins and ogres, he abdicates
in favour of a more traditionalist leader,
and leads a large group of migrants east
across the saddle where they settle
beneath the shaded eaves of Arcorar. In
his place, the aged High Priestess of
Labelas, the Lady Tanalashta Irithyl is
crowned the newest ruler of Ilodhar.
Despite this the city continues to
haemorrhage people as they move to
safer homes further east.

nobles. One in particular, the High Mage

Oluvaera Mistriven decides to take things
into her own hands. During the abortive
coup the Coronal, most of the elder
matriarchs and High Mage Oluvaera are
slain in a cataclysmic explosion that
demolishes much of the Palace of Dreams.
The surviving senior nobles elect a more
moderate thinking ruler, the Songknight,
Paerisia Irithyl who immediately orders
the cataloguing and securing of Ilodhars
many artifacts. Many items are sent to
Uvaeren, the Elven Court, Yrlaancel and
Jhyrennstar.
-7557 DR
Lady Paerisia orders the people to begin a
full evacuation of the city. The last od the
original Gold Elf families choose to stay
and defend their holdings. As if to
emphasise the point trying to be made by
the Coronal, a large migrating horde of
goblins manages to slip into the tunnels
and basements of the abandoned parts of
the city, setting many fires before they are
finally routed. Lady Paerisia and many
lesser priests and mages are killed saving
the city from being consumed in a
growing conflagration. The Duskblade
Phormloan Haladar becomes the citys
Araegisses in the absence of a coronal or
rulers council. He immediately orders the
rebuilding of some of the citys key strong
points whilst at the same time ordering
those not capable of defending
themselves be sent east to Uvaeren.

-7609 DR

-7400 DR

Despite the increasingly vocal demands to

abandon the city and save its many
priceless treasures, the dogmatic stance
by the Coronal and her advisory council
infuriates many lesser Moon and Gold Elf

Finally, a realm in name only with large

sections of the city already abandoned
ruins, the almost empty city of Ilodhar is
finally over run by the orcs and ogres of
Blackened Axe Horde. Fleeing long before
7

the hordes arrival, the last soldier citizens,

led by Lord Phormloan arrive safely

within the glittering walls of Ilodhars

sister city, Braceldaur.

Coronals of Ilodhar
CoronalsofIlodhar
-10750 DR to -7400 DR
Length of Reign
Coronals
-10750 DR to -10089 DR
-10089 DR to -9718 DR
-9718 DR to -9626 DR
-9626 DR to -9438 DR
-9438 DR to -8900 DR
-8900 DR to -8582 DR
-8582 DR to -8105 DR
-8105 DR to -7774 DR
-7774 DR to -7609 DR
-7609 DR to -7557 DR
-7557 DR to -7400 DR

Rulers Name
Of
Eshcalona Durothil
Ahskahala Durothil
Synnorha Durothil
Fionulla Durothil
Puraea Dahast
Allyssa Dahast
Athalasstra Dahast
Gildoraen Irithyl
Tanalashta Irithyl
Paerisia Irithyl
Phormloan Haladar

Race & Sex

Ilodhar
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Male
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Female
Gold Elf Male

Ilodhar

The Lands of Ilodhar -8000 DR

9

The City and Localities of Ilodharaar

Ilodhar - Ilodhar
Mythal: No Mantle - Yes
Population: 37500 (Sun Elf 40%, Moon Elf 40%, Green Elf 10%, Forest Gnomes 5%, Others
5%)
Products: mithral weapons & armour, magic items, fine gems & jewellery, precious metals,
fine clothing, fresh water pearls & fish, silks & cottons. meat & meat products, wines, beers,
meads & ales, lore crystals & information storage devices, pottery & ceramics, glass &
crystal ware, art & music, leather goods, unusual pets, leaf boats, horses.
Who Rules: The Coronal & Council of Chosen Advisors
Who Really Rules: The High Council of Matriarchs & Patriarchs
Temples: All the Seldarine & Seelie Court, Eldath & Deep Sashelass, Silvanus, & shrines to
various hunting, elemental & nature deities.
Notable Mages: Sisterhood of Freedom, Amethyst Moon High Magic Lodge, Hunters of the
Hart Arcane Archers, Faeress Bladesingers Guild, Pentrillium Crytallomancers & Lore
Seekers, Arcorfaer Battle Magi, Lore Lords & Ladies of the Nexus Halls.
Notable Organisations: Halvanaar Dragon Riders Guild, Mytorash Weavers & Furriers,
Bassavin Smithies & Armourers Guilds, Gaeron Hunters Collective, Kraalfaor Skinchangers
Lodge, Silver Feathers Bowyers & Fletchers Guild, Kvaaroth Jewellers & Gem Cutters,
Mldarinshee Knights of the Stone, Arms Masters of the Academy of Ilodaanar,
Locations of Note: The Tourmaline Palace of Dreams, Elsamiir - Grand Hall of the High
Council, Slivers of the Sun Docks & quayside halls & houses, Halls of the Nexus,
Ynetelavars Librarium, High Sun Tor, Arms Academy of Ilodaanar, The Crystaline Tower
Pentrillium,. White Hart Lodge, Argentyr Battle Magic Hall, Wyrhinn Minstrels & Spell
Singers College, Atornath Green, Stone Sayers Citadel, Crimson Sage Palace.
Local Lore: In the year -10750 DR the Durothil Sun Elf clan and Moon Elf clans Hawksong and
Moonflower of Aryvandaar, along with gold and moon elf clans of from Shantel Othreier,
Ardeep and Miyeritar, fled the tyranny of Vyshaan Emperors and established the realm of
Ilodhar along the western shores of a mountain-nestled Selumiir. They sought a place
where the people were free to love as they pleased in freedom, peace and in harmony with
nature. Soon the glittering white walls of a fantastical city, as spectacular as any ever
created by the elves graced the shores of this isolated mountain home. Over time these 6
clans were joined by individuals and families fleeing from the vicious and nihilistic
Vyshaantar. As populations grew several Green Elf clans left the lands around Selumiir and
established the realm of Rystallaar in the dense coniferous forests to the east. Soon others
came seeking the free life away from the confining imperial traditions of Aryvandaar.
Before long the elves of Ilodhar established many colonies, chief amongst these being
Jhyrennstar and Braceldaur. In time the rulers of Ilodhar realised that their idyllic life was
under threat, orcs and giants threatened the borders and frequently spilled over into the
Miir Valley repeatedly laying waste to the surrounding farms and villages. Centuries of
constant harassment by orcs and ogres and goblins split the clans and sundered their plans
for a peaceful realm. Three Sun Elf clans, Durothil, Starym, Aelorothi elected to stay and
fight for their lands, while the other six Sun and Moon Elf clans led by Melendath
10

Moonflower, abandoned Ilodhar in hopes of finding another realm they could settle more
peacefully. Three clans headed farther north, where they met the elves of Rystall Woods
and established the northern most settlement of that realm: Yrlaancel, the city of peace in 8130 DR. The remaining three clans eventually settled in the west-central forest and
founded Uvaeren, a civilization dedicated to knowledge both magical and mundane in -8200
DR. Finally, a realm in name only with large sections of the city already abandoned ruins,
the almost empty city of Ilodhar was finally over run by the orcs and ogres of Blackened Axe
Horde. Fleeing long before the hordes arrival, the last soldier citizens arrived safely within
the glittering walls of Ilodhars sister city, Braceldaur.
Ilodhars lot was not always one of war and battle, for much of its existence the city and the
lands of its isolated valley were at peace. Millenia passed between Orcish incursions during
the early years between Orcish raids and the people developed many fine arts and
continued traditions thought lost to many during the ruinous Crown Wars. Only one time
did Aryvandaar attempt to annexe this isolated realm of peace loving idealists. Sending a
legion of footmen, knights, archers and duskblades the Vyshaan Prince Ectoriss found little
welcome in this far flung land of independent priests and mages. Soundly defeated by the
peace loving people of Ilodhar, Aryvandaar never again tried to conquer the distant realm,
deeming its subdual too costly.
This battle of brothers taught the people of Ilodhar one very important lesson when three of
their precious libraries were destroyed in the fighting. Even though the people may die,
their stories and lore must live on for the future generations. Elven lore-keepers from this
realm invented an ingenious method to store knowledge in clear, smooth-surfaced crystal
spindles as tall as an elf. The interiors were carved from within using finely finessed magics
wielded by crystallomancers of infinite patience. The forms of animated, semi sentient
holograms appeared within the hearts of the crystals in response to the questions asked and
lore sought after. The secret of the construction of these Lore Spindles was though lost with
the fall of Uvaeren, but only a few hundred Spindles were rescued from Ilodhar from the
many thousands that were laid down within the catacombs and vaults deep beneath the
mountains to the west of ruined Ilodhar.

Places of Note
Rystallar
The ancient forest holds the remnants of the Creator Races as well as their artifacts. So
dense is the central forest that it appears to flyer as a mass of solid grey- green foliage. Its
rich soil supports hundreds of species of trees, flowers, and plants. Claret & golden ash, oak,
shadowtop, wierwood and purple beech trees make up much of the forest. Chestnuts and
red maples grow south along the southern mountains. Firethorns, spear-grass and bracken
decorate groves of ever-green alders, Blaetherworts, dogwoods and she-oaks. This primal
forest is home for large bands of roaming Green and Moon Elves, Humans, Orcs, Kobolds,
Goblins, Wood Giants and a green dragon or two Long before this forest appeared, this was
land controlled by an
11

ever-moving glacial mass that ruthlessly severed any tree or living thing that tried to bury
roots into the ground. As the High Ice gradually faded away into the north, the rich soil
provided the base from which the forest could grow and prosper.

Lake Miir (Selumiir)

River Porfonael
This deep, wide and fast running river flows through great stretches of virgin forest that
have never seen axe or blade. The local bands of Forest Orcs and Green Elves are equal in
their contempt for outsiders to make their permanent marks upon the land. The river itself
is home to colonies of sylphs & nixies as well as the odd bunyip and pygmy merlion. Huge
numbers of salmon like fish mean that large numbers of bears, giant lynx, leopards and
wolves abound in the surrounding valleys. The river is navigable for most of its length and
joins many small Moon Elf hamlets that can be found along its many tributaries and back
waters.

Teshan Mountains
Known to the elves as the Mountains of the Gods or the Jewelled Peaks, these pine oak and
aspen covered mountains are the abode of wild orc, dwarf, human and ogre bands all vying
for control of the rich open iron pits and copper deposits. The humans and dwarves also
breed small, shaggy coated mountain ponies that give them the edge over the numerically
equal orcs and ogres. Little known are the veins and pockets of beljurils found dotted
amongst the many canyons, gullies and sinks holes of the range. Many small lakes and
spring fed streams feed the rivers that flow down into the Selumiir. Most are filled with
12

many varieties of small fish whilst the lower rivers and streams teem with knuckle-headed
trout, wall-eyed gobi, and hakshar fish.
Covered in deep snows in winter and filled with clouds of midges, mosquitoes and marsh
flies in the late spring and summer, the Teshan Mountains are an inhospitable place at best.
The elves of Ilodhar are happy to send trading caravans to gather pig iron, copper and uncut
gems from the dwarves and humans who in-turn trade for medicines, rare herbs, fine steel
weapons and the like. Several tribes of Green Elves of Rystallar, owing no allegiance to
Ilodhar often raid the trade missions from the city, seeking to drive back the invaders from
Aryvandaar.

Pass of Uvaer

Peaks of Dukaarin
The upper slopes of these towering peaks are covered all year round in great sheets of snow
and ice and are mostly void of vegetation. This leads to numerous rock slides each spring,
and travel through the mountain range is generally avoided. The soaring and isolated
mountain peaks are home to many large aerial predators especially dragons and some
stone, cloud and mountain giants. There are several isolated avariel colonies who refuse to
have anything to do with the people of Ilodhar despite several approaches by the lands
rulers. In spring and autumn sudden electrical storms lash the northern slopes of the range
unleashing violent flash floods that roar down the jagged spurs and gullies sweeping all
13

before them before emptying their rushing waters into the many streams of the Tears of the
Wolf. The mountains many mist-shrouded upland meadows and pine forests are exquisite,
if often deadly.

Rystalmiir
This small inland sea is deep at its centre whilst the banks extend into shallow fens, water
meadows and grass filled marshlands. On several occasions throughout its geological
history the valley has filled and emptied, alternating between and deep blue marsh fringed
lake to a lush valley filled with wildlife. The frequent earthquakes, lahars & mudslides and
the general geological instability of the valley has meant that the elves of Ilodhar have not
settled here in any great numbers. Several bands of roving Green and Moon Elves, along
with a large clan of Lythari and several centaur herds all call the lake and its encompassing
valley home. The lakes mineral rich waters give it a deep, sky blue hue. The valley is full of
bird, animal and insect life but few fish or crustaceans call Rystalmiir home. The Elves have
seeded the lake on several occasions but the highly acidic nature of the waters mean that
fish and shellfish do not last long.

Plains of Marna
These undulating, marsh and river filled plains are home to great herds of antelope of
various species and the predators that prey upon them. Lurking amongst the marshes,
moorlands and water-meadows are alligators and flat-headed spinefish . Living amongst the
vast nerds are bands of nomadic humans with their own herds of shaggy ponies whose lives
revolve around the seasonal movements of the animals they follow. Winters upon the
plains are frost biten and harsh, whilst the late spring and summers the plains are one giant
cloud of gnats and mosquitoes. The nomads compete with bands of lizardmen and gnolls
for the few pieces of solid ground and frequent range wars across the summer lead to great
fires as the summer grass lands burn for weeks on end.

Hills of Mariish
Located at the southern end of the Wyrms Back range, these hills are also known as the
Snout of the Dragon are home to the exiles of Ilodhar. Hidden amongst these heavily
wooded hills amongst the many granite outcrops and caves are those who are no longer
welcome in the city, or who reject the rather elitist and confining traditions of old Ilodhar.
More than 5000 Green, Moon and Gold Elves call the hills home, along with hundreds of
humans, gnomes, dwarves and half elves all living in relative peace and almost everyone
armed to the back teeth against the frequent orc and ogre raids. Many small hamlets with
inordinately powerful wizardly and priestly protection can be found dotted throughout
these upland meadows and valleys. The people are naturally hard-bitten and somewhat
suspicious of outsiders, but most beings not from Ilodhar will find a warm if cautious
welcome.

14

Wyrms Back Mountains

This sheer wall of granite, limestone and basalt is the great barrier that divides the Valley of
Ilodhar from the marshy swamp lands of the Rystalmiir. The Wyrms Back rises like the
spines of a great dragon, with its towering mist covered peaks, protecting the isolated
Selumiir from the worst of the northerly winter storms. Conversely summers within the
mountains are hot and sultry with periods of intense rain marking the height of the
mountain summer. Large pockets of primeval temperate rain forest can be found in the
deeper, more isolated canyons and sheer sided valleys of the central range. Most are
inaccessible to all but the sure footed mountain sheep and the few flyers who make the
mountains their home.
Like the ranges futher to the south and east, the peaks of the Wyrms back are a mixture
extinct volcanoes and weathered karst peaks. Below the limestone and dolomite surface
layers lie vast stores of iron, tin, platinum, copper, and mercury that are carefully guarded
by the few Elven families with mining and smithing in their traditions. Large areas of
sinkhole and subterranean river activity has left large cavern complexes that the Elves use
as store houses, homes and redoubts in times of war. Many such caverns are filled with
stunning geodes and other crystalline structures that have been enhanced and
strengthened with high magic. It is within these stalagmite & crystal filled caverns, sealed
off from the rest of reality, that the Elves of Ilodhar stored their vast numbers of Lore
Crystals. With each complex becoming its own demi-plane the great libraries of Ilodhar
remain untouched to this day.

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The Saddle
This group of undulating drumlin hills forms the pass sepearting Rystallar from Greater
Arcorar. The rocky and jagged pine, oak, shadow top and silverspear covered slopes are
home to large herds of wild sheep and the rock gnomes who tend them. These small
communities are connected by a vast network of secluded tunnels linking at least 12
Gnomish hamlets guarded by giant weasels and minks. The hills above are studded with
quartz outcrops which occasionally yield up veins of gold, silver or lapis lazuli. Dwarven and
Orcish prospectors often feud amongst themselves over the rights to these sites and many
small inter-tribal claim wars have erupted over the millennia. The many paths and trails
winding through the hills make this area popular with bandits who often seek to attack the
trade caravans and groups of travellers moving between the different Elven lands. There
are three watch towers maintained by the Elves and each is linked back to Ilodhar by
portals. The towers are topped by signal fires that can be seen for at least 30 miles. The
distance between each tower is only 20 miles, and regular patrols of mountain pony
mounted infantry make sure that the trade ways are kept open for all.

Tears of the Wolf

Flowing west from the perpetually cloud covered peaks of the .range the Tears is an
upland area of numerous fast flowing rivers and streams that have cut deep canyons, gullies
and rills through the ancient seabed creating a limestone karst filled landscape of isolated
woodlands, ponds, lakes and treacherous rivulets and streams. The area is rife with lime
stone caves and sink holes that make travel through this goblin and wolf filled area
hazardous at best.

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The region gains its name from the numerous wolf packs that call the area home. Large
packs of Gray Wolves hunt through the canyons and out onto the plains whilst smaller packs
of Wargs, Lythari, Silver Wolves and Bhargests call the more inaccessible areas home. The
packs of goblins that infest the deeper sink holes and cavern complexes are kept in check by
the predations of their furry, four legged competitors.

Woods of Esterech
This dense, dark and dangerous stretch of fey woodland is filled with sylvan glades, this
timberland filled with pixies, sylphs, sprites, brownies, quicklings and many other fey spirits.
Several faerie mounds and stone menhirs dedicated to the seelie and unseelie courts are
dotted throughout the region. Nightmares & unicorns are found in equal measure as are
ancient elder treants and hangman trees. The place a is fey crossroads that connects the
Shadowfell with the fey wild, the prime and Arvanaith. Its chaotic and unstable, arcane
nature means that travel through the entire region is fraught with dangers both fey and
mundane. A being attempting to pass through one mist covered dell may well find
themselves in a fog bound glade upon a distant plane filled with strange beasts intent on
making them the next meal. Or they could emerge from dense undergrowth into carefully
tended gardens overlooking a spectacular alabaster palatial residence of Labelas or Hanali.

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Arcane Secrets of Ilodhar

Lore Spindles
Grown from diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies or beljurils of unusually fine size and
quality by crystallomancers, the Lore Spindles are designed to be talked to at length. Lore is
spoken into them (or read) and then the crystal is ensorcelled in such a away so as to be
inhabited by a fey spirit of unusual intellect and sagacity. The knowledge contained within
the crystal is accessed by directly addressing the being within who may or may not provide a
detailed answer. For fellow Lore Masters and those with the proper pass words the inner
spirit is obedient and cooperative. It will answer all questions honestly and even has the
ability to inscribe lore onto metallic, wax or wooden tablets via light beams it focuses with its
will. It can also project holographic images of what has been shown or cast into it. To those
without the proper connections or pass keys the spirit within is at best indifferent and at
worst totally hostile. The spindles can teleport themselves and often generate their own
complex defensive mantle . Spindles are generally immune to most magic and supernatural
powers. They are however as fragile as any toughened gem of the types from which they
have been grown. The sprits within are generally capricious and nasty to all non-elves and
are happy to send all such beings to their deaths if they attempt to access the lore kept
hidden within.

Staff of Occidian
This ornately carved, seven foot staff of blackened wood was once the symbol of the Grand
High Mage of Occdian. Made from wood grown in Tintageer, the staff has the ability to open
portals or great size and across vast distances. The staff also has the powers of a great druids
staff and a staff of thunder and lightning and provides the bearer with several key
immunities: fire, electricity, poison, winds and sound based effects, The bearer can rebuke
undead & lower planar beasts as a 21st level priest and its destruction unleashes the effects of
a holy word/backlash and retribution fields. The staff then reforms 3d6 years later at a
random point within the plains.

Crimson Sabre of Fionulla

This simple sabre of reddish gold metal radiates only slight magic. The sword is +3/+5 vs
goblinoids that glows soft pink when they approach within 500. The swords unique powers
are that it is capable of defending its bearer as a sword of dancing whenever its wielder is
asleep or incapacitated. When in this mode it gives off a radiant crimson glow the colour of a
red dawn sky and emits a piercing howl that inspires fear and protection from evil 20 radius
until its owner revives or expires at which time it falls dormant.

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Resources Used

Demi-Human Deities
Forgotten Realms Campaign Settings 1st -4th Editions
Lost Empires
Volos Guide to All Things Magical
Cormanthor: Empire of the Elves
The Fall of Myth Drannor
The Ruins of Myth Drannor
Elves of Evermeet
Complete Book of Elves
Forgotten Realms Adventures

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