The Gravelands

Overview #

The Gravelands is the shattered, undead-ridden wasteland that was formerly the resolute nation of Lastwall. Founded in the wake of the Shining Crusade that defeated the Whispering Tyrant in 3827 AR, Lastwall stood vigil against the dread lich’s return and repeated orc invasions for nearly 900 years.

However, the Whispering Tyrant broke free only a few months ago, and the lich’s armies and magic devastated Lastwall in revenge for his centuries of imprisonment. Lastwall as a country is no more; all that remains is this shattered, dangerous terrain. Pockets of survivors remain barricaded in this war zone, and in their haste to evacuate, inhabitants had to abandon vast quantities of priceless texts, artwork, and historical artifacts.

Atmosphere & Dangers #

To step into the Gravelands is to step into an active war zone dominated by the dead. Travelers are heavily pressed to complete their tasks as quickly as they can to avoid the powerful undead lurking in the region.

• Undead Patrols: Tar-Baphon’s legions are constantly patrolling and are incredibly mighty. Direct confrontation is highly advised against; travelers must identify patrol routes and move where they are not.

• Gargantuan Zombie Amalgams: Massive zombie monstrosities roam the landscape, acting as a direct reminder that every living creature’s foray into the Gravelands is made on a timer. These amalgams emanate an aura that strikes fear in the hearts of sapient creatures.

• Environmental Hazards: The region’s roads are often choked by heavy, prickly undergrowth and tall grasses.

The Pathfinder Society’s Role #

Unwilling to abandon missing agents and priceless history, the Pathfinder Society is actively running missions into the region.

• Graveland Recovery Teams: Organized and dispatched by Venture-Captain Evni Zongnoss from the Vodavani Lodge in Caliphas, these teams are sent to sneak into the Gravelands, survey the damage, seek out missing Pathfinders, and extract important treasures.

• Strategic Directives: Evni emphasizes “Legacy Over Glory,” insisting that agents prioritize recovering Wayfinders and relics over trying to fight the Whispering Way’s legions directly.

Points of Interest #

• GoldenFlame: Formerly an idyllic town surrounding a college sponsored by the church of Iomedae. It was quickly overrun by zombie shamblers and plague zombies, forcing the Society to send a team to recover missing Pathfinders and relics.

• Ruins of Vigil: The former capital of Lastwall, from which Evni Zongnoss coordinated civilian evacuations before its fall.

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Other Locations #