WS1

THE BONE MARCH COMPANION

BY WILLIAM HENRY DVORAK

A SUPPLEMENT FOR BONE MARCH CAMPAIGNS

The Bone March: a sparsely populated northern frontier of a former kingdom and a perfect
place for adventure. After four hundred years, the government fell to a massive invasion of
humanoid armies. The only remnant of the old government is the now independent County
of Knurl. Humanoid tribes and bandits have divided the rest of the land into armed camps
and raiding territories. Yet, there are dwarves in the mountains to the North and gnomes to
the West. What happens next is up to you.
 THE BONE MARCH COMPANION
BY WILLIAM HENRY DVORAK

A SUPPLEMENT FOR BONE MARCH CAMPAIGNS

The Bone March: a sparsely populated northern frontier of a former kingdom and a perfect
place for adventure. After four hundred years, the government fell to a massive invasion of
humanoid armies. The only remnant of the old government is the now independent County
of Knurl. Humanoid tribes and bandits have divided the rest of the land into armed camps
and raiding territories. Yet, there are dwarves in the mountains to the North and gnomes to
the West. What happens next is up to you.
The Cursed Invasion of the Bone March, The Humanoids 5

The Hill Tribes 6

Other Monsters of the Raker Mountains 6

The Invasion Begins 6

The Sacking of Johnsport 8

The Fall of Spinecastle 8

The Rest of the Bone March Falls 9

Bone March by the end of 563 CY. 9

Things Fall Apart 10

Clans of the Bone March 12

Druids of the Bone March 15

The Druids of the Bone March 15

The Coming of the Oeridians 15

War comes to the Bone March 16

The Erosion of Authority and Importance 16

The Cursed Invasion and the Rescuing of a People 16

A Brief History of the Blemu Gnomes 18

A Brief History 18

The Great Kingdom 19

The Cursed Invasion 19

Gnomegarde 19
Modern Gnomegarde 20

Gnomegarde Military 20

The Gods Worshipped by the Gnomes 20

Dwarven Clans of the Raker Mountains 21

The Dwarves of the Rakers 21

The Sundering of the Clan 21

The Abbathor Scourge 22

Rulers of the Dwarven Clans of the Rakers 23

The County of Knurl, A Brief History 25

3
 The Early Years of the County 25

The Cursed Invasion and Countess Salvie 25

The Arrival of the Hextorians 25

The Return of Dunstan 26

The End of Countess Salvie 26

The Future of Knurl 27

The City of Knurl, A Brief History 29

The Coming of House Kargus 30

The City Post 563 CY 30

Within the Walled City 33

Architecture 33

Important Locations 33

Locations within the Districts 35

This supplement was complied and adapted from the blog posts of William Henry Dvorak with his permission. Please see
www.greyhawkcompanion.com.

Version 1.0. Any errors or mistakes can be reported to the publisher.

Text by: William Henry Dvorak.

Text for “Within the Walled City”: William Henry Dvorak, Matthew Fenn, and Keegan Frederick Pyette.
Edited and formatted by: Matthew Fenn.

Cover Image credit: camilkuo. Image used under license from Shutterstock.com. www.shutterstock.com/g/camilkuo
Interior Illustrations: Art on the title page, pages 9, 11, 14, 18, 21, 27, and 29 by William Henry Dvorak; art on page 5 and 23 is by Jim
Holloway; art on page 7 is by Russ Nicholson; art on page 8 is by Larry Elmore; art on pages 15 and 16 is by Pictishscout; art on page 24 is by
Tulikoura on Deviant Art; art on pages 25 and 31 is in the public domain.
Maps: Map of the Bone March on page 28 is by Scott Agnew. Map of Knurl on page 32 is by Daniel’s Maps, patreon.com/danielsmaps.

The Bone March Companion is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of
the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. Permission is granted to reproduce only text portions for
personal use only. No other use is implied or granted by this posting.

For inquiries, please contact the publisher:

Wicked Studios LLC.
[email protected].

4
 THE CURSED INVASION OF THE
BONE MARCH, THE HUMANOIDS
The beginnings of the Cursed Invasion of the Bone
March started with a series of related events. The first
event was the rise of not one but two orcs, Nar, a hill
tribe chieftain, and Gorsh, a mountain tribe shaman.
Raised in the harsh environment of orcish clan life,
both would eventually set their sights on the same
goal: establishing an orcish empire. Their paths were
destined to be intertwined, and the joining of these
two ambitions would spell the doom for the Bone
March.
To understand the humanoids of the Rakers Mountains
is to know that humanoids existed there in tribes of
varying sizes for ages. These tribes, at the largest, In 554 CY, the first of the two orcs that would change
usually numbered only a few hundred. The constant history in the region came to prominence, Gorsh, a
war between these tribes made it easy for the dwarves shaman of Gruumsh. A powerful shaman originally of
of the Anvil Clan, the main dwarven tribe of the the Blood Nails tribe, Gorsh, imbued the orcs with the
western arm of the Raker Mountains, to keep them power to ignore the pain by taking a concoction
under control. called Red Paste. The herbal brew was so potent that
The chief distinction between these tribes is the these orcs became utterly fearless and could sustain
division between the tribes of the lover hills, called hill mortal wounds but continue to fight for several
tribes, and the tribes that lived in the valleys and high minutes. While excited on Red Paste, many witnessed
mountain plateaus called mountain tribes. Mountain a Red Nails warrior fighting even after someone
tribes are smaller in numbers but more savage and sheared off half its head. With the aid of this herbal
aggressive. The mountain tribes are also of pure orc concoction, Gorsh led his tribe to conquer several
stock, having little contact with the humans in the other mountain tribes. Gorsh used the Red Nails as
lowlands. The main targets for mountain tribe raids his shock troops until they were all wiped out, but not
are the dwarves of the Anvil Clan, or after the before he had gathered several tribes into a new
dwarven civil war, the Brokenstone and Blackanvil horde. The last of the mountain tribes to fall to Gorsh
clans. As the dwarves wared amongst themselves and was the Death Moon orc tribe. The Death Moon had
eventually withdrew into their mountain fortresses, the been the largest and strongest of the tribes, and
mountain tribe orcs had fewer targets upon which to Gorsh enlisted them without bloodshed by magically
raid. So the mountain tribes began moving into the dominating their chief Gergash.
lower foothills looking for loot and plunder, which Gorsh never used the Red Paste on the Death Moon
brought them into contact with the hill tribes. tribe or any other tribes after the Red Nails tribe as the
The hill tribe orcs are more numerous in their paste made them uneasy to control. Gorsh now
numbers and have a fair amount of half-orcs that live installed Gergash as the figurehead of the horde, a
amongst them due to raiding humans in the high command structure with which the orcs were
moors and rolling hills of the Bone March. Their main comfortable. With a new figurehead in place, Gorsh
targets in ages past were the Flan and then the orchestrated the consolidation of the remaining
Oeridians that settled these lands. Like their mountain mountain tribes into the horde or pushed those
cousins, the hill tribes never grew in numbers beyond unwilling to conform out of the mountains.
a few hundred before internal strife would cause Gorsh had intended to attack the divided dwarven
conflict, and the tribes would split or have a mass kingdom with his new horde, but news of this hill tribe
purge of opposing factions within the ranks. The hill horde gave him pause. He heard tales of its witty half-
tribes lacked in brute ferocity, and they made up for orc chieftain named, Breka and his successful raids
with superior arms and armour pillaged from into the Bone March. With plans of dominating Breka
humans.The Mountain Tribes like he had Gergash, Gorsh went to meet with this hill

5
tribe chieftain. What he found was not some ignorant into a kingdom ruled by half-orcs. He did not declare
chieftain scared by his magics but instead a mighty this news to his followers in general, but only a select
warrior wise in the ways of magic. Instead of trying to few of his inner half-orc circle.
kill this chieftain Gorsh allied himself with him, and
During this time, Gorsh came to visit and see for
this laid the groundwork for a massive horde of orcs
himself who this half-orc was. The gnarly shaman
to assault the unsuspecting Bone March.
grudgingly admired the half-breed but sought to use
The Hill Tribes him as a tool for his conquests. Breka also came to a
similar conclusion towards Gorsh, and they struck an
While the shaman Gorsh gathered the mountain tribe alliance.
orcs, so was Breka among the hill tribes. Born into
and raised in the Vile Rune tribe of orcs, Breka ran Other Monsters of the Raker Mountains
away from his orc brethren to Spinecastle as a young
While the orc tribes dominate the Raker Mountain
boy. While half-orcs are not uncommon among the
humanoids, they are not the only humanoids that live
hill tribes, many still treated them poorly. Orcs treat
there. Ogres, giants, trolls, goblins, and hobgoblins
half-orcs as second-class citizens out of fear of them
all can dwell there as well. These other monsters and
when they grow older. They know that half-orcs are on
humanoids were usually a threat to one another as
average more intelligent than regular orcs, and this
humans, dwarves, and gnomes. These monsters and
intelligence and their brawn make older half-orcs a
humanoids might rally together to fight a mutual
dangerous rival. Because of this mistreatment, Breka
enemy on rare occasions, but these alliances always
fled to live among the humans believing that they
end badly. However, when Gorsh and Breka came to
would be more understanding. Unfortunately for
power, both Grosh and Breka sought to enlist these
young Breka, he learned that some humans looked
monsters and humanoids with a promise of loot and
upon him with even more disdain than the orcs.
pillage.
Despite the continued mistreatment, Breka decided to
stay among the humans to learn their ways, which he Gorsh successfully recruited some hill giant and ogre
did rapidly. tribes, while Breka made alliances with the weaker,
but far more numerous, goblins and hobgoblins.
A street gang welcomed Breka, which he eventually
Besides the extra power these alliances added to his
took over and ran until he was fourteen, then he used
horde, it ensured that the tribal lands of the hill tribes
his growing bulk to better by becoming a mercenary.
would not be raided by them when the orcs marched
Over the next few years, he studied how to wage war
to war.
from humans and, most importantly, he studied
magic. While Breka was never able to master the Surprisingly, these alliances have lasted to this day.
arcane techniques, he was able to master the tactics After accompanying the orcs out of the Raker
that his fellow mercenaries used to fight them. Mountains into the Bone March, these allies found the
Eventually, the mistrust among humans led Breka to plunder worth staying. Currently, goblins make up the
travel back to his roots. He rejoined the Vile Rune tribe bulk of the raiding parties that cross the Harp River
of orcs, but not as a follower. Shortly after returning, into the Flinty Hills and Nyrond. Breka found the
Breka deposed the chief and set himself as the new Hobgoblins especially useful, and after the conquests
Chieftain of the Vile Rune tribe. of the Bone March, Warlord Kekvar became one of
the leading members of the ruling council formed in
Like Gorsh had done with the mountain tribes, Breka
Spinecastle.
led his tribe to conquer and consolidate other hill
tribes. As he gathered more tribes to his banner, The Invasion Begins
Breka began sending them raiding into the Bone
March. In 561 CY, the mountain orcs came down from the
Rakers in force led by Gergash and the Death Moon
As Breka gathered orc tribes, he also began collecting tribe. Gergash led his horde north of Spinecastle,
half-orcs like himself. As Gorsh assimilated tribes into skirting the Loft Hills, where Degtra joined him, an
his new horde, any half-orcs were brought to the Vile ogre mage leading her clan of ogres and gnolls. In
Rune Clan and trained to be part of his Iron Fangs, 558 CY, Degtra had wrestled away the Loftwood
an elite troop of warriors that served as his Gnolls rule from their Pack-master and allied herself
bodyguard. These recruits were the first subjects to be with Gorsh. With their new allies in tow, they headed
indoctrinated into his plans of turning the Bone March straight to Johnsport to lay siege to the city. Gregash

6
made sure the defenders of Spinecastle knew of his illusions that her forces were not enough to engage
sizable force moving through the area to lure away Stermorn's army of highly trained and disciplined
troops from there, as per Gorsh's instructions. The soldiers and knights in open combat. Calling upon
trick worked, and a day later, Marquis Clement had her magical powers, Degtra summoned thick fog to
mobilized Spinecastles heavy infantry and cavalry and slow Stermorn's forces enough so that Breka's horde
sent them in pursuit of Gergash's horde. In addition to could catch up in time to join the fray. Eventually, the
the regular military, nearly all of the Knight Protectors handful of mages accompanying Stermorn's army
who survived the persecutions of Ivid I and fled to the cleared the fog, but they realized they were trapped.
Bone March back in 443 CY accompanied them. The
Outnumbered five to one Stermorn, attempted to
army was under the Command of a Knight Protector
break free, heading north to cross one of the smaller
named Arnald Stermorn.
tributaries of the Weldren river. Still, his heavy infantry
Two days after Sir Stermorn had departed Spinecastle, moved far slower than the humanoid hordes, and
Breka, with his Vile Rune orcs and allies, descended Breka could get large numbers of goblins ahead of
out of the Rakers. Breka sent several smaller orc tribes them. The cavalry easily forded the tributary and
into the March to disrupt any rallying of forces from fought their way through the goblins but with heavy
the March's other counties in response to Clement's casualties. Together with the bulk of the Knight
call to arms. Then Breka left the siege of Spinecastle Protectors, the infantry formed ranks. They desperately
to his trusted ally, Warlord Kekvar, and his hobgoblins. attempted to fend off the horde of humanoids but
At the same time, he took the Vile Rune tribe in pursuit were slaughtered to a man.
of Sir Stermorn's forces.
Across the river with a much smaller force, Stermorn
With Sir Stermorn in pursuit, Gergash left a attempted to make his way back to Spinecastle but
complement of orcs behind with Degtra's ogres and encountered the first of many surprises. Breka had a
gnolls at the bridge over the Weldren River. Degtra ragtag collection of notorious mercenaries, hired
was displeased by this turn of events. The plan was for away from the Counts of the Bone March guarding
Gergash to stop and engage the pursuing forces the eastern approaches through the Loft hills and the
allowing for Breka's horde to catch up and pin the Kalmar Pass. The mercenaries were fewer in number
Bone March forces between them. As a result, Degtra than Stermorn's remaining command, but they
only controlled an army of roughly equal in size to delayed them enough for the gnolls and goblins to
that of Sir Stermorn's. Still, the ogre mage had no close the gap. Stermorn's cavalry was fighting in the
Loft Hills' rocky terrain,
which was ill-suited to
cavalry and many wounded.
Attempting to push through
to Spinecastle could spell
disaster, so he retreated into
the Kalmar Pass and made
for Ratik. Stermorn hoped to
regroup there and petition
Ratik for assistance.

7
 from the city. Then widespread panic erupted when
news of the defeat of the Spinecastle army made its
way to the city through the few ships that put anchor
there.
With the hysteria at a fever pitch, Gorsh summoned
some earth elementals to weaken the walls and then
sent in the horde. The defenders held on desperately,
but as soon as the orcs had breached the walls, the
slaughter began. More than half of the population
was slaughtered, and the remainder enslaved.

The Fall of Spinecastle

With the defeat of Spinecastle's standing army in the

field and without any leadership to organize the levies
from the counties, Spinecastle was alone. Kekvar's
hobgoblins had seized the city, taking many captives,
but the garrison had fallen back to the castle at the
mouth of the pass overlooking the city. Well
provisioned and with a regiment of experienced
soldiers hardened from fighting, not just the
humanoids but also against the seasonal barbarian
raids, Marquis Clement was confident that some relief
would come from the Great Kingdom. He knew that
Sir Stermorn had retreated to Ratik and was
marshalling aid there as well. Even when Breka's
The Sacking of Johnsport horde arrived, joining the Hobgoblins, Clement felt
comfortable in defending the castle against them.
While Breka and Degtra dealt with the army of the However, watching the wanton sacking of the city
March, Gergash closed in on Johnsport. By the time below them was disheartening. All the defenders in
he arrived, Johnsport had sealed the gates and the the fortress had loved ones or friends who could not
garrison on full alert. While vastly outnumbered, make it into the keep before the gates closed.
Johnsport had sturdy walls, and the defenders
expected relief from Spinecastle, relief that would Unlike Gorsh, Breka had no high-level casters
never come. So, when Gergash's horde bivouacked amongst his horde. Still, it didn't matter because Breka
around the city and began to construct crude siege had something even better, the plans to the network of
engines, the city's morale was still high. The men of secret passages that honeycombed the bluff upon
Johnsport easily repulsed the first few forays of orcs which Spinecastle sat. During Breka's time spent in
sent against the walls, but these were merely probing Spinecastle as a mercenary, he had become friends
attacks meant to determine the weakest point of the with several disenfranchised members of the city elite.
defences. Still, the siege might have lasted for a Many families in Spinecastle still supported the Bone
prolonged time if Gorsh had not arrived to take up March's total annexation by the then Northern
command personally. Province, and they despised the rumblings of
independence that were common at that time.
Gorsh's first course of action was to raid the docks. Through his association with these Aerdy patriots,
Sending in small groups in canoes, they set ablaze Breka gained the necessary information to topple the
several ships and a portion of the port. And then, fortress and ensure its downfall.
using several screened catapults, he began
bombarding the city with diseased corpses and ritually After reinforcing the castle's hobgoblin siege, Breka
sacrificing prisoners that he captured from the gathered his Iron Fangs and his most competent orc
surrounding countryside. In response, minor riots tribesmen and used secret tunnels to infiltrate the
broke out as the populace tried to escape on the few castle. Breka and his Iron Fangs boiled forth into the
remaining ships that were making ready to set sail castle in the hour before the dawn, totally surprising

8
them as Iron Fangs and orcish tribe members
emerged from secret passages. The main objective
was to open the gates, which they did, allowing the
rest of the horde and hobgoblins into the castle. What
followed was the complete destruction of all the
defenders, Marquis Clement, among them.

The Rest of the Bone March Falls

With the fall of Spinecastle and Johnsport, the only
resistance to the orcs was the handful of small armies
of the Counts and lesser nobles dotting the
countryside. These small armies had even been able
to combine their total strength was only a fraction of
the numbers. In addition to these small personal
armies were the druids of the Circle of the March. The
most significant of these small armies belonged to
Count Standun, ruler of Blemu County, who attempted
to organize the forces of the remaining counties into a
cohesive force. Only a handful of the lesser nobility
joined him before being forced to flee. This ragtag
army was caught by Orcs of the Death Moon tribe
while crossing the Teesar Torrent and destroyed.
With Spinecastle in the hands of the Vile Rune tribe
and Johnsport in the hands of the Death Moon tribe,
both factions hurriedly rush to claim the rest of the
March before the other could. Breka's horde spilled
out of Spinecastle in the northwest of the Bone March,
enslaving and capturing any settlement they human settlements except for the County of Knurl.
encountered. Likewise, Gergash and the Death Moon Knurl was loosely allied with Breka and the Vile Rune
tribe moved southwest from Johnsport following the Orcs. Those that could escape had already done so
Teesar Torrent capturing and enslaving. The only streaming into Ratik, Nyrond, and the Northern
unconquered region left was the County of Knurl in Province. Knurl saw its population more than double,
the southwest of the Bone March. Knurl was known as with a sizable number of those feeling there being
a wicked place from which bandits and shady men at arms that Countess Salvie quickly Recruited
mercenaries operated, and it had ties to many orc into the county's army.
tribes, particularly Breka and the Vile Rune tribe. The speed and ferocity of the Cursed Invasion caught
Breka intended to turn Knurl into a vassal and left all the March's neighbours by surprise. Ratik
them alone as he chased down the elusive refugees eventually tried to take advantage of later orcish
collected by members of the Circle of the March infighting but wasn't mobilized to lend immediate
druids. Gergash and Gorsh had other plans for Knurl assistance. Under the leadership of Herzog Grenell,
and assaulted the county. Fortunately for the new the North Province of the Great Kingdom had higher
Countess of Knurl, Countess Salvie, Degtra, and her ambitions and had no desire to assist. Rumour has it
knolls began fighting with the orcs left behind in that Grenell and Breka had worked out an
Johnsport to control the city. Gergash and Gorsh understanding before the invasion. Nyrond had the
abandoned the assault and hurried back to deal with troop strength to intervene and make a difference, but
this new problem, never to return that far west into the if they had done so, it would have given the Great
Bone March again. Kingdom an excuse to start another war with them.
That is why Nyrond's troops never came to help, and
Bone March by the end of 563 CY.
the March had to endure the invasion on their own.
By the end of 563 CY, the whole of the Bone March
While the invasion was quick, it initially centred
had settled into a new normal, one of humanoid
around two major hubs for the March, Spinecastle
dominance. Humanoid armies had conquered all the

9
and Johnsport. The bulk of the invading humanoids Things Fall Apart
were in the area for over a month as they defeated
the Bone March's standing army in the field and then As Gorsh and Gergash started their conquest of
besieged the cities. This time spent attacking these two Knurl, the ogre mage Degtra and her gnolls and
cities was vital in allowing so many people to escape ogres attacked Johnsport. Some say this was in
the fate that befell the citizens of Spinecastle and retaliation for Gergahs abandoning her to face the
Johnsport. Small groups were able to make it to the forces of Spinecastles standing army early in the
Great Kingdom, Ratik, and Nyrond, but the Circle of invasion. Still, most believe that this was the ogre
the March druids rounded up the bulk of the refugees mages' plan all along.
settled in Knurl. Those refugees collected by the druids Gorsh and Gergash skirmished with Degtra outside of
were turned into roving nomads trying to stay one Johnsport. He then fell back into the Loftwood, hoping
step ahead of the orcs and other humanoids. The that the orcs would follow to their home territory,
druids would revert these refugees to an older way of where Degtra already had ambushes and traps
living as hunter-gatherers. waiting for them. They would inevitably have followed
As the year 563 CY drew to a close, the Bone March if Gorsh hadn't stopped them.\
separated into six distinct and separate power groups. With the conquest of the Bone March complete and
Even though an army of combined orcish tribes led the only possible enemy to fight were the Death Moon
the invasion of the Bone March, and despite the orcs and Gorsh, fighting Degtra, Breka made some
dominance of the humanoids, two human-based radical changes. First, he began open talks with
groups still exist. The first is Knurl. Knurl's long history Herzog Grenell of the North Province of the Great
of working with the orc hill tribes helped them avoid Kingdom. Breka knew that the orc hill tribes within his
the fate of Spinecatle and Johnsport as the forces led horde would not sit idly waiting for combat and loot,
by Breka opted to ally themselves with them. so he began sending them across the Teesar Torrent to
The next group of humans was five separate groups Grenell to aid the Herzog's plans for independence.
of human refugees forged into nomadic clans by the While Breka sent his orcs away, he actively
druids of the Circle of the March. The druids replenished them with bandits and evil warriors from
shepherded them and kept them on the move away Knurl, who now had an overabundance. Eventually,
from the forces of humanoids, making it much easier many others answered Breka's call for warriors from
once the orcs began infighting. These groups were in the Great Kingdom, Nyrond, and even barbarians
the western half of the Bone March, where the orcish from the north. Breka retained the services of Kekvar
presence is not strong. and his hobgoblins, making them an intricate part of
The Bone March has never been a bastion for demi- the defence of Spinecastle. Slowly Breka's horde was
humans, excluding the dwarves, who were primarily in changing into a regular army. Chief among his
the Raker Mountains, but did have small settlements recruitment remained half-orcs. His Iron Fangs
for trade in the March. But the gnomes still live and continue to grow in number and, outside of his
dominate the Blemu Hills. Their contact with others Council of Spinecastle, have become the city's leaders.
outside of their honeycombed network of tunnels and Gorsh has found himself caught in a tight position.
underground halls is almost non-existent. Smaller orc The Shaman of Gruumsh desires to win the favour of
tribes launched a few attempts to find and conquer Herzog Grenell to help him aid him in conquering the
the gnomes, but they were easily confused by the rest of the Bone March, but he can't spare the troops
gnomish illusions as soon abandoned. he wants. With Degtra in the Loftwood, which his orcs
The fourth and fifth power groups are the orcish tribes were constantly skirmishing against, he could not
of Breka and the Vile Rune tribe, and Gorsh, and the mount a large enough force to dislodge Breka. So,
Death Moon tribe of orcs. Their alliance was one of Gorsh could do nothing but sit and watch as the half-
mutual convenience, and both intended to betray the orc grows in power. Taking another lead from Breka,
other eventually. Their war would have started sooner Gorsh has begun beating the drum of orcish
than it did if it wasn't for the sixth and final power superiority to rally his troops around.
group in the Bone March, Degtra with her ogres and As a last resort, Gorsh tried experimenting on the orcs
gnolls turning against Gorsh. of the Death Moon tribe with his magics. The results
of these experiments being savage orcish

10
monstrosities. Gergash, through Gorsh's guidance,
has also become an Eye of Gruumsh, giving the orcs
another reason for blind loyalty. Gergash has taken to
singing the praises of orcish purity, denouncing all
half-orcs as rotten fruit and executing them. Gorsh
knows that a future battle will soon that will determine
who will become the sole ruler of the Bone March

11
 CLANS OF THE BONE MARCH Teesar Torrent. Running too far west was not an option
as the Countess of Knurl was a well-known evil force
The lands north of the Northern Province of the Great that would also enslave them. Fortunately, the bulk of
Kingdom would become known as the Bone March, the humanoids concentrated in the east around
but had been home to the Flan for over a thousand Spinecastle and Johnsport. Large portions of the
years before the Oeridians moved into the region southwest were now open. Including land from
around -400CY. The Flan tribes that lived the March Lurglen to the Blemu Hills, and all along the banks of
were fiercely independent, and while they had contact the Harp River. The humanoids did wander these
with the great Flan kingdom of Ahlissa to the south, lands as well but in far fewer numbers, making them
they never organized into settlements larger than easier to avoid. Eventually, the druids formed these
villages. The Flan here, like many in the Flanaess, had refugees into five distinct tribes that soon centralized
strong connections to the old religion, in particular the in different regions of the March.
Old Faith or the Green Religion. Devoted to the
These five tribes soon took on traits influenced by the
worship of nature itself but not tied to any one deity.
druids that led them. Warriors even took up the old
To believers in the Old Faith, even the gods
custom of painting their faces with markings to signify
themselves are aspects of nature.
their tribal affiliation. Unique customs and traditions
As the Oeridians moved into the March, they felt the evolved until each of the tribes was significantly
allure of the rugged beauty they found there. These different from one another. Today many of the
Oeridians, too, shunned the more organized members have grown up knowing nothing else
kingdoms of their kin to the south, who eventually besides the nomadic lifestyle. Those with memories of
formed the Great Kingdom. The Flan they living in towns and cities are dwindling fast as they
encountered were welcoming of these Oeridians as grow old and pass on. Unfortunately for these new
they were akin to themselves, and the two quickly clans, there has never been any hope of unifying into
melded into a single people. Along with Flan and a new nation. The stubborn personalities of the very
Oeridians, Suel culture was introduced to the region druids that saved them and their petty rivalries were
through trading and raids with northern barbarians. the chief reason.
Central to the makeup of the March throughout these The Druids, Archdruids, and Great Druids had been
times was the Druidic Circle of the March. The highly leaderless since the disappearance of Kalamath, the
centralized areas of natural magic and powerful Grand Druid of the Circle of the March. At the onset
leylines had drawn these druids to the March long of the Cursed Invasion, Kalamath had mysteriously
before the Flan had settled there. These very same disappeared, leaving the circle without direction. The
druids would be the saviours of the Marchlanders in remaining members of the circle were far too busy
the wake of the Cursed Invasion of 563. The Druids of saving the people of the land to undertake the
the March seldom interfered in the affairs of other ceremony to select a new Grand Druid. Ever since, the
nations. Even when the Great Kingdom made circle remained fractured, waiting for one of their
headway into the region to turn it into a new province, order to send out a call for them to gather at the
they did not interfere. Aerdy was battling against their Mound of Spirits in the center of the March.
enemies, the northern barbarians and then the
humanoids. But with the defeat of the Aerdy army in 1. The Standing Stone Clan: The Standing Stone
the March, powerful tribes of humanoids flooded in Clan is the smallest of the nomadic clans
intent on enslaving all they found. numbering just over a hundred members. They
have stayed close to the tremendous standing
The druids were fearing for the common folk stones around the Mound of Spirits relying on the
interceded by gathering up refugees from Spinecastle, guardians of that place to help protect them from
Johnsport, and the small towns and villages scattered the humanoids. While the clan lives close to the
throughout the March. A hardy people, Marchlanders Mound of Spirits, the tribe is careful not to wander
still clung to a belief in the old faith. So, when the too far into its sacred grove surrounded by massive
druids arrived to help shepherd them and keep them stone monoliths. The protective spirits of the place
safe, adapting to a nomadic way of life was quick and only allow the members of the circle to pass within
mostly successful. unmolested.
The druids kept the people on the move, but the North
Province military barred them from fleeing across the

12
 Mossbeard, one of the Archdruids of the Circle of Count of Knurl, Count Kargus. Roak believes the
the March, originally formed the clan, but he has new Count has shown himself to be far different
since passed. Taking Mossbeard's place as leader and more trustworthy than ruler than his
of the clan was Elmspur, Mossbeards handpicked predecessors. Roak cares little for the old Circle of
successor. the March but does not wish his contemporary's ill,
excluding those of the Two Moon Clan, which they
2. The Two Moon Clan: The most hated and will attack on sight.
considered no better than the humanoids that
infest the land are the Two Moon clan's nomads. 4. The Serpent Clan: The serpent clan is the
Addercap, the druid that formed this clan, saw the second-largest clan of nomads with nearly a
Bone March invasion as an opportunity to settle thousand members and has been a thorn in the
old scores and had visions of returning the lands side of the humanoids that conquered the Bone
of the March to its Flan roots. Addercap's stance March since 563. Lead by a druid named
brought him into a confrontation with his fellow Thorntrunk, who looks more like a wild barbarian
druids of the circle and resulted in his expulsion. instead of a druid. Thorntrunk did not organize the
clan in 563; that honour belongs to Sharpstone,
Addercap recruited as many able-bodied warriors
who died fifteen years after the clan's formation
as he could. Addercap cared little if they were
fighting orcs. When Sharpstone managed the
bandits or mercenaries; he wanted the numbers
Serpent Clan, he did not do this to keep the people
and would worry about converting them into loyal
safe and build a community but to continue the
followers later. Because of this, the Two Moon Clan
battle against the invaders. But as the ranks of
is the largest, with well over a thousand members.
Sharpstone's rebels grew, many warriors came to
To this day, they raid other clans taking captives,
him with the added baggage of families in tow.
forcing them to swear allegiance to the Two Moon
Knowing that if he wanted to keep the warriors, he
Clan. Those who refuse to are sacrificed or sold
would have to keep the families, and Sharpstone
into slavery. Addercap's only requirement to swear
made them into the Serpent Clan.
allegiance to the Two Moon Clan is that they have
some Flan blood. Addercap has even taken to The Serpent Clan became masters at ambush and
selective breeding those with the most robust Flan stealth, and despite having much larger numbers
bloodlines within the tribe through arranged of civilians with them, the whole tribe moves
marriages. quickly and with purpose. The Serpents have
traditionally been closest to the epicentre of the
While Addercap is still alive and quite robust for a
humanoids control in the Bone March. They attack
human of his advanced years, he rarely takes to
from out of the Blemu Uplands. At times, they even
the field when his clan raids. In his place,
pass through the outskirts of the Lands of the
Addercap relies on his two lieutenants, a warlord
Dread Lord Monduiz Dephaar.
named Kardal and a druid named Oaktalon.
Thorntrunk is on good terms with Count Kargus of
3. The Great Cat Clan: The druid named Roak, Knurl, whereas before, Sharpstone despised the
who founded the Great Cat Clan, still leads it to Counts and Countess of Knurl for their wickedness.
this day and looks only slightly older than a man in Thorntrunk recognizes that Kargus is not like his
his mid-thirties. Roak is fond of taking the shape of ancestors and admires his goal of changing his
a large mountain lion and living like a wild beast, land for the better. There has been much talk of an
taking his human form only when interacting with alliance between them, but nothing has taken hold
his tribe and ceremonies. The clan currently lives yet. If Thorntrunk would slow down her constant
on the Harp river western bank, travelling west guerilla war against the humanoids, there might
across the river as far as the Flinty Hills before be a deal to be made.
returning to the lands around the Harp River.
5. The Two Rivers Clan: The Two Rivers Clan
Another small clan number just over two hundred
ranges the Blemu Hills and the lands around the
members, but they are very deadly. Roak has
confluence of the Harp and Teesar Torrent rivers.
trained everyone, even children starting at age 8,
Besides moving into one of the most defendable
how to kill. Despite this fierceness, Roak realizes
areas in the March, the Two Rivers Clan also has a
they need allies and has begun talks with the new
reputation for being the most accommodating of

13
the clans. The clan numbers around nine hundred With Count Kargus taking control of the County of
members but was once much larger. Still, many Knurl, things have changed much in the region.
have moved to other lands over the years, Thistlehand is aware of this but has not decided to
especially the County of Knurl, since Count Kargus ally herself openly with the new Count despite
took control of the land. receiving emissaries from him in the hopes of
strengthening their relationship.
The most powerful druids lead two Rivers Clan
from the Circle of the March, Thistlehand.
Thistlehand has a powerful connection to the land
and has an uncanny way of knowing when danger
to the clan is near. Many think it is through her
countless animal spies, but many believe he has
an unnatural ability to hear through the earth itself

14
 DRUIDS OF THE BONE MARCH
The Druids of the Bone March
The Bone March has a much longer history than most
realize. The March's highlands were home to dwarves
and gnomes before humans first explored the region
and home to tribes of Flan dating back over 1,800
years ago. Unlike the Flan further to the south that
established the kingdom of Ahlissa, the Flan that
settled in what would become the Bone March
preferred to pursue a semi-nomadic lifestyle intricately
connected to the land.
While venerating gods such as Beory and Obad-hai,
these druids believed in the Old Religion, or the
Green Way. In the Green Way religion, Beory and
Obad-hai are as much a part of the cycle of life as
are mortals. These druids that came to the Bone
March formed a circle, the Circle of the March. They
took it upon themselves to watch over the land and its
peoples.
Within this culture, the druids acted as spiritual
leaders and historians of their tribes. They used the
potent ley lines that crossed the land, particularly a
junction of two lines at a Green Mouth location, to
weave potent druidic magics to aid their Flan brothers
and sisters. The Green Mouth was a depression within
the center of the highlands that was extraordinarily
lush and overgrown. How is this possible? Why is this
the case in a moorland? This remains unknown, but it defensible settlements. At this time, we see the
is attributed to a connection to the lands of the Fey. founding of what would eventually become the cities
of Spinecastle, Johnsport, and Knurl.
The Coming of the Oeridians
The humanoids aware of these newcomers south of
Around -190 CY, the Bone March saw the arrival of
the Teesar Torrent began crossing the Bone March to
Oeridians settlers. Unlike the south of the Teesar
plunder these lands. In retailiation, the Great
Torrent, the Oeridians settled in the Bone March in
Kingdom to station troops in the Bone March. Moving
large numbers. Those that trickled in before 100 CY
in erecting forts, the Great Kingdom began making
mainly were families looking for a life outside the
plans to turn the Bone March into a new province or
confines of the traditional Oeridian hierarchy. These
an extension of the Northern Province.
Oeridians, while more aggressive than the native
Flan, were welcomed, and the two cultures evolved The venerable Kalamath was part of the Circle since
over the next two hundred years into their own -701. He was its leader and served as the Grand
people. Druid since -542 CY. The druids of the Circle of the
March were not initially concerned by this. Those who
The druids were at the forefront of welcoming the
had come to the Bone March in the past settled
Oeridians, and the Oeridians appreciated the
peacefully among those who already lived there. They
assistance of the Flan and druids that helped them
were looking to help protect the people from the
become acclimated to the hills and Moorlands of the
humanoids, a mission that all agreed was beneficial.
Bone March. Unfortunately, with the increase of
While the druids and Kalamath were not fond of this
settlers, so did the raiding by humanoids from the
new trend of the inhabitants giving up their more
Rakers. This forced many to abandon the semi-
nomadic lifestyle, they realized it was necessary. The
nomadic lifestyle and erect more permanent and
druids even helped in the construction of the early

15
fortifications at the site that would become The Erosion of Authority and Importance
Spinecastle.
By 300 CY, the culture within the Bone March had
War comes to the Bone March changed drastically. The influence the druids had once
enjoyed was eroded to the point that their importance
By 100 CY, the Great Kingdom had established
only mattered to the few inhabitants of the March that
several forts in the Bone March to help prevent
remained living in small villages scattered throughout
humanoid raiders and the seasonal raiding parties of
the March. The bulk of the Marches population now
Suel barbarians. Kalamath was not fond of these
lived in and around the three major cities of
developments but did not interfere. Openly the Grand
Spinecastle, Johnsport, and Knurl.
Druid said his primary concern was for the people of
the Bone March, but there was some mistrust brewing Despite their diminished importance within the
between him and other druids of the Circle. It became March's political structure, the druids were still highly
apparent that Kalamath was more concerned with respected and thought of almost as mythical remnants
protecting the sacred sites of the March, like the of the past. This legendary reputation had allowed
Green Mouth, which some of the Circle disheartening. Kalamath, who, despite his advanced age, still led the
Circle, retain a level of respect. The number of druids
By 108 CY, Overking Manshen sent whole armies to
within the March dwindled to the point that only Seven
stem the latest incursion of Barbarian raiders. The
druids of the Circle survived.
humanoids had been beaten back in several pitched
battles between 40 to 65 CY giving the barbarians Starting around -542 CY, Kalamath would disappear
easier access to the Bone March. The Druids' response for long periods. At first for a year, then two, but by
was almost nonexistent as Kalamath preferred to let 560 CY, these departures could last as long as ten
the soldiers of the Great Kingdom do the work for years at a time. This would throw the Circle into chaos
them. as the old druid reappear and disrupt whatever order
had been established in his absence. When asked
where he had been, the only response that was ever
given was that he had been sleeping.
Thus was the state of the Circle of the March when the
next and most significant threat to the Bone March
would rear its ugly head, the Cursed Invasion.

The Cursed Invasion and the Rescuing of a

People
Starting in 560 CY, the raiding of the humanoids
increased in volume to such a degree that everyone
was becoming concerned. The Marquises of the Bone
March had grown more independent over the past
two hundred years as the Great Kingdom's attention
became more focused on internal matters. No Aerdi
troops had come to the March since 443 when
remnants of the Knights protectors sought refuge.
Before that, the last soldiers assigned to this
borderland arrived in 299 CY. The druids knew that
the humanoids were gathering in the hills. Yet, they
didn't realize that another horde was gathering further
up in the mountains. They alerted the Marquis, who
took their warning under advisement. Whether due to
arrogance or mishandling of the information, the
alarm went largely ignored.
At this time, most of the March was under the rule of
counts appointed by the Marquises. While they had

16
men-at-arms serving them, these were small personal Vile Rune orc tribe, and Gorsh, the Death Moon orc
armies and most of them mercenaries or ill-trained tribal leader.
locals. The Counts at the best of times paid little
attention to the druids, whom they regarded as little
more than relics of a bygone age. But the people in
the smaller villages, especially the more remote ones,
still had strong ties to the druids, and they began
warning and preparing them to move when the orcs
invaded.
In 561 CY, the largescale raiding turned into an all-
out invasion as not just one but two hordes of orcs
and their allies invaded the March. The druids, who
had already been preparing, quickly gathered up
those villagers that they had warned and took them to
secret locations in hopes of riding out the invasion.
After taking those they could to safety, the druids met
and decided to go to Spinecastle to aid the Marquis.
They were shocked to find the city had already been
sacked, and the castle was under siege. A few druids
made their way into the fortress at Spinecastle, where
they stayed to help defend it and the Marquis. The rest
hurried to help the army in the field. Those druids that
stayed with Marquis Clement would die there when
the fortress fell.
The druids fought with Sir Stermorn and helped him
elude his pursuers when the remnants of his army
escaped into Ratik. With no apparent army left to help
the people of the March, the druids hurried to help in
any way that they could. Stermorn wanted them to
stay and help with reorganizing those who had
escaped, but the druids declined. This was seen as a
betrayal by Stermorn and his men. To this day, the
remnants of the Knight Protectors and soldiers that
survived and eventually settled in Ratik curse the Circle
of the March.
In the end, the Druids saved thousands of civilians
from slaughter and eventually turned those refugees
into the nomad tribes that still wander the March. The
Cursed Invasion also spelled the end of the Circle of
the March. The rest of the Circle focused on taking
care of the refugees and put all their time and effort
into turning them into proper nomadic people.
Kalamath has yet to come back to the March, and
many wonder if he ever will. Some Rumors say the
Grand Druid is lying in a magical stupor and will
return with the mythical Flan hero Stormano to free
the March. Others believe that he was assassinated
before the invasion started. Many still wonder what
will happen if he does return. Chief among them is
General Nar, Breka's hand-picked Successor of the

17
 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BLEMU gnomes. These humans were more warlike than the
Flan. However, unlike most of their cousins further
GNOMES south across the Teesar Torrent, these Oeridians were
inclined to meld into the existing social structure.
A Brief History Unfortunately, like before, when the Flan entered into
Gnomes had lived in the Blemu Hills for generations the region, the Rakers' humanoids sensing new and
before the first humans moved into the region. In easier opportunities for plunder, began raiding into
those early years, the gnomes of the Blemu Hills were the Bone March in even greater numbers.
indistinguishable from those of the Flinty Hills. The
Gnomelord of the Blemu Hills even swore fealty to the By the year -60 CY, the gnomes of the Blemu Hills had
king of the Flinty Hills. Despite this bond, the gnomes not paid homage to the Gnomish King in the Flinty
of the Blemu were slightly more militant and solitary Hills for several centuries and had become even more
due to the humanoids roaming the Bone March. militant due to the influx of humans and the
These bands of humanoids were infrequent, but as the corresponding raids of humanoids. Not as stoic as
Flan moved in, the humanoids began increasing their dwarves, the gnomes still traded with their
raids to take advantage of these new opportunities. By neighbours. Some fifty years earlier, they had turned
-1000 CY the raids were commonplace in the spring the three major gnomish cities of the Blemu Hills into
and summertime. These raids forced all in the Bone a fortified underground network known as
March to be more on guard, including the gnomes of Gnomegarde. The construction of this network, with
the Blemu. its hidden entrances, traps, and illusionary magic,
lead to it being selected as a hiding place for the
By – 270 CY, Oeridians begin settling in the Bone hand and eye of Vecna. Besides Bildri Grommet, the
March and even in the Blemu Hills, something that the then Gnomelord of the Blemu Hills, who else made
Flan had not done respecting it as the domain of the this decision is still a mystery?

18
These artifacts of evil would only remain in the care contact with Knurl or any other human settlements like
Bildri until 43 CY, when they were passed on to the the County of Blemu, Spinecastle, or Johnsport. So,
paladin-King, Miro, a small kingdom in what would when the Cursed Invasion of humanoids smashed the
eventually become the Theocracy of the Pale. The March's human inhabitants, none sought out the
reason for their move out of gnomish care is gnomes for help, and the gnomes did not offer any.
uncertain, but the polluting effects they had on the
The gnomes hoped that the humanoids would ignore
community is suspected. To this day, ill tidings for the
them, but they were not so lucky. After gorging
Blemu gnomes are blamed on the vile items housed
themselves on plunder for some time, they turned
there.
their attention to the gnomes. The humanoids
The Great Kingdom remembered the tales of the old days and the gnomes
of the Blemu Hills. These stories had blossomed into
The Bone March had always been a desired territory great tales of the gnomish wealth squirrelled away
by the Herzog of Northern Province, of the Great under their hills, and the humanoids intended to have
Kingdom, and those plans were well underway by the it.
year 108 CY. The border struggles between the
growing settlers from Aerdy in the Bone March and Fortunately, the gnomes had been perfected their
the Barbarians from the north had finally erupted into defences over a millennium of preparation, so when
a full-blown war. The Great Kingdom never tried to the humanoids began their assault, they were ready.
ally with the Gnomelord of the Blemu Hills as they did No humanoid even found any of the true entrances to
not respect the gnomes' sovereignty over the region. Gnomegarde. The humanoids instead assaulted
The Herzog did not seek permission to send Greenrock, a very visible gnomish castle built into the
thousands of his troops marching across gnomish side of a rugged hill. Greenrock does not lead to
lands, angering many. Adding insult to this injury, the Gnomegrade but is instead a false front to throw off
Herzog ordered a small trading post on gnomish soil, those that would seek the real Gnomegrade.
named Knurl, to expand into a city. The battle there raged for several months, and the
Many gnomes wanted to take up arms against these one hundred defenders that were cut off with no
transgressions, but Gnomelord Bildri knew this was chance of escape died to a man. Once the castle fell,
not a war his people would win. Despite their the coffers within the castle were looted, but it was just
overwhelming numbers, humans have a knack for the a pittance left to satisfy whoever attacked the castle.
arcane arts only surpassed by the elves Bildri knew. Fortunately, the ruse worked, and after the sacking of
Instead of fighting, the gnomes withdrew into Greenrock, and not seeing anything else to conquer,
Gnomegarde completely and watched as the humans' the humanoids left.
wars raged around them for five hundred years.
Gnomegarde
In short order, Knurl evolved into a city of wickedness,
The gnomes of the Blemu spend more time below
placing a hostile nation on the Blemu gnome's
ground than most other gnomes because of the large
traditional homeland. Early in the cities history, it was
number of enemies that roam the Bone March. The
the gateway into the Bone March for Aerdy troops, but
burrows of the Blemu gnomes are hidden affairs
after House Kargus took it over, things worsened
blending into nature. These entrances are also hidden
quickly. The humans that lived there became worse
by strong illusionary magic and traps. The outer
than the humanoids that used to frequent the region.
passages leading to the heart of Gnomegarde are
Fortunately, only a handful of incidents transpired
only four feet tall to hamper larger races that might
between the gnomes and Knurl because of the strong
invade. The passages closer to the heart of
illusionary magics.
Gnomegarde grow to heights as high as ten feet.
The Cursed Invasion Initially, what would become Gnomegarde were just
By the time of the Cursed Invasion, the gnomes of the three separate gnome towns that mainly existed above
Blemu Hills had little contact with anyone outside of ground. Each had a minor tunnel system to hide in
their underground complex, Gnomegarde. Always during times of danger. As time passed and more
distrustful of the Flan druids, they had only a passing humans and humanoids came to the March, each of
relationship with them. A few of the Flan that still lived these towns began expanding their tunnel networks.
by the old ways lived in their hills. Still, they had no

19
Eventually, tunnels were dug connecting the three three of them can be found in each of the branches of
towns to aid each other in times of need. Gnomegarde.
With the great kingdom's armies' incursions, the towns Gnomelord Kelfex Grommet: The latest in a
above -ground were demolished and rebuilt long line of Gnomelords of the Blemu Hills, Kelfex
underground. It was also at this time the Greenrock is a wise and cautious ruler. He knows all to well
Castle was built. The connecting tunnels were the precarious position his kingdom is in and that
expanded into underground roads capable of possible enemies surround it. He also realizes that
accommodating two gnomish carts at a time. The he has no allies, not even relying on the Flinty Hills'
gnomes did not just dig out small homes and tunnels gnomes or those of the Loftwood for assistance.
but also large caverns where the towns that had Kelfex is very interested in seeing what becomes of this
existed on the surface were rebuilt. The entire complex new Knurl. He likes what Count Kargus has done
soon became known as Gnomegarde. The original to this point but also knows that human lifespans
towns became known as the north, south, and western are short. Kelfex is curious if an enduring kingdom
branches. of good will take hold or if Knurl will slide back
into their wicked ways after Dunstan passes.
Modern Gnomegarde
The Gnome Champion Kaden Glagullen: The
Modern Gnomegarde practices a strict isolation policy
Chief Knight of the Order of the Glittering Shield,
and has nearly no contact with anyone in the Bone
Kaden, like all of the gnomes of the Blemu, is a
March. The recent events in the city of Knurl have
simple, hardworking gnome. Unlike most gnomes,
drawn their attention, however. They have been
though, Kaden has a knack for fighting. Kaden,
watching intently what this new Count Dunstan Kargus
the son of a gem cutter, still makes jewelry in his
intends to do with his newly won kingdom. To date,
spare time, and his plate armour is adorned in
the emissaries of Count Kargus have met three times
semi-precious stones.
with Gnomelord Kelfex, the grandson of Gnomelord
Baldri. Count Kargus wishes to cement an alliance The High Illusionist Minzarla Nock: Minzarla
with the gnomes, but Gnomelord Kelfex remains is an older gnome full of good cheer and is a
cautious. mother and grandmother to a large family. A
number of her children are also illusionists and
Gnomegarde Military
have followed in her footsteps working for the
The gnomes have no standing military besides the fifty Gnomelords. Minzarla and her children play a big
gnomish knights of the Order of the Glittering Shield, part in defence of Gnomegarde, allowing the
Kelfex's personal guard. They do have a militia made gnomes to take on humanoid bands and hordes
up of all able-bodied gnomes that can fight and much larger than themselves because of their
number around 1,500 in time of war. All the Glittering illusionary magic.
Shield knights are paladins that follow Garl
Her son Kruckabod is the second leading illusionist
Glittergold and are equipped with platemail, shield,
in Gnomegarde and does much of the fieldwork
shortswords, or pickaxe.
now that Minzarla is getting older. Minzarla
In addition to the Knights of the Glittering Shield, maintains many standing illusions around the
Gnomegarde raises giant badgers to help with work Gnomegarde, making periodic trips through the
and mounts. The Knights of the Glittering Shield use hills to revitalizes them.
them when riding into battle. These badgers are
Minzarla and Kelfex have a bit of a relationship
fiercely loyal to their gnomish masters. During a
brewing since both of their significant others have
battle, the badgers are outfitted with a studded leather
passed. Both have been far too busy to finalize
barding.
anything, and both are a little scared to do so for
The Gods Worshipped by the Gnomes fear it might be bad luck. Like most gnomes,
Minzarla is kindhearted and hardworking and
While Garl Glittergold is revered as the head of the would love to expel the Bone March humanoids
gnomish gods, the gnomes of Gnomegarde more permanently.
often call upon Flandal Steelskin and Gelf
Darkhearth. These gods of smithing, combat and
mining better suiting their daily needs. Temples to all

20
 DWARVEN CLANS OF THE RAKER Arglus, and his daughter Balkurn, a warrior prophet
of Clangeddin, are drawn into an ambush and slain
MOUNTAINS with no apparent heir to the throne. In fighting erupts
between the followers of the Brokenstone and the
The Dwarves of the Rakers Blackanvils subclans as rumours once again surface
Dwarves had lived in the Rakers Mountains for of Abbathor worshipers arranging the King's ambush.
generations before humans even walked the Flanaess. Both sides are accusing the other of being in league
Originally the dwarves were of one clan, the Anvil with Abbathor and his followers.
Clan, but a bitter civil war split them into two. Since
then, the Brokenstone Clan has held sway in the
southwest of the range, and the Blackanvil Clan in the
northeast have been bitter rivals. The Brokenstone
Clan was once much larger than it is now and had
fortresses, mines, and outposts throughout the region.
They traded with elves and gnomes and then the
Flan. The Blackanvil Clan was much smaller and
dealt only with merchants along the Ratik coast and
only in the past century.

The Sundering of the Clan

The exact date in which the great Anvil clan moved
into the Rakers is unclear. Still, they were already well
established when the Invoked Destruction (Rain of
Colorless Fire) brought about the destruction of the
last overking of the dwarves in the West of the
Flanaess. Not long after, around CY -400, Lorthun
Blackanvil was crowned the first king of the Anvil
Clan. He quickly begins strengthening his realm and
even reached out to the Flan living in the lands now
known as the Bone March, to establish relations.
CY-367 The first real test of the new dwarven
kingdom came when the ancient white dragon
Shaunoroth began attacking their towns and mines.
Unlike most dragons of his kind, Shaunoroth was a
brilliant white dragon and well versed in the arcane.
The arrival of Shaunoroth was preceded by an army
of giants and humanoids that assaulted the capital of
the Anvil Clan, Garnholm. The dwarves were able to
resist the giant and humanoid assault, but as they Factions within the cities and strongholds of the Rakers
licked their wounds from that battle, Shaunoroth erupt into open civil war as the lesser sub-clans
arrived. In the ensuing fight for Garnhom, King choose sides. While the dwarves fight amongst
Lorthun was killed, and the walls of the great city were themselves, the humanoids assault many above-
destroyed. Driven from their capital, the dwarves rally ground holdings. By the year -149 CY, after much loss
and halt any further conquest by Shaunoroth's army of dwarven lives, the Great Anvil Clan is no more. In
but were unsuccessful in reclaiming Garnholm in its its place are now two new dwarven kingdoms, the
hidden mountain valley. Western Rakers Kingdom of the Brokenstone Clan and
the Eastern Rakers Kingdom of the Blackanvil Clan.
CY -174 The humanoid tribes of the Rakers begin
gathering into larger bands and putting pressure on With the once great Anvil Clan dived, all hope of
the dwarven once again. However, these humanoid winning back the capital from Shaunoroth was
tribes are not lead by Shaunoroth but are a myriad of abandoned. As the dwarves brooded and planned, a
different allied tribes. The current dwarven King new race of humans began entering into the Bone

21
March drawing their attention, the Oeridians. Dwarves, in recent years, have been interested in the
Fortunately, these new arrivals were uninterested in emerging power of Knurl under Count Dunstan
the Rakers. Kargus' rule and will eventually become allies with
him.

The Abbathor Scourge

The worship of Abbathor has long been associated
with the dwarves of the Rakers and the Anvil Clan.
Not considered to be more than a nuisance during the
early history of the Raker dwarves, the Abbathor
worshippers' greed evolved into the dwarves' worst
enemy, far worse than Shaunoroth himself. The first
and best known of the Abbathor devotees of the Anvil
Clan was Karzoc, the younger brother of Lorthun
Blackanvil. Karzoc was jealous of his older brother
and wanted the King of the Raker DWarves for
himself. His greed and jealousy lead him to worship
Abbathor, where he sought to find the power to usurp
his brother.
Karzoc busily spread the worship of Abbathor by
erecting many small temples to the god of greed
erected while actively converting all those he thought
could be swayed. At this time, he had learned of
Shaunoroth, an ancient White Dragon that had
moved into the Rakers. The Drake had come from the
Corusk Mountains seeking a better home from which
to amass his horde.

In 109 CY, the Great Kingdom's generals demanded Karzoc and several other loyal Abbathor worshipers
the use of secret passes through the mountains in and made their way to the Drake's new home in a cave
around Spinecastle. The dwarves of the Blackanvil atop a high peak. The journey was challenging and
Clan refused, much like they had refused to allow the difficult. All of Karzoc's companions perished, save for
Frost Barbarians access to them. This soured what one sole survivor, Kaergor Klawhammer. Shaunoroth
little relationship there was between the two. was impressed by the two dwarves and listened to
Karzoc's proposal. He sought to have his brother
After the battle of Shamblefield, rumours of Abbathor removed as the King of the Rakers with Shaunoroth's
worship among the dwarven nobility surface in both help, and in return, he offered Shaunoroth Garnholm.
clans, the Brokenstone and the Blackanvil Clans, once
more. These rumours further deepening the mistrust In -367 CY Shaunoroth accepted the deal with Karzoc
between the two dwarven nations. Little did either of and led his army against his brother and the forces of
the clan leaders realize that authentic Abbathor Garnholm. Unfortunately, when Karzoc opened the
worshipers within both clans are spreading the stories secret passages to Shaunoroth's minions, he was
to keep the two great clans divided. Over the next 450 discovered and slain. Following Karzoc's death,
years, the dwarves of the Blackanvil clan withdraw Kaergor Klawhammer took up the head of the church
further into their mountain strongholds, having almost of Abbathor. Eventually, the Klawhammer Clan would
no contact with the outside world. Ratik is the only become synonymous with the god of greed and the
nation that they have any actual contact with, and hated foe of both the Blackanvil and Brokenstone
even that is limited. Clans.

The Brokenstone Clan likewise withdraws into their Few were able to escape the destruction of Garnholm.
mountains. Still, unlike the Blackanvil Clan, they stay Still, those who did took the knowledge that Korzac
in contact with the Blemu and Flinty Hills gnomes and had betrayed them. Karzoc and his worship of
some humans from Nyrond. The Brokenstone Abbathor had tainted his family. Still, Lorthun's

22
youngest son, Argus, took the throne, and an uneasy surrounding lands. Some went to hidden fortresses in
peace settled over the Anvil Clan. the mountains. The clan has become feverishly
devoted to usurping the thrones of both the Blackanvil
The fires of suspicion, however, were not allowed to
and Brokenstone Clans. Their new clan, Chieftain,
be extinguished. The Klawhammer Clan, a well-
Kriega, has headway into infiltrating the Brokenstone
respected clan known for their sage advice, continued
Clan as that clan seeks to end their centuries of self-
to sow the seeds of suspicion. They often would play
imposed solitude. To help his clan in this endeavour
up the threat that unknown Abbathor worshippers
he has sought an old ally of his clan, Shaunoroth.
could be around any corner and even be your most
trusted friends. Of course, the Klawhammer Clan was Rulers of the Dwarven Clans of the Rakers
the primary source of the worship of the god of greed
and kept suspicion off themselves with these false High Chief Klagundor: Klagundor has not seen
witch-hunts. the threats to his kingdom dwindle but increase as
the centuries have passed since the dwarven civil
In -174 CY, with another invasion of giants and
war. As the current Chieftan of the Brokenstone
humanoids on their hands, the Klawhammers began
Clan, he has decided that an isolationist way is not
placing false evidence of Abbathor worship in the
the best for his kingdom. Allies need to be found,
homes of those they wished to rid. These were the
and in this day and age, that means allying with
dwarves that they felt could not be bribed or
humans. Klagundor has sent emissaries to Nyrond
blackmailed and stood in the way of the
and to Knurl to see such allegiances are possible.
Klawhammers gaining complete control of all the
These emissaries are doing so secretly as many of
Raker dwarves. This began fracturing the trust
the Brokenstone Clan still feel that being locked
between clans. Then, with tensions high, they
away in their mountain fortress is the best course
arranged for the ambush and murder of Arglus and
of action.
his daughter Balkurn, ending the Anvil Clan lineage.
Leaderless and on edge, it was easy for them to fan Klagundor is a sturdy dwarf and a mighty fighter.
the fires of mistrust into a dwarven civil war. He is blunt to those he does not know but jovial to
his friends and family. His closest advisor is the
In -175 CY, the Klawhammer Clan intended to marry
high priestess of Moradin, Mora.
into both royal lines of the Blackanvil and the
Brokenstone clans and then work behind the scenes to Mora High Priest of Moradin: The high
put one of their own on the throne. Achieving this Priestess of Moradin, Mora is a strong-willed
goal was much harder than they had anticipated. The woman that hates giants and goblins with a
Cursed Invasion of the Bone March, which also passion. She sees them as the main threat to her
included the Rakers, Shifted all focus to fighting an people but is still mindful that the great wyrm
invasion of humanoids. The Klawhammers also Saunoroth still defiles the halls of the Garnholm.
suffered some significant losses during these times as Mora does not trust the humans and is one of the
their clan was on the frontlines. Then, as the war in few among her clan that feels they should make
the Rakers settled down, Emmer Klawhammer was amends with the Blackanvil Clan..
outed as a worshipper of Abbathor. In response,
Axeholm, the ancestral home of the Klawhammer High Chief Omrig: Omrig is an old dwarf who still
Clan, was laid siege to, and all the inhabitants put to remembers the dwarven civil war and is convinced
the axe except for the youngest children who were that the Brokenstone clan is full of Abbathor
split up and put into foster care amongst the other worshipers. Sadly his most trusted advisor, Darghor
dwarven clans. Bonesmith, is secretly a Klawhammer. Darghor has
In 595 CY, the dwarves of the Rakers have not fully been feeding Omrig lies for a century and a half
recovered from the wars and civil war, and yet the and has the old chief paranoid of nearly everyone
Blackanvil and Brokenstone CLans still refuse to try not of the Blackanvil clan.
and settle their differences. One of the reasons for Omrig is crotchety in his old age and is more
their remaining divided, beyond dwarven worried about preparing his daughter, Zenora, to
stubbornness, is that the Klawhammers still sow seeds become the next clan chief once he passes. Chief
of discord. With the sacking of Axeholm, those among Omrig's worries is seeing her married to a
Klawhammers that remained fled the Rakers into the propper husband to carry on the Blackanvil

23
 heritage. Darghor is trying hard to find a dwarf While strong-willed and stubborn, she is also
that he can be sure to manipulate, but Zenora has generous and pleasant to all, including non-
rejected all of the ones he has suggested so far. dwarves. While she sees nothing wrong with
humans, she does not think that they should help
Battlemaiden Zenora Blackanvil: If ever there her clan as it would be a sign of weakness.
was a dwarf that embodied the tales of dwarven
champions of old, it is Zenora. A deadly
combatant and ardent follower of Clangeddin,
Zenora sneaks out of the Blackanvil fortress with
her band of trusted companions to find adventure
and slay her clan's enemies. Her father does not
know of this, as she hides the fact that she does so
from her father.

24
 THE COUNTY OF KNURL, A BRIEF same time, they had organized and paid a small
army of smugglers to ferry goods out of the March
HISTORY without paying taxes. While smuggling operations
continued, the counts and countesses of Knurl
The Early Years of the County retained the contract for overseeing the transfer of
House Kargus have long ruled the County of Knurl in supplies from depots in Edgefield to Knurl and then to
the southwestern corner of the Bone March, a minor all of the Aerdi armed forces in the March. Most of
family from the city of Edgefield, in the Principality of these supplies made it to their destinations, but the
Edgefield, in the North Province of the Great Knurlite foremen in charge of the distribution ensured
Kingdom. An unimportant Family in Edgefield that ten percent of all goods sent north found their
ventured into the Bone March in search of riches and way to the count's smugglers.
to build a reputation for themselves. In 108 CY, they The reputation of the county became well known for
followed the Aerdi army as it marched into what was its wickedness and indulgence. However, the Knight
then a frontier town called Knurl and set up shop as a Protectors in the Bone March could do nothing about
merchant helping to supply the army. The brutality at it as the county-operated under the jurisdiction of the
which House Kargus took over Knurl was appalling, Great Kingdom. Their loyalty to the crown was
but Aerdy looked the other way as they quickly unwavering in matters concerning the Bone March.
became a necessary cog in the supplying of their The Count's and Countesses also raised a sizable
troops. mercenary force, which the Great Kingdom then
As the Bone March became an official territory of the commissioned to aid in defence of the March.
Great Kingdom, Knurl was the first to be recognized
The Cursed Invasion and Countess Salvie
as an official county, and the head of House Kargus
was awarded the title of count for their loyal services. In 563 CY, as the Cursed Invasion of the Bone March
Over the following centuries, the county grew as did was in full swing, Count Thayer was assassinated by
the once frontier town into a small city. The Counts of his then 19-year-old sister, Salvie, who became the
Knurl were faithful servants of the crown, but at the new Countess of Knurl. Salvie did not just kill her
older brother, but she also murdered her elderly
mother and her older sister Lovisa in a family
purge. The children of both Thayer and Lovisa
were not spared, save for Dunstan, the young son
of Lovisa, who was spirited away by a loyal
servant to Nyrond.
Fortunately, The Mercenary army of Knurl was
quite strong and performed exceptionally well.
Still, Salvie feared for the future of her small
kingdom. She reached out once again to those
orc tribes that had taken bribes from the County
in the past. She offered to pay them not to attack
the County and even began recruiting them to
fight for her. In the end, the County was able to
survive the years of invasion, but at a cost. The
County had shrunk considerably, losing most of
its northern lands along the Harp River. The
County was now condensing it into just the
southwest corner of the Bone March.

The Arrival of the Hextorians

During the eventual lull following the invasion
and occupation of the Bone March, Countess
Salvie looked to strengthen her position. She
knew that an attack on Knurl was inevitable once

25
the orcs had consumed all their spoils of war. The amassing a small fortune and becoming known as the
County's coffers were nearly depleted, and the orcs Gallants of Rel Mord, or just the Gallants for short.
she had hired to bolster the County's defences were After years of adventuring, he returned home to visit
getting restless. Needing friends and allies, Salvie sent his family in Rel Mord. That's when the new King of
a letter to the church of Hextor in the Northern Nyrond, Lynwerd, ordered Jisell to reveal to Dunghal
Province and pleaded for them to come forth with his real name and heritage. This revelation was a
force sufficient to save her lands from destruction. At shock to Dunghal, but what was even more of a
that time, priests and clerics of Hextor found surprise was King Lynwerd's promise to support him in
themselves split over Herzog Grenell's current the claiming of his birthright, the County of Knurl.
behaviour. Grenell was recruiting large numbers of After some thought on the subject, he accepted the
orcs and gnolls from amongst the tribes that had offer. The adventurer named Dunghal Maltares had
conquered the Bone March and deploying them along returned to Rel Mord, but left at the head of a small
with the regular army. Chief among the opposition to army as Count Dunstan Kargus.
this was Meldrick Tervil, a cleric of high rank and
The help that the amount Lynwerd supplied to
station. Seeing Countess Salvie's offer as a chance to
Dunstan was not much. He only gave Dunstan one
organize those loyal to him and who opposed
hundred men, most of which he drew from the crowds
Grenell, Meldrick gathered his followers and set out
of Tenha refugees now living in Nyrond. He was given
for Knurl.
a pitifully small war chest and sent on his way.
Soon Knurl found itself flooded with fresh warriors Lynwerd's true intentions behind this course of action
backed by the magics of the Hextorian priests. First, are unknown. Still, most agree that he hoped to sow
they expelled or slaughtered the humanoids that discord within the County and slow the raids from out
Countess Salvie had hired. Next, Meldrick fortified the of the County into Nyrond. Despite the minimal
County, personally overseeing the construction of a assistance from King Lynwerd, Dunstan had potent
series of forts. The County of Knurl was now far more allies; indeed, Dunstan was the leader of the Gallants
secure thanks to the Hextorians, but the Countess of Rel Mord.
began to worry if she had replaced one problem with
Dunstan and his group entered the County under the
another. However, Meldrick and his followers were
guise of a Mercenary troop calling themselves the
easily controlled so long as there was a battle to
Sons of the Red Company. Surprisingly Dunstan found
distract them.
that their story was not questioned at all, and instead,
The Return of Dunstan they were offered employment almost immediately.
Over the next few months, Dunstan and the Gallants
In 563 CY, when Salvie's paid assassins marched saw action fighting against bands of humanoids while
through the royal estates killing her relatives, Jisell
they planned their coup.
Maltares, a servant, scooped up Dunstan and fled the
castle. Unknown to Salvie and everyone else at the The End of Countess Salvie
court, Jisell was a spy planted in Knurl by King
Archbold. Dunstan's name was changed to Dunghal With all the pieces in place, Dunstan sprang his trap.
Maltares and raised by Jisell and her family for future The primary targets were Meldrick and the other
use as a possible pawn to control Knurl. Hextorian priests. An intense battle raged at the
Temple of Hextor in Knurl. Simultaneously, a second
Dunghal, as he was called, showed skill with weapons group, led by Dunstan himself, infiltrated the castle
and soon found himself in the Nyrondese army and and confronted Countess Salvie. The Countess herself
fought for Nyrond against the Great Kingdom, but as was an accomplished wizard, but in the end, the
soon the hostilities were over, he headed off Gallants and their 100 Tenha mercenaries proved
adventuring with a band of friends. The band was a more than either her or Meldrick could withstand. The
mix of friends he had grown up with Rel Mord and his bulk of Knurl's regular troops were unavailable as they
military time. This was quite a surprise to everyone had been drugged through their nightly meal and
and happened so quickly that no one could persuade blissfully slept through the battle. The other mercenary
him not to. Even Jisell, whom he still believed was his companies employed by the Countess had been
mother, could not dissuade him. bribed and promised more coin from the county
Over the next couple of years, Dunghal and his coffers if they did not interfere. Within an hour, both
friends travelled widely throughout the Flanaess, Countess Salvie, along with most of her followers, was

26
dead. Meldrick, narrowly escaping, had fled to informed the Count before Breka's arrival. When they
Spinecatle and joined fellow priests of Hextor in the landed on the banks of the river outside of Knurl, the
service of General Nar, the ruler of that city and castle was prepared. The inhabitants of the city were
fortress. all safely within the walls.
The next few months were tenuous as the new Count Breka laid siege to the castle, but it only lasted a
weeded out those still loyal to the old regime. Several month before Breka was forced to head back to put
minor uprisings needed to be squashed, but Dunstan down a pirate-led rebellion in Johnsport. Johnsport
was able to hold onto Knurl until a company of rebellion was successful, and now the port is a pirate
Nyrond soldiers and allies from the gnomes of the haven. Since then, there have been no further
Flinty and the Blemu hills arrived to help. Over the attempts from Breka and Gorsh to launch an attack
next year, Count Dunstan continued to strengthen his that far west into the March.
position by settling more of the Tenha refugees from
Since these two invasion attempts, the County has
Nyrond and refugees fleeing the increasingly unstable
expanded. Knurl reclaimed all the land along the
new Northern Kingdom. Nyrond, the County of Knurl's
banks of the Harp river up to Harodford. Dunstan has
closest ally, has only provided some weapons in
also expanded eastward along the Teesar Torent to
assistance. Still, the Church of Hieroneous has taken
within 60 miles from Red Falls. There he founded the
an interest in Knurl's success, and several priests have
fortified town of Walton Fort. In addition to Walton
come to the County
Fort and reestablishing Harodford, Dunstan has
The Future of Knurl overseen the creation of two more towns, Nivlek, and
Nlul. Nivlek lies in the lands between the Harp River
While the morale and spirit of the Knurlites are strong, and the northwestern reaches of the Ardi Forest. At the
Count Dunstan's activities have not gone unnoticed. same time, Nlul is another fortified town on the banks
There have been positive responses as with the of the Teesar Torrent, just northeast of the confluence
dwarves of the Raker Mountains. They have come of the Harp and Teesar Torrent rivers.
down out of their fortresses into the March for the first
time in nearly a hundred years to make contact with
the new nation. The Gnomes of both the Flinty and
Blemu hills quickly allied with them, and the ties with
them are strong, but not all that have noted Count
Dunstan rise to power wish the County well.
Two separate invasions of sizable amounts have been
launched against Knurl since Dunstan took power. The
first was a probe from the Forces of General Nar of
Spinecastle and his Vile Rune tribe orcs. A thousand
orcs attacked Knurl from the north but were repulsed
by the combined forces of Knurl and the gnomes of
the Blemu Hills. The orcs did not intend the attack to
succeed but to gauge the new Count's abilities. The
response was enough to give General Nar concern
and mark the County for a future invasion, but not
until he could handle the orcs of Johnsport and the
Gnolls of the Loftwood.
The second attack launched against Knurl was led by
none other than the Eye of Gruumsh, Breka, himself.
The puppet of a high priest of Gruumsh Gorsh
commanded Breka to attack with members from his
Bloody tusk and Death Moon tribes of orcs. They
sailed down the Teesar Torrent, intent on surprising
the defenders by beaching their ships just outside the
city and overwhelming it. Fortunately, Thistlehand,
druid of the Two Rivers Clan, learned of this and

27
While trade with the Northern Kingdom has opened,
Dunstan is fully aware that Overking Grenell still
covets his lands. And despite his initial victories, Count
Dunstan knows that whichever wins between the
warring orcs in the east, they will eventually turn their
attention toward Knurl again. As a result, Dunstan has
been welcoming settlers to his lands and recruiting
adventures to help him tame the wildlands of his
kingdom.

28
 THE CITY OF KNURL, A BRIEF with the outside of their mountainous home. The
Dwarves brought precious stones, metals, and ore for
HISTORY trade. The influence these dwarves had on the
prehistoric inhabitants of the settlement is still evident
Early History today in some of the oldest buildings in the city itself
Like most other locations in the Bone March and are repurposed dwarven buildings from that time.
locations throughout the old Great Kingdom, the Only a handful of these buildings stand, but
location of what would become the city of Knurl foundation walls and long-buried ruins are still
began as a Flan settlement. The actual founding of unearthed today as the city grows.
the first settlement is unknown, but those few scholars
that have researched the ancient history of the Bone The settlement waned as the Kingdom of Ahlissa in
March place it around -1,000 CY. Originally the the South did, and the number of merchants travelling
settlement that sprung up was a trading post where to what would become Knurl dried up as well.
the Flan of the March would bring goods to trade with Eventually, by -400 CY, the settlement had shrunk to a
other Flan, most notably those merchants from the fraction of its original size, with only a small clan of
ancient city of Ahlissa. The original name of the Two River tribesmen remaining. And thus, the
settlement is lost to history. Still, the Flan tribe that community remained until -229 CY as the first of the
lived in the area was called the Two Rivers tribe, which Oeridians began to wander northwards. Unlike in the
also influenced the name of the Clan of Refugees that South, where Oeridians often violently conquered the
took up a similar nomadic lifestyle after that the lands of the Flan, in the Bone March, the Oeridians
Cursed Invasion. would not come in mass until later. This steady, albeit
small, number of Oeridians moved into the land and
This settlement was one of the first locations where the began mixing with the population. In 46 CY when the
dwarves of the Rakers Mountains regularly interacted Oeridians finally began moving into the Bone March

29
in large numbers, the peoples of the Bone March had of Knurl. This made the Herzog happy, as he knew
been intermingling and were no longer a pure Flan how to deal with a royal family, even if it was just a
stronghold. minor one, better than the independently spirited
natives of the March.
46 CY marks the year that the Great Kingdom
officially began encouraging and organizing the Knurl changed drastically over the next ten years and
region's settlement in preparation for the total swelled in size. More permanent structures were
annexation of the land into the Northern Province. 46 created, such as Knurl keep and the stone walls that
CY is also the year that the once trading post of Two replaced the old wooden palisade. Knurl was
Rivers officially became a Settlement supported by the transformed into a smaller version of life in the larger
Kingdom of Aerdy. cities to the South. Taxes became common, and
industry regulated, all of which were skimmed by the
In 46 CY, Selwyn Knurl, a frontierswoman of renown,
Kargus family before being sent south to their lord the
was tasked with setting up a town that could act as a
Herzog.
staging ground for settlers moving into the region.
Having been to the Bone March several times, Selwyn Knurl blossomed in those years despite the tightening
knew of Two Rivers and picked it as the location for of regulations. Those seeking their fortunes flooded
this town. This marked the beginning of Aerdian total into the city, most of which stayed and never ventured
commitment to claiming the highland region, then far into March. Even those who did eventually moved
simply known as the March. back to find more predictable work within a city. At its
height, Knurl had just over four thousand inhabitants.
By 51 CY what had been Two Rivers was now Knurl's
Town, named after Selwyn Knurl. Selwyn herself had As the grip of House Kargus' control tightened,
by then died fighting giants in the Rakers, but her Overking Erhart bequeathed Knurl and a large part of
influence on the town's first formidable years was still the land to House Kargus, creating the County of
felt. Selwyn had laid down strict laws for Knurl, Knurl. The move was a counter to help keep the
making it a safe place for all the region's peoples to Herzog from the Northern Province from claiming all
come and trade. In those early years, this also the land of the March for himself. This, of course,
included many barbarians from the North, barbarians soured relations between Knurl and the Herzog's of
that would soon become a hated foe of the Bone the Northern Province.
March. Still, in those days, they were simply traders
For the next four centuries, Knurl's counts and
from the North.
countesses became known as loyal supporters of the
The famed Warden's of the March also find their throne and as greedy and downright vile rulers.
origins at this time. As smaller settlements were Regular trade through Knurl slowed with peace in the
popping up across the Bone March and those older region to a fraction of what it had been, so they
towns like Spinepass, which would become regularly recruited, outfitted and trained raiders and
Spinecastle, needed protection. Selwyn Knurl sought bandits. At one time, two-thirds of all the bandits and
permission to form an order of wandering wardens raiders, human and humanoid, in Bone March were
from the Herzog of the Northern Province that had in league with Knurl's rulers. This infuriated many, but
jurisdiction over the expansion into the March, and it the Overking cared little as Knurl never missed a tax
was granted. The headquarters of the Wardens of the shipment, and all of the county's taxes were always
March was built and remained in Knurl for several paid in full.
centuries afterward.
The City Post 563 CY
The Coming of House Kargus
The city of Knurl survived the cursed invasion because
The coming of hostilities with the northern barbarians of one simple reason: it was already a wicked and evil
in 108 CY brought a large influx of soldiers into the place. Fortunately, the rulers of Knurl had a history of
land, and accompanying them were the members of working with humanoids, and this reputation served
house Kargus. A minor royal house from Edgefield, them well. They were able to bribe away some
the Kagus family, was looking to grow their family's invaders preventing them from being overrun.
wealth and prestige and set their sights on the growth Because of this, the City of Knurl was never sacked,
prospects in the March. With powerful friends back in and little of its heartland saw prolonged
North Province, the Kargus family quickly took control engagements.

30
Being under the rule of wicked rulers for such a long Meldrick fled to Spinecastle after Dunstan claimed the
time, the ordinary people of the county tend to keep throne.
to themselves, preferring not to draw attention.
Knurl currently has open and good relations with
However, after Dunstan assumed the throne, he
Nyrond, Ratik, and the Theocracy of the Pale.
welcomed many Tenha refugees living in Nyrond since
However, the latter is more of a nonaggression pact.
the loss of their kingdom into the county. This influx of
Knurl has no official position towards The North
people has changed the traditional dower mood that
Kingdom, but it is well known that neither side cares
had existed into a more positive and friendly one.
for one another.
Despite this renaissance of positive attitude and
morals, Knurl still has a large portion of worshipers of
Hexter, a holdover from Meldrick and Countess Salvie.
Dunstan allows his subjects to worship any gods. Still,
there is currently no organized temple of Hexter in
Knurl. The Temple of Hexter remains empty since

31
32
 WITHIN THE WALLED CITY The streets of Knurl are generally well-kept and clean,
allowing soldiers to move to any part of the city
Knurl is a large walled city atop a 50-foot bluff quickly. Even in the north end, where conditions are
overlooking the convergence of the Harp River and less than pristine, the roads are still in good repair.
Teesar Torrent. To the north rise the Blemu Hills that The city has several sewers that run in a honeycomb
eventually give way to the No-Man’s-Land that is the pattern beneath the city, which empties into the Harp
Bone March. River by its sloped tunnels. The sewer entrances over
the Harp are 20 feet above the river proper and have
The city is bristleing with soldiers who stage frequent a thick steel grill to prevent entry; the sewer workers
raids into the hills and bordering areas of the March check these exits often to ensure that no one had
to eradicate bandits and monsters that harass the folk damaged the entrances, making the sewers relatively
of Knurl. free from large monsters. The sewers underneath the
Knurl is a thriving city with a population of 13,500. Keep and the Garrisons are also similarly blocked,
However, beneath the surface is a feeling of ensuring that entry into those sewers can only come
desperation as its citizens struggle to defend their way from inside the military buildings above.
of life from constant attacks by the armies to the north Knurl has an impressive defensive location. The bluff
that refuses to give up claiming the whole of the Bone provides both a defence and grants a fantastic view of
March. Their beacon of hope lies in Count Dunstan, a the Blemu Hills. In many cases, the rise is so steep as
loved and respected leader. They see his intuitive to be effectively impassable to foot troops or cavalry.
strikes and counterattacks against their enemies as Also, a 30-foot high stone wall surrounds the length
inspired, the mark of a brilliant tactician, or just plain of the city), and at 30 feet thick, it can easily support
old luck. Wherever the people in the city encounter the large numbers of soldiers and resist bombardment.
Count’s retainers and advisors, cries of “Heironeous Every three hundred feet or so, a 40-ft wide, 50-foot
bless the Count!” follow. tall stone tower provides a platform for a ballista and
Architecture has supplies of bolts and other wartime material.
Feyas, a paladin of Hieroneous, heads up a knightly
While many of the official buildings were constructed
order called the Knights of March Hall. Dunstan
in the Aerdi style of long, low buildings with ornate
founded the order after securing the county.
columns and marble facades, most buildings in Knurl
Generally, half of the order is here at any one time,
show the apparent influence of Tehna and Ratik styles.
and those not in the city are likely in one of the
Most houses are constructed in a half-timbered style,
county’s four other towns or one of the numerous
with the ground floor built with stone walls and the
villages dispensing the Count’s justice. There are
upper layers with wood or plaster stucco, with
currently two dozen knights of the order, and they are
distinctive arched roofs. Most roofs and timber
stationed in one of the larger Towers of the fortified
supports are painted black in the prevailing northern
section of the walled city.
style, though lower-class homes are left unpainted.
The further north in Knurl one goes, the more likely Important Locations
the buildings are made solely from wood or even
wattle-and-daub. As befits a city in constant danger of 1. The Keep: The Keep is a stout fortress and built
siege, most buildings have narrow windows, all the atop an old dwarven foundation. While not as
better to shoot out of while not exposing oneself. impressive as the fortifications of Spinecastle, or
Wealthier homes feature glazed glass windows with Johnstown, the Keep of Knurl is incredibly sturdy
decorative wrought-iron frames. More inferior and defendable. With freshwater pipped in from
buildings have to suffice with waterproofed canvas or the Harp river, the Keep itself could withstand an
hide flaps or have shutters to keep out the elements. extremely long siege. The walls of the Keep are
The intense urbanization of Knurl is primarily due to also enchanted to help withstand magical assaults.
the influx of refugees from the Northern part of the At least, that explains the slight magical aura that
March. Middle and upper-class citizens still plant comes from the stones and mortar used in its
gardens in their small yards, mostly to grow construction.
vegetables to support their diets, sometimes to grow
2. Courtyard: Once ringed by statues of the former
trees for shade and comfort. The desire for a bit of
counts and countess of Knurl, the empty pedestals
greenery prompted the city to build a large park in the
now circle it. The Courtyard is where all essential
southeastern corner. The slums of Knurl have little
public functions are conducted.
greenery, although many keep a few chickens or even
a pig or cow in their yards for food.

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3. City Square: The City Square is the local market. part of the Great Kingdom – focuses less on the
It is open year-round, and the local farmers bring subjects of arcane experimentation and alchemy
in their produce to sell every week. Once every and more on subjects of history, letters, philosophy,
three months, the market is host to a large fair that etiquette and the science of business and politics.
brings in citizens from farther afield to sell and As a result, the university caters to the sons and
trade. It is not uncommon to see members of daughters of the nobility and wealthy merchants.
nomad clans from the March in Knurl for these Recently, however, Count Dunstan has funded the
festivals. creation of a new program to train engineers and
architects to improve Knurl’s defences and possibly
4. City Guard Garrison: The Garrison fort was give him an edge in the fight against the northern
built after the Count’s Keep and was intended to humanoids.
house the Count initially, but after several deadly The current Headmaster of the Academy is Alconar
accidents during its construction, many believed it Dremenn, a graduate of the Collegium Arcanum.
was cursed, and the Count never moved in. About Though genuinely interested in the development of
half of Knurl’s two hundred standing militia, the the Academy, he resents Count Dunstan’s
Guardsmen, also acts as the city guard. Nearly introduction of a new engineering curriculum as a
half are stationed here, with the remainder living debasement of the liberal arts curriculum that the
within the city. Academy has focused on for nearly a century.
5. Temple of Hieroneous: The first temple 9. Merchant’s Guild: The Merchant’s Guild hall is
erected in Knurl was dedicated to Hieroneous. a large, tall building made entirely of stone bricks
Dunstan worships Hieroneous, and his friend and featured an ornate rose window above the
Feyas is a paladin of Hieroneous and currently acts north entrance depicting a lantern in stained glass,
as the temple’s head priest. Dunstan is presently revealing the building’s past as a temple, though
searching for a priest to take over the church to no one is sure to which deity the temple was
free up Feyas for other duties more suiting to her originally dedicated. The guildhall features offices
martial skills. and meeting halls, several workshops devoted to
numerous crafts, and a small lodging inn for
6. The Last Inn of the March: The oldest Inn in
lower-ranking members. The current guildmaster is
the town and has seen ten different counts come
Tylos Anderskald, a young man with dirty blonde
and go over that time. The Last Inn of the March is
hair and a wiry build that took over the guild after
currently owned and operated by Karlin Gall.
the previous guildmaster, Nodwork Collum, passed
Karlin is a shady fellow that keeps the Inn open by
away suddenly sickness. Like many of the
offering the cheapest beer and food in town, and it
lamplighters, Tylos was taken in by a kindly master,
shows in the quality. Karlin Bought the Inn off the
saving him from the rough-and-tumble of the
last owner that was getting on in years and has
Silver Street slums. Tylos is willing to hire
turned it into the place where shady deals can be
adventurers to retrieve items throughout the Bone
made. Being that it is next to the Temple of
March, which merchants could sell in Knurl and
Hieroneous, the Guardsmen keep a close eye over
might require an armed escort.
it. Karlin is a survivalist and willing to do whatever
he needs to ensure it. 10. Miner’s Guild: Tarbold Hammerstone is a
Brokenstone dwarf and proud of it. Tarbold was
7. The Hawk and the Dove Tavern: The Hawk
hired to run and organize the miners that are the
and Dove has become a favourite place for the
lifeblood of Knurl’s economy and doubles as the
mercenaries and adventurers that make their way
Brokenstone emissary to Knurl. Tarbold hires
to Knurl to relax and unwind. The Hawk and Dove
adventures on the regular to head up into the
is also the favourite place for rural peoples that
Rackers to take care of problems and escort ore
come to the market or are in the town for business.
shipments to and from the Harodford. Tarbold
The largest of the Inns and Taverns in Knurl, the
knows who Morgan is but will not say and refuses
H&D, is three stories. It is owned by Flower
to be in the same room with her or speak with her.
Emberstrike, granddaughter of Elvean Emberstrike,
Tarbold, however, will not talk of it regardless of
a renowned bandit that used to be a thorn in the
what is promised to him.
side of counts and countesses of Knurl. Elvean is a
local folk hero, much like Robin Hood. 11. Morgan’s Blacksmith: One of Dunstan’s
prized servants is Morgan, a female dwarf
8. The Knurl Academy: Founded in CY 503 by
blacksmith of legendary skill. Morgan is not her
Royal Charter – back when the Bone March was

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 real name, which she never gives out. She is from The Rose District is also home to a tailor named
and how she ended up here is a mystery, but it is Stanton. Stanton is an older gentleman and has
widely assumed she is an outcast from the lived in Knurl his whole life and remembers
Brokenstone clan. She has let it be known that she Countess Salvie. He is a wicked man at heart but
comes from a long line of smiths that forged plays the part of snivelling toady well. If Stanton
weapons for dwarven and human kings alike. thought that he could bring back Salvie and the
Despite her secrets, Morgan is jovial and cheerful
old ways when he was better respected (at least in
to all, unless they criticize her craftsmanship or are
his mind), then he would. Stanton often talks about
a dwarf. Morgan will be polite to dwarves but
never engages in a personal conversation with the old days with reverence, but he never talks
them. poorly of Dunstan. Stanton is a spy for Kesic and
his band of mercenary bandits.
12. Temple of Pelor: After taking the throne,
Next to the City Guard Garrison is Warden’s Hall.
Dunstan moved the head priest of Zilchus to a
much smaller building outside the city walls and The tradition of Wardens of the March had been
levelled the temple to erect a new temple to wiped out during the cursed invasion. However, the
Hieroneous its place. Despite this, the god Pelor stories of their great deeds persisted, and one of
still has a strong following in the north. The Dunstan’s first acts as the new Count was to
decision to build the temple was for political reopen the Warden’s Hall and reinstate the order.
reasons, to appease those worshipers of the god in Many descendants of the once great organization
the north. The addition of Dirwyn, a priest of Pelor still could be found in the March, and Dunstan’s
and his acolytes, the temple has become a shining friend Harga was one such man. Their Hall is
beacon for Pelor in the north. sturdy but plain, and much like the Knights of the
March, there is at least half a dozen to a dozen
Locations within the Districts
Warden’s found in the Hall at any one time.
Knurl is organized into several “districts”, which are Warden’s tend not to stay long, and they come and
informal neighbourhood boundaries rather than go frequently. Harga himself is rarely in Knurl.
official political divisions. Although there is a city
council composing of various Knurl nobles and B. The Academy District: Stretching along the
wealthy merchants, these positions are not tied directly eastern wall between the Garrison and the docks
to anyone part of the city. Furthermore, many of lies the center of learning and research of Knurl –
Knurl’s citizens grumble that these positions are the Academy District. The Academy grounds are
virtually hereditary. Still, the various regions of Knurl open and well-manicured, making the campus a
are called Districts by the locals, which is often place of both study and greenery.
confusing to foreigners. In total, there are six districts,
The Academy sports several buildings such as the
each with its distinct character.
Administration, the Librarium and the Halls of
A. The Rose District: Located deep within the Contemplation and Learning, all constructed with
a marble façade in the traditional Aerdi style to
South Western end of the city, Count Dunstan has
give the impression of age, culture and wisdom.
had the foresight to keep this area mostly clean
Most of the buildings are squat and study, but the
and relatively free of crime to create a good
Librarium is several stories tall. All the school
impression on visitors. This district is quiet, upper-
buildings feature ornate columns for support and
class, and wealthy. It is home to the nobility and
décor.
the wealthy of the city. There are a few taverns and
inns, yet their patrons keep to themselves for the The Academy grounds are surrounded by
most part. numerous student residences and literary services
such as bookstores, writing supply shops, libraries
The Emerald Tavern, located in this district, is the
and scribes. One of the more notable stores is
closest thing that Knurl has to real luxury. Tabitha
Mightier than the Sword, a shop that specializes in
Quarten is the original owner’s Daughter and
providing scribal services and sells magical and
prides herself on obtaining the best that she can
divine scrolls. The inhabitants of the District are
and has regular shipments delivered via the Ore
young, except for the academic staff, and most
caravan’s luxury items. Dignitaries and Merchants
dress well. As in so many other wealthy
that want the best that Knurl has to offer stay here.
neighbourhoods, the poor and shabby are

35
 discouraged from lingering on the university’s an honest man, and along with his family, are
well-landscaped grounds. During the evenings, natives who are loyal to the new Count.
students and staff alike often congregate near the
ring and the edge of the District to visit the many E. The Thorn District: Sitting in the heart of the city,
inns and feasthalls that cater to students; the Hawk the Thorn District is home to the poorest of the
and Dove is a particular favourite. poor. The reason for this level of poverty is evident
upon entry to the District. This neighbourhood
C. The Anchor District: Sitting on the convergence looks like any other poor district, though one notes
of the Harp River and the Teesar Torrent, Knurl has a high proportion of workshops. It is the stench
a fair amount of boat traffic, but mainly in the that sets it apart. Here are collected the city’s most
form of ships docking to drop off goods. This odiferous businesses, such as tanning, dyeing, and
District is home to the Knurl Docks, which are on certain alchemical practices, downwind of more
the eastern Teesar side of the city. The docks can affluent neighbourhoods. Nobody comes to this
handle about ten average-sized merchant District without specific business, and most who are
riverboats to be moored there at any one time. A not accustomed to the smell linger as short a time
small shack with a detachment of four Guardsmen as possible.
are on duty here round the clock. The Guardsmen
Some of the notable businesses here include
are usually on the prowl for pirates from
Dyrewind Tannery, owned and operated by Kivan
Johnsport, who are a usual thorn in their side.
the Blind, a former woodsman blinded since birth
Within this District, you’ll find the Fishmongers. who, in his old age, came to the city to settle
While it is true that the Fishmongers do sell fish, it down. Nearby you’ll find Yelld’s Candleworks,
is also an open-air flea market where those who which renders the fat of animals into candles, soap
wish to sell goods can do so. Every morning one of and similar products. Yelld’s Candleworks is
the City Attendants opens the market at five in the owned by Jans Yelld, a portly gnome with a
morning and collects coins from everyone wishing ridiculous curled black beard and moustache.
a table. They pay one silver and are then are
Across from Dyrewind Tannery is Hobbson’s
assigned a table. The queue for the table begins
Leathers. Knurl is one of the few places in the
forming around four in the morning for those who
Flanaess where half-orcs are treated like regular
wish to ensure that they get one.
citizens, which takes many newcomers surprised.
D. The Gold District: This District lies in the Due to the Cursed Invasion, there is a sizable half-
northeastern corner of the city. Mainly home to orc population. Half-orcs can be found in some of
shops and small residences, this District is the the nomad tribes. Hobbson and his family (His
Guildhall district and home to the Merchant’s wife Tilly is human) have lived in Knurl for
Guild. The shops here include various small generations.
manufacturers specializing in household goods Zandrel’s Alchemy is here as well. Zandrel, an
such as lanterns, cutlery, lamps, rope and the like. artificer and alchemist by trade, is another run
Harvin’s Pottery deserves special mention. Harvin away from the North Kingdom that ventured to
himself is not a potter but a former mercenary with Knurl to escape the fascist state. Zandrel is a
one arm and a bunch of kids. Bea, his wife, has worshiper of Hieroneous, and when he heard of
raised 15 children, 10 of which work at the Pottery, the temple opening there and of Dunstan’s
the youngest being only nine years old. Four of his reforming of the county, he hurried to the town.
sons and daughters serve in the town’s militia, the Once there, he opened his shop and has been a
Guardsmen, and one, Kara, is a Warden. Harvin pillar of the community ever since. Zandrel is not
and Bea are worshipers of the old faith and are an imposing man but has strong morals and
mostly Flan. convictions.

On the edge of this District is The Willow Inn, There are locations of a less than savoury nature in
which Hans Bertram and his family run. Their this part of Knurl. The Thieves Guild is said to
patrons consist of the merchants visiting Knurl. It is reside somewhere here, though the guards have
a simple affair with a few rooms for rent. Hans is yet to find them. Walking through this District at
night can sometimes be quite dangerous. Also of
note is The Rose and the Thorn Brothel. Madam

36
 Bliss is another one of Dunstan’s friends from his
adventuring days. Countess Deora, Dunstan’s wife,
is not fond of her for obvious reasons. Dunstan
brought Bliss to Knurl to open and run what he
knew would keep many of the mercenaries he
would need to employ happy, a brothel and
gambling house. The place is well run, clean, and
well-guarded by Knurl’s guardsmen. A cut of the
profit lines the county’s coffers.

F. The Storehouse District: This part of the city

contains a big vaulted building guarded by city
Guardsmen around the clock. Sergeant Brag, a
half-orc, oversees the detail here and takes it very
seriously. Brag is not the brightest, but he is fiercely
loyal to Dunstan. The vaulted building stores the
ore before being shipped out, usually to Nyrond
through the flinty hills. Additionally, a series of
storehouses are available for leasing in this
District. The presence of the city Guardsmen
makes this an ideal location for wealthy residents
and merchants to store goods. It is also home to
the local stables.
Located in this District is Greymist Weaponsmith &
Armorers. Lloyd and Liza Greymist are half-elf
entrepreneurs, ex-adventurers, and weapons
dealers. They are famous among many circles, not
all of which are good. The Greymists came to
Knurl to distance themselves and their enemies
and the protection that Dunstan, a long-time
customer, promised them.
One of the few Halflings in Knurl is Quinn and his
family. A master craftsman whose shop is in this
District, Quinn and his family make excellent bows.
Their short bows and light crossbows are of such
exceptional quality they can give a non-magical
+1 to the weapon for five times the standard cost.
Their longbows are of such excellent quality that
even some elves admire the craftsmanship, but
they have no unique properties. Quinn makes no
secret that he has no love for his extended family
and moved to Knurl to distance himself from that
reputation.

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