Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Cults of The Sundered Kingdoms Player's Guide
Cults of The Sundered Kingdoms Player's Guide
16
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
Player’s Guide
Author: Anthony Pryor Layout and Graphic Design: Charles A. Wright
Developer: Greg A. Vaughan Front Cover Art: Artem Shukayev
Producer: Bill Webb Interior Art: Felipe Gaona, Brian LeBlanc, andMarcin Rudnicki
Editor: Laura Sheppard
1
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
Memoirs of a Rogue
As I had gained far too much notoriety as a result of an unfortunate
affair involving Lady Marenne, two geese, and a high priest of Orcus, I
finally decided that Bard’s Gate had grown far too exciting for my tastes,
and it was with relief that I booked passage on an especially disreputable
The Land
merchantman bound for the city of Lowport. I’d made my choice in haste, At first glance, the Sundered Kingdoms don’t seem to be a good prospect for
for I knew little of the region — only rumors that it was a desolate and the aspiring adventurer. I’d caution all you young pups to keep in mind that
lawless place, sparsely populated and full of dangers. Upon my arrival appearances are often deceiving. It’s true that Sunderland and its surrounding
in Lowport some weeks later, I set to learning what I could, only to find territories is a pretty bleak place, with vast stretches of grassland, thick and
that it was indeed a desolate and lawless place, sparsely populated and ancient forests, and weathered hills that look as if they haven’t felt the touch of
full of dangers. a civilized tread in centuries. But look just beneath the surface and you’ll see
It seemed like the perfect place for one such as me, and so began a five- far more — you’ll see the glint of gold and the hint of lost treasures, just sitting
year sojourn during which I was happy to call the Sundered Kingdoms there waiting for someone brave or foolhardy enough to seek them.
my home.
— From Memoirs of a Rogue, Volume VII: The region commonly called the Sundered Kingdoms lies primarily
To the Sundered Kingdoms, by Titus the Grey within the confines of the District of Sunderland, an old designation
that has little real meaning in these lawless times. Adjoining regions —
There is significant controversy over the true identity of the celebrated the Matagost Peninsula, Old Burgundia, the Duchy of Southvale, and
thief, assassin, and adventurer known to history as “Titus the Grey.” Some Ramthion Island — are also included in the region. Sunderland, however,
claim that he never truly existed, others that his multi-volume memoirs comprises the largest portion of the Sundered Kingdoms, and it is a dry,
are a mish-mash of truth, exaggeration, and outright lies to the point that largely inhospitable place where inhabitants cluster in small settlements
no one can tell the difference. Regardless, his description of Sunderland to protect themselves from hostile humanoids and dangerous predators.
Province and its environs is one of very few coherent accounts of the Water can be scarce here, and most rivers are seasonal, diminishing
region and therefore widely cited in scholarly works and histories. Though to trickles or transforming to mud in the dry season, and forcing animals
the reader is well-advised to take Titus’s tales with a hefty grain of salt, his to cluster around watering holes. Only near the forested slopes of the
memoirs remain entertaining — and possibly useful — reading. Gundlock and Moon Fog Hills (which have their own perils) is the land
especially arable, and can host small farms or vineyards. Even where there
is water — the Lonely Moor in central Sunderland being one example —
the terrain is treacherous, and harbors dangerous creatures of all sorts.
2
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
Foerdewaith
Erskaelosi Ramithi
Heldring Kaf
Roads
resourceful people, but long isolation and the cruelties of history have
made them wary of outsiders and slow to give their trust.
Others dwell here as well. The Erskaelosi barbarians wander the
southern plains, and have a reputation for thievery and dishonest dealings, We followed the Burgundian Road for several days. In most places
though they themselves claim they’re no more unreliable than anyone else. calling it a “road” would be considered generous, but we traveled anyway,
The Heldring arrived as fierce marauders, and have since evolved into the slogging through mires and over holed, rough stretches that slowed us to
relatively peaceful folk of Southvale, among the few truly hospitable folk a crawl. How anyone could have led a caravan down this glorified goat-
in the Sundered Kingdoms. The Kaf, on the other hand, are a grim, dour track was beyond me.
people confined to the Kildren Peninsula. “Who else thinks that we’d be better off just traveling overland?” I
With the invasion of Ramthion and the Matagost Peninsula by the asked, one wet and particularly miserable morning several days out of
legions of Oceanus, it’s more common to see folks of Oceander ancestry Lowport. “This is easily the most pathetic excuse for a road I’ve ever
in those regions, though they are few and tend to stick to more heavily encountered, and believe me that’s saying something.”
populated areas. There is also a steady stream of folks from other lands, “Don’t be too sure,” Byrosh said with a very annoying grin (that
especially in the near-lawless city of Lowport, where the growing bastard could find the humor in a pile of coffins, believe me). “You’ve
popularity of wagering on the bloodpits has drawn many foreign tourists, never traveled on the Old Kingdom Road. Besides, you really don’t want
travelers, and investors. to see what kind of horrors you’ll find away from the roads.”
I snorted, rolling my eyes. I was young, you see, and thought that I’d
seen it all.
“Oh really?” I said. “What sort of horrors would we find?”
3
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
Byrosh’s face froze suddenly as he pointed a trembling finger south.
“That sort.”
I looked, and was instantly sorry, for lurching toward us out of the dust
Wilderness Inns and Roadhouses
were three of the largest trolls I had ever seen. With our unpleasant experience in Trevi behind us, the sight of
I loosed my scimitar and glanced back at Byrosh who was busy Khelestia’s Rest was a welcome one. The crowd of diminutive fey and the
mumbling the first part of a protective spell. swarm of flapping sprites were no longer an annoyance — rather they
“All right,” I said in a disgusted tone. “You’ve made your point.” were the heralds of safety, comfort, and recovery.
Khelestia herself ushered us into the common room, and her faerie-
The Sunderland District is crisscrossed with roads in various states dragon, Shae, flew close at hand, clearly agitated at our condition.
of repair — testament to its past as a prize in the struggles of empires. Khelestia summoned a brownie whose name I remembered was
Today these roads are the main arteries of travel and commerce, plagued Goldsleeves, and he immediately saw to our wounds, patching cuts and
by thieves, raiders, and all manner of lurking dangers, and patrolled only scratches and administering soothing potions.
rarely by the kingdoms that claim the region. And so it was for several days as we recovered in comfort and security,
Much of the Burgundian Road, which runs west from Lowport, is protected by the fey magic that held hostile creatures at bay and made
in poor repair, unpaved and rutted, and frequently haunted by brigands, Khelestia’s Rest such a pleasant island in a troubled, violent land.
forcing travelers to go forth in large, well-armed groups. Unfortunately, despite this protection, Esteban still managed to succumb
In far better condition is the Southvale Causeway, a main thoroughfare to his own nature and his childish inability to keep his hands to himself.
from Southvale Duchy to the rest of the Sundered Kingdoms to the north Among Khelestia’s constantly rotating cast of fey helpers was an especially
(those who travel should expect to pay for the privilege, especially in the enchanting nymph whose name was as ethereal as she was, for after leaving,
Burgundian town of Emryl, where the locals exact various fees and taxes, I could no longer remember it. We all fell in love with her, of course, for that
enriching the local nobles and merchants). is the nature of nymphs, and though I was still young I was sensible enough
The mighty King’s Road comprises an informal western edge of the to know real love from fey enchantment, and also knew what kind of trouble
Sundered Kingdoms, and much of its northern end is well-maintained by I’d be asking for if I acted on it. Esteban had no such qualms — he was a hot-
the city of Endhome, which relies on the route for trade with the south. blooded man from a hot-blooded people, and once he had recovered from the
Endhome also sends patrols down this road in an often-fruitless effort to beating we’d taken in Trevi, he was ready for what he called “recreation.”
keep it free of banditry and raids by humanoids. Unfortunately for him, this recreation consisted of being overly friendly
Hollow Road, which skirts the southern edge of the shadow-haunted with the aforementioned nymph, and after one or two polite refusals he
Moon Fog Hills, has seen much greater traffic in recent years due to the grew angry, demanding that she pay attention to him. This was his biggest
reopening of several silver mines in the region, and has actually received mistake, for a mob of fey quickly descended on him, and in moments he
some much-needed repair. had been spirited away, leaving us to wonder and shake our heads sadly
Stretching between Endhome and the occupied Matagost Peninsula, at his foolishness.
Soldier’s Road is both a vital trade route between the new territories I shed few tears for the man — we’d been none too fond of him, and I
quickly apologized to Khelestia and the fey for his behavior. After a time
of Oceanus and Endhome, and a potent lure for gnolls and other savage
they forgave us, and all returned to normal. When I asked Khelestia what
raiding tribes. Oceander and Endhome patrols are both encountered
had happened to Esteban, she only smiled and told me that he would be
here as well, and tend to be suspicious of those traveling without proper
away for a time, learning manners from some very harsh taskmasters. I
identification or clear intentions (i.e., smugglers and adventurers).
shuddered and let the matter drop.
Almost every town of any size has an inn or tavern, but it is the
wilderness inns that lie scattered around Sunderland that serve a vital role
for those folk who must traverse the region’s roads. Merchants, pilgrims,
adventurers, and others usually travel in large groups, often with large
trains of baggage and animals, a situation that makes roughing it a risky
and often all but impossible task. That’s where the region’s inns and
roadhouses come in — providing food, rest, stables, and some measure of
security, though often at outrageous prices.
These prices are often justified, as maintaining what amounts to a
small, self-sufficient fortification deep in a hostile land is an expensive
undertaking indeed. Inns may be abandoned, change ownership and name,
or mysteriously vanish altogether, making their presence anything but
certain. Though the list is clearly subject to change, some of the better
known inns throughout Sunderland are listed here.
Snurri’s Inn
Location: Burgundian Road, between Lowport and Terrin The Lost Lament
Keld
Proprietor: Snurri Boldheart Location: Hollow Road, between the Moon Fog Hills and the
Snurri Boldheart is a dwarf of advanced years who nonetheless runs his Matagost Range
inn like a well-oiled machine, overseeing a staff of halflings who tend to Proprietor: Salim Gorvezal
the inn’s guests and keep its nine sleeping rooms and two suites spotlessly Situated in a particularly ill-omened location on the eastern edge of the
clean. Snurri also isn’t adverse to picking up his axe and defending his fearsome Moon Fog Hills, and backed up onto the desolate lower slopes
place, either, as a band of mercenaries reinforced by a necromancer of the Matagost Range, the Lost Lament is a dark and gloomy-looking
and his undead friends recently found to their dismay. Their armor and stone structure with multiple gables and a heavy iron fence intended to
weapons are currently on display in the inn’s common room, and only the keep out the local wildlife and overly inquisitive visitors. Salim Gorvezal
most strident objections of Snurri’s wife, Maedra, prevented him from and his pale, big-eyed children run the inn, quietly serving guests and
mounting the necromancer’s head above the fireplace for all to see. tending to their animals. Rumor has it that Salim has a wife, though no
The inn is plain but comfortable, and, as noted, it is kept scrupulously one ever sees her — tales abound that she is a demoness, a vampire, an
neat. Snurri has been known to fly into berserk rages at the sight of any immortal sorceress, or various other fancies, but Salim himself is mum
dust or grime, though fortunately he does not take his anger out directly on regarding her very existence.
his employees or guests, confining himself, instead, to ferocious outbursts None of this is to say that the the Lost Lament is a bad inn — it is, in
of extremely creative profanity. fact, quite comfortable if one doesn’t mind the dark, somewhat sepulchral
Rooms here are a relative bargain for the region: 4 gp per night for décor and its gloomy surroundings. Rooms are almost luxurious and run
everyone, period. This includes one simple meal per day — an extra silver from 4–8 gp per night. Food varies from simple and plain, to fanciful
buys a second. The halfling staff are all extremely solicitous and polite, gourmet meals prepared by Salim’s son, Reginald, who is said to be a
and despite Snurri’s rages, they love their employer dearly. genius in the kitchen.
Other rumors surround the inn — that those who sleep there have
prophetic dreams presaging disaster, that Salim has a deal with the local
Lezcano’s Inn ghouls or vampires and gives them every tenth guest (or twelfth, twentieth
or hundredth, depending on who’s telling), that he secretly worships the
Location: Eastern Burgundian Road, just west of Lowport demon lords whose followers lurk in the hollow hills to the west, and
Proprietor: Father Lezcano Bredroga so on. Most people pooh-pooh these rumors and insist that Salim is just
Located a few miles outside Lowport, this fortified combination of inn eccentric, but this doesn’t stop them from carefully locking their doors at
and temple of Thyr represents a refuge for those who wish to avoid the night whenever they stay.
city’s rampant crime and violence. Good Father Lezcano, a humble friar
serving in Thyr’s name, offers shelter and comfort to anyone of good
intentions who seeks them, and has established himself as a determined Khelestia’s Rest
foe of both the high priest of Grotaag and Tyrant Baljulias himself, both
of whom have sworn to destroy the place. So far their attempts have been Location: Near the intersection of the Burgundian and Old
repulsed, but most think it is only a matter of time before a final reckoning Kingdom Roads
takes place. Proprietor: Khelestia Whiteraven
5
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
Khelestia Whiteraven is a known witch of no small skill, making her is a Foerdewaith woman who has no real quarrel with either side, and her
status as an innkeeper a bit of a mystery. Her house is a deceptively small even-handed treatment of native rebel and foreign invader alike has led
establishment on the edge of the Wildlands (some claim that it is actually to an unspoken truce that allows the combatants to meet here free of the
larger on the inside than the outside), near where the Burgundian Road threat of violence.
meets the rutted Old Kingdom Road, and is remarkable in that it is staffed The Pirate King is a picturesque stone structure perched above the
almost entirely by fey creatures. The sprites, brownies, atomies, and pixies crashing surf below, and it remains a safer and far more secure place than
who help at the inn seem to do so out of genuine affection for Khelestia most wilderness roadhouses. Amalya and her family maintain the inn and
— anyone or anything who seeks to do their employer harm will face their serve excellent basic fare, and the Ramithi and Oceanders who have come
wrath, and the outcome of such incidents is never pretty. to love the place take special care to keep it and its guests safe from harm,
Khelestia also numbers among her allies several highly intelligent lest their peaceful refuge from conflict be damaged or destroyed.
cats of apparent fey ancestry, a moondog named Tavi, and an iridescent
purple faerie dragon called Shae. Needless to say, a visit to Khelestia’s
Rest is quite an experience, with guests tended to by fluttering faeries and
tiny humanoids, occasionally inspected by cats of alarming intellect, and
Patrols
sometimes even engaged in conversation by the dog and the faerie dragon. “You there!” shouted the Oceander captain as his adjutant took his
Food is also provided by Khelestia’s fey, and can vary from sweet fruits helm and bloody sword. “Who are you and what is your business on the
and berry cakes to freshly hunted stag or boar from some distant forest. Soldier’s Road?”
Khelestia does insist that the fey let her guests sleep, however, and those I must admit that the man’s manner rubbed me the wrong way. Had we
who have spent nights there report that the place is especially pleasant not just stood shoulder to shoulder and defeated a bloodthirsty band of
and restful. gnolls, sending them off in shrieking panic? Such a thought apparently
A night’s stay at Khelestia’s Rest can cost anywhere from 5–20 gp, as never entered the captain’s mind as he glared imperiously at me, awaiting
the fey also set the price based on how interesting the guests are. Khelestia my reply.
sometimes overrules them if she thinks they’re being overly cruel, but for
“What’s wrong with you?” he demanded. “Are you capable of speech?
the most part, lets them do as they please.
Or are you both deaf and dumb?”
Behind me Torvalda growled as her grip tightened around the haft
The Pirate King of her axe. I shot her a warning glance and replied to the Oceander as
politely as I could.
Location: The north coast of the Sea Dagger, about 50 miles “We’re just travelers,” I said. “Bound for Southvale from Endhome,
west of the Damerhold ambushed on the road by gnolls. And my thanks for helping us drive them
Proprietor: Amalya Raen off, Captain.”
The man seemed unimpressed, glancing at our weapons and battered
Strategically located between the Ramithi stronghold of Farketh armor. “You seem more like troublemakers to me, out to loot tombs and
Knowe and the Oceander fortress of the Damerhold, this seaside inn rob innocent villagers of their livelihoods. I think you all should come with
is well-known as unofficial neutral ground where both Oceander and us, so we can sort out exactly who you are and what you’re up to.”
Ramithi are served without favor or prejudice. Innkeeper Amalya Raen My hand curled around a concealed throwing dagger. I was still willing
6
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
to use diplomacy, but right now nothing was off the table. “Oh come
now, Captain. I’m sure we can reach an understanding without an ugly Gnolls
confrontation.” Gnoll clans are the scourge of the arid northeastern areas, where
The Oceander’s expression softened somewhat and the captain smiled resources are scarce and only the strong survive long. Gnolls are
wanly. “Perhaps if we were to assess you a slight road fee and receive scavengers and opportunistic hunters, traditionally following the herds
assurances of your good intentions, we can come to an understanding.” of small Sull bison and red-tailed deer, and making temporary camps at
I sighed. It was a cost of doing business. Besides, in our injured state I waterholes, among small copses, or inside cave complexes. The advent of
truly doubted we could take on an entire Oceander patrol. major human settlement and roads changed their lives permanently, and
“Very well,” I said. “How much would you consider fair?” now the gnolls have added the role of resourceful raider to their hunting
traditions.
Not all dangers in the Sundered Kingdoms arise from monsters or Today, gnolls hunt in packs consisting of several family groups,
hostile humanoids. Even those tasked with keeping the peace can imperil invading human settlements, preying on travelers and caravans, and
travelers. Armed parties, usually light cavalry, ride along the roads near attacking domestic sheep and goat herds for food and sport. They are
cities like Oestre and Lowport, safeguard caravan traffic along the King’s generally not interested in plunder, though some have finally learned that
Road, or patrol other vital routes, seeking to keep the local bandits and it can be bartered for useful trade goods. Some tribes engage in slave raids,
humanoid tribes in check — usually with only limited success. keeping captives in thrall and working them to death, then feasting on
While the Endhome and Oceander patrols are carried out by relatively their remains. Some unscrupulous traders have forged uneasy agreements
well-disciplined military units, other patrols vary greatly in self-control with gnoll tribes, providing them with supplies, weapons, and tools in
and skill. Outside Lowport, for example, mercenary guards are almost as exchange for plundered treasure and slaves.
bad as the outlaws that they are supposedly there to counteract, extorting Most gnoll clans keep hyenas, and, in some cases, the larger and
gold from every passing caravan and shaking travelers down for valuables. fiercer hyaenodons, as guards and hunting animals. These creatures are
Not even the allegedly well-trained Endhome or Oceander troopers are treacherous, however, and will sometimes turn on their masters, killing
immune from charging “road tolls” and related fees, as Titus the Grey and them and then loping off into the wilderness. Usually however, the gnoll
his companions discovered to their dismay. beast-masters keep their pets happy with a combination of rewards,
punishments, and even druidic magic.
Some tribes have fallen under the command of outside leadership,
Humanoid Tribes and Raiders controlled by especially powerful spellcasters, demons, or even warlords,
who buy their loyalty with promises of food, prey, and territory. Gnolls are
The gnolls’ attack was heralded by the ululating cries of their not always the best choice as minions, for their bestial nature makes them
hyaenodons, a tactic that they clearly intended to terrify us, but which in chaotic and ill-disciplined, but non-gnolls with strong personalities can
reality warned us and gave us time to prepare. When the gnolls descended sometimes turn them into a serviceable fighting force.
on us, snarling and foaming like rabid dogs, we stood well-armed and More “advanced” gnoll clans that trade are often better-armed than
ready to fight. their fellows, with steel weapons, leather or metal armor, and even a small
Nevertheless, it proved a challenging battle, for most of our unfortunate number of enchanted items. These clans represent a special challenge, and
hirelings perished in the first moments, torn asunder by the gnolls’ savage often find themselves in conflict with heavily armed patrols from Oceanus
four-footed beasts. Byrosh unleashed a torrent of flames that caught the or Endhome. Humans caught trading with these gnolls are punished
advancing beast-men squarely, and the dry air was filled with the scent of severely, usually on the spot and without trial.
burnt fur and flesh. Then they were on us, but Torvalda’s axe was thirsty,
and three more of the foul things fell before it. As she fought, I moved and
struck as quickly as I could, slicing at tendons, stabbing exposed necks
Orcs
One of the most adaptable and persistent of humanoids, orcs have
and abdomens, hamstringing, wounding, then dancing away. inhabited the Sundered Kingdoms for countless millennia, and remain
It was a near thing despite our efforts. Akli the priest was hard-pressed, there in large numbers today. Their long history has led to significant
uttering healing prayers at one moment, swinging his iron-shod staff the diversity in their ancestry, and orcs of several different varieties can be
next, until he fell, treacherously struck from behind by a gnoll’s club. found: common orcs, greenskins, ghost-faced orcs, blood orcs and even
All seemed lost in that moment, for Byrosh had fallen as well, and — it is rumored — the fearsome black orcs, servants of the dread demon
Torvalda was wounded in a dozen places. It was then that I heard harsh lord, Orcus.
shouts and the sound of hoofbeats striking the rough paving stones of Orcs are common in some areas, though they are especially numerous
Soldier’s Road. I looked up to see a squad of armored cavalry charging in the moorlands of south-central Sunderland, where they build semi-
toward us, swords drawn, polished steel breastplates shining, their leader permanent villages in hidden or highly defensible positions. Cunning
resplendent in the colors of the Empire of Oceanus. trackers and outdoorsmen, the orcish warriors take pains to learn all the
secrets of their surrounding territories, and when hunting, try to funnel
The wild and inhospitable nature of the Sundered Kingdoms is, in fact, their prey into bogs or marshy regions where they become trapped and can
a terrible forge that hammers out weakness, leaving behind the strongest be killed at the orcs’ leisure.
and most ruthless of creatures — creatures such as gnolls, orcs, and ogres. Orc tribes number between a dozen and a hundred individuals, with
As human civilizations rose and fell, armies marched and cities burned, names like the Broken Bones and the Pigskulls. They usually carry crude
the humanoids of the region moved in to fill the vacuum, ruthlessly taking insignia based on their tribal identities, and are ruled by the biggest and
advantage of the chaos sown by others. Today they remain one of the most strongest of their number — often orogs or even ogrillon. These tribes
persistent threats in and around the Sunderland District. frequently war with each other for control of particularly valued territories
For the most part, these humanoids live in autonomous, seminomadic — especially those with the easiest access to roads.
tribes, moving from place to place and gaining sustenance through Some, more “enlightened” orc tribes have struck deals, forming
hunting, gathering, raiding nearby settlements, and preying upon rudimentary alliances, combining forces and sharing plunder. Unlike the
passing traffic on the roads. Rule is inevitably by the strongest, and most gnolls, orcs like treasure and often decorate their huts and caves with
of these groups scratch out a minimal existence only a hairsbreadth the spoils of their raids. Some orcs also practice basic metallurgy and
from starvation. Their bloodthirstiness is therefore a function, not just leatherworking, crafting crude weapons and armor, but for the most part,
of their inherent savage violence, but also a deeply-ingrained survival they prefer to steal items that others have made.
mechanism, created by countless generations of deprivation. In addition
to those listed below, other humanoid and monstrous creatures can be
found throughout the region — kobolds, goblins, giants of all sorts, Ogres
athach, troglodytes, etc. — but the following are the best known and Groups of ogres may be found throughout the Sundered Kingdoms,
most frequently encountered. but are especially likely to be encountered in more rugged regions
7
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
such as the Wildlands, the Gundlock Hills, and the lower reaches Only three true cities of any size exist in the Sundered Kingdoms, and
of the Forlorn Mountains. These are often family groups — male, all of these are near the Sinnar coast: Sunderland’s capital, Penmorgh;
female, and their immature offspring — but sometimes several groups Oestre, the leading city of Matagost; and the filthy pirate-city of Lowport.
combine into a gang, or allow solitary ogres to join them for a time. The city of Endhome easily surpasses any of these, but is beyond the
These groups lair in remote locations such as rough ravines, caves, or Gaelon River, and technically, considered to be outside the Sundered
swamps, where they build primitive shelters and store the remains of Kingdoms. The former crown-city of Trevi could once boast the title of
their prey for later consumption. Most of their victims’ possessions are jewel of these lands, but is now a humanoid-haunted ruin, while Tyr calls
carelessly tossed in midden heaps, unless an especially bright piece of itself a city, but in reality, is little more than a vast, armed camp.
jewelry or shiny bauble catches an ogre’s eye. They do not normally
take weapons or armor, preferring to fight barehanded, or, at best, with
a functional rock or club. Penmorgh
Though they are primitive and largely disorganized, these ogres are
nevertheless a constant threat, for they have few qualms about attacking Weeks of deprivation in the trackless reaches of the Wildlands had left
anything they consider to be edible — which, in their eyes, is just about us all bruised, battered, and in extreme ill-temper. When Byrosh suggested
anything living, including other ogres. Occasionally, larger parties may we spend some time relaxing in Penmorgh, none of us had either the
draw the attention of several groups of ogres, who would then attack in an strength to object or any good alternative suggestions. Tyr was a dreary
uncoordinated but extremely dangerous pack. place that I wholeheartedly wished to avoid, while Oestre was too distant,
and I’d already had my fill of Lowport’s hospitality. It was with more of a
sense of resignation than anything else that we packed our bags, saddled
9
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
Chalice ended up in ruins, while we ended up spending the night in a cell. can easily find candidates here. The Chalice is also popular with freelance
We expected to be released the following day, assessed a small fine and dungeon delvers seeking patrons, rumors or adventuring parties.
sent on our way, but it was not to be. We were instead roused out of our
cell at an unconscionably early hour, dragged to the Merchant Guild hall,
and presented to a stern-faced man whom we were told was one Gebhart The Order of Iron
Berizon, Guildmaster of Penmorgh. One of the strictest orders of paladins in all known lands, these grim
My heart sank, for I knew as well as anyone that the guilds ran the warriors of Muir are headquartered in a great, windowless fortress of
city, and if we were meeting their supreme leader, the situation had to be stone with a single iron door, symbolically always kept open to signify
especially dire. their goddess’s open and accepting nature. Led by the stern Lady Astrid
“We’ve heard of you and your friends,” he said, without preamble. Dugganey, the paladins dispatch missions into the darkest heart of the
“We’ve heard that you are professional troublemakers, that you’ve been Sundered Kingdoms, seeking out evil and chaos wherever they find it.
causing havoc in the hinterlands for quite some time now, and that you While friendly with other faiths, they only allow strict Muir worshippers
were responsible for a fire, explosion, and the release of several dangerous into their order. In some cases, they may work with non-Muirites, engaging
wild animals in the streets of Lowport.” good-aligned adventurers and mercenaries to assist in their vital work.
“Whoever told you that is a baseborn liar,” I replied. “We’re innocent
travelers on our way to...” I faltered for a moment, trying to think of a Palskann’s Outfitters
suitably distant destination. “To Courghais. Yes. Courghais.” In addition to its status as the most stable and peaceful city in the
Berizon smiled at that. It was a thin, cold, humorless smile. Sundered Kingdoms, Penmorgh also serves as temporary home to
“That’s unfortunate,” he replied. “Because if you were those adventurers and dungeon delvers. A comfortable, reliable base for
troublemakers I’d heard about, I might have had employment for you, exploration and travel in the adjoining Wildlands, the city has developed
helping me rid the city of a criminal organization known as the Adderfang a number of businesses that aid in the provisioning of adventuring
Guild, and you’d have earned an official pardon for your offenses. But as endeavors. Palskann’s Outfitters, owned by a friendly halfling woman and
you are not actually these troublemaking adventurers, I’m afraid that I’m her family, is a typical business that caters to adventurers. She provides
going to have to impose the harshest punishment possible under the—” all sorts of adventuring gear — sturdy clothing, boots, belts, backpacks,
“I’m sorry,” I interrupted, raising a hand. “Did you say we started a rope, 10-foot poles, preserved foodstuffs, maps, tools, and even weapons,
fire in Lowport? I thought you said Endhome. In that case, well, yes, we arrows, and sling bullets (though she leaves armor to more skilled
are those troublemakers you’ve heard about.” craftspeople). Her prices are fair, though quality is often questionable,
Berizon gave me a satisfied nod. “Well, I’m glad we finally got that as she gets her supplies from various third parties. She is also a valuable
cleared up. Now, would you like to hear more about my proposal, or shall source of rumors, local news, information about other adventuring groups,
I just sentence you to death immediately and save us all some time?” and word of who is hiring freelancers.
Billockburne
days past. They swore they would stick to the Monk’s Path and return
promptly, but they’ve yet to return, and none of the other folk in the village
have the courage to go search for ‘em. They whisper that Guthrin and Ty
are gone, snatched away by the moor-trolls or drowned in a bog. I beg Boasting a population of 165, Billockburne is the largest village located
you, good folk, to find them for me. I can offer you little, save the thanks in the wilderness of the Lonely Moors. Absorbed with their daily lives
of a grateful woman.” — mainly sheep herding, peat cutting, and a small amount of trade with
Of course my first response was to ask what was in it for us besides her other settlements in the moor — its inhabitants have little time for politics
undying gratitude, but before I could speak Torvalda piped up. or the outside world, and a hunter named Tom Gorn serves as the town’s
“Shush, good woman,” she said, laying a comforting hand on Marias’s only real official. Local Brisban Scutt runs the town’s only tavern, and
shoulder. “If your kin live, we’ll find them for you, and ask nothing save with the proper inducement, might be persuaded to rent out a room or two.
your good wishes in return.” Otherwise, the locals are tough and independent, though for the most part,
I swore inwardly. We had other business, and the needs of an they tend to lack the region’s typical distrust of strangers.
impoverished peasant in an unfriendly town meant little to me. But
Torvalda had a big heart for all her gruff manner, and as Akli the priest
and my other companions smiled, nodded, and joined in on the enterprise, Malthlyn
I had no choice but to painfully nod and paint on a smile of my own.
I relate this story primarily to illustrate an important point — that to A once-prosperous village located uncomfortably close to the Moon Fog
gain the trust and friendship of the backward, ill-mannered folk of the Hills, Malthlyn boasts a palisade, small temples to both Freya and Stryme,
Sundered Kingdoms, one has to provide favors and services far in excess God of Strength, and accommodations at the comfortable Ore Road Inn.
of what they offer in exchange. For when we returned two days later, Though Malthlyn suffered hard times when the local silver mine closed,
leading the two muddy, exhausted, but very much alive villagers back its fortunes have recently improved with the mine’s reopening and the
to a loving wife and mother, we had clearly gained their friendship and return of commerce. Rumors coming out of the region, however, suggest
12
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
that all is not well, and that shipments have been interrupted by unknown
forces, though these stories have not yet been fully investigated.
Cat’s Wife
A small and unexpectedly friendly community located on the King’s
Road, about 150 miles south of Endhome, Cat’s Wife takes its name from
a popular local fable about a cat seeking to purchase a wife. Images of
cats abound in the village, and the most popular local inn is the Cat’s
Rest, owned by the good-hearted Athele Brownlocks. At this inn, visitors
can obtain lodging in comfortable rooms, each supplied with its own cat.
Darker tales of werebeasts and the cult of Cybele persist, but are laughed
off by burgher Silas Buntervelt and his fellow villagers, including the
stern Karl Rustov, local priest of Thyr.
Lore, Legends,
and Places of Mystery
A place with as much history as the Sundered Kingdoms is sure to attract a
wealth of legends, myths, tall stories, and outright lies. Distinguishing one
from the other is what we, as adventurers, have to do. When we ventured
into the Wildlands in search of a warrior-king’s tomb, for example, we
discovered that we were chasing a piece of folklore, exaggerated in years
of telling, distorted by time, and all but unrecognizable. Needless to say,
we never did find that warrior-king’s tomb, but we did find two murderous
perytons and a band of hill giants, so the trip was not a complete waste
of time.
As Titus and his friends found, not all of the legends and rumors of the
Sundered Kingdoms can be taken at face value. Stories are recounted in
taverns, repeated in frightened whispers, or told to children at bedtime.
The following tales and rumors will be familiar to anyone who spends
time in the Sundered Kingdoms, though their relative truth or falsehood
will certainly require investigation.
The Cults
Throughout our travels in Sunderland and beyond, we continually
encountered rumors of underground cults — secret societies that
worshipped chaotic gods and extradimensional beings. Unfortunately,
solid evidence of these cults was hard to come by and could easily be
interpreted in multiple ways. Tales circulated in the Duchy of Southvale,
for example, of a cult that worshipped the demon Baphomet and drew to
it the beast-folk of the Wildlands — minotaurs, shapechangers, and even
the strange therianthropes that we had encountered there. On the other
hand, the mere presence of these creatures and their strange ruler was not
evidence of more widespread incidents of cultish activities in the Sundered
Kingdoms.
We also found proof — debatable proof, but proof nonetheless — of
such activities during our investigation of the Sons of Sefagreth in Oestre,
when we found robes and ritual objects associated with the worship of
the demon lord. Soon after our discovery, we found ourselves beset by
assassins wielding potent magic and enchanted weapons. Alarmed, we
investigated our patron, Corvidan — unfortunately his shop had been
utterly ransacked and he himself was missing. Almost every document
and communication in the place was gone too, save for a single fragment
of parchment which said, in Corvidan’s handwriting: “Seek the obelisk.”
15
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
that the entire south end is infested with witches — a cult of evil women
who worship a goddess named Cybele and who hold secret sacrificial rites
deep in the trackless swamp. Why they do this depends on who’s telling the
story, but all tales speak of a dangerous hidden society devoted to wicked
A Hasty Farewell
causes and personal gain. Of course these are just the kind of rumors that I’d like to say that I left the Sundered Kingdoms with a heavy heart, but
draw adventurers, and if you’re the sort to follow them, I wish you luck in I’d be lying. It was self-preservation that drew me there in the first place,
your journeys. As for me, I find that swamp water is a good way to ruin a and it was greed, pure and simple, that sent me away. I’d been avoiding
perfectly decent pair of boots. Lowport for quite some time — since my arrival, in fact — but when I
took stock of the situation and discovered that, of my many companions,
This gloomy region of swampland at Ramthion’s southern tip is the only Torvalda and I remained, I decided that it was time to finally say
source of many legends and horrific tales, many centering on the dark my goodbyes and move on. A reliable source reported that Captain
Cult of Cybele and the mysterious doom of the town of Greenpool, still Grimblade’s sleek corsair the Avenger was in port, and I remembered a
the subject of terrified rumor nearly a century later. promise that she’d made me years before, that if ever I or my companions
Especially common are stories of witches who steal babies from their wanted to serve, she’d find a place for us.
cribs, and whose wizened fingers tap on windows in the night. The origins And so it was, with the combined forces of Endhome, Oceanus, and
of these witches are uncertain — in some stories they emerged from Bard’s Gate at my back, and a price on my head enough to make my
the swamp, created by demons or evil gods, in others they were wicked killer a rich man or woman, I made my way back to the twisting streets of
women who sought out power through blood and suffering, and in still Lowport, Torvalda in tow, and together we signed on with the delighted
other tales, the witches were honest humans led astray by sinister forces. Captain Grimblade and set sail for the even wilder and less predictable
A few legends even claim that the first covens were founded by the wife Razor Coast.
of an influential noble, who used dark magic to make her family rich and My time in the Sundered Kingdoms had not been safe, nor especially
powerful. profitable, but it had brought me boon companions, danger, and excitement
The nature of these witches’ worship varies depending upon who is enough for several lifetimes, and for that I was grateful.
telling the tale, but in nearly all of them, the witches worship the powerful Of my adventures on the high seas and beyond I shall write in my next
deity known as Cybele, the Magna Mater or the Goat with a Thousand installment, Memoirs of a Rogue, Volume VIII: Blood and Swords on the
Young. An ancient fertility goddess once propitiated with animal and Razor Coast.
human sacrifice, Cybele’s cult was supposedly exterminated centuries ago,
but in these stories her worship carries on in dark places throughout the
region, especially in the hidden depths of the swamplands. There, witches
gather to engage in secretive — and, in the more mature tales told in
taverns and sung of in music halls, orgiastic — rites, where living victims,
including children, are sacrificed in exchange for wisdom, magical power,
and the ability to see the future.
16
Cult of the Sundered Kingdoms: Player's Guide
that the entire south end is infested with witches — a cult of evil women
who worship a goddess named Cybele and who hold secret sacrificial rites
deep in the trackless swamp. Why they do this depends on who’s telling the
story, but all tales speak of a dangerous hidden society devoted to wicked
A Hasty Farewell
causes and personal gain. Of course these are just the kind of rumors that I’d like to say that I left the Sundered Kingdoms with a heavy heart, but
draw adventurers, and if you’re the sort to follow them, I wish you luck in I’d be lying. It was self-preservation that drew me there in the first place,
your journeys. As for me, I find that swamp water is a good way to ruin a and it was greed, pure and simple, that sent me away. I’d been avoiding
perfectly decent pair of boots. Lowport for quite some time — since my arrival, in fact — but when I
took stock of the situation and discovered that, of my many companions,
This gloomy region of swampland at Ramthion’s southern tip is the only Torvalda and I remained, I decided that it was time to finally say
source of many legends and horrific tales, many centering on the dark my goodbyes and move on. A reliable source reported that Captain
Cult of Cybele and the mysterious doom of the town of Greenpool, still Grimblade’s sleek corsair the Avenger was in port, and I remembered a
the subject of terrified rumor nearly a century later. promise that she’d made me years before, that if ever I or my companions
Especially common are stories of witches who steal babies from their wanted to serve, she’d find a place for us.
cribs, and whose wizened fingers tap on windows in the night. The origins And so it was, with the combined forces of Endhome, Oceanus, and
of these witches are uncertain — in some stories they emerged from Bard’s Gate at my back, and a price on my head enough to make my
the swamp, created by demons or evil gods, in others they were wicked killer a rich man or woman, I made my way back to the twisting streets of
women who sought out power through blood and suffering, and in still Lowport, Torvalda in tow, and together we signed on with the delighted
other tales, the witches were honest humans led astray by sinister forces. Captain Grimblade and set sail for the even wilder and less predictable
A few legends even claim that the first covens were founded by the wife Razor Coast.
of an influential noble, who used dark magic to make her family rich and My time in the Sundered Kingdoms had not been safe, nor especially
powerful. profitable, but it had brought me boon companions, danger, and excitement
The nature of these witches’ worship varies depending upon who is enough for several lifetimes, and for that I was grateful.
telling the tale, but in nearly all of them, the witches worship the powerful Of my adventures on the high seas and beyond I shall write in my next
deity known as Cybele, the Magna Mater or the Goat with a Thousand installment, Memoirs of a Rogue, Volume VIII: Blood and Swords on the
Young. An ancient fertility goddess once propitiated with animal and Razor Coast.
human sacrifice, Cybele’s cult was supposedly exterminated centuries ago,
but in these stories her worship carries on in dark places throughout the
region, especially in the hidden depths of the swamplands. There, witches
gather to engage in secretive — and, in the more mature tales told in
taverns and sung of in music halls, orgiastic — rites, where living victims,
including children, are sacrificed in exchange for wisdom, magical power,
and the ability to see the future.
$4.99
ISBN 978-1-62283-257-6
16