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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Jan 2021 : 03:42:40
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I’m working on building a sandbox in the savage frontier area of Faerun to play D&D with my son (who has autism) and his therapist who uses D&D to help with is social interaction. My son is 11 and more into hack and slash (videogame) so this is going to be more like B2 Keep on the borderlands, but in the realms. It will start in 1491/1492 DR. I’m placing it before the start of the 5th edition adventures but have hints at them to bring them in if things seem to go that route. I’m will be using the Followers of Orcus (because I have a giant mini of him), The Dragon Cult, Zhentarim, plus use of the Elves of the High Forest, and just maybe a heir to family Stoneblade might be found. The might be a Robin Hood group fighting the Zhent too!
Below is the start and than a few post on the history I created. Love to hear inputs. Next maps to make and build lair encounters.
The keep will be southeast of Secomber near the fork of the Delimbiyr and Hark rivers and above the High Moor. Prime area for bandits, orcs, goblins, kobolds hunting as well as ruins. I will be looking at placing lairs through out the area. I have come up with a hundred year history of the keep to make it come alive.
In 1395 DR a great plague known variously as the Putrescent Anathema or the Plaguebringer's Blight spread from Stump Bog brought devastation to Goldenfields and Waterdeep. It hit the temple-farm of Goldenfields very hard, and thousands died primarily to the poor due to the lack of grain to feed themselves. Waterdeep had to look further east for its grain supply.
The fertile lands of the Delimbiyr Vale and its small farming and fishing hamlets were just the answer the highborns were looking for, but the raids by goblinkind and bandits took their toll on the much needed grain coming from the vale. The the lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance established a fortification at fork of the Delimbiyr and Hark Rivers in the vale, with a lord from the highborn families of Waterdeep, four knights, and sixty men-at-arms to protect the farms and trade way. This lord was tasked with protecting the food traveling to Waterdeep and the farms from bandits, goblinkind, and giants of the vale.
As time passed this fortification of wood was turned into a keep of stone and took a place of honor among the highborn of Waterdeep and Lords Alliance as the grain from this area feed the poor and keeps the stores of the Waterdeep filled with grain in case disaster strikes again. The Keep was named Szorp after the brown, trout-like fish found in River Delimbiyr. The village of Gauntylford, named after the first Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale, sprang up around the Keep with small farming hamlets throughout the vale under the keeps protection.
A highborn tour at the Keep is ten years and there have been 11 Lords since the founding of the position of Lord Protector of the Vale in 1395.
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Edited by - Mihmille on 23 Jan 2021 04:00:34
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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2021 : 03:44:57
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The History of Szorp Keep
1395 DR A great plague known variously as the Putrescent Anathema or the Plaguebringer's Blight spread from Stump Bog and devastated the gain fileds of the Goldenfields and Waterdeep. It hit the temple-farm of Goldenfields very hard, and thousands died primarily to the poor due to the lack of grain to feed themselves. Waterdeep had to look further east for its grain supply. The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Peregar Gauntyl to lead a force to establish a fortification and ensure transportation of grain to Waterdeep. Peregar becomes the first Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale.
1398 DR The Slippery Fish Tavern and inn is founded by the Halfing merchant Ermin Urihorn after seeing coin to be made from many different sources. The name of the Tavern Inn comes from the Ermin watching a sergeant from the fortification try to catch the same fish for a tenday with his bare hands.
1400 DR The village of Gauntylford (named after the first Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale) begins to spring up near the fortification due to the needs of the fortification, caravans transiting the area, and local farmers and fishermen who saw protection and safety living so close to the fortification.
1402 DR The Mask Lords of Waterdeep and the Lord’s Alliance meet to discuss the role of the Lord Protector of the Delimbiyr Vale. It is decided that no highborn family shall hold the position Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale for more than 10 years.
1405 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Argilac Amcathra to assume the title of 2nd Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale. Argilac begins the tradition of the Protectors Journey to the position of Lord Protector. In this journey The Lord Protector rides through farming hamlets of the vale and visits with the people to hear their concerns and requests. He also re-establish the bound between the people and their protectors with coin, chapbooks, supplies and candy for the children. Patrols or adventuring companies with a charter from Szorp Keep can find shelter in a barn and a good meal at the hamlets they visit on patrol due to this tradition. |
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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2021 : 03:46:59
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1408 DR The construction of the Keep begins by the Dwarfs of the Karscragg Clan (a group of Dwarfs that banded together in hopes of taking back the lost kingdom Ammarindar) which use stones from the Red Cliffs and mountains to the east of Gauntylford. Part of the deal with the Dwarfs was that they would be allowed to explore the mountians in hope of establishing a new home. Many locals begin to call this new construction the Szorp Keep after the brown, trout- like fish found in River Delimbiyr.
1415 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Karandor Crommor to assume the title of 3rd Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale. Lord Protector Crommor time is marked by problems with Secomber, Loudwater, Llorkh ranging from minors conflicts over land rights, trail routes, taxes, and boundaries.
1418 DR A group of men and half-orcs try to kill Lord Protector Crommor while on a Protectors Journey. All the assassins are killed by the Lords Knights. The Zhentarim is suspected, but there is no direct evidence that they hired them.
1425 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Rosby Kormallis to assume the title of 4th Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale.
1430 DR The Battle of Cedar whisperer where the Lord Protector Kormallis protected the vale from the attack of the Butakk Fang, the Ogre King, who united with Orc renegades from the Severed Fist clan. Lord Kormallis was killed, but his body was protected by his four knights until they were killed by the hordes of orcs. The Lord Kormallis was knocked from his horse by the ogre. The Lord took three blows of the ogres club before the lord killed it. The lord’s knights rode to his side and dismounted to from a circle around him from a horde of orcs, but they were too late as the lord was laid low by a single black arrow with purple fletching that penetrated the visor of his helmet. The knights killed scores of orcs before they were overrun and killed. The surviving orcs did not discrete the lords or knights remains in a sign of respect for their skill and courage. |
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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2021 : 03:49:22
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1431 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Barandon Irlingstar to assume the title of 5th Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale.
1433 DR Lord Protector Irlingstar holds festival to honor Sir Kormallis and his four knights at the Battle of Cedar whisperer. This festival is held for three days. The first day is a somber day of mourning not only the deaths of Sir Kormallis and his knights but all the protectors that given their lives for the vale. The second day is filled with games of strength and skill that ends with teams playing a game of protect the lord. Each team tries to protect their lord as they are assaulted by the other team. The team with the longest time with the lord upright wins. The final day there is a great feast from the Lord Protector to his men and people (with the help of the nobles of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance).
1441 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Borys Hawkwinter to assume the title of 6th Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale.
1447 DR Lord Protector Hawkwinter is forced to increase Keep patrols due to bandits and brigands burn and plunder the vale. Many farms and crops are burned and stolen while hundreds are sold into slavery.
1451 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Aercruth Roaringhorn to assume the title of 7th Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale.
1459 DR A rash of farms appear be deserted, but a strange mark is found on the door. |
Edited by - Mihmille on 23 Jan 2021 04:02:13 |
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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2021 : 03:52:19
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1461 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Alfyn Melshimber to assume the title of 8th Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale. Sir Melshimber brought the idea of law and Magisters to the Delimbiyr Vale. Anyone in the vale can request to see the Magister to hear their compliant and through Sir Melshimber’s Protectors Journey he was able to bring many of the hamlets on board with the idea as long as the next Magister installed was a local.
1462 DR Magister Hurlbert arrives from Waterdeep to help bring some peace to the vale through law.
1463 DR Lap Woodbranch is sent to Waterdeep to learn to become a Magister of Szorp Keep.
1471 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Thalver Phull to assume the title of 9th Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale and arrives with Magister Lap Woodbranch the first Local to hold the position of Magister of Szorp Keep.
1480 DR The Village of Zelbross is abandoned.
1481 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Weskyn Eagleshield to assume the title of 10th Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale.
1490 DR Orlbar is almost completely abandoned due to crushing attacks from Stone Giants.
1491 DR The Masked lords of Waterdeep and Lord’s Alliance appointed Sir Androw Duskwolf to assume the title of 11th Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale.
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PattPlays
Senior Scribe
469 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jan 2021 : 03:15:59
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quietly adds some of this to their growing pile of obscure and new Delimbyr Vale lore..
Actually, I am curious. How would the Zhentarim take-over of the eastern vale townships be seen in the eyes of your Lord Protector? They get pretty overt about it in the 1480's. |
:The world's greatest OOTA fan/critic: :"Powder kegs within powder kegs!": :Meta-Dimensional Cheese: :Why is the Wand of Orcus just back?: :We still don't know the nature of Souls and the Positive Energy Plane: :PC on profile, Aldritch Elpyptrat Maxinfield: :Helljumpers, Bungie.net: :Rock Hard Gladiator, RIP Fluidanim, Long Live Pluto: :IRC lives:
https://thisisstorytelling.wordpress.com
T_P_T |
Edited by - PattPlays on 28 Jan 2021 03:17:21 |
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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2021 : 02:21:00
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| The Lord Protector sees the Zhentarim as a threat to the vale and depending on the Zhentarim activity (overt vs covert) and location would led his choice of action to protect it he vale. The use of his forces or hiring a group of adventures to handle or provide proof of the Zhentarim involvement would be a few choices. The problem is that 1491 DR, the northern wizard Telbor Zazrek was the High Lord Loudwater. Telbor of course is a corrupt puppet of the Zhentarim who took hefty kickbacks in order to ensure Zhentarim trade goods are the only ones most folk could afford. So they will already have a strong footprint. With the abandonment of Orlbar and Llorkhthe Zhentarim does not have full control of the area, but the Zhentarim would want to make sure that it was there for any new population centers begin to raise. Loud water also creates a boundary between the two and gives me some areas to define by control. So The Lord Protector would have to travel to Loudwater or neutral location to talk with High Lord Zazrek about issues such as attacks complaints on trade. The Zhentarim cannot risk there trade routes since they don’t have full control. This also give the DM plot points for spy’s, assassination attempts or other activities to occur. If the DM wants he could bring in the Tyranny of Dragons and create an enemy of my enemy plot hook. I have gather a bunch of things from the Ruins of the Zhentil Keep on caravans, and Zhentarim outpost from the Ruins of Adventure to help me build out the Zhentarim sphere of control/influence. So I can build out an outpost with a major villain there. Plus I’m creating a rebel force that is going to fight the Zhentarim Robin Hood style, near Loudwater and Parnest, but the rebels don’t trust the Lord Protector either. Plot point for me is there is a Zhent Spy in the Keep, I’m also thinking of using a doppelgänger put in place by the Zhentarim to replace or mislead the Lord Protector. |
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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2021 : 02:24:22
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I’m also creating NPC to fill out the area here are a few I did this week:
Village of Gauntylford Personalities
o Tekin Finlos is a fat balding male Halfling with mutton chops that is always eating sweets or smoking a clay pipe (that was given to him by Elminster so he says). He is always friendly and has a smile that is very disarming. He is a merchant and owner of the general store in Gauntylford. He is fair in price on his goods in his store. He also hires local teenagers to gather for him as he sees them as family. As he does with all his family he makes sure those that gather for him are always protected. He knows many of the caravan guards that come through and hire them when they are looking for day work. Because of these relationships Tekin also knows the news of the vale. Tekin does not know who killed his wife, but does not want to cause the same fate for his daughter by looking into it. This is a major point of conflict between father and daughter. His love for his daughter is a major strength and weakness for him.
o Fenrana Finlos is a teenage female Halfling and Tekin’s daughter. She is like her father with a warm personality, but with a wizard’s curiosity from her mother. Fenrana’s taught her the basics the art, was unable to finish as she was killed in the High Moor. Fenrana is waiting for her chance to find a new teacher of the arts and one day find out why her mother was killed. She knows a few cantrips and 1st level spells but mostly her knowledge on spell components is her real expertise.
o Halton Urihorn is a middle aged stocky Halfling with a top knot and pencil thin moustache. He acquired a strong taste of the pipe weed from the High Moor. His family hails from Secomber but once Ermin Urihorn came to Gauntulyford and saw the opportunity the Urihorn family took up residence to run the family Inn/tavern Gauntulyford. He use to adventure with Galmek Thardrum and tell stories of the beauty of the town, vale, and Slippery Fish to him. Once his family called on him to take over he grab he saddled a pig and headed to Gauntulyford with a new barkeep. He tells many good tales of the history of the vale for the guest of the inn.
o Galmek Thardrum is a middle aged male dwarf with a long salt and pepper beard. His beard is braided with sliver links that tell the story of his life. He is a retired adventurer and chose to stay in Gauntulyford serving good dwarf ale to the men of the keep and other adventures. He is the Barkeep at the Slippery Fish while also brewing his own beer. He keeps his dwarf claymore sword on him from his adventuring days and uses it to protect the barmaids and put do brawls between customers.
o Olthana is a young female Half-elf with short strawberry blonde hair that works as a barmaid at the Slippery Fish. Her physic hints at being more than a barmaid. As she has handled a rough patron or two before X can get his claymore sword unsheathed. She normally has an outgoing personality, but when the caravans arrive from the west she tries to keep a low profile.
o Mogan “Rainwatcher” Velo is young adult Goliath with a long ponytail, he came down from the mountain after being separated from his clan and found work with the Galmir Armbek, the old smithy. Galmir taught Mogan many secrets in becoming great at the craft of the forge, drinking good ale and treated him as a son. When Galmir past to see Moradin five seasons ago Mogan took over Galmir’s business. Mogan is respected in the farming and caravan community in the vale because of the work he does over the last 12 seasons. He makes most of his coin from the caravans and works in coin and barter with the farmers. When farming families come to town they are always dropping off apples and vegetables. During the Kormallis festival many a young man has tried to beat Mogan in an arm wrestling contest. Mogan is not a fighter and prefers to stay to his business, but that does not mean he will not stand up for what is right. His hammer has brought many a caravan guard or wagon driver down for showing respect to the people or law in the town. |
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PattPlays
Senior Scribe
469 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2021 : 03:40:43
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I've always wondered what Telbor Zazrek did before 1490..
Perhaps that doppelganger assassin scene I had in mind might be associated with him. Perhaps I should do an attempted assassination on the wizard from the 4e realms campaign setting guide that I'm repurposing in 1487.. |
:The world's greatest OOTA fan/critic: :"Powder kegs within powder kegs!": :Meta-Dimensional Cheese: :Why is the Wand of Orcus just back?: :We still don't know the nature of Souls and the Positive Energy Plane: :PC on profile, Aldritch Elpyptrat Maxinfield: :Helljumpers, Bungie.net: :Rock Hard Gladiator, RIP Fluidanim, Long Live Pluto: :IRC lives:
https://thisisstorytelling.wordpress.com
T_P_T |
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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2021 : 01:52:31
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Personalities of the Vale
There is a group of dragon/giant slayers that work in the Savage North. They hire themselves out to villages and hamlets to stop attacks and raids by those creatures. It is a company of four adventures with a Ballista. They found each other through varies jobs and realized that combined they make a good team. While they try to run a fair business, but when their money chest is dry they are not above a little mischief to make a village or hamlet believe they have a problem for a meal or bed. This activity is far and few between used as their exploits are known throughout the hinter lands of the savage frontier for the many dragons (mostly drakes or Wyvern as most people can’t tell the difference) or giant slayed by them. There is no real call for them in major towns or cities for their help as those bastions of civilization have their own armies to protect them. As Hordrake says” We help those not lucky enough to sleep on a feather stuff bed or have 100 soldiers”!
o Hordrake is a dwarf fighter with half is bread burn off and his face scar on the left side of his head. He always straight forward in his views and information. He does wear armor that provides a tall neck and helmet to protect the rest of his face. The visor of his helmet splits in the middle to open but when he wears it he only opens the left side. While on caravan guard duty his wagon caught dragons breathe from a young red dragon. The dragon laid waste to the dwarf guards and destroyed many wagons before it grabbed the one carrying the gold and gems from the trips sales. Hordrake tracked the young red Dragon to its lair, but knew there was little he could do. He marked the location and made his way back home to report to the clan. His Clans king had heard of a Gnome and human fighter travel the area that said they could kill Dragons. Hordrake volunteered to find them and hire them to avenge the dwarfs killed and return that season trade earnings. They slew the red dragon and return the treasure and more to the clan. As a gift the King gave Hordake armor and ring made from the scale of the red dragon they killed. Hordake hated what happened to him and vowed to kill every dragon in Faerun he could find.
o Caljen Gamleaf is a jovial female Halfling wizard/illusionist who has that scholarly look about her. She stand just shy of three feet with auburn hair. She feels the need to balance Hordrake’s personality in the group and with potential clients so they do not lose jobs. She also is a jokester who has caused some problems for the group in a few Taverns. She was also the first one to come up with the idea of using her illusions when they were low of coin, but made everyone promise to follow a strict code that they did not over price their victim. A meal, a bed, smith work on their horses or wagons, or maybe a few gold coins for a small dragon or giant.
o Vulkur Grayfall is a six foot human male Fighter with short black hair and deep blue eyes. He does not let the people define his honor, but has a code he lives by. He protects those that can’t protect themselves, He protects his friends, and he cannot stand the politics of the nobility. His dis-like of nobles visable shows in his mannerisms and speech to them. He is slender but with a swordsman’s muscle. He fights with a bastard sword so he can use his speed and strength in his attacks as well as placement as he says ”Never cut three times when once will do and never let your enemy suffer as they will have plenty time for that in the afterlife”. He is from Cormyr in the Eastern Heartlands of Faerun, but says he is from Baldur’s Gate to hide this information. He is actually Roken Kessemer the Turnshield “bastard son”of Kef Kessemer, the great grandson of Lady Kessemer of the Cormyr noble house of Kessermer. He foiled one of Kef’s plots in Suzail and fled the city on the first caravan heading west. Kef has hired the best trackers and bounty Hunters to find his turnshield and bring him back for punishment.
o Alvyn Boltnock, is a Gnome that stand just an inch over 3 feet and does not follow gnome tradition in that is face is clean shaven and his hair is in a high and tight. He always warn people “Take a lesson from a gnome that knows long hair and gears do not go together”! His hands and arms display many small and large scars from cuts received in modifying or tinkering with “Jomila” the Ballista he created or her bolts. He is always talking or laughing to himself about her or talking to her as if it was a living creature. If you are near him when you talk about his Ballista you better call her by her name with respect or you might get something thrown at your head. Alvyn warns people once not to touch Jomila as she is temperamental and does not like fresh hands. |
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Mihmille
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2021 : 21:36:39
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Zhentarim in the Delimbiyr Vale
The Zhentarim or Black Network is trying to re-establish its control in the Delimbiyr Vale. Right now they are using covert tactics to reclaim tight control of the trade and the caravan routes from Loudwater to Parnast. The Black Network has succeed by bribing the current High Lord of Loudwater to ensure Zhentarim caravans and trade goods receive priority. Its operatives are forming relationships with merchants, town leaders, caravan masters and guards along the Delimbyr route from Daggerford to Parnast by promising great rewards and riches. For those that do not take Zhentarim offer normally have an unfortunate accident, disappear or fall to a bandit attack on the Delimbyr trail, Secomber trail or Iron Road. Unknown to many in the network there are a group of wizards that have been sent to the Delimbiyr vale to open a portal to Darkhold Keep.
Julkoun
Kleea Lanngolyn, runs her families textile operations in Julkoun while her sister Viem Lanngolyn runs a dress business in Waterdeep that provides the latest fashions to the nobles. Kleea was a wild child when in Waterdeep and developed a reputation of cause scandals for her family, but her father saw her keen eye for textiles and business. While she portrays a front of being mad about her exile she is really happy running the business and trading information her sister and their dress makers hear as the Zhentarim pay the best prices right now.
Uluvin
Wim and Tali Skytalon are a Human husband and wife that run a cattle ranch near Uluvin. They keep track of the happenings in Uluvin which is not much considering Uluvin does not have much to offer to merchants and adventurers. There are few Dwarfs pilgrams that come through to pay respect to Haela Brightaxe at a temple-fortress in the Forlorn Hills. Below their barn they bred flying snakes through a magical ritual that are then carried to Zhentarim spy’s along the Delimbyr and Secomber trails.
Secomber
Meirmeir, is a Halfling male rouge adventurer, which not only works for the Zhentarim in gathering information on caravans and adventures going to the High Moor, but also pays coin to the Urshani clan of hobgoblins to track and capture adventures that go into the High Moor. He is a trader of lore, maps and ancient artifacts from the High Moor.
Gauntylford
There is a caravan bunk house in Gauntylford call the “Sword and Whip” that is run by Kalle, human former caravan master and guard, who set up the bunk house to provide cheap, but safe room to the caravans. While many know him from when he was working the caravans on the Delimbyr trail they don’t know that he got his arms training as a member of the Zhentilar (military) out of Darkhold in the Far Hills.
Szorp Keep
There is a secret spy network in Szorp Keep that is close to the Lord Protector and informs the Zhentarim on the patrol routes, visitors to keep and the communication between the Lords Alliance and Waterdeep.
Loudwater
Telbor Zazrek, is a retired adventurer (Mage) and now the High Lord of Loudwater as well as a paid puppet of the Zhentarim.
Zark is a greedy dwarf freeloader and slaver. He wears black leather armor and sports several tattoos. He wears four silver-hilted daggers around his waist, but fights with a Warhammer. He was exiled from Loudwater in 1479 DR for his connection to slavery ring and found work with the Zhentarim. High Lord Zazrek pardoned him as agents of Zhentarim presented eye witness and evidence that he was not involved, but was actually helping to expose the ring. Zhentarim brought him back to Loudwater to help re-establish their slavery network.
Parnast
Sinozira, is a female half-orc Rouge-Scout, she patrols the areas for problems to Parnast and the Zhentarim Blackroad. She also recruits and arms some of the local goblinkind clans to help with any competition that is a threat to the Zhentarim. She is building good will with the locals through early warnings, rescuing the odd local, and helping the militia.
Zhentarim Outpost
While the Zhentarim has a foothold in Loudwater they have lost much of the previous control with the loss of Llorkh and Orlbar. The actions of the Lord Protectors of the Vale for the last 10 years they have stopped the Zhentarim encroachment west of Loudwater and the actions of a new enemy on Parnast have reduced their ability to take over the town. In response to this the Zhentarim established an outpost in the Grayvale near the Southwood. This outpost serves as a military location as well as a meeting place to discuss the plans the Zhentarim have for the Delimbyr Vale. |
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Szorp Keep & the Lord Protector of Delimbiyr Vale
