This is a compilation of in-game knowledge that any character coming to this region could easily pick up by talking to local farmers or patrons in a local tavern.

The region consists of a portion of the Zockreiss Mountains and the lands between the mountain range and the ocean. The mountain range runs roughly from North to South. On the northern end the range curves to the northeast and ends at the Wüst, a desert wasteland. The western edge of the mountains forms the eastern boundary of the Arianna Plains. Several huge river systems start in these mountains and flow down into the ocean. There are lush forests, as well as a little swampland.

The first modern settlement by civilized people is Port Aldwin, formerly known as Port Anfänge. This is a coastal town sitting on the mouth of the Papperfloss River. It used to be the site of a native fishing village, but that tribe was wiped out by another. The town is currently occupied by the Imperial Army and is little more than a ruined remnant of its former self.

There are several forts along the Papperfloss heading up into the mountains. Each is about one day's travel upstream (by boat) from the previous one. Travel downstream and by land is generally much faster than that, though. Heading upstream from Port Aldwin, Fort Skittish is the first fort is at the edge of the Todesboden Swamp and had become a major trading post for fur pelts, herbs, and such. It has since been occupied by the Army as well.

In the middle of the swamp itself is Fort Sanctuary. It was intended as little more than a wooden shack, a way-station for cargo heading upstream that can't make it all the way through the swamp at night. It is now the southernmost outpost of the rebel forces.

At the far side of the swamp is Fort Papper. It is a minor trading post and is manned constantly. The team that keeps Fort Sanctuary supplied and repaired is based here. The Healing Heart still maintains a minor presence here, using it as a spot to supply the missionaries spreading word of the Heartstone to the natives in the area.

Falls Fort sits at the top of the waterfall farther up the Papperfloss River. Its original responsibility was to insure that cargo makes it safely up and down the waterfall. It is now a well staffed bastion to prevent Imperial incursion.

Handelberg is the mountain end of the trade route, near the headwaters of the Papperfloss River. Ore and manufactured goods once traveled from here down river to Port Aldwin. Food and goods from the other colonies as well as Koth were brought up from Port Aldwin into the mountains through Handelberg. There are some privately owned labs here and a forge. There are plans for a walled town, complete with a barracks and guild facilities. With resources going so heavily to the war effort, this may not happen for some time.

The valley which Handelberg sits in is filled with small farms and mines. Many of them are currently teaming with refugees from the war.

There are currently no maps available of this land.

The forests are populated primarily by native barbarian tribes. Little is known about the tribes. What we do know is that they name themselves based on totemic animals, and that they often fight among themselves. So far contact has been made with the following tribes: Coyote, Raven, Bear, Eagle, Orca and Puma. Rumor has it that the Puma tribe has allied itself with the Empire. The rest, if not actively allied with the rebels, are at least friendly toward the rebellion cause at this time.

Lizardmen are known to inhabit the swamp. They are generally peaceful and known to love nature.

The goblinoid races are very prolific, so it is no surprise that there are goblins, orcs, orgres and such about as well. They seem mostly unorganized and merely harass the new colony, however there have been several groups lately claiming to be from the Black Tower.

Dwarves live in the mountains - a great many of them. Publicly headed by Hagan Stonekrag, they have wholeheartedly joined the rebellion and are the primary rebel military force in the region.

Major Aldwin's family has claimed these lands since it was granted to them around 100 years ago. The Major's Grandfather performed a deed of great heroism for the Empire and was granted part of the coastline and lands of the new colonies. The family never had the money or the initiative to do anything with these lands...until now. With the help of Hagan Stonekrag, the lands were developed as a trading colony and were quite profitable. When the rebellion started, William threw his lot in with the Dwarves, knowing full well that there was little for him in Koth compared to what these lands offered, be it wealth, prestige, or a legacy for his children.

Major Aldwin operates his part of the rebel forces from a tunnel somewhere in the colony. His Purple and Gold have become the colors worn by all rebel forces in the area, collectively known as the Free Army of Messena.

Hagan is an Urthen Dwarf from deep in the Zockreiss mountains. He started out years ago as an apprentice in the Miners Guild. His successes in finding excellent strikes and in recruiting other competent miners brought him up through the ranks quite quickly. Based on the wealth of the mining strikes, he convinced Baron Aldwin to fund the development of these lands into a full trade route. Hagan's primary goal was to develop the trail to the mountains and to establish a guild holding in the area. Having accomplished this, he was promoted to the rank of Margrave, a civilian rank with much responsibility. Further success promoted him to Governor, giving him much more responsibility for the budding colony.

Hagan was present at the trial of Gawain and had been busy behind the scenes fomenting rebellion prior to that fateful date. When Gawain broke free and declared the rebellion, Hagan aided in the fight to free Dupree and Gawain from Koth’s tyranny. He now leads the rebel forces in (the former colony of) Messena, based in the Zockreiss mountains near Handelberg. He wears the Blue and Red colors that he claims belong to the Urthen King, whom he serves.

Captain Karelia was a knight who governed Port Aldwin on behalf of Baron Aldwin. It is rumored that she is still at her liege’s side.

Patriarch Antonius is in charge of the House of the Healing Heart within the entire Colony of Messena. Not much is yet known yet about this human man, except that he seems to care very much for the welfare of the people of Messena, enough so that he wears the green and white sash denoting alignment with the rebellion. He and his crew handed over the Heart in Port Aldwin to Imperial forces when the port was lost. He is now working to improve the Heart’s presence in Handelberg.

White Feather is a member of the Order of the White Heart, an order of pacifist healers within the House of the Healing Heart. She has come to this area to help spread the word of the Healing Heart and the Heartstone to the local natives. Since the tribes are all barbaric in nature, it was felt that her background, being from a nomadic tribe herself, would make it easier to relate to the local natives.

This lovely dwarven maiden is the first person among the native inhabitants of this area to achieve membership in the Order of the White Heart. She was of great assistance to the adventurers who cleared the trade route into the mountains, and has been seen often in Handelburg since it was established.

Sir Ilea is the ranking member of the Royal Order of the Sun in the entire Colony of Messena. The Royal Order of the Sun is an order within the House of the Healing Heart which is charged with the protection of healers and the Heartstone. She apparently prefers to be called "Sir" rather than "Dame" as there are no gender distinctions in the language of her Ikonesti people. She also wears the green and white of the rebellion.

Telir was Sir Ilea's Squire. He chose to remain in Port Aldwin and align with the Empire, and is therefore wearing the black and gold sash.

A Kelnor dwarf from a local settlement, Ardith is a master at the art of making weapons, as well as a master Miner. She is fond of dwarven ale, but that's usually not a problem as she can fight even when blinded, and she insists that includes being blind drunk. Ardith is often seen in Handelburg, usually with plenty of ore for sale (first pick goes to Miners Guild members, of course).

Ardith is currently Hagan’s right hand woman for taking care of issues within Handelberg while Hagan concentrates on the rebel movement.

Ceridwin hasn’t been seen much since the start of the war.

Master Starfire is the ranking member of the Imperial Mages Guild within the colony. It seems quite obvious that she is hoping her efforts here will lead to her promotion to Guildmistress. She has a very business-like demeanor, and prefers to have here facts reported briefly and pointedly. She does not have much tolerance for idiots, buffoons, and anyone else who she sees as a waste of time. It is assumed that she plays a large part in the Empire’s efforts in Messena. Her current location is unknown.

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