Page 71 - D&D - Player's Handbook

Kendrick banner and are determined to hold on long NORTH LANDER ISLES
enough to see it.
Well to the north of the Moonshaes and west of Faerun
NORLAND are the home islands of the Northlanders, which exist
North of Moray lies Norland, the stronghold of the as they have for centuries. The greatest of these islands,
Northlanders of the Isles. Much has happened among Ruathym, holds the oldest settlements the Northlanders
the Noris of late, weakening their grip on the Moon- claim, and from there, all manner of northern kingdoms
shaes, but I fear High King Kendrick lacks power to and legends have sprung.
capitalize on it. The Northlander Isles are scoured by strong winds
In recent years, a Northlander woman calling herself and powerful waves, and also suffer biting, bone-chilling
the Storm Maiden arose as a battle leader among them, cold for most of the year. In deepest winter, the inlets
which was unusual because Northlanders don't allow are choked with ice, and fog lingers late into the day, if
women to raid or fish. Said to blessed by both Valkur it breaks at all. Most wear furs to keep out the cold, and
and Umberlee at her birth, the Storm Maiden gathered those going to war supplement their protection with
great numbers of Noris to her banner, and it seemed she thicker hides, and helms lined with wool or fur. They
might contest the king for control of Norland. However, disdain magic and glorify battle, to the point that most
a decade ago, she seemed to be consumed by the power communities grow restless when they don't have an
of Umberlee, and she drove her followers on a mad enemy to fight.
quest to control the Sea of Swords. When at last she Because the Northlanders are good at fighting and
was defeated at sea, she and her ship vanished into the sailing, and perfectly willing to attack ships close to
waves. She is known to be unable to drown, and many their shores, best to be cautious around any North-
people fear her return. lander Isles, especially if you haven't been assured of
Rault the Wise, king of the Noris, lost both his elderly safe passage, and often even then.
son Olfgaut and grandson in battles against the Storm Northlanders pay homage to several deities, but
Maiden, leaving succession in question. He has a they most honor Valkur, a hero-god of their own who
granddaughter of great spirit and wisdom, but in the exemplifies the qualities their warriors hold most dear.
male-dominated Northlander society- and so soon after Take care not to question or insult this veneration in
the disastrous rise to power of the Storm Maiden- it is their presence.
unthinkable that rule should fall to her.
GUNDARLUN
OMAN 'S ISLE The fisherfolk and merchants of Gundarlun are more
The last time I set foot on Oman's Isle was just after the like their mainland cousins than most island folk.
Moonshaes had unified, and it was a peaceful, lovely Unlike other Northlanders, they are less apt to start a
place. It had sheep, farms, and fishing boats, and plenty fight with folk they don't recognize. Because of their
of folk willing to trade the gold from their mines for more peaceful bent, you're more likely to be able to
goods from the mainland or other islands. Now, Oman's safely get fresh water and supplies in Gundarlun, though
Isle is a blasted place is controlled by giants, especially you should be prepared to trade generously during
fomorians, that hurl huge stones at any ship that comes your stop.
too near the coast. If you do make it to shore, bring More than a dozen settlements pay homage to the
friends, and plenty of weapons-it's a dangerous place, king in Gundbarg. They profit from the island's reputa-
but might be worth the risk. I can scarcely imagine the tion as a safe stopover. Though Gundarlun might not
reward Jar! Rault or High King Derid would offer to the provide the best seaworthy warriors, nevertheless ship
adventurers who reclaimed the ruins of Iron Keep, once s that are looking to make repairs, take on sailors or
home to the isle's rulers. sail-menders, or store large cargoes are likely to find
their needs met here.
SNOWDOWN
The little isle of Snowdown, south of Alaron, is a pos- PURPLE ROCKS
session of Arnn, where Lady Erliza rules from Caer If you seek shelter during a storm, you might find it
Westphal. She is the second of her name, noted for her in the many islands of the Purple Rocks. It was once
striking resemblance to her great-grandmother, the first my great fortune to find safe harbor at the port village
Amnian ruler of the isle. known as Ulf of Thuger. The welcome I received was
Since taking possession of the place, Snowdown's nearly as warm as I might have found among the Gunds,
occupiers have cut down its woods, stripped its mines, and I found the Rocklanders to be a fine audience for
and choked its waterways with the refuse of the over- my tales of travel and adventure. However, something
worked Ffolk under their rule. Lady Erliza and her makes me think I shouldn't return.
soldiers have ruthlessly put down several rebellions, On the day that the storm broke, I emerged from
and the Ffolk here refer to her as "Bloody Erliza." Some the longhouse in which I had been hosted and beheld
Amnians believe the isle is becoming more trouble to a well-tended and organized settlement with green
hold on to than its diminishing exports are worth, and pastures and full fishing nets. The ship's crew and I
further uprisings are almost certainly brewing amongst were dealt with cordially by everyone, and the ship was
the Ffolk, quietly supported by Alaron. already repaired and prepared for our leaving, the Rock-
landers having apparently worked through the night to
make it ready.

CHAPTER 2 I THE SWORD COAST AND THE NORTH
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