Eosin
Apr 17th, '08, 09:56 PM
Hey All,
I am designing an area for a play-by-post game that is rife with various stone structures such as dolmens. I got carried away and described several of them to give the players afeel for the area. Take a look and tell me what you think?
Olynvale Stones
There are hundreds of stone constructs within Olyn's Vale. The sites generally run on a north-south axis but other locations have been documented. Below are some of the more famous sites.
The Blood Stone: Four miles to the north of Olynvale, in the eves of the Tarwood there is a magnificent stone standing taller than three men. The Blood Stone juts from the earth into the mist of the Esmora Falls ensuring that it is constantly damp. The unusual stone is marbled with reddish quartz-like veins that reflect a bloody hue through the water. It is this material that accounts for the stone apparently weeping blood. Other stories tell of the murder of the druid Evadan. They tell how the powerful wizard infused his poisoned spirit into the land he was sworn to defend.
Stone Faces: Hidden away in the deep woods near an impressive natural spring are the Stone Faces. Dozens of upright stones surround the spring standing taller than the most impressive man. Many, but not all, of the stones have a detailed carving of a male face upon their southern side. Recently, someone or something has begun to carve a new face into one of the stones. Numerous attempts have been made to find the vandal to no avail.
The Alter Stone: On a hill nearly six miles south of Olynvale rests a singular stone of impressive size and ornamentation. The Alter Stone seems to have been carved from the very earth itself. The gray stone trusts from the top of an otherwise bald hillock into two tiers. The lower pedestal is nearly the length and breadth of three men without seem nor crack. A dozen steps lead those brave enough to the top of the alter stone -- past blood grooves and past the binders for those who did not arrive willingly. Clergy of the Great Fellowship claim the place reeks of evil and it is common knowledge that strange events happen during the rare moonless nights.
The Weeping Cave: Just outside the city across the Grey River, hidden among the rocks is a passage grave. Few can spot the entrance but many in the town know of it since it was used by Jeda Shard a decade ago to hide the bodies of his young victims. Jeda was a warrior who traveled with a mercenary company for years in his youth. When he returned to Olynvale the town folk assumed that he had simply seen too much murder and violence while serving strange kings but Jeda was deeply touched by evil as the town soon discovered. Half a dozen children went missing before his foulness was discovered and destroyed. There are occasional rumors that Jeda somehow survived the lynch mob that came for him and that he still hunts children to this day. Mothers use the Weeping Cave to frighten their children into good behavior while those on the cusp of adulthood use it as a trail of manhood. Few are brave enough to visit the cave on evil nights and more than one person to visit the cave at night has claimed to hear scratching on the cave wall and a weak voice calling, "help me. I am so afraid."
Aluun Menhir: Located over ten miles north of Olynvale is the furtherest stone structure. Four identical menhirs standing at the cardinal directions, each inscribed with a single rune whose purpose is long forgotten. The menhirs stand alone, silent watchtowers against the foes in the north. Those skilled in magic visit this set most often, claiming to feel a latent resonance deep within the stones.
The Whispering Knights: Located on a ridge just north of Olynvale is a perfect circle made of more than 150 separate standing stones. Each stone is roughly man sized and shaped. Legend says that the stones were a pridefull wizard king and his immortal guardians who sought new lands after the Celestine Wars. However, this land was under the protection of a powerful river spirit. The mighty king refused to listen to the will of the land and so he and his men were turned to stone where they stood. Strange sounds can be heard among the stones. These "whisperings" always seems loudest before danger or disaster befalls Olynvale. Should the locals hear the stones, the full muster is gathered to root out any unseen danger.
Rimmon's Stand: Although this menhir has fallen, it was undoubtedly one of the most impressive single stones in the region. When it was erect it stood greater than the height of 6 men and was as wide as many houses. The stone is famous for reasons besides its great size. Atop the stone is a distinct footprint of epic proportions. Most believe that on this stone one of the great Celestine made a stand against some unfathomable evil and his power fused the footprints into the stone.
Krastor's Dolmen: The top of this structure is impossible to move even with the most powerful horses. The thick stone rests on top of five stout standing stones to create a small cave like structure with a single entrance. There are strange runes engraved on the interior. More than one person has reported seeing cowled visitors at the dolmen during the dawn hours but there is never a trace nor a footprint to be found.
Pol's Dolmen: A small dolmen located within sight of the town. Many fear the structure because of the strange lights witnessed there at odd times of the night and during the solstice. Those who have found the courage to lay in wait on those occasions report that the were assailed by an overwhelming darkness that sent them into a slumber. Two men woke from such occasions with miraculous healing.
Ironking's Crown: In the southern portions of the Tarwood there is a ridge running several miles, turning as it goes gradually toward the north. Along the top of the ridge are three ruins of fortifications from an age long past. Directly below the last set of ruins a massive face is engraved into the ridge. The face is more than forty feet tall and beyond it sheer size is menacing. Curved horns sprout just above the hollow eyes. Who or what the effigy represents is unknown. Few scholars travel so far into the wildlands.
Hot Springs: Several located within a day.
Geysers: just beyond the vale.
Granion's Gorge is a deep canyon whose depths rarely see daylight located a day north of Olynvale. The Greyhorn River passes through the Gorge before veering back north. Talking near the canyon is difficult due to the roar. Generally, the canyon is between 200 and 300 feet deep.
Mount Ember: distant volcano in the Trollstones.
[in progress.....]
There is a lot more to the design but I wanted to use the stones to give the area a mystical feel and maybe an odd sense of uncertainty. The town and many of the npcs riff with the earthy mystery.
I am designing an area for a play-by-post game that is rife with various stone structures such as dolmens. I got carried away and described several of them to give the players afeel for the area. Take a look and tell me what you think?
Olynvale Stones
There are hundreds of stone constructs within Olyn's Vale. The sites generally run on a north-south axis but other locations have been documented. Below are some of the more famous sites.
The Blood Stone: Four miles to the north of Olynvale, in the eves of the Tarwood there is a magnificent stone standing taller than three men. The Blood Stone juts from the earth into the mist of the Esmora Falls ensuring that it is constantly damp. The unusual stone is marbled with reddish quartz-like veins that reflect a bloody hue through the water. It is this material that accounts for the stone apparently weeping blood. Other stories tell of the murder of the druid Evadan. They tell how the powerful wizard infused his poisoned spirit into the land he was sworn to defend.
Stone Faces: Hidden away in the deep woods near an impressive natural spring are the Stone Faces. Dozens of upright stones surround the spring standing taller than the most impressive man. Many, but not all, of the stones have a detailed carving of a male face upon their southern side. Recently, someone or something has begun to carve a new face into one of the stones. Numerous attempts have been made to find the vandal to no avail.
The Alter Stone: On a hill nearly six miles south of Olynvale rests a singular stone of impressive size and ornamentation. The Alter Stone seems to have been carved from the very earth itself. The gray stone trusts from the top of an otherwise bald hillock into two tiers. The lower pedestal is nearly the length and breadth of three men without seem nor crack. A dozen steps lead those brave enough to the top of the alter stone -- past blood grooves and past the binders for those who did not arrive willingly. Clergy of the Great Fellowship claim the place reeks of evil and it is common knowledge that strange events happen during the rare moonless nights.
The Weeping Cave: Just outside the city across the Grey River, hidden among the rocks is a passage grave. Few can spot the entrance but many in the town know of it since it was used by Jeda Shard a decade ago to hide the bodies of his young victims. Jeda was a warrior who traveled with a mercenary company for years in his youth. When he returned to Olynvale the town folk assumed that he had simply seen too much murder and violence while serving strange kings but Jeda was deeply touched by evil as the town soon discovered. Half a dozen children went missing before his foulness was discovered and destroyed. There are occasional rumors that Jeda somehow survived the lynch mob that came for him and that he still hunts children to this day. Mothers use the Weeping Cave to frighten their children into good behavior while those on the cusp of adulthood use it as a trail of manhood. Few are brave enough to visit the cave on evil nights and more than one person to visit the cave at night has claimed to hear scratching on the cave wall and a weak voice calling, "help me. I am so afraid."
Aluun Menhir: Located over ten miles north of Olynvale is the furtherest stone structure. Four identical menhirs standing at the cardinal directions, each inscribed with a single rune whose purpose is long forgotten. The menhirs stand alone, silent watchtowers against the foes in the north. Those skilled in magic visit this set most often, claiming to feel a latent resonance deep within the stones.
The Whispering Knights: Located on a ridge just north of Olynvale is a perfect circle made of more than 150 separate standing stones. Each stone is roughly man sized and shaped. Legend says that the stones were a pridefull wizard king and his immortal guardians who sought new lands after the Celestine Wars. However, this land was under the protection of a powerful river spirit. The mighty king refused to listen to the will of the land and so he and his men were turned to stone where they stood. Strange sounds can be heard among the stones. These "whisperings" always seems loudest before danger or disaster befalls Olynvale. Should the locals hear the stones, the full muster is gathered to root out any unseen danger.
Rimmon's Stand: Although this menhir has fallen, it was undoubtedly one of the most impressive single stones in the region. When it was erect it stood greater than the height of 6 men and was as wide as many houses. The stone is famous for reasons besides its great size. Atop the stone is a distinct footprint of epic proportions. Most believe that on this stone one of the great Celestine made a stand against some unfathomable evil and his power fused the footprints into the stone.
Krastor's Dolmen: The top of this structure is impossible to move even with the most powerful horses. The thick stone rests on top of five stout standing stones to create a small cave like structure with a single entrance. There are strange runes engraved on the interior. More than one person has reported seeing cowled visitors at the dolmen during the dawn hours but there is never a trace nor a footprint to be found.
Pol's Dolmen: A small dolmen located within sight of the town. Many fear the structure because of the strange lights witnessed there at odd times of the night and during the solstice. Those who have found the courage to lay in wait on those occasions report that the were assailed by an overwhelming darkness that sent them into a slumber. Two men woke from such occasions with miraculous healing.
Ironking's Crown: In the southern portions of the Tarwood there is a ridge running several miles, turning as it goes gradually toward the north. Along the top of the ridge are three ruins of fortifications from an age long past. Directly below the last set of ruins a massive face is engraved into the ridge. The face is more than forty feet tall and beyond it sheer size is menacing. Curved horns sprout just above the hollow eyes. Who or what the effigy represents is unknown. Few scholars travel so far into the wildlands.
Hot Springs: Several located within a day.
Geysers: just beyond the vale.
Granion's Gorge is a deep canyon whose depths rarely see daylight located a day north of Olynvale. The Greyhorn River passes through the Gorge before veering back north. Talking near the canyon is difficult due to the roar. Generally, the canyon is between 200 and 300 feet deep.
Mount Ember: distant volcano in the Trollstones.
[in progress.....]
There is a lot more to the design but I wanted to use the stones to give the area a mystical feel and maybe an odd sense of uncertainty. The town and many of the npcs riff with the earthy mystery.