Möna-Dü
COMMON HISTORY
Though the exact borders have been lost to antiquity, the lands west of the Gate Mountains are known as Möna-Dü.
A land of lush green vegetation and flowing crystal clear rivers. A human population resided in the magnificent Gate City while the elven empire of Shin’a’ra’aa inhabited the forest wilderness beyond the mountains. Two strong, thriving societies enjoying generations of peaceful relations. Few, if any, foul creatures wandered the land, making Möna-Dü one of the safest places in the realm… practically Eden on Earth.
The two great mountains at the edge of the sea, looming like an impenetrable portcullis save one point of entry into the mouth of Gate River, were known as the Gates of Möna-Dü. It was the humans legacy to guard the entrance to the river and keep watchful eye over the Möna-Dü’s interior. A task taken up with pride and efficiency for countless years, mustering their military on numerous occasions to ward off invaders, pirates and great sea beasts.
However, some 300 years ago, under the rule of Queen Pasall, a horrible dark force breached the gate. This evil, no longer spoken to by name, decimated the human forces standing guard, then turned toward Gate City itself. It laid waste to Gate City, then like the rushing torrent of a broken dam, spread west, into the elven empire.
Mustering the last of their forces, humans stood side-by-side with the elves one last time… but they could not overcome the malevolent invader. Like Gate City before it, all of Shin’a’ra’aa was ruined.
Known as the decade of darkness, each day the evil remained in Möna-Dü, life in all its forms withered and died. Those who survived the onslaught and didn’t flee, found themselves facing famine, disease, and foul beasts that flooded into the land from the underdark. Few surived… until one day, as if waking from a dream, the unspeakable evil simply, vanished.
No one knows why it left, it was simply there one day and gone the next. In its wake, an unrecognizable landscape. Most of Möna-Dü turned to arid wasteland or barren rock ridden fields. The great crystal clear Gate river, now ran brackish-crimson.
Despite the conditions, those who survived emerged and began rebuilding. Though a shadow of its former self, the humans salvaged what they could of Gate City determined to return to their post and reestablish their society. With their numbers so few and resources limited, personal ambition stood in the way of progress. Where Gate City has once been a beacon of law and order, now, petty squabbles for power turned the law upside down. The city’s former prestige would seem forever out of its grasp.
The elves who fought relentlessly to the end, like the great evil itself, had vanished into thin air. Many rumors have persisted, some even becoming legend as to the secret fate of the elves, but the most commonly held belief is that any elven suvivors simply packed up and left for more hospitable lands.
While the unspeakable evil left the region, the foul beasts that had emerged from the underdark did not. Slowly as human civilization returned, the dark creatures consolidated themselves in the western wasteland. To this day, all who enter the hear of this area, never return. Unfortunately, the rest of Möna-Dü is nothing like its former self. The lands remain quite savage in nature. Those who venture outside Gate City or its neighboring towns of Red Pass and Yagger Town, find travel difficult and filled with peril.
And so for the last 290 years give or take, the lands of Möna-Dü have struggled to heal its wounds. Although the northern section remains arid wasteland, grasslands and grazing beasts have returned to the south. Gate river once again runs blue and forests have returned around its borders.
While the pace of progress is slow. The land seeks to find equilibrium with itself and if nothing else, this bestows hope among those who til this day call Möna-Dü home.
POPULATION CENTERS
GATE CITY
Population: 20,000 (Originally 150,000) Currency: Gold Coin & Barter
Hailed as truly magnificent… one of the wonders of the world by many accounts, Gate City was human ingenuity and design at its finest. Architectural engineered stonework bordering dwarven master quality. Built directly into the cliff sides of North Gate mountain. The three main towers, known collectively as “the Cathedral,” once stood proudly for all in the westlands to witness.
However, after the attack of the horrible dark force, most of Gate City was reduced to rubble. In the following years the humans tried rebuilding. With their resources, manpower and money extremely limited it wasn’t long before human leadership recognized the City would forever remain a mere shadow of its former self. Development of the city refocused from rebuilding, to simply reinforcing… ensuring whatever parts of the city would be inhabited, would be safe from collapse and otherwise structurally sound. What was once a well kept, impressive work of architecture and design, is now a barely maintained, shoddily reconstructed mish-mosh of buildings. The three main towers have only partially been repaired. All these years later, many sections of the vast city are still off limits, designated unsafe.
The other drastic change to Gate City has been in the hearts and nature of its inhabitants. In its prime, Gate City was home to a huge garrison of soldiers. These soldiers lay the foundation for peace and order. The city was populated by mostly humans, although all races were welcome, and even humanoid less friendly races were accepted. The city’s populace were all good mannered, clean and hardworking. Above all they had respect for each other and especially the city soldiers. Since the city fell and most of the city soldiers were killed, this has all changed.
While humans remain in control, today a complete mix of races and characters inhabit Gate City. Many of its citizens have no emotional bond to the city and are less then scrupulous in nature… some even downright malicious. It is only due to the handful of remaining gate city soldiers, that there is any peace at all. Luckily for the few descent folk left in the city, city soldiers come from and are taught by the last remnants of soldiers before Gate City fell and as such, the guard are extremely seasoned and skilled. The mere knowledge of their arrival is usually enough to calm any situation.
In order for the far limited guard to keep the inhabitants in line, the city guard has taken a very strong stance of non-tolerance. They enforce city law with a heavy, heavy hand.
In most recent days, it is rumored that a cult is secretly gaining favor within the city limits. More disturbing is the rumor that some high ranking guard officials may be at its center.
RED PASS
Population: 1000 Currency: Gold Goin & Barter
The only other “human” community in Möna-Dü lies about a day’s journey south of the city on Gate Road. Known as Red Pass, originally a mining town of adequate size, Red Pass now stands as a small travelers town. Passerbys can find lodging for a night or two, as well as supplies, food and even entertainment on their way to other parts of the realm.
Named after the bright red soil that covers virtually everything in the town. The soil is unique to this area of North Gate Mountain. It is a supposed reaction to a lack of minerals mined out of the area during the formation of Gate City.
Bordering the North Gate Cliffs Red Pass receives cooler ocean side weather and boasts the most fantastic views in 10,000 leagues… Unfortunately, it also puts the town in constant danger of flying Sea Beasts. At any given time a watchmen from Red Pass is always stationed atop a small tower fitted with a large viewing glass. The position, “watchmen” is considered quite an honor among the inhabitants. There has not been a notable attack in over a year.
YAGGER TOWN
Population: 200 Currency: Any resource is accepted here
South west of Red Pass, a less traveled trail leads up along the west side of the lower portion of North Gate Mountain. This trail unkempt and haphazard, leads to Yagger Town. Yagger the local term for thug, hooligan or trickster, is a small settlement consisting not much more of a bar, inn and handful of shops. As one might guess the residents of this town are quite the bottom feeders of society. Mercenaries, bounty hunters, rogues and other scoundrels frequent this town.
Outside the daily jurisdiction of Gate City, only one law exists in Yagger town… the strong make laws for the weak.
This town is avoided by most at all cost. For venturing into Yaggertown one is either prey or predator… Without expertise in combat, entering Yagger Town is a potentially fatal decision. As a final note, it is not uncommon to find rare and malcontent travelers here such as a wandering mountain giant, band of gnolls, or pack of blood thirsty hobgoblins.
CROSSFORK
Population: 1 Currency: Gold Coin
Crossfork stands as the last point of civilization on Gate Road. Located at this point where Gate Road road splits, continuing northwest where it is no longer maintained and commonly referred to as West Lands road and breaking south as a dirt road where it heads into the forest. This southern road eventually leads to West Boundary Bridge and was the original way to the elven empire’s capital.
Crossfork itself consists of a single building. A bar. It shares its name with the location. A rugged halfling fellow runs Crossfork. An older fellow nigh mute and easily agitated when it comes to serving travelers. Those that are extremely pleasant mannered and have enough gold can purchase drinking water and some very basic supplies here. It is rumored that the halfling owner ventures out into the Desert of Hot Sands for days at a time… an impressive task to even the most skilled survivalists.
REGIONS
HOT SANDS DESERT
Before the attack of the horrible evil, the westem area beyond North Gate Mountain was lush and lively like all of Möna-dü, now however it is a wasteland of arid earth. Spanning for as far as the eye can see westward and northward, and shoring along the North Gate Mountain baseline.
Locals refer to it as the “Hot Sands” quite practically, as large sandy sections of the territory have an almost unnatural ability of absorbing the suns heat during the day. The sands retain so much heat that they instantly sear the soles of any human walking barefoot about them. In fact, none dare venture into the Hot Sands without proper full-body protective equipment or magical means of elemental protection and large quantities of drinking water.
However, why one would wish to enter the desert is a mystery. As none who ever enter safely return.
While life begins anew in nearby lands, the desert shows no sign of improvement. Some lay blame to a lingering fragment of the horrible evil that attacked so long ago, hidden beneath the sands in an underdark city rules by malevolent races.
NORTH GATE MOUNTAIN
The Northern most mountain at the eastern border of Möna-dü is known as North Gate Mountain. It consists of two portions. The northern most portion which extends over 20,000 feet high and the south portion which rises roughly 6,000 feet short of its sibling.
The southern portion is almost completely arid and barren, with the exception of its upper peaks. The northern section is dry and barren on the west ward side, but life flourishes on the east side facing the ocean as well as the higher elevations, where both receive a fair amount of rain.
Of course the North Gate Mountain is home to Gate City, Red Pass and Yagger town.
SOUTH GATE RIDGE
Although the southern mountain or South Gate Mountain once stood almost as tall and mighty as its brother, during the attack of the horrible evil, it was obliterated. There is no record of how it actually happened, but it’s as if the south mountain was simply sheered away, leaving only a high ridge line across the southern shore.
This area is now referred to as South Gate Ridge. It remains a barren rocky region despite frequent rainfall.
DARK RILE WOODS
To the southwest lies an extremely dense wood known as the Dark Rile Woods. The wood is so thick that Gate River seems to be swallowed whole by the trees and other vegetation. While the Dark Rile was once home to the elven empire’s capital city of which many tales are told… today, the woods are known as a wild untamed place.
Rumors persist that when the woods returned anew without the elves presence, the grew twisted and aggressive toward humanoids–nature’s unchecked response to its unnatural destruction centuries ago.
While few enter the Dark Rile voluntarily, those that travel the wood by accident, ignorance, or desperation and manage to live to tell the tale, speak of hooded 9′ tall humanoids. They speak of the harassment by these beings, ranging from stalking, chased or even attacked.
An odd symbol is commonly associated with the Dark Rile Woods, for it is found etched or carved in many areas.
GREATHORN GRASSLANDS
Perhaps showing the greatest improvement in the region, the Greathorn grasslands have emerged over the last 100 years. This area is the large expanse of land south of Gate River. The grass here grows to heights of up to 3’tall. Its color ranges from dark to fluorescent green. It is commonly believed that this huge grassland restored itself faster than other areas of Möna-Dü, due to the rains that blow in from the South Gate Ridge.
Most notable in this grassland are the tremendous herbivore beasts known as Greathoms. These ox like animals stand 12’tall at the shoulder and can reach weights of up to 4500 pounds. Both males and females have a humungous set of curved horns. The span of these horns has been noted as much as 30’ from point to point.
The greathoms are passive by nature, unless provoked. Local lore says the pure of heart and intent can approach and pet a greathorn without spooking them. However if they feel threatened, their great size and horns make them extremely dangerous so few put the claim to test. Greathorns are ocassionaly hunted for their meat, but the tremendous amount of effort required to bring one down is a most formidable task… and where greathorns gather, there is always the threat of a stampede. The only way to survive a Greathorn stampede, is not to be caught in one.
POINTS OF INTEREST
WEST BOUNDARY BRIDGE
The only known crossing on Gate River is the West Boundary Bridge. This large stone bridge can accompany 4 wagons side by side. The bridge is divided in two by a 2 foot gap in its middle. Documentation on the bridges exact origin does not exist, however it is commonly assumed the elves of Shin’a’ra-aa were responsible for its construction.
Once stationed with guards who patrolled the bridge, making sure safe passage was open to all, to cross the bridge today, is to gamble with one’s life. West boundary bridge is a favored choke point of bandits. More than one tale circulates throughout Gate City of bizarre humanoids from Dark Rile taking control of the bridge. Though the reason why they take the bridge is unknown, those that have supposedly survived the encounter have nothing positive to speak about it.
The West Boundary Bridge leads directly to the north running dirt road of Crossfork as well as to south where the road splits into a number of wagon trails that disappear into the Greathorn Grasslands. Though some have tried, the wagon trails are too overgrown to follow with any accuracy.
Both entrances to the bridge are contained within the riverbed’s forests.
GATE ROAD (MAIN ROAD)
In its glory day, an intricately laid, well-maintained stone road ran the entire length of Möna-Dü. Built of superior craftsmanship with large flat slate like rock in its center, surrounded by an intricate design of smaller stones along the roads edge. Even in the worst of weather, Gate Road is said to have remained easily traversable.
Starting at the tower square of Gate City and being maintained by Gate City engineers, the road was referred to as Gate Road by all… though some locals referred to it simply at “the road” or ‘main road.” Today the road ends a stone’s throw past Crossfork.
Since the attack of the horrible darkness, the road has fallen into disarray. Gate City road engineers no longer upkeep Gate Road beyond Red Pass. But in truth, very little outside of Gate City itself is cared for at all–usually only being repaired when damage is so extensive the road sits impassable.
Today the remains of the once marvel of engineering lie infested with weeds, dislodged stones, numerous pits and mud puddles. In its weary condition however, the road remains mostly flat and still traversable by horse or cart. Though due mainly in part to the use it gets as the only road in the area and not so much from its official upkeep. Although not the most comfortable journey, Gate Road still provides the safest path of travel through Möna-dü.
FOOLS POOL
Located near the center of the Hot sands, is a small oasis called The Fool’s Pool. Folklore states that those caught in the desert who are foolish enough to travel towards it seeking refuge, die on their journey before they get there. Some say the heat of the sands makes the Oasis look much closer on approach then it really is. Others argue the sands mysteriously and deliberately shift, confusing travellers and ultimately sending them in circles to their doom. The truth may never be known as no official account has ever recorded what the Oasis truly holds or how it is reached.
GATE RIVER
The primary river feeding all of Möna-dü is known as Gate River. Varying in width, depth and current strength but always impressive in presence, at any instance from the ocean inlet. Like most of Möna-dü Gate River was once vibrant, healthy and full of life. For the decade darkness reigned, the Gate River mysteriously ran brackish crimson. During this time it is said all life vanished from the water and that any animal drinking from its shores would be found dead just a short time later.
A number of historical accounts of strange ocean creatures swimming the river are retold to this day in the back of taverns on dark stormy nights.
Today Gate River once again flows clean and blue. Fish have returned to the waters and wildlife frequent the shores. Though the water is considered safe and potable, only the weariest of travelers or ignorant visitors drink from the river. While the river no longer carries the horrid appearance it did for so long, superstitions persist.
Most locals wouldn’t drink from Gate River even if you paid them. Superstitions aside, sighting of strange creatures lurking in the waters are commonplace. Many won’t venture into the water for any reason, while others believe there is nothing to any of these rumors.
CLIFFS OF NORTH GATE
The more popular cliffs of the region are by far, the cliffs of North Gate. Surrounding Red Pass and residing along the route to Gate City, most visitors to the region enjoy the sites of North Gate at least a couple of times.
A series of jagged cliffs lining the 500’ cliff face into The Shallows. Populated with numerous cave like openings and crevices make them hospitable to various ocean going avians.
The North Gate Cliffs get more moisture and rainfall then the south, and this has caused a variety of herbs, mushrooms and mosses to grow in abundance on them. A daily staple harvest for some of Red Pass despite the obvious dangers of collecting them.
The view from the North Gate Cliffs offer a wide open view into the eastern sea. Scholars occasional arrive at the cliffs to research the stars at night or to perform weather experiments.
THE SHALLOWS
The vast sandbar region of seawater directly between the two Gate Mountains is referred to by sailors as The Shallows. A moniker that has been adopted by all who live in the region. The exact depth of the Shallows ranges anywhere from 2’-8’ feet depending on the tide.
A breathtakingly beautiful area, deceptively dangerous. For the sea vessel, even the smallest boats have been known to run aground on submerged rocks and coral. For the swimmer or seabed scavenger, the abundant sea life in the shallows frequently attracts larger carnivorous sea beasts to the region.
Despite the high record of beast attacks, the Shallows are frequented by treasure hunters and collectors who seek items carried into the sands by the ocean currents. Known affectionately as scavengers, they are both scorned for the extreme risk in their endeavors and admired for the courage required to do so. Items lost in the numerous battles between Gate City Soldiers and Pirates hundreds of years ago commonly turn up in the Shallows, sometimes making a poor scavenger filthy rich.
Although nothing remains of it now, once the northern edge of the shallows housed the city dock. A massive series of wooden bridges and moorings where visiting vessels would tie off allowing sailors access to the grand City. Sadly time has erased any trace of the once famous landmark.
GREETERS RUINS
During the height of Gate City’s influence, two great statues stood at the mouth of Gate River. Effectionately referred to as the Greeters, these stone works stood roughly 200’ tall, almost half the height of the great cliff sides they embraced. Sculpted in the guise of armomed humans, holding back their capes with their outside arms and resting massive metal crossed swords with their inside hands, creating an archway at the mouth of the river.
Their presence symbolized greetings to the welcome visitor and halt to the unwelcome enemy. At night great fires were lit in their hollowed out eyes, allowing friendly ships to find their way back to port. The Greeters were loved by many as a symbol of Möna-dü’s prestige and influence.
The collosal giants stood as more then mere visual icons, they truly were guardians to the gates ofMöna-dü. Each statue concealed a 10 level tower. Within each tower Gate City soldiers would assemble and fend off invading forces. Stairwells on the riverside of each crossed sword, led to a viewing platform, from which the general at arms would coordinate defensive operations.
The Greeters allowed for superior strategic placement of troops, but were also themselves equipped with a number of offensive weapons. Perhaps the greatest weapon of the Greeters were their massive iron swords. An enemy would find out the hard way only once, that the sword sat secretly anchored to a great chain. Each blade could be dropped as unwanted ships attempted to pass below. No invading ship ever survived the drop of a single 50-ton sword… nevermind both.
For centuries the Greeters stood as motionless sentinels looking out into the vast sea, keeping a watchful eye for danger. When the horrible darkness attacked, the Greeters and soldiers once more entered the fray. After a ferocious battle the Greeters were shattered. The interior river side each statue was reduced to rubble as if some gigantic beast barreled through them.
To this day portions of the Greeters’ form and the passageways within them remain exposed in cliff side. Unfortunately most of the fantastic statues lie at the bottom of the mouth to Gate River. Numerous solid slabs of stone 10 meters or so in height jut out of the water during low tide. A permanent barricade closing off Gate River from sailing vessels and a series of unmarked watery tombstones for the soldiers as well as the Greeters themselves that gave their lives that day.
PEOPLE OF MÖNA-DÜ
The rest of the material is NOT set, I haven’t had the chance to revise it and make it presentable. Please disregard at this time.