Here’s a quick map I drew the other night. I used metal nib and India ink in a bottle. Colored it in with Crayola pencils.
I imagine this as a sacred burial chamber with monoliths arranged in a pattern. Primitive man would bring their dead here and place them within the circle. Niches in the walls could hold some of the tools and weapons the warrior used.
Those entering the cave will first come upon a standing stone. It is taking up much of the space in the corridor. All who enter must squeeze past it on either side…symbolic of passage into the underworld?
There’s much more I can add to this, but as it is, I may drop the image into our Roll20 game.
The Five Kings is a range of five mountains named for the great dwarven kings of old. It is the centerpiece of my new campaign world. The forest just south of the Five Kings is the northern reaches of the kingdom of Irie. At the edge of this forest is where I will place the Keep on the Borderlands. To the northeast are the uplands with Falmead and its forested hills. Arden and Company are nestled along the eastern edge of this wilderness. The town of Bree lies to the south of this forest a day or two of travel.
To the northwest lies the small kingdom of Ren Cele and below it is a great lake fed by the Five Kings. The western edge of the map holds the Desert of Kos. Within this great cold desert is the city-state of Mathos, ruled by the Triumvirate of Wizards.
It is my first attempt at coloring and drawing in this style. I’ll add labels and more content as time goes on.
Returning from the bandit’s camp, the company is glad to be all in one piece. Arden’s men-at-arms took quite a beating, but none were killed. Four bandits can’t say the same. In fact, they can’t say anything at all as they are trussed up on several horses making their last ride.
Two of the company’s horses have been recaptured and although several bandits fled, Arden hopes this will quiet the bandit activity down for at least a little while.
The company rides into the Keep. The guards no longer challenge them as they approach. They are becoming well known among the citizens of the Keep. The guards shout “Huzzah!” As Arden and Company bring the wanted men into the Keep.
The Bailiff is there to meet them [FU die rolled, 6 result…”yes, and…”] and also the Guild Master. He is overjoyed to hear that the bandits have been crushed and wishes to invite the Company to dinner at his apartment this evening.
The Bailiff takes custody of the bandits and all the horses are properly stabled. Arden and Company settle into the tavern to relax and have several ales.
That evening, the Guild Master and his wife host Arden, Thane, and Martin to a fine table. The food is excellent and several bottles of good wine are opened.
“Have you been to the capital city?” the Guild Master asks of his guests.
“Careen was too far to the south for me to see it yet, although I’d do hope to one day to go,” Arden replies.
Thane shakes his head, “I’ve not been, but I would like to see the great armorers of your capital.”
Martin nods his head, “I’ve been there only for a brief time. I received my holy orders from the Cathedral of St. Swithin in Careen. I stayed but a week. I suppose it was my upbringing in the countryside that made me feel trapped in the city. Too many people, too much stonework, too little greenery.”
“Yes, I can understand, but many creature comforts are found in the capital, unlike the Keep here. My dear wife longs for the shops and the culture that Careen offers.”
The Guild Master’s wife smiles pleasantly, but her expression confirms it.
“Soon, dear. Now that these brave men have rid the countryside of the bandits, we can travel with ease again. I plan on returning to Careen before the snow falls.”
He offers his guests more wine and the rest of the evening is spent in pleasant conversation of adventures and sights yet to see.
The Guild Master tells Arden and Company that men with their skills would be very useful to the trading houses of Careen. The trade routes to north have fallen into danger. It is unsafe for merchants to take the Old Trade Road to the north into the mountains of the Five Kings or northeast into Falmead. The route is no safe. Great riches lay in store for any braves adventurers who can make inroads into these areas.
The Guild Master also gives the men a reward for killing the bandits. He hands Arden a linen sack, heavy with silver. [There are 250 silver pieces inside.]
Arden tells the Guild Master that the Company will consider working to help the merchant guild. One task they will continue is the exploration of the Caves of Chaos.
But for now, the Company turns back towards the Inn to rest for the evening.
Arden wonders to himself, I haven’t heard from Corwin all day, hopefully his studies are nearing their end.
Damn Elf Press 