The Campaign Nook

Preview: A Forgotten Realms Gazetteer - Estagund Volume 2

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 01:32:51 +0000

Coming soon to the DMs Guild, Heleen and I are finishing up our 2nd volume on Estagund in the Forgotten Realms. In this release we're exploring the entire nation, divided into 5 sections, with new locations, NPCs, quests and legends. And brand new maps! Here's a sneak preview of our new version of Estagund, post deluge and set after 1496 DR!

Volume 1 of Estagund is available on DMs and focuses on 4 of the major settlements of Estagund: Chavyondant, Kolapar, Thruldar and Zabbasz.

https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/578398/a-forgotten-realms-gazetteer-estagund

See you soon in the eastern realms.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Wrapup

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:25:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

Had a terrific time at Gen Con 2026 trinket trading. Check out the details at https://www.trinket-traders.com/

Attended 3 events (Wednesday evening, Friday morning and Sunday morning) plus searched out folk in the halls and hallways. Managed to trade all 200 mini-maps that I brought!

Some pictures of the event and trading.

1st - preparation - Heleen curated this year's selection of maps:

Then had them printed by a local shop (https://www.abbysprinting.com/) that did a terrific job:

My Gen Con messenger bag and badge holder with advertising:

Some snaps of trading events, 1st at the Stink Wednesday evening:

And in and about the convention:

Then the trinkets we received unsorted:

And somewhat sorted:

Had lots of fun and looking forward to 2027.

A Forgotten Realms Gazetteer: Estagund now available

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 17:25:13 +0000

The first volume of our 2nd Forgotten Realms project is now available at the DMsGuild. We're turned our attention a bit east to the nation of Estagund, the southern portion of Durpar. Check it out (it is Pay What You Want) -- https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/578398/a-forgotten-realms-gazetteer-estagund

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Map 8: The Secret of Castle Battlehunter

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 02:28:20 +0000

The eastern wall of Castle Battlehunter ends above the waters of the Berendur Seas at a solitary tower. A copper bowl atop the center of a short stone pillar on the rooftop If a fire is lit in the bowl before the sun sets, a secret staircase manifests at midnight. The narrow stairs, lit by torches glowing with a red light matching the fire, lead down the sheer cliffs to the waters below. A wave washed dock provides an anchor point for Count Battlehunter’s smugglers to unload their shipments of arms and armor.

Count Tobias Battlehunter, 53, Human, is a smuggler of illicit arms. He is a big man with a broad chest and a chunky build. His hair is jet black, and he wears it cropped short. Tobias’s eyes are hazel, and he winks frequently. He has a scar on his right hand from the first fight as a child. He wears black leather pants, a crimson shirt, and a dashing black hat. Tobias is a skilled fighter with two short swords. His favorite item is a book of poetry that his wife, Alice, gave him on their first anniversary.

Tobias’s family owns Castle Battlehunter, and the Crown asked them to provide weapons for an ongoing war with a neighboring nation. Tobias saw this as a chance to get rich and stole enough weapons for both sides of the war. The deceit has been going on for two years, and nobody has noticed. The stairs and the red button are the way that the weapons make it to the castle. The castle has several hidden areas where Tobias stores the weapons.

Tobias is married to Alice, 42, Human. She is a full partner in the smuggling operation and has expanded it to include small luxuries. Tobias and Alice make full use of the castle rooms and entertain frequently. Tobias belongs to the Society of the Ancient Mask, a secret society that explores the dark side of magic and faith. His best friend, Tomas Reder, 50, Human is the leader of the society and is planning a large job for the group to undertake.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Map 7: The Shrine of Solonor Thelandira

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 02:25:23 +0000

The deep Elven woods are a veritable maze of crisscrossing paths: underground, through the living earth, on the surface in and around the thick ground cover, and up in the air, arcing from trunk to trunk in the canopy overhead. Where the paths cover, one might find the sacred spaces, such as the Shrine of Solonor Thelandira. On a raised dais, a tall figure extends its wings about an ever-full pool of crystal clear water.

Zinrel Oakenshine, 232, Elf, is a scholar stationed at a shrine dedicated to Solonor Thelandira. She is tall and lanky, with long silver hair. Her lavender eyes twinkle as she laughs, and she has an endearing smile. Zinrel wears long blue skirts and bright green blouses. She is skilled with a bow and arrow and practices diligently every morning. She is a fletcher, and her favorite item is a chest where she keeps the feathers for her arrows. Her father, a renowned woodworker, made it especially for her.

Zinrel spends her days studying scrolls and documents of miracles and blessings from Solonor. It is part of her job to verify that these miracles actually occurred. She makes frequent trips to talk to people who have witnessed the blessings. Zinrel enjoys her work and deeply believes in Solonor.

Zinrel is unmarried but is currently looking after Agatha Silverspell, 12, Human. The child belonged to a friend of hers, Dory Silverspell, who passed away two years ago. There was no father in the picture, and Dory asked her to help. Zinrel and Agatha live in a treehouse near the shrine. When Zinrel travels, Agatha goes with her, and the two get along very well. Zinrel feels that the lessons they learn on their journeys are an excellent substitute for formal education.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Map 6: the Ivory Frog Campsite

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 02:19:19 +0000

The great grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with small villages such as Talnu and Hanwi, connected by roads, trails, and paths winding back and forth. Given the distances between settlements, locals have made a living maintaining campsites for caravans of travelers. The Ivory Frog Campsite, so named for a local legendary amphibian, features fire pits, a nearby stream, small sheds for shelters, and a carefully grown row of trees serving as a windbreak against the great storms of late spring and early summer.

Halwarith ‘Hal’, 42, Half-Elf, is a caretaker of the Ivory Frog Campsite. He is slightly taller than an average human and has a muscled body. His copper hair is short, and his left cheek has a burn mark on it from a long-ago forest fire. His gray eyes are deep-set, and his careful smile shows his concern over the campsite. Hal wears leather pants and a dark green tunic. His heirloom daggers are kept in excellent shape by careful cleaning. Hal wears a necklace of acorns, berries, and herbs that his three-year-old daughter made him last week.

Hal’s parents live near the Ivory Frog Campsite, and his family has always maintained it. The campsite is near two major roads that connect Talnu and Hanwi, two major villages. Hal looks after the campsite in the evenings, but during the day, he hunts various animals on the Prairie. He skins those animals and creates cloaks, which he sells to campsite visitors. His wife makes a delicious stew from the animals' meat, which is available for a few coins at meal times.

Hal lives with his wife, Hannah, 37, Human in a small cottage near the Ivory Frog Campsite. They have two children, Zinhana, 3, and Craxian, 18 months. Hal makes trips to Talnu for supplies twice a month and always brings back presents for the family. Hal’s best friend is Sarfir Rainshadow, 103, Elf, who lives in Talnu. When Hal visits, the two enjoy playing board games and drinking Lemony Mead, a special drink offered at the Two Diamonds Inn.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Map 5: The Grand Meteorite Site Mine

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 02:14:25 +0000

Several months ago, a bright green flash lit up the night skies over the mountain town of Volhi. Seconds later, there was a great thunderclap, and the buildings shook for a moment. The next day, a local shepherd reported a stretch of flattened trees surrounding a clearing dotted with numerous newly formed craters in the ground. Not knowing any better, the locals guessed a meteorite had landed. Those with little to do flocked to the site and started digging. The newly arrived mining company, which claimed to have bought the mining rights from the Crown. As long as Volhi and the locals find Poplum, everyone will prosper.

Malina Lonecrest, 24, Human, is a miner at The Grand Meteorite Site Mine just outside of the town of Volhi. She has an average height and build and is considerate and motivated. She wears her black hair in a ponytail and has jade-green eyes. She wears comfortable leather pants and blue shirts to work in the mine. When she goes back to town, she changes to a patterned skirt and plain white blouse to go out with her friends. Malina is skilled with an axe and is part of the local militia. Her favorite item is a small yellow crocheted blanket from when she was little.

Malina was one of the first miners to work on the spot where the meteorite fell. The company that received the mining rights hired many local miners, and the job appealed to Malina. The meteorite consists of many metals, like silver, copper, and tin. There is also a rare metal, Poplum, found only in this meteorite. Items forged with Poplum are extra strong and resilient.

Malina lives with her parents, Adon, 55, Human, and Lacee, 47, Human, in Lonecrest. They all live in a cottage in town, and many friends and family live nearby. Malina is dating Maverick Plainshade, 27, Human who owns a farm just outside of Volhi. They have been dating for three months, and things are going well. Malina’s best friend is Zaida Titanbash, 23, Human, and works in the mine as an assistant to the owner, Levin Marbleblaze, 60, Human. Malina and Zaida love to dance and spend Friday and Saturday evenings at the local pub, The Royal Canary.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Map 4: The Pool of Sparkling Rocks within Westdwell Forest

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 02:03:09 +0000

The pristine snowmelt that flows downhill northward from the Southwall Mountains gave rise to the dense foliage of the Westdwell Forest eons ago. Slow erosion of the great peaks unearthed veins of magical rocks and carried imbued stones along slopes and down waterfalls, where they collected in mystical pools. Surrounded by dense foliage, cultivated by locals to conceal the waters, the pools are sacred and special to the forest's inhabitants.

Jaka Oakenstare, 35, Centaur, is a guardian of the Westdwell Forest and the Pool of Sparking Rocks within. He is tall, a little over 7 feet, and has dark brown hindquarters. He has a large tattoo of a bow and arrow on his chest. Both ears have silver earrings that have tiny chains connecting them to other earrings. Jaka has a dark goatee and uses some local tree sap to keep it pointy. He fights with a magical bow that uses regular arrows. Jaka wears a leather vest while out patrolling. His mother gave him a small wooden apple that she carved for him when he was a child.

Jaka patrols the western side of the Westdwell Forest during the beginning of the week and the eastern part, the rest of the time. He knows everyone who lives nearby, and he especially enjoys talking with children. Jaka and his tribe protect the Pool of Sparkling Rocks because the rocks are magical. Many intruders have tried to steal the rocks over the years, but only a few have succeeded.

Jaka is engaged to Vazhen Fogwhisperer, 30, Centaur. Vazhen is a Druid who specializes in making potions from the herbs that grow in the forest. They are scheduled to be married this fall and want to start a family right away. Jaka has constructed an area for them to live in. His best friend is Tezig Yewdrinker.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Map 3: The Avonby River Mystic

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 02:12:41 +0000

The Avonby River connects the mountain realms to the east with the forest realms to the west. Eons ago, the waters were rough, filled with rapids, as the river ground down the hills between the two lands. But now the Avonby is a wide, calm, slow-moving waterway, filled with all manner of traffic. A nation of riverfolk has formed of refugees, wanderers, and lesser folk who’ve departed civilized lands for “reasons.” Their houseboats dot the shores, moving up and down stream as their chosen profession dictates.

Ierra Moongift, 300, Elf, is a traveling Mystic. She is short and lean, with an aquiline nose. She pulls back her long silver hair with a magical hair clip that enhances her psychic abilities. Ierra has light blue eyes and a winning smile. Her favorite outfit is a bright-colored peasant blouse with a matching patterned skirt. Ierra knows how to use daggers to protect herself, but prefers to talk her way out of confrontations. The trinket that she keeps close is a lock of her dead daughter's hair.

Ierra loves the traveling aspect of her business and makes several stops along the Avonby River. She typically spends two weeks in each location so she can meet with everyone who wants to see her. Ierra charges an amount she thinks people can comfortably afford and is skilled at assessing people’s financial worth. Ierra has done everything from healing people who “can’t be cured” to finding missing children.

Ierra married Kukian Moongift, 310, Elf, over 200 years ago. They haven’t been apart for more than a day in all that time. Kukian loves to fish and cook and prepares delish meals for Ierra while she works. Ierra and Kukian never had any children, and it is one of their great sorrows. The houseboat where they live is very comfortable, and Ierra has decorated it with all the trappings a person would expect of a mystic. Her best friend is Gildi Autumnriver, 250, Elf. Ierra and Gildi love gossiping about the people who live along the Avonby River.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Map 2: Eternity Planetarium

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:03:24 +0000

In a distant corner of the Dwarven lands, where the mountains slope down toward the southern seas, and the skies are clear of smoke and people-made light, a small fishing village is home to a wondrous Dwarven construction - the Eternity Planetarium. A stone path across a beach leads to a wooden bridge crossing water to a small outcropping. There, a seamless stone column rises into the air, supporting a great crystal dome. At the bottom of the column, with the touch of an Astronomer’s sacred badge, stone portals swing open to reveal the stairs ascending to the heavens above.

Belnir Bravebrow, 226, Dwarf, who is an astronomer at the Eternity Planetarium. He is tall, slightly muscled, and has a scar on his left cheek. His bright, curly orange hair falls down his back, and his startlingly baby blue eyes see everything. Belnir dresses in modest blue leggings and hand-dyed shirts in different colors. The shirts have white dots on them to resemble the stars he is always gazing at. His weapon of choice is a short sword; his brother, Darnam Bravebrow, 230, taught him to use it. His favorite item is a small bronze star, his Uncle Thadar gave him on his 30th birthday.

Belnir has discovered several stars and is skilled in using astronomy to predict events. Players may visit him, and for 30 gold pieces, he will make an educated guess as to how the current adventure will go. Belnir provides tours of the Heavens twice a month, and the shows are very popular.

Belnir lives with his wife, Jinra Bravebrow, 220, a journalist who writes for the New Herald daily scroll. Belnir and Jinra have three children: Grydek, 200, Katyla, 170, and Hurdek, 150. They have many grandchildren, too many to list. Belnir’s best friend is Umrig Giantfist,176, Dwarf and a fellow astronomer. The two of them can talk for hours about all things astronomy.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Map 1: The Cave of the Green Crab

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:28:32 +0000

Map 1: The Cave of the Green Crab

The Glassy River, known for its clear and fast-moving waters, flows from mountains in the far

north to a sea just to the south. A ways north is a small fishing village named Tabria. Most of

the day and night, the entrance to the Cave is covered by the river. At low tide, especially

when the moons are close, one might stumble upon the mouth of the cavern, clamber up the

sloping tunnel, and discover the great Green Crab peering downward. The slightly magical,

lichen and moss-encrusted formation is 20 feet in diameter and about 5 feet tall. The chamber

is barely large enough to allow one to squeeze around the Green Crab to discover a hidden

niche on the north wall and a newer exit tunnel dug to the surface in the southwest.

Robina Muckrog, 34, is a Human who leads the Cult of the Green Crab. She is vivacious

and persuasive. Her long blonde hair is dyed green at the edges, and she has a winning

smile. Robina’s freckles, while an annoyance to her, are quite cute, and her bright blue eyes

shine with true devotion. Her frame is solid, though she is short. She wears long, brown robes

that have a green crab embroidered on the back. She uses a sturdy oak staff to bless her

congregation. Her favorite item is a green crab made from beads and string by one of her

fervent followers.

Robina stumbled upon the Green Crab Cave fifteen years ago. The cave is large and

features an internal rock formation that resembles a giant crab. Over the years, moss and

lichen have covered most of the rock, giving the cave its name. Robina, who was poor and

starving at the time, prayed fervently to any god that would listen and later that very day

stumbled across some food and her staff. Thus began the Cult of the Green Crab. The

buildings near the cave are the facility where Robina doles out jobs, and many of its members

live and worship there.

Robina lives in a two-room beach shack. She lives there with her adopted daughter,

Giana, 10, also a Human. The two live modestly and spend most of their days in prayer and

worship. The cult is poor, eeking out an existence on fish from the Glassy River and whatever

they can trade fish for from the nearby village of Tabria. Robina’s best friend is Georgette

Snakeglow, 30, Human, who is Robina’s assistant. They both enjoy playing cards together

after a long day’s work.

Gen Con 2026 Trinket Trading Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 01:44:37 +0000

Hey all,

Thoroughly enjoyed trinket trading at Gen Con 2025, so we're doing it again.

Above is the back of our trinket map. Heleen has carefully curated 8 new maps from my collection, see below:

They're printed and ready to sleeve. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting Heleen's NPC and my write-up for each location. Hope you like them and perhaps see you at Gen Con??

A Forgotten Realms Gazetteer - Luiren Volume 3 - now Pay What You Want!

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:49:21 +0000

We're busily working on our next project - the realm of Estagund so our 3rd volume of our Forgotten Realms Gazetteer of the halfling realm of Luiren is now Pay What You Want!

Available via the DMsGuid here -- A-Forgotten-Realms-Gazetteer-Luiren-Vol-3

It covers the eastern region of Luiren and includes the border town of Shoun, surrounding areas and features some nifty artwork by Tara Quinn. Check it out.

Coming soon:

A Forgotten Realms Gazetteer - Luiren Volume 3 - available now!

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 23:27:00 +0000

Our 3rd volume of our Forgotten Realms Gazetteer of the halfling realm of Luiren is now available via the DMsGuid here -- A-Forgotten-Realms-Gazetteer-Luiren-Vol-3

It covers the eastern region of Luiren and includes the border town of Shoun, surrounding areas and features some nifty artwork by Tara Quinn. Check it out.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading Wrapup

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 23:53:00 +0000

Returned from Gen Con 2025 after having a lot of fun trading. Was a little apprehensive at first when I went to the Wednesday 8pm session, but the friendly folk and positive reactions to the micromaps sold me on the concept. Attended Friday 8pm and Sunday 1pm as well. Traded almost 180 of the 200 maps I brought with me. A couple lessons learned:

Maps with lots of color were picked first
Going to put the maps on a larger sheet and have it shrunk to 8.5 x 11 so that the cutting produces clean borders

Below is my trinket haul for 2025 including a very cool Trinket Trader badge holder I received from Bri in a trade for a full set of the 8 micromaps. Huge thanks for organizing and the trade. Thanks to everyone else I met and traded with.

See you in 2026!

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 8: Circle of Seasons

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:47:00 +0000

Into the Woods 8: Circle of Seasons

South of a main forest road, the Circle of Seasons is a strange, magical construction powered by local ambient magics. Four trees are subjected to the endless march of seasons at 10 times normal speed, with a year passing for the trees but only a month passing for humans. One can camp and watch the trees bloom, fruit, color, and decay in the eternal cycle of life. Anything placed in the circle will go through the eternal cycle of life, which can be both handy and dangerous.

Bryhana Elderheart, 358, a Firbolg druid who has come to study the Circle of Seasons. She is tall and sturdy. Her face is kind, and her long, blond hair is always worn braided. Her sky-blue eyes are large, and she winks when trying to make a point. Bryhana is passionate about learning and curious about a wide range of things. She wears soft leather pants and colorful tunics. Her belt has many small bags for holding the odd nut or herb. Bryhana uses a staff for walking and spellcasting. She keeps a group of daggers on a bandolier that she is skilled in from her time before becoming a druid. Her favorite items are a series of love letters that her parents wrote to each other.

Bryhana has made quite a long journey to the Circle of Seasons. She first heard about the unusual phenomenon from an acquaintance, Celina Lionsinger, 29, a Human who thought she might be interested in a vacation to see it. Once Bryhana saw the Circle, she decided to spend some time studying it. Her first trip idea was to visit the local Elves to see if they had any information. The Elves had been studying it for a long time, but weren’t interested in helping her with any information. Bryhana then journeyed to the local magician’s guild and even the tavern in the nearest town. Discovering that most people wrote it off as just a magical phenomenon, she decided to stay awhile and conduct some tests.

Bryhana has set up a camp near the Circle of Seasons. She has already been here a month and has become more interested in it every day. She keeps daily records of her studies and hopes to publish a paper when she returns to her home forest. Bryhana has become friends with a local Elven ranger, Nerira Oakenwalker, 273, an Elf. The two of them talk about many things, including forests, spells, and life in the forest. A local Human boy, Dirk Dreamflower, 15, helps Bryhana run errands so she can spend more time on her studies.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 7: Under Ground and Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 01:35:00 +0000

Into the Woods 7: Under Ground and Cover

In the eastern woods, the paths run between narrow tree-topped ridges. Cunning Kobolds have hollowed the interior of one ridge, their spell casters concealing hidden sally ports with illusion and regrown vegetation. Unwary travelers are at a loss when their path fills, front and back, with a small horde of thieving foes.

Nux, 37, Kobold, is a mage involved with the Green Skull Gang. He is approximately two feet tall and has an athletic build. He is cunning and greedy. Nux has black straight hair and burnt orange eyes. He wears a gray robe with a green skull featuring blood dripping from it. He carries a wand of illusion, which he uses to hide himself right before the trap is sprung. Nux’s favorite item is a set of small darts he won in a bet at the Elite Rats Tavern several years ago.

Nux was one of the founders of the Green Skull Gang. The leader is his best friend, Snatt, 42, a Kobold. Snatt discovered this area along the road and decided it would be a perfect spot to rob caravans or wealthy travelers coming from nearby Pesa. Snatt found a few ex-soldier Kobolds and had them dig out the ridge. They have successfully robbed three groups already. Nux knows that they will be able to use this setup one or two more times before they should move. He knows that the local guards will come and chase them out. Unfortunately, Snatt doesn’t want to stop.

Nux lives in a small ring of tents set up near the trap. He is dating Uggu, 36, a Kobold. The two of them share a tent, and when this job ends, he will ask Uggu to marry him. Nux enjoys the evenings after a successful raid. He enjoys singing and telling stories about his relatives, who were successful warriors. He gets along with the rest of the gang, but the younger members of the gang call him the “Old Coot.”

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 6: The Tallest Abodes

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:07:00 +0000

Into the Woods 6: The Tallest Abodes

Concealed from the few who traverse the leaf-covered hunting paths and game trails of the deep woods, the Sylvan Elves hide their great libraries in crowns of the thick trees far above prying eyes. Guardians and other sentinels keep watch from nests and boughs midway between the ground and the locations they protect.

Quixina Fallgift, 420, Sylvan Elf, who specializes in cataloging scrolls and books into the library for the Falcon In The Sky gathering of Elves in this area of the world. She is stately and dignified. Quixina has an angular face with silver hair, dyed gold on the ends. Her violet eyes are strikingly colorful, and most people take a second look at her to confirm their color. She wears a pale blue robe that has ancient Elven embroidery on the collar. It says, “The pursuit of knowledge is worth the journey.” Quixina uses a cane made of oak with a silver handle. She has an old injury from when she fell down some steps in the library.

Quixina enjoys her job and delights in all the unique items she gets to read. Sylvan Elves from all over journey to the library to turn in their relatives' journals, spells, recipes, thoughts, and ideas. When she receives an item, she casts a preservation spell on it and then records the name of the donor and their relationship to the person who wrote the item neatly. She also records the date the item arrived at the library and a brief description of it. Quixina only reads the interesting journals and scans the rest of the items. The Elves treat Quixina with respect because of the vast amount of information she has accumulated over the years.

Quixina is married to fellow librarian Dorquen Fallgift, a 400-year-old Sylvan Elf. They are great-grandparents to three children, Olanala, 15, Lukian, 10, and Bryra, 4. Quixina and Dorquen enjoy visiting their family for long holidays during the winter months. Every Spring, they take a vacation at a nearby lake and spend days walking among the trees and fishing in the water. Quixina’s best friend is Falee Springmane, 386, a Sylvan Elf who enjoys solving puzzles and excels at archery. Falee and Quixina enjoy doing these activities together.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 5: Perch Over Ruin

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 12:04:00 +0000

Into the Woods 5: Perch Over Ruin

A path winds through danger-filled, dense, and cold woods of the far north to end at a circular excavation against the base of a tall cliff. Here, now and in the past, various tribes of ogres and trolls gather to throw sacrifices into the bone-walled pit as offerings to their sky dragon god, who watches from the heights above.

Irob, 34, Ogre Mage, leads a small troop of a dozen ogres, trolls, and other worshipers of the dragon god. He is tall and has a commanding presence. His bald head has a tattoo of a streak of lightning. Irob has misty gray eyes that show surprising intelligence. He wears a tattered purple robe and carries a large staff made of an oak tree trunk. His favorite item is a necklace made of the bones of his family that perished.

Irob’s tribe has made a temporary camp here to say some prayers, show some devotion, and prepare for an upcoming battle against several groups of orcs. Each day for the past week, the group has visited local fields and killed livestock, and a few farmers to eat and then send them into the pit. Irob plans to spend a few more days before they make their surprise attack on the Orcs. The dragon god showed her pleasure by blessing Irob’s staff, and she would cast a protection spell on the group before they left.

Irob is best friends with his second-in-command, Euk, a 30-year-old Ogre. The two of them drink ale and gnaw on bones till the wee hours of the night. Irob has chosen Xewog, 24, as his mate, and they camp in an area apart from the rest of the tribe. Xewog is only involved with Irob because she wants pretty trinkets from him. The tribe is impressed by Irob’s spells and fears his temper.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 4: Evil’s Lasting Mark

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:10:00 +0000

Into the Woods 4: Evil’s Lasting Mark

A path ends at a stone platform above a tall rune-covered obelisk that taps the magicks of a ley line below. The site has been used for both good and evil deeds and is contested by the eternal foes. In recent years, when the Holy Light destroyed the Necromancer at the obelisk, his fleeing soul vaporized a swath of the woods and left a permanent, long, shadowy scar across the forest floor. Years later, the soil remains lifeless and avoided by local flora and fauna.

Rozura, 42, a Half-Orc who is the leader of the Red Sword Horde. She is slim, muscular, and very strong. Her skin is the color of granite, and she wears her short black hair in a buzz cut. Every member of her tribe has a tattoo of a red sword on the left arm. Rozura’s tattoo is a circle of swords with a larger, red sword at its center. She has black eyes and a crooked smile. Her right arm has a scar near the elbow from when a Human nearly killed her. Rozura’s weapon of choice is a long sword dyed red. Her favorite item is a small statue of the god of evil. Every day, she prays for guidance with her band.

Rozura built the tribe from the ground up shortly after she came upon the obelisk. Ten years ago, a trapped demon inside the obelisk began to prompt her to bring more people to worship him. She has followed the demon’s advice, and the group has flourished. The demon has guided Rozura to this location and instructed her to use the scarred shadow to build an altar. He also wants the tribe’s wizard, Arad, 65, Half-Orc, to tap into the ley lines to set up a ritual. The ritual will break the demon from the obelisk and bring him to life.

Rozura’s tribe has camped just outside a nearby town, Minia, until recently. The town wasn’t friendly to her group. When the demon provided her with a new place to move to, Rozura jumped at the chance. Ruzara has the respect of the tribe, but no one likes her, except Ubari, 30, Half-Orc. On good days, the two of them will spar and then share some grog. Someday, Ruzura hopes to get married and have children. She doesn’t deem any of the current group as worthy of her favor.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 3: Fearful Encircling

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 23:09:00 +0000

Into the Woods 3: Fearful Encircling

A forest path skirts around the ruins of a recently burned-out hunting lodge. The builders' actions and very presence awakened the dormant Fairy Circle underneath. The ruins and concentric circles of wild growth are now the playground of dark Fae. What is the fate of the hunters once living within? Best left unsaid.

Charpassa Galloavae, 100, Drow is an explorer who felt the call of the Fairy Circle. She is short but mighty. Her natural curiosity has helped her explore the area and send the hunters packing for another location. She has obsidian skin with purple teeth and silver hair. Charpassa wears leather armor dyed a dark brown, allowing her to move through the woods with ease. Her weapons of choice are a pair of intelligent, magical short swords named Bric and Brac. Her favorite item is a book of traps written and illustrated by Keloavid Aleneld, a Drow adventurer.

Charpassa usually explores mountains and caves, but when she sensed the Fairy Circle, she exited the cave system she was exploring and moved quickly toward this location. Upon her arrival, the hunters began to throw stones at her and called her names. That very evening, she came with a torch, forced the hunters to leave, and burned the lodge to the ground. That happened several months ago, and she has returned with a few Drow to awaken the circle to its true potential.

Charpassa makes camp as she travels. She doesn’t have a home base. Her family is long gone, and she doesn’t care to socialize. Charpassa has one friend, Xuononia Zaufek, 95, Drow. The two of them leave letters that travel from Fairy Town to Fairy Town. In the letters, the two discuss herbs, animals, and interesting plants.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 2: Treebound Crossroads

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:19:00 +0000

Into the Woods 2: Treebound Crossroads

One unique feature of the land is its location at a crossroads deep in the woods,

where some forest creatures have made their pathways. Here, where a path winds

through a ravine, a fallen tree has created a game trail above. Foes may lie in wait

in the shadows underneath or conceal themselves by lying flat on the trunk above.

Wartarm,37, Goblin, is a crafty fellow who runs a gang of Goblin thieves called

The Bane. He is tall, has a sloped forehead, and yellowed, pointy teeth. He has

yellow-orange skin and a broad nose. His red eyes dart around nervously, and

he has a scar on his left arm. Wartarm has long black hair that he has tied in a

bun with some thin vines. He wears dark leather armor, but pieces have fallen

into disrepair. His weapons of choice are a pair of daggers that detect nearby

Hobgoblins. His favorite item is an old, broken music box. The box no longer plays

a complete song, but he likes the sounds it makes.

The Bane have a run-down campsite just beyond the southeast corner of

the map. Wartarm has a few of his gang out hunting for food every day. He also

has a scout set up on either end of the north-south road. The scouts will notify

him when travelers are coming along that road. He then sets up an ambush with

himself and one other goblin, who will pounce down on the folk who dare to cross

into their territory. The rest of his gang emerged from their hiding spot along the

main road and swarmed their prey. This setup has worked well for the gang the

last three times. Wartarm is beginning to wonder if they should move before the

King’s Guard hunts them down.

Wartarm has a family back at the campsite. His wife, Gir, 32, a Goblin, takes

care of their two children, Lousehead, 7, and Quek, 3. They live in the largest

tent and have a variety of spoils from their successful thieving runs. Wartarm

hangs around with his second-in-command, Oafknuckle, a 30-year-old Goblin.

The two enjoy talking over strategies and drinking ale when they can get it.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading: Into the Woods 1: Entryways

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:01:00 +0000

Into the Woods 1: Entryways

Everywhere forests grow, there are the borders between the woods and the lands beyond. Typically, road builders take the path of least resistance and follow the border to their destination. But sometimes, a trail must go into the depths of the greenery. The lone stone wall, perhaps a remnant of an old structure or the foundations of a new dwelling, marks such an intersection.

Sylvana ( ‘Syl’) Willowsinger, 143, Wood Elf, is a woodcarver who owns The Ordinary Wolf, located in a nearby town. He is tall, lean, and has a stoic demeanor. He has leaf-green eyes and silver hair, which is dyed green at the tips. Syl can be charming, and his smile lights up the room. He wears black trousers and a yellow tunic. He carries an oaken staff that he made years ago. His favorite item is a special knife, made for carving, that his uncle gifted him many years ago.

Syl works from Wednesday through Saturday. He has carved everything in his shop and delights in making toy figures for children. Many parents receive a christening gift of a carved figure of their newborn. The business has performed well enough that Syl is considering taking on an apprentice. He hopes to expand his business this way and bring the joy of wood carving to a new generation.

Every Sunday, Syl travels into the forest to this location. The remnants of his family's house are among the rubble here. When Syl was 12, a forest fire burned the cottage to the ground, taking his parents and uncle’s lives. His grandparents took him in, but he still misses his family. Syl brings his lunch and talks to his loved ones, bringing them up to date on all that has happened during the week. During the afternoon, Syl attends the local Unity Church and spends the time praying for his lost family.

Gen Con 2025 Trinket Trading adventures begin.

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 15:51:00 +0000

Hello Everyone. In a week Heleen and I are headed on our annual trip to Gen Con 2025. This year we're giving trinket trading a try. Look for attendees bearing these or other emblems:

Heleen and I are bringing a set of mini-maps, trimmed and sleeved, reproducing a series of maps that I called "Into the Woods" and drew in 2014.

On the back is our URL and in the week leading up to the event (beginning tomorrow), we'll will post all 8 of the maps *AND* Heleen has developed a brand new NPC associated with the site. Hope you enjoy them and look forward to trading with you at Gen Con.

A Forgotten Realms Gazetteer - Luiren Volume 2 - available now!

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew C. Durston) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:25:00 +0000

Our 2nd volume of our Forgotten Realms Gazetteer of the halfling realm of Luiren is now available via the DMsGuid here -- https://www.dmsguild.com/product/497835/A-Forgotten-Realms-Gazetteer-Luiren-Vol-2?fbclid=IwY2xjawF7OFxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSDlcwbTf2A56eY18XJZiDDTdPdCKqqqukmXq4FpUZZkRz5TNZOUXl0HPg_aem_Sd-r6V6lkz8en-ZcYpIq2w

It includes the "capital" Beluir of the halfing region, surrounding areas and features some nifty artwork. Check it out.