ok, reading through the aow overload, preparing to run it, i've run across some locations i'm not easily finding on my maps of oreth.
so, since i'm actually doing this via the (rather large) maps on canonfire.com, i was wondering if anyone could let me know where the rift canyon / wormcrawl fissure is (i'm under the impression that it's somewhere north of diamond lake in the cairn hills?), i'd be fairly greatful.
i just don't know my greyhawk very well, unfortuantly...
|
The Rift Canyon is 510 miles North/NorthEast of Diamond Lake at the Rift's Westernmost point. It is located within territory between the areas known as the Bandit Kingdoms and the Shield Lands. Bandits live in the canyon itself as well
as many horrific monsters (many a product of Kyuss). The Canyon is approx. 240 miles long (according to 30 mile hexs on the world map, but see below).
http://www.bandit-kingdoms.net/images/BKmap.gif
Rift Canyon: This strange valley is more than 180 miles long and up to thirty miles wide, but was not formed by river action. A rocky wasteland surrounds the Rift, adding to its unnatural character. Rainwater drains into caverns throughout its expanse. Long oxplored by the lawless folk of Riftcrag, the Rift still shelters many menaces within it. Thousands of evil Reyhu bandits fled to the Rift following Iuz's invasion in 583; these angry men worship Erythnul, and they have no qualms about sacrificing intruders. Rift bandits often venture out to gain food and weapons; try as they might, Iuz's commanders cannot block all canyon exits. The west end of the canyon has dreadfull monsters that seem to issue forth from the caverns. Southwest of Rift Canyon is White Plum Mountain, a lone volcano of awful reputation; north are the Tangles, where other anti-Iuzite bandits hold out.
Rift, Men of the: Rift Canyon and nearly all the rough lands around it (the Rift Barrens) were ruled from the town of Riftcrag, which long had a notable nonhuman population of orcs, gnolls, bugbears, ogres, and the like. The original bandit force here largely abandoned the city to luz's forces in 583, gathering in the deep recesses of the Rift and planning a dark revenge. These forces are augmented by many refugees from luz's attacks (notably Reyhu), and they are led by the charismatic self-proclaimed Plar of the Rift, Durand Grossman (NE male human Rog11). Native nonhumans and a few magically controlled monsters round out what is one of the three most active and well-defended resistance forces in the Bandit Kingdoms (the others being in the Fellreev). Rift folk are mostly as chaotic and evil as the nonhumans, but they are clever and skilled at mountaineering and trap setting. Many thieves and berserkers are among the warriors here, and Erythnul worship is widespread.
luz's agents inhabiting Riftcrag made it a regional capital in 584. They keep watch over the canyon from the city and from the Leering Keeps, five citadels perched on the northern edge and eastern end of the enormous chasm. Led by Cranzer (NE male human Wiz15), a powerful member of luz's Lesser Boneheart, these forces patrol the Rift, attempting to contain the places growing army while continuously assaulting the Tangles with axe and fire. The Rift holds mines that provide the region's best silver veins. Of late, Cranzer has made deals with the Rift bandits in order to make the regular silver shipments personally demanded by luz.
It's worth pointing out that the Rift Canyon (and surrounding Bandit Kingdoms) are on the opposite side of the Nyr Dyv, the Lake of Unknown Depths.
Jack
|
Also check out Dragon #276 for monsters unique to the Wormcrawl Fissure within the Rift
Rifthoppers!! I made a DM retcon a little so that my 2ed druid was traveling to the canyon to watch the rifthoppers in their natural environent. I love those little bastards...great predator for a verticle environment! I don't recall who wrote it, but it was a great beastiary!
Creative Director
|
Also check out Dragon #276 for monsters unique to the Wormcrawl Fissure within the RiftRifthoppers!! I made a DM retcon a little so that my 2ed druid was traveling to the canyon to watch the rifthoppers in their natural environent. I love those little bastards...great predator for a verticle environment! I don't recall who wrote it, but it was a great beastiary!
That would be me! :) I've been obsessed with Kyuss for a long time, as you can see.
The riftjumpers are going to probably make a cameo appearance in Age of Worms #11, although probably not as a combat encounter since by then the PCs will be 19th level and a bunch of hoppy crickets won't be too much of a threat to them.
|
|
That would be me! :) I've been obsessed with Kyuss for a long time, as you can see.
The riftjumpers are going to probably make a cameo appearance in Age of Worms #11, although probably not as a combat encounter since by then the PCs will be 19th level and a bunch of hoppy crickets won't be too much of a threat to them.
I suspected so, but it's been a while since I have looked at the article. Although I liked all your li'l freakys in there, the riftjumpers were a stand out (pop-up? well, they were something cool). Their venom/kick ya' off the edge tactic is a great combo! One day I will definitely be using them! Unfortunately the Rift is a fair way off from the Hold of the Sea Princes.
I look forward to them adding 'local color' in AoW #11!
Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
|
That would be me! :) I've been obsessed with Kyuss for a long time, as you can see.
The riftjumpers are going to probably make a cameo appearance in Age of Worms #11, although probably not as a combat encounter since by then the PCs will be 19th level and a bunch of hoppy crickets won't be too much of a threat to them.
That was a great article. I remember I was so inspired after reading it that I sat down and began working on a campaign to take place just outside the Rift Canyon. Now I'll have to go dig it out of my archives.
Sebastian
thanks for the great information guys! it's very helpful to know where all of the places for which I might need maps are.
i may ask more questions... soon ;-)
so, since i'm actually doing this via the (rather large) maps on canonfire.com, i was wondering if anyone could let me know where the rift canyon / wormcrawl fissure is
Hi. Since you're already on canonfire.com, look for Eric Anondson's maps. He created a great map (richly drawn and detailed) of the Bandit Kingdom region and identifies the Wormcrawl Fissure by name (south west of the Tangles/west of the Rift Canyon). You can't miss either on this map:
http://www.canonfire.com/cfhtml/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&a mp;lid=69
:)
oh... and I have been using this Anondson map:
http://www.canonfire.com/cfhtml/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&a mp;lid=93
(among others) for the Diamond Lake region.