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5e Homebrew

Maps and Lore

* Modified: *

Slice of Fortunes Valley map near Goldglen

Fortunes Valley

The area between the Iron Mountains to the west, and the Starfall Peaks to the east, Fortunes Valley is a remote wilderness many days from the bustle of any urban center. The dense, evergreen Ironwood dominates almost a third of the valley. The Goldriver springs from the Iron Mountains, dividing the Wood before splitting at Talos’ Fork. The south fork is known as the River of Tears and winds its way through the Weeping Hills. The Goldriver main continues east before filling Greenlake, then continues southeast on its way to sea. The banks of Greenlake are surrounded by miles of lush forest, the west bank known as the Feylit Forest. The remainder of the valley rises and falls with rolling hills and open grassland. A sole road runs through the valley from north to south — the Long Road connecting the freeport at Three Rivers and the citadel of Blackskye. Nestled between the hills where this road crosses the Goldriver is the largest settlement in the region: The community of Goldglen.

Though the small town primarily supports the many fertile farms in the area, Goldglen is the de facto stop for travelers and merchants making a journey between Three Rivers and Blackskye. Nominally an outpost of the Barony of Blackskye, as a frontier town it remains largely independent in practice, and its founding predates the influence of the Blackskye family this far north. The town enjoys the protection of Blackskye patrols along the Long Road as well as the Old Farm Road west of town; in exchange, the town fills a good portion of Blackskye’s granaries, supplemented by cured fish from the fishing village of Greenlake. Despite its laissez-faire involvement in local events, Blackskye does overtly claim juristiction of the bridge over the Goldriver, and collects a toll from anyone crossing the river.

Outside the relative safety of Goldglen, however, the Valley is dangerous and rarely explored. The valley is ancient, and conceals many secrets. Every person in Goldglen has their favorite tale of what lurks within the Ironwood, the best of which have been passed down generation after generation. Anyone foolhardy enough to journey into the wilderness chasing after such rumors risks losing their way and/or their lives. Perhaps with Tymora’s favor, however, would-be adventurers will discover lost wonders, wealth beyond imagining, and keys to eldritch secrets. If the tales are true, they may also stir unspeakable horrors that would best be left undisturbed…

Player Maps

Fortunes Valley is situated in a larger homebrew world. The setting uses Forgotten Realms deity names and domains, but not necessarily their personalities, history, or relationships. The maps were created using Inkarnate.

World Lore

Important NPCs (known to the party)

  • Dak and Marr, Werewolf Brothers and Servants of Raventhorn
  • Daryan Firebrand, Leader of the last party to find Goldriver
  • “The Duke of the Damned” - Duke Kalabos, Tyrant of Goldriver
  • Ilinor, Pitmaster of the Violet Corridor
  • Ilmosh the Mad, creator of the Dungeon of Madness
  • Lylka, Handmaiden of Shar
  • “The Man of the Wood” - Raventhorn, Archdruid of the Ironwood
  • Old Man Withers, Town Gossip
  • Pip Freetemple, Mayor of Goldglen
  • Elos, Priest of Chauntea
  • Rovena Stormdart, Ranger of Sapphire lake
  • Smith, Undead Smith of Goldriver
  • Trugliz, Leader of the Sorah