The Wonderful World of Mystara

Glantrian/Darokinian Map sections

As  the  Broken Lands 1-mile-hex-map-eastern-half and the Western halves(yes Halves!!.. both and before Meteor Impact) , reaches its final end, the border regions of Other nations covered in this map have to have their details displayed too

As thus here a list of the sections covered by the map. Each Link will give information and the map accompanying it, and maybe some additional links.

Glantri

Free Province of Nyra

http://6inchnails.deviantart.com/art/free-province-of-Nyra-Glantri-642816199
Trintan
With updated map
http://6inchnails.deviantart.com/art/Trintan-Updated-619703492

Erewan, Principality of Glantri

http://6inchnails.deviantart.com/art/Erewan-1-mile-hexes-615327627

Erendyl as created by Micky

Belcadiz, Principality of Glantri

http://6inchnails.deviantart.com/art/Southern-Belcadiz-615326620
Most of the country is displayed, except the most norther part, which fell just beyond the border of the Broken Lands 1 mile map.

De Glace, Free Province of Glantri
Hightower, Principality of Glantri

http://6inchnails.deviantart.com/art/De-Glace-and-High-Tower-1-mile-hex-615326279

Wylon

http://6inchnails.deviantart.com/art/Wylon-616164744

Blackhill

http://6inchnails.deviantart.com/art/Blackhill-aka-New-Blackhill-615327321

Darokin

Ardelphia

http://6inchnails.deviantart.com/art/Ardelphia-to-Corunglain-617249882

Ardelphia city

The Following to this will be added later but aren't finished yet. So keep an eye open!!

Soth-Kabree

Nathrat

Ritternour

Satolas

Eastern section of Caurenze and the region between Caurenze and Blackhill

1 Mile Hex map

Eastern Half of the Broken Lands

This map is based on the canon maps of the Broken Lands of Mystara. 

But enhanced by the Geomorphological history of the Broken Lands

AND...

all canon and fanon information I could compile about the region.

Compiled and written

By Robin D.(Thats me ;) )

With the help of;

Gecko

Micky

Agathokles

Geoff Gander/Seer of Yogh

Sturm

John Calvin

Thorfinn Tait

And some others on “The Piazza”

And Information on “Pandius”

For more information,  read; 

The Piazza; 1mile Hex mapping

As their seems to be some problems in displaying this map on my deviantart page where I normally post my maps, this is my first attempt posting it in my Blog

This is the map of the Eastern half of the Broken Lands. 

Both of the Western half of the map will follow (Before and after Meteor impact)...

This Eastern half works for both periods as there were nogreat changes here within this timeframe.

Some minor tweaking of the map may be added, but these will be mentioned here.

without further ado here the map itself

4880 x 5600 = 17.7 MB
05-11-2016 The map has been slightly updated, there was an altitude flaw on the borders of the former Erewan Lake in the free province if Nyra and some tags weren't placed. (NW corner of map).
For those who already downloaded it only the new version is now here.

For best result download link here; Broken Lands 1 mile Hex Download

The Wonderful World of Mystara

A Manuscript about the Natural Magical World of Mystara

Chapter 6

Venturing in the Black Hills

As penned down by Separim Longstrider

Darokin Province of Inlashar 1014 AC, 3rd Yarthmont

After several confusing transcripts, it is my blessed turn to tell the fortuitous readers of our splendid exploration of the wilderness areas of the Known World.

This night we heard the vague story of the hero Ugleton. The name does not provide any more hints, and actually we did not need to know. All we could be certain was to be aware in the lands in front of us. The Emyn Mon or Black Hills as the Humans call this area. Actually a series of hills and pushed up ground, eroded by time and weather, with several layers of volcanic ash from the Twin Volcanoes in between. The ground is very fertile, but the combination of Pine trees and volcanic ash discoloured the waters here. It is due this disturbing fact we call this area The Emyn Mon or Black Hills. Several springs find their origin here converging in the Celon Morgulduin or Blackwater River. Further to the North East there are Nen Morgulduin, which further downstream becomes Wente Morgulduin, and the Bambra Brook. All these streams eventually merge with the Blackwater River entering the Canolbarth. But even here we can see the devastating effects what the foul Shadow Elves have done to our beloved Canolbarth. With their evil magic they changed the trees, stopped the magic, and with that changed the weather patterns. In all our horror, we see the forest slowly dying, and the hills becoming dryer as less precipitation falls. The Black Hills suffer the same, but seem to attract some rain due the static energies from the Twin Volcanoes…every eruption is followed by a local rain it seems. This instantly spreads the fertile ash, and keeps the area from drying out. Yet even here the reduction in precipitation can be seen…The tops of the pines show more brown twigs and dead branches, and more dead trees can be found within these woods.

Who knows what the future will bring, can this area survive on its own? Will the Canolbarth be saved?

Who knows…I do not. And though the pain in my soul burns brightly of this vile Shadow Elven act, I have to continue, explore the world.

Back to the Night. The stars were brightly in the clear evening sky, and while my guard duty entered I saw the various star signs. (DM's Here is more on Mystara Astrology)

Today the Fenumëlaewcari or the Hydra was best visible. One could even see the slim belt of Rocks where once Damocles was. Like the last year many small falling stars lit up the sky, their traces all from the same origin. Then some of the stars were blocked as something large flew over. The size of it deemed it to be a Dragon. That is something new. As far as we Elves know there does not live a dragon in this area, maybe it came here due the changes in the environment…again more evil brought in by those vile Shadow elves. The dark shadow went north…our direction. I decide not to inform the others, it is not their best to become anxious and change their course. We must learn more about this area, and although many elves accompanied the few caravans traversing this alternate route to Ethengar (instead going through the Broken Lands infested with Humanoids), our exact knowledge is limited. If we truly intend to re-conquer Our Canolbarth we must learn to know the current areas around it in the best detail. The dragon, or whatever it was is no more visible. The sky betrays a clear day tomorrow. 4 hours have passed, My guard duty is over, the Hin Straddle Leafboots takes over.

Darokin Province of Inlashar 1014 AC, 4th Yarthmont

A coldwater shower, refreshed my aching muscles, and removed the dirt of the day before. I must be prepared to moments where I can’t clean myself. A dwarf does not seem to wash itself, the Hin does not care if it does or not, and the human does do so only in the human locales. My delicate nose is not used to the stench of all that sweat. Luckily we follow water thus far, and the streams go in our direction. A breakfast from the friendly farmers prepares us for the day. Berries and Salad…they still do know how to treat an elf, even though we aren’t their neighbours anymore. The others think they are carnivores and mistreat their bellies with bacon, beans and eggs. Another hour of informative discussion passes with Gaston and the Farmers…to learn what can be expected.

Then we finally leave “At Eylial”. After about three miles we use a ford to cross the Blackwater River, and arrive on the safer Eastern side. Here the train continues through the Pine forest

The trail also goes here towards a similar barn conglomeration as last night, this one is named Komkommer, and like “At Eylial” on the other side of the river is an old ruin of a former village of the Inlashar named Artil. Though we did see several centaurs from a distance gleaning upon us, we made no real encounters. Their muscular bodies soon disappeared again between the pines.

A single abandoned farm reveals the strenuous feeling in the area. It may be due the humanoids, the volcano or the recent skirmishes, or even the change of the region. It is a pity to see all change. And though we Elves love change, this kind we do not respect as part of Nature. In the early afternoon we arrived at Komkommer. Indeed a farmer settlement, somewhat larger than “At Eylial” with 6 or seven farms. And importantly, not a palisade is used here, but Thorn bushes and slanted pikes as defence. There are several farms, mostly beans and cabbage, and some sheep and cattle. The ruins of Artil on the other side bear a Humanoid flag; Kobolds, apparently they control the other side of the river. But no kobolds can be seen, and from the local Farmers we hear, that they indeed take not much interest in this section of the wood. There are however several Kobold settlements to the west; Camp Cold Water, Camp Waarp Camp Papyrus and even two Kobold villages Koltes and Kolera.

The reason according to the farmers is the areas with larger and darker pines, known as the Whispering trees, more they could (or would) not say. Now that is something I am curious at…would Treants life in the area, or is it something else. It does not seem to be Treants, as the nature is not as abundant as normally when they have settled and control the forest, but maybe they are a recent addition to the region.

After some communication between the farmers we decided to continue our voyage, trying to reach the Hamlet of Estobrun somewhere just after or before Nightfall. Salechaam bought a pig with a broken leg, grinning from ear to ear, the brute probably intents to kill, prepare and devour it later.

Soon the few farms we leave behind, the trail continuous in a region known to the Locals as Maghyar Orzag. A name originating from the Old Inlashar era, when this section was the last province to be abandoned by the Inlashar so long ago.

In the late afternoon, while following the trail up in the hills, going slowly but clearly higher (The magic altimeter of Gaston gives an altitude of 1490’above sea level) we are halted by a small group of Centaurs. Their leader comes forth while at least seven other Centaurs have encircled us, and bow ready. “Who are you, and why do you go here” he speaks in Elvish first and repeats in Thyatian. “Sepawim?” Gaston beckons me. I dismount from the wagon, and step forward, my weapons still at my belt and shoulder. I see the wonderful muscular body of the leader if front of me, his chest a sixpack chest above a lower musled V, and a face, faintly elfish in appearance with dark brown hair maned over its neck and back to where his horse section begins. His warm and astounding beautiful face looks stringent and tenacious. 

His beautiful face…Breaking from my beginning fantasies…I hesitatingly respond in Elvish; “I ..eh…I am Separim Longstride. We are travellers, explorers of the world to say, and follow this trail to the Ethengar Khanates.” “So you do NOT desire to quest or battle in this region?” “No, we do not desire to do battle, other than to defend ourselves, and though we are interested in the area, its population, and vegetation, we have no real goal here other than to learn” “Then, trusting the words of an honourable Elf, Separim Longstride, I Pernicus, Troop leader of the Adanrohir allow you to continue. But beware, we do keep an eye out to all who pass. We do not want to have war here, or vile craves for magic items.” “I only, honourably can tell you Proud Pernicus, that we are not interested in these.” With that sentence Pernicus raised his right arm, the centaurs regrouped behind him; “I wish you well on your exploration Separim and companions. If you are true in your words you will find no hinder from us or the humans living here, but be aware the region has its own dangers, you must learn by yourself.” With these words he turned and with several long strides I saw his muscular back, partially covered by the glistening dark-brown hair and mane disappears. His strong behind bore a similar dark brown tail, but had a large scar on the right cheek…”Come on Separim…stop dreaming”…, Salechaam teasingly spurred me back to reality “…we are waiting for you”

Without a word I climbed back on the wagon, stroked the dogs face gently, looked up into Salechaams face, and although I desired to verbally lunge out to this emotionless dwarf, I turned, took the reins from Gaston and continued our voyage…without a word.     But what a beautiful Centaur specimen Pernicus is…brrr.

The trail continues through the woods, the strong scent of the pines is relaxing. Birds sing and some deer burl further away. Their mating season has started. While in this long section, the creeks parted away from us, they come now nearer again, the more Northeast we go. Then another scent, burning wood reveals we are near a settlement. And indeed in the last rays of the Sun we see a small settlement, protected by a palisade wall and thorned hills around the farms; The Hamlet of Estobrun. Again we are welcomed, the humans here rarely receive visitors, as the alternative trail, is not used as much as it could be. Straddle explains that if we explore this region, this might change. The farmers are content, and so are we. It is a night to remember, Straddle is as interesting to the young maidens as if he is a diamond, I have company of a friendly human (similarly appearing as Pernicus..ahem), even the Dwarf has found joy in a small female, and nobody seems to sleep alone,…except Gaston we discover the next morning.

Earlier chapters;
Prelude, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3,Chapter 4,Chapter 5
Chapter 6Interlude;
Geomorphological History of the Broken Lands 1
Geomorphological History of the Broken Lands 2

Following Chapters;

The Wonderful World of Mystara

A Manuscript about the Natural Magical World of Mystara

Chapter 5

Still in the Hills of Inlashar.

As penned down by Salechaam.

Darokin Province of Calair 1014 AC, 2nd Yarthmont
After my ordeal in Tolann, It was decided I had to stay in the wagon, so I could heal the faster, while we did not need to stop. As thus we continued iur journey.
But it was not the smooth ride we had on the Corunglain -Fort Nell Road and Trail. Oh, yes we had some smooth sections, over the ruined Urudtai road...or what remained of it. As in between these sections, the road was so bumby, I almost fel out of my bed. I felt the pain still soaring within my heart, but I almost forgot it due the bumbs on my head, elbow and back. Sometimes we stopped, and as I peaked out of the Window I saw Gaston together with the others investigating the old Inlashar ruins. Even from this distance I could see there was not much left of the original structure. Time, battles, erosion and plunder had clearly taken its toll, and it was barely noticeable what the purpose of the building must have had. As we passed the last ruin,(The remnants of somekind of Fortress in the clasp of the valley walls.) I could look back over the Barrowfields we had circumvented. A location of History and adventure, I had heard, I dared not to question where our adventure would bring us.
Finally we passed the last Amon Sûl and entered the earthen trail to the northwest.
To the right was the Blackwater River, with its darkened color rapidly flowed Southeast into faraway Canolbarth. Maybe those friggin Shadow Elves would drown in it...nah..they may be fools, but aren't stupid.
Straddle was the first to notice Centaurs on the otherside of the river and tried to make contact, but the stubborn creatures did not respond. And as we passed, so did they. They were armed to the teeth, for some reason we were unaware of....yet.

At night we reached a location of farms called conveniently "At Eylial", which were a set of ruins on the other side of the river. The connecting bridge no longer did exist, and no ford was in sight. The Blackwater River was wide, deep and fast. Maybe lucky, as even when we approached we could see the fires of small burning encampment next to it. We could see bodies and even some wounded, but the distance was to great to even recognize race. 

The farmers were notified of our arrival by message pigeon from Fort Nell, and graciously accepted in their midst.

We paid them not with money, but with some tools they needed (which Separim had stocked on top of the wagon). It was simple, a clear farmers life. The settlement was actually a collection of 3 or even four farms, and could in the future maybe become a small village. Lord Bodong Harrisford, a retired Darokin sergeant, welcomed us. "Greeting Explorers. Be welcome here. You can stall your wagon near the that large storehouse., and your horses could graze in the field next to it. My name is Lord Bodong Harrisfield, Lord Bodong for friends" We all acquainted. The night was good, the food, though simple beans vegetables and some rabbit, was wholesome and welcoming. 

"What is happening on the othewside of the Blackwatew Wivew?" Gaston questioned "At the Ruins?""Yes?""That is a strange story..."Lord Bodong responded. "You maybe aware that this region has its own legendary history?. Now, Eylial belongs to that history like the curl in a pigs tail. Eylial was one of the few real villages of the Inlashar, just like Artil...you'll probable will see several miles further on the trail. It all has to do with the changing politics in the Broken Lands. Some Shadow Elves claim they have conquered their ancestral Holy Land. Probably as important to them as the Canolbarth of Alfheim, so not much good can come from this".  I responded; "Yes we know, we the Dwarves found a secret city of Humanoids on some floating Island in a lake of magma. We had almost defeated the humanoids there when we were secretly and deviously attacked in the back by cowardly Shadow Elves. In the name of Rafiel this,..in the Name of Rafiel that...Long story short we had to retreat." we all took some sips of our beverages, before Lord Bodong reacted; "Yes, a misery retreat. Not a war of treu warriors. Separim was silent like a mouse on the morning table, but had its pointy ears rightup. As Alfheim Elf, they did not like the Shadow Elves either.

"As being originally Ethengerian, the Inlashar had great knowledge of horses, and great skill too. Within this skill, their mages created magical items for the ride. One of these set of items belong to a Great Warrior Ugleton. The humanoids say he was Orcish in origin, the Ethengar say he was Human, but bicker which tribe, the Shadowelves even claim he was one of their kind, while the Darokinians claim he was only a wel experienced half-orc". "Why all these contwadicting opinions?" Gaston inquired. "That was for his items. And it is these the Humanoids quest for, to kill the Shadow Elves, the Shadow Elves want to prevent this, and acquire the items for themselves, and then use against all races in their way of conquest. The Centaurs, just happen to live un the region, and did not like the search and combat on their lands. They attacked the humanoid encampments, and killed several Shadow Elves too. As long as we stay on this side of the river we will not be attacked by them, but they keep a keen eye open just in case. As you can see, they succeeded to remove the threat for the moment.
We are unaware of what the items might be. The rumours run wildly between Horshoes of Flight or shoes of speed, or a Saddle conveying Dragon abilities. I myself think it is jus a magical barding, an piece of armor just for horses, possibly enchanted to give a high protection, and maybe even a magical attack or two. Not something thus special, they all fight and die for at least." "Then, is it safe fow us to twavel fuwthew?" "As long as you stay on this side of theBlackwater River, but to reach komkommer, you must pass the ford a few miles further upriver, and there you must be very, aware. Like Eylial here,  Artil there suddenly has peeked the "treasure hunter's " interest."
After this interesting piece of information, and a few pints of local ale, we went to sleep.In the silent night, far away, the howl of several wolves broke the silence, and nearby a hoot of an owl. I cfolded my beart in my shirt, and closed my eyes
Maybe tomorrow, I would be able to be active again...my heart pulses, a soft numbing pain follows...maybe the day after,

Adventure Idea;

The Legend of Ugleton. is as described above. He was indeed a Half-Orc Ethengar/Inlashar warrior. He had battled the Knights in the North, the mages in the west, dread spirits on the Mountain, and horned fighters in the East. When he finally went south, into Inlashar, his fame and cunning had preceded him. The Elves took no chances, and used some missiles treated with some rare plantjuices. The wound he surely would survive, but the contra effects, would grow within him, fester, and weaken this fighter. Until at the end Ugleton was to weak to defend himself against a Grizzlybear. Nothing other than his left leg was retrieved and several Inlashar Villages Claim they buried it, together with the remains of his trusted horse and equipment. 
The Equipment was a set of Horshoes of Speed ( effectively doubling the creatures running speed for 8 hours, but functioning only once a three days. With a Word of Recall charged within (rechargeable at the arriving point by local Shamani) bringing the horse and all it bears directly to Xantha Ethengar. The Armor of Ugleton was a simple chainmail of +2, with a single spell reflect once a day. The Barding of the horse, however, was able to create 3 Magic missiles each 5 rounds, on the bearer's commands. Simple, but mighty items indeed, but not worth the hunt and the losses for either race. Some adventurers might however be willing to take a chance, but keep in mind, they must fight through violent Orcs, Gnolls, Ogres, and Hobgoblins, wanting the items themselves. trying to stay alive against the Evil young Shadow Elf followers of Atzanteotl (these belong to the groups fighting in Aengmor, and with great discontent in the Canolbarth affair and Rafiel's promises.). And llast but not least the Centaurs who actually only want to defend their lands from any invasions. Their leader Barthulli, would however really welcome the items if they exist. He would dislike the word of Recall efffect, but as a last act, it might be worth the risk to stay alive. If he would done the Armor, Barding and shoes, the Centaurs would surely have a chance to hold their dominion on this location.
This is a great socio-political adventure a DM could handle.Advised Level 9 to 25. With several High level Shadow Elves, Humanoids and Centaurs (use Gazetteer 10, Orcs of Thar, Gazeteer 11 Shadow Elves, and PC1 Tall Tales of Wee folk to create worthy opponnts. What would the characters do; The humanoids trule need the items to ward of the Shadow Elves desiring to chase them away from the Broken Lands, The shadow Elves, do not really need it, but want to have the items to keep them from others using it, and maybe use them later against their enemies, TheCentaurs like to form their own dominion, and the adventurers may be greedy themselves.
Have fun


Earlier chapters;
Prelude, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3,Chapter 4
Interlude;
Geomorphological History of the Broken Lands 1
Geomorphological History of the Broken Lands 2
Following Chapters;
Chapter 5Chapter 6

Monster Manual update

It took a while but finally here are the next chapters of the Mystara Monster Manual compilation 


The child of a family member is changed what did happen?

Your wife stiched a small pair of socks and a little hat, since then the house is no more Neat and Cosy...What happened?

Within the woods a large feathered owl walks towards you. You raise you holy symbol and weapons to brace for an attack. Yet the creature just beckons you inn his lair. What is happening, and why?

The section of the woods turned brim and dark, spider webbing is everywhere, yet no creatures can be seen. What threat awaits you?

A farmer caught a leprachaun, but did not have a shovel to dig up its treasure. He bound a red ribbon on the thistle above it, yet never got the treasure, what happened?

You always see more than the normal person with your left eye. You see small creatures wandering and flying about. Fearful you do not let them know that you see them. What is your ability, and why should you keep it a secret.

A mushroom ring lies on that one bare clean spot in the forest. You sleep there. Then why is everything different when you venture further?

While you walk through the woods. The hair of your group changed color, the sexy warrior grew a moustache, the mage had an incurable itch, the cleric extremely fat and large arms, and you have to walk upside down to prevent dizziness. What did happen?

You have encoutered Crystal Statues before. But how were they created?

This gargoyle you met, was way too large for a normal Gargoyle. What was it?

That creature which opened the door of your host, was made up out of several body parts. What is it?

Within Sabre River you encountered weird creatures with a strange group-like behavior and a sword instead of arm. What is it, and how do you battle it?

A large Bubble floats towards you. Is it Harmful, alive, or...?

In Norwold you hear of the works of Gargantua. What creatures could you expect, if trying to meet this fellow.

In alphatia a two-headed Troll is sighted, could there be more monstrosities?

How do you make a Statue?

What are the weaknesses and strength of an Acid Golem?

Which creatures were actually created by mortals as biological constructs?

Now you can find out.
MYSTARA MONSTER MANUAL COMPILATION

The chapters Fairykin and Constructs are out!!
and the First chapters have been updated.

Enjoy!!

Voyage of the Discovery.

Between Episodes.

This episode the continuation of the lesson earlier this year 1014 AC followed By Gaston vander Klil, where he met Salechaam the Dwarf. Gaston relates this into this diary as completing the information he later explains.

Geomorphological History of the Broken Lands 1

Geomorfological History of the Broken Lands 2

As told by Mergrath the Dwarf Druid (actually Earth-Elementalist). Penned down by Professor vander Klil who was present at this interesting lecture.

The noise in the cave was overwhelmed by rumbling chitter-chatter of the dwarves attending the class. There were more dwarves than the day before, so Gaston assumed Mergrath struck some sense into these stubborn dwarves. It was as if the dwarf to his side read his mind, and his bright seemed to dance with fire, when he reacted; "Lots o'Dwarves indeed, more than day before, indeed, interesting..indeed, but why a common mage shows interest I do not understand". Gaston responded; "Not so common as you might think..."while handing him a gourd of Dwarven mitaq .."A sip in friendship and learning, perhaps?". That was something the dwarf could not resist, it was not often that a mage understood the taste and joy of mitac, let alone offering some. "Mitaq, nice...Salechaam is the name" "Nice to meet you Salechaam, my name is Gaston vandew Klil, and I am hewe to leawn, how ouw wowld functions"."www??" "eh..yes, you point to my speech impediment", and lifted his upper lip, revealing several teeth missing, "...an "accident" so to say, I might explain mowe latew undew a meal, maybe a job offewing?" "Ya know how to charm a dwarf Gaston, that date is set, I might be interested in da job...depending on da pay of course."

The stone stage started to move and changed shape. All the dwarves went silent. Large stony arms seemed to lift themselves from the stone, and took on a humanoid shape. Then the shape shrunk, and Mergrath appeared, dusty and sandy as always. "Good day to you all. I see, my class has grown in attention a bit. Imagining you all here are interested how the Broken Lands came to be, and eager to hear more, I will continue where I left yesterday."

We reached the period after 1269 BC.

1269 BC- 1190 BC

As explained the Volcano known today as Thanos Breath in the Collossus Mountains exhumed lots of ash and noxious, gases. Some of these came rolling down faster than a dragon on Haste spells could fly. Some came low, others came higher. There was no escape. We all know the dangers of the underground, hence you dwarves made the invention of coalmasks to purify air, or use the Ylari airspores from their rare desert plants.(note1), but it is clear why the Old inhabitants of both Glantri and Ethengar named it after the Immortal of Death.

Geo Fase 11       1269 -  1190 BC

Meanwhile Lake Erewan had become that large that the pressure of it caused water to penetrate through the many cracks, and valleys in the Broken  Lands. The waters had earlier already reached the current Red Orclands, but slowly and steadily breached through to the south. Small amounts reached the pits of Trollhattan, flooded it and emptied it on a seasonal basis, until lower holes were large enough to prevent the area from drowning...more about this later.

The Great Grondheim Lake still grew, but at a slower rate. The pine forests around it now dead, the trees started to fall, and slowly return to nature. Early Ethengarians took great risks in plundering large amounts of would, like the Humanoids did too, for the area was still very toxic. 

The Hakomon (an very dirty and stinking Ethengarian version of Magicusers) had earlier discovered several locations that had great affect upon magic, or even enabled creatures from other Realms entering the Prime Plane here on Mystara. These magical locations were somehow connected to the World Mountain and the 1700 BC incident, and it is presumed that the large explosion drew an other Plane/Realm closer to the Prime Plane, where borders were breached. Some say it is the Plane we will all finally meet; Limbo, the Spirit Realm, where all our souls will go in search of our promised afterlife. A few of these locations are in the direct neighbourhood of Lake Grondheim, and it was here where Hakomon first discovered the magical powers. Some of these Hakomon even say these locations hold connections with the earth itself and shed powers through it. I don't know if you've ever seen or smelled these dirty mages, their magic may be somewhat similar to normal mages, but their knowledge seems awry, as their magic also decreases their body and mind somehow.. It can be though that the pollution due the volcanoes has created a mineral basis, where plants and nature reacts upon. Otherwise. It could also be that these magic locations were already in existence before the disaster and merely awakened, and thus part of the biological structure of our Megalith. If this is the truth, than these locations may hold interesting magics of a diverse nature.

The global temperature on the continent of Brun still raised, the last glaciers continued to meld, their waters flowing down, eroding the caved in Mountain between the Broken Lands and the Collossus Mountains. This can be seen to this day in the valley of Satolas in Glantri where the moraines and erosion of the old glacier can still be found.

As Lake Erewan slowly emptied, the fertile ground from the volcanoes and erosion came forth and caused a great growth of grasses in the region. The Red Orclands however were covered with a thick layer of clay-like debris on the bottom of the lake there.

The Western Mountains stopped raising in height, and it is now that Faenare found a place to settle in the region...the problem is we do not know where.

As the Volcano on the Gnollistan Plateaux stopped, and the magma hardened and crystallized, the first large caves below (re)opened, as the magma took other paths down again, thus enabling the Humanoids to spread into these new areas. 
The pressure from below still continued, as another magma chamber in the east slowly expanded. 
The Rock of Oenkmar pressed upwards centuries earlier, is still stuck into the grasp of its Old volcanic shaft upon the Gnollistan Plateaux that keeps going upwards, inch by inch decade by decade. Upon the Rock of Oenkmar the humanoids grew a whole culture. And it may even have been their best period in their damned history. Other races and cultures came there to trade, amongst us dwarves. These early dwarves, discovered the secret of making this sandy crystal into glass, and with that discovery, we made great great profits. 

1190 - 800 BC

The pine forests north of Lake Grondheim, perished, fell down. Large areas are now covered by logs and roots of dead pine trees. Even in the hills the damage can be seen, but near creeks some trees succeed in eking out a chance of survival.

Geo Fase 12       1190 - 800 BC

As the water rises, the areas at the northern edge turn into a swampy region, between the many logs. The large amount of vegetable matter and the chemical base of Lake Grondheim, make this a growing unfriendly region.

The magic location of the Dol Anur River (named Hosjann in 550 BC) animates lots of immaterial Undead, which start to wander around. Soon Hakomon come, study the area and succeed in more or less seasonally  halting this vile effect.

The Vesubian river finally succeeds in breaking through the Broken Lands. The sandstone mountains between the Red Orclands and the Vesubian collapse, and become broken Lands, the waters continue south, and with great power pushing and flushing all the debris slowly or violently into Darokin, creating the Northern plains. This thick layer of clay, sand and even rocks is very fertile due the bacterial growth it underwent in the Red Orc Lake, and the Chemical depositions of all volcanoes in the region.

Lake Erewan rapidly empties, giving the humans and elves there a fertile valley.

As the Gnollistan Plateaux and the Black Mountain have risen considerably in the last ages, wind is blocked enabling a calmer and moist area south of the Black Mountain. The Black hills are thus populated. 

The acid lake North of the Twin volcanoes, slowly diminishes, but its vile vigor still poisons Lake Grondheim.

The region around Red Orc Lake is populated by Hobgoblins and Goblins, named Gobbleton. Even they seem to thrive upon the commerce Oenkmar gives.  
The Rock of Oenkmar still stuck within the old volcanic shaft, has become a location to explore. The temples and buildings from the Elves and the earlier older Azcan civilization harboured much knowledge and secrets, and the humanoids were willing to learn. It is in these years the magical powers of the humanoids rose to their current levels. Were they earlier only able to use a few primitive spells, now spells of true magic became available; Fireballs and similar...the humanoids became a power to take caution off.  It is in this period several humanoid heroes became Immortal, they say themselves. Whatever, their influence upon the region became strong and permanent.
DM Info; Here a map of the region envisioning the size of The Oenkmar Empire 1000 BC

800 BC - 500 BC

Geo Fase 13    800 BC

This is the time in which there seems to be a continuous growth. Not only the humanoids, but most cultures and nations expand, in territory, number of inhabitants, and social structures like commerce, war, magic, architecture and agriculture.  The wasting disease from the Blackmoor era slowly fades into a memory, leaving scars and marks behind. Whole nations have perished, moved or changed due this disease, and it greatly affected the life on Mystara.

Underground the magma further recedes, renoving the pressure on the Western half of the Broken Lands. The Eastern half however still continues to rise, due the increasing pressure of the lower Eastern Magma chamber. Especially the Gnollistan Plateaux seems to be affected by this. The Magma permeates through the solidifying rock of the upper chamber, but there seems still no connection....up to 500 BC.

The Plateaux is now populated by Humanoids and several "guest" races, amongst other Dwarves and Horon followers; refugees of a culture that came from the region South of Rockhome... Not much is left of this nation or culture, other than several large structures clearly build with dwarven technology, stonework and masonry. Whatever happened with this culture is completely unknown, no scriptures are found, and even the older living races have no knowledge of that culture. Even the refugees near Oenkmar seem to have dissapeared suddenly. It is as if the immortals want us to forget that culture for a reason, an obscure one, but still. What we do know is that the Empire of Oenkmar and the forgotten culture traded and made war upon eachother.

What remains of this culture are the Gnolls. Way to stupid and violent to being able to be that forgotten race, so they must have been tools of war or slavery. These wicked creatures rapidly affected the region, and settled on the Plateaux of Gnollistan. Many others of them spread over the Continent spreading war and havoc. They are known to have invaded Karameikos, the Shires, and are now even found in the Sind desert.

Other great changes to the region are the arrival of the Elves, the alteration of weather patterns and the creation of the Canolbarth Forest. This greatly affected the amounts of rain, and thus erosion by flooding water. One great example is the Black Hills, originally dry, and uninteresting, now many small creeks and brooks cobble down, feeding a new river; The Black Water River. The Twin Volcanoes deposits over the centuries and the pines that continuously expand upon the hills in this area produce chemicals that color the water dark. Hence the name.

One group of Elves disbanded, and settled north of the Broken Lands, and it is them that named Lake Erewan for the first time..the name of their clan. They merge with the Belcadiz elves who already live there, but are not really accepted in the Pre-glantrian culture, as they disdain themselves from human behavior. The Belcadiz Elves did adapt, much earlier and are more accepted.  Forests are created/planted by these elves and they alter the course of the Red and Vesubian Rivers to their liking with the use of Dams. A technique, the humans on the Streel Plain used to protect them from the seasonal flooding of the Vesubian Riiver.

As the toxicity of Lake Grondheim slowly diminishes, the locals come in and start plundering the wood. Structures are built, fires are lit, and even tools and medicines are created. Some Glantrians in Bramyara use the remains to turn into compost, but must chip the wood down first.

Darokin starts its great rise of agricultural region. The sediments washed down the Broken Lands are rich in metals and minerals and in effect triple or even quadruple normal yields of harvest.

500 BC - 190 BC

Geo Fase 14   500 BC

Underground still a lot happens, the Western caves, give further room as more magma recedes, and water erosion from Trollhattan on the surface creeps in. The magma channels that go down, become slowly smaller in diameter, but the speed goes up.
This effect is caused by the enlarging of the eastern lower magma chamber, which slowly melts away the lower remains of the surface cells that once were here. In this large geological process, an enormous amount of pressure continues to grow.
The western magma chamber continued to go back down, creating a powerful flow down in the central magma chamber sections. The Eastern lower Magma chamber caused so much pressure, it literally pushed up the central magma chamber, which thus melted the plug underneath the old smaller magma chamber underneath the Plateaux of Gnollistan. As the magma went up, it melted the sand. As the current of the magma was going up AND down , the shaft of the old volcano melted and widened. 

The last view of Sinking Oenkmar  in the wide shaft of Lower Gnollistan. The smoke hides the size and details of the city.

And with the sinking of crystaline sand, the release of upward pressure on the Rock of Oenkmar, it followed down, but instead like before settling on the ground of the smaller upper magma chamber, it slid into the now widened shaft leading further down. The Rock of Oenkmar, impervious of heat, created in a volcano, floated on the Magma, trapping the humanoids on it. This was the end of the Humanoids golden era, the end of the age of Oenkmar.The upper smaller magma chamber slowly cooled down again, and the magma again hardened and crystalized into a fine sand. This sand can still be found in the Lower Gnollistancaves,...which actually are the smaller upper magma chamber, but now empty. Fresh air continues to come from above through the shaft of the old volcano. Only a few tunnels and housings in this upper sections of the shaft where Oenkmar was for so long remain its glory. As the number of survivors which were NOT on the Rock of Oenkmar were low, and humanoids have a short lifespan, and even shorter memory-span, Oenkmar was soon forgotten. The survivors on the Rock, however, did not forget. Entrapped upon a large floating rock on boiling magma they had from now on a very hard time to survive. The city proved to be selfreliant in the upcoming years, but sometimes at great costs. The sinking of the Oenkmar Rock, the dissapearance of the Lost Nation, and the arrival of the Alfheim Elves and creation of the Canolbarth Forest caused the Oenkmar empire to shrink and eventually dissapear (DM info; Oenkmar 500 BC).

The Red Orcland Lake is now almost fully washed down, or evaporated, leaving behind a vast desert of muck, that dries, hardens and breaks. It is now called by the few humans who ventured here; "The cracked earth"

The erosion of the rocky islands that existed in this former lake, leave behind small plateaus with a rocky top. These are up to this day used by the Red Orcs for various reasons. 

One area doesn't dry up, a large pit of mud, replenished by  the few small creeks that still exist in the region. There were valuable ores and metals in the mud. Natoka, a brave Orc warrior  ventured here  with a small army and battled the many mudmen (Note 2) that had staked out a mere existence here. He succeeded, and the mudmen were defeated, but the muddy pit became his grave. Up to this date the area is named after his demise by the Red Orcs. 

Mudmen still exist in the region, but they are either enslaved or eradicated. A way of torturing death to these rare and strange earthlike creatures, is sending them into the dry and barren plain, viewing them to crackle, stiffen and breaking apart. Enslaved mudmen are threatened with death, and forced to do manual simple labor uner threat of fire. However as these creatures are neither strong or smart, they are mostly only used for covering areas with mud (for housing for example).

Like Stone Giants, Rockmen, Geonids, and Ghaleb-Duhr the Mudmen belong to the few creatures without a carbon-based but a silicon-based biological structure, as such they are also ovipareous. 
Warning; Do not confuse Mudmen with Mudgolems, Mudmen are smaller, strange, but natural reproducing creatures, and seem to have some intelligence, while mudgolems are larger, and much, much more dangerous magical creations which follow preprogrammed commands in a limited frame of understanding (we can't call that intelligence).
As mudmen strike fear into most creatures not understanding their biological physique and behavior, Red Orcs sometimes emulate these creatures with clay-masks and a mud dirt covering upon their skins. These are often part of their rituals, or parties.

Then there is another great and important change. The Streel, Dol-Anur and Krandai Rivers empty themselves into Lake Grondheim together with a multitude of creeks, brooks and goblets. Yet from somewhere comes a river that suddenly appeared, and according to the few merchants with at least a spark of geological understanding able to return to the known world, and it flows UPHILL!!!.
"This mystery will soon be solved, as I introduce to you Professor Gaston Vander Klil, who has been granted free research in Ethengar, and with lots of expertise in ventures into the Broken Lands themselves, will soon leave us and bring us back this secret".
Gaston Bowed. Salechaam, swallowed and almost choked upon his tongue..."The Broken Lands and Ethengar??? That is what he needs me for??...the Danger......Hey that must be a hefty pay..." were his soft-spoken words.
The crowd cheered, and several dwarves nearby congratulated Gaston and Salechaam, who they presumed was already hired...
"Back to the case of the region...", Mergrath continued loudly. Slowly the dwarves became silent again, many still viewed the couple, while Salechaam looked a bit downbeaten now he knew the possible adventure he would step in. A soft curse escaped his lips,...what did he gotten himself into.

The region was greatly affected by this strange effect. And as thus we are very interested in the cause..."looking back at Gaston. As this river had a flow rate as powerful as the three rivers and all the creeks combined or actually even somewhat stronger....Lake Grondheim slowly emptied.  The waters going through the valley between the Gnollistan Plateaux and the Northern grassy plain, between the Twin Volcanoes, over the region Red-Orcland, splitting it up into an eastern and westen half. The eastern Half was abandoned, and rapidly taken over by the Kobolds.
The river gobbled down until it reached the Streel Plain where it connected the Vesubian River.
This river we now call the Streel River. The strongest current, is normally the name giver of a river and as thus the Lower Vesubian River became the Streel River, which instantly became the longest river of the Known World. The Dol-Anur being weaker and the Krandai river is actually flowing another direction, but that was not known consciously up to this date, as thus it was the Streel River that crossed the Broken Lands.

150 BC

geo fase 15-150 BC

As the lake slowly receded, the humans and humanoids followed and plundered the wet lands. the last dead trees fell, and finally even the last still standing pines died. The trunks of a bygone forest were slowly removed and used. The swamp engulfed the rest in a stench of the rotten muck...Bog logs. Where in 500 BC still was forest, now grass waved in the Ethengar wind.

And yet even the swamp slowly shrunk in size. 

The magic Hakomon locations (as seen on above maps clockwise) of Hosjan (North of the Lake), Abukka-Lai (West of Streel River), Wourigusta (East of Streel River), Nin-Ji-Batu (North of Krandai River), Chimeibutu (south of Krandai), and Orkajinqertu (further South of Krandai River) slowly became stronger, purer, more defined, as if the volcanic and biological pollution of the lake affected the passing of magic.

The acid lake north of the Twin Volcanoes was emptied, but the Streel River flowing through it between the Twin Volcanoes Gvozdenžuba and Ježibaba. The naming of the volcanoes was done by the Goblins of Gobbleton, and was named by the same cause of the reason why the Streel River went UPstream. The acid water rushed through the broken lands and hills of Gobbleton, while Red Orcland was established more firmly. This combination of factors forced the Goblins to move into the mountains. It was not until this date they started to rebuild Akrass to their opinions. Unrtil now they only lived within the fortress of the Former Troll Queen. It was to become their sole achievement in architecture. Akrass is even up to this very day, one of the largest, so not THE largest fortress on Mystara.

 0 AC (Crowning of Thyatis Emperor, begin calendar)

geo fase 16 - 0AC

Back to the Acidic Streel River. The Grondheim Lake slowly reduced in volume, and much polluted water was drained uphill into the broken Lands. This caused the region the Humanoids now call Nankoweap, (the section between the Gnollistan Plateax and Hobgobland Plateaux) to become very infertile for a few centuries.
The Acid Lake, did the same to the Southern Broken Lands, but its deadly effects went even further. As the water reached the Vesubian River, it killed or at least sickened all life living in or from this water. Crops died, cattle became weak, dead fish floating by was a normal sight in those days. This deprivation caused many farmers to become bandits and robbers. And it was this tension which finally led to the Elfwars in Darokin. Of course there were other additional factors, but the main reason was much, simpler, and slithery crawling into their life poisonous water. The acid water passed even by the south end of Gnollistan, affecting the Black Hills, and eventually changing the chemical base of this hills, in such a way, it darkened the water, making it less optimal for bacterial life, and thus also plants and fish. This continues up to today. Blackwaterlake, does harbor life, but much less than any normal lake would do. 
It was only a few decades before the Crowning of Thyatian's Emperor that the Streel River finally became pure again. It was from this moment the growth of Darokin's farming produce began.
The last dead trees had fallen north of the still shrinking Grondheim Lake. The lake was now only about a quarter of its large size, but now had a vast swamp of tghat size around it. Within this swamp (north of Akkila's Throne) the Hobgoblin Wokany discovered a new Magic Location, which they called Garonn.

The area seemed calming down, but there was still enough activity.
A multitude of minor eruptions of the Twin Volcanoes caused them to grow. They cut off any downpour from the former Acid Lake. The Streel had become the sole river through this side of the region. 

The great geological effects may have reduced in intensity when compared with the earlier effects, but the still have great effects. Some cracks appear in the rocks between the Vesubian rivee and the Valley of Trollhattan. The water seeps in slowly, but becomes more powerful with each century. There is still some downward flow, as thus Trollhattan does not overflow...yet, but as soon as this is clogged (and eventually that will happen, but unknown is when, either by geological changes or debris clogging), the valley will become a vast lake. Probably with a pine forest growing a its sides. 

The upward force continues up to this date forcing the whole central area of the Broken Lands further up, as can be seen in the Geofase 7 map, the yellow Line depicts the affected areas. These include the Plateaux of Zyrd, - of Gnollistan, half the mountains of Goblinia, and all areas in between. The goblins even named a section merchants today use; "The Mountain that Died", which does reflect that southwest of the Twin Volcanoes a whole mountain collapsed. Although this area is indeed broken land, revealing great geological effects, earlier written history reveals that it was like this much earlier. As thus it can be assumed that "The Mountain that Died" has  been a mountain pass or valley of some sort, which collapsed due to the Twin Volcano's activity, and thus remain in the Humanoid collective mind.

The Plateaux of Zyrd is also an interesting feature. It has been proven that the whole plateau is a singlar slab of hard stone (maybe a solidified ancient wound crust or something similar). In its ancient times this area was the flat top of a mountain, of which sprang even a river flowing into lake Anur, this river’s origin was much lower and further away in 2300BC.  But it can even be assumed that the area was originally even lower than that, as it encompasses the remains of a vast and ancient petrified forest. This forest is thus old that the trees have petrified by being submerged for aeons. Geology lifted the area up, erosion revealed the trees, and with the uplift through the ages, the forest reached a height it never attained.One thing is clear about this area; It is since 1700BC that the whole region is affected by an upward push in varying intensity and effect during the centuries. This push created the surrounding mountains, and pushed up the hilly area west thus high it became Mount Barbia at 15.355’ current height. This push does even continue today, especially since the Shadow Elves changed the lower areas thus that the Magma filled the magma chambers enabling Aengmor to be lifted back up. It can be certain that the Broken Lands region will continue to rise. More about this later.

The plateau "Akkila's Throne", which is actually NOT a plateau, but an area that seems elevated because the lower areas around it. To one side the remnants of a large lake which had depressed the underground for so long it clung together in a thick layer of clay. On to of this is the muck we know now, but is the remains of all the plant, and animal life of the area before the lake and of the lake itself. to the west the remnants of the mountain reveal it was higher here long ago. To the South we see the erosion caused by the earlier acid lake and effects of Grondheim Lake itself. Gnollistan, however, as being part of the central rocky section, continues to rise, and is a real Plateaux.

200 AC

geo fase 17 - 200AC

The Gnolls of Gnollistan take care of "their" land, the trunks of the former forest are being used for construction. Their Plateau is now thus high and hot, no trees can and will grow their anymore. A most unpleasant region, but preferred by the heat-loving Gnolls. Although not like Ylaruam, the gnolls do their bests to make it look that way.

The Grondheim Lake has been emptied thus far, that even the swamps surounding it start to dry out, and become Ethengar grasslands. 

One large section of the Former Lake, between to spurs of Dwarfgate mountains falls completely dry. This is discovered by several proud and brave Dwarven explorers, who discover an ancient Obelisk and the ruins of an ancient Blackmoor city. They succeed in bringing the material of their discovery home to Dengar, but upon their second voyage they fell victim to some unknown danger, and never returned.
Beware, not only Humanoids live in the region, several monsters also, and undead are assumed too.

Around 500 AC; 

geo fase 18 - 500 AC

Explorers from both Glantri and Darokin discover a path along the Vesubian River. Soon dwarves are hired to widen the path were possible. Many guards, dwarves and other explorers perished, and this was only the beginning. The humans, however, continued in creating the Trintan-Corunglain Trail. The first merchant trail between Glantri and Darokin, that did not need to go far west or east (Rockhome) circling around the Broken Lands. 
Around 625 AC, the same happened along the Streel River. A much longer route, but in a geological aspect much easier and diverse.
These passes opened the Northern Realms to the Darokin Trade.

The Grondheim Lake now holds a small lake of 30-40 miles and a double area of swamp. The remaining sections of the former lake have slowly been taken over by the grasslands of Ethengar. And within this grassy encroachment, the Ethengar warriors followed. They went towards the Magic Location owned by the Hobgoblins; Garonn. The force had several Hakomon magicusers with them, which soon discovered the power of this location. The humanoids were forcefully driven away, up to "their" plateau. The nimble horses of the Ethengar were unable to traverse in the rim of Broken Lands, and their attack was halted. Up to this day the Ethengar tribe of Taijits regularly patrol this region in a (feeble) attempt to keep the Humanoids out.  Both Hakomon and Hobgoblin Wokani keep using Garonn, but within the area itself any combat is refrained from. It may be weird and even strange, but here the Hakomon and Hobgoblin Wokani may even work together, while battling each-other elsewhere.
The southern part of the Lakebed rapidly dries out. Strange finds from bygone eras become visible; metal vessels, rusted and seemingly haunted. Whatever is there, only the Yellow Orcs dared to settle in the area, while to their south Stone creatures like Stone giants and Rockmen are discovered.

800 AC

geo fase 19 - 800AC

The Yellow Orcs could however, not endure the bounties of this land for long. Salty deposits on this former lakebed, rapidly deprived the area of more and more vegetation with each year. There is no more lake (other than a small 2 mile "puddle") where the Dol-Anur and Streel intersect. The whole northern area is now either grassland or swamps.
The region of Red Orcland, also a former lake, suffers from the same heat as Yellow Orkia and Gnollistan. It is therefor assumed that the heat of the lower magma chambers somehow penetrate the ground, vibrating up in the air and thus affecting the local weather from the Red Orcland's edge against the Vesubian, along the Streel, the Twin Volcanoes, Gnollistan and Yellow Orkia in a path of 25 to 40 miles wide. 
From Dwarven underground explorers we have discovered that there is indeed a huge magma chamber below, following the same general area on the surface. This heat is the main reason for the biological and ecological changes found within this area.

1000AC+

The area is now already about one century almost equal to the maps we all know. Even though these various maps hold several flaws, this one has the least.

Does our story end here??

No, it does not.

In 1006 AC a huge meteor impacted near the west of the Broken Lands. It fell in an angle, severely slowed down by the Worldshield, but the damage was tremendous. 
When the area cooled down, a huge crater was where first the Silver Sierra Mountains were, where provinces of Glantri did exist. The impact was so severe that almost none on the Known World would NOT have noticed or harmed by it.

As the Dwarves discovered  an ancient Humanoid City with the name Oenkmar in 1012 AC. They proudly started a war with the Humanoids for all the treasures buried within this lava-floating island city. However, halfway the battle the Shadowelves learned of their exploits, and decided that Oenkmar, must be Aengmor, their ancient city lost sooo long ago by them. Already battle-beaten, the Dwarves could not resist another army attacking from behind and had to retreat....

The crowd jeered and shouted. Many curses and profanities were spread. The pain of the defeat was still alive in many of these Dwarves.

1014 AC

King Everast send spies..."Mergrath continued"....even the Shadowelven were unaware of, and they learned the following. With their ground altering magic the Shadowelves closed of several sidepassages of the great Magma chamvber below, but also a major downflow channel. As thus the great chamber slowly filled, carefully they guided Aengmor to beneath its original location, while it was pushed upwards with the rising Magma.

While doing so, the Shadow Elves of Aengmor religiously diverted to the Immortal Atzanteotl, an evil entity. At first the shadowelves evicted all humanoids from the city, then from the lower caves, and then even from the surface.

The fleeing Humanoids entered the Great Crater, finding many fissures and large caves below. Adaptive critters as they are, the settled, and even managed to be acceped by the Glantrian mages as Magic using Princes...the ludicruosity...

As the cultural split of the Shadowelves continued, the Humanoids slowly retook their surface of the Broken Lands. 

1020 AC

And now...? The Shadowelves have turned into "Drow" or Dark Elves, and now follow even another vile immortal. They have learned that they will never be able to adapt to the surface world like their normal elven cousins, and are even further angered by their Shadowelven relatives, who still try to do so. The Humanoids are accepted back in their caves, which have radically changed with all the closed conduits, and now they have to accept Dark Elves as Rulers.

Thus far the Geomorphological history of the Broken Lands"...Mergrath looked over the crowd...he had not noticed that while his speech his audence quadrupled. Where-ever you looked, you saw Dwarves, and no single spot was free. Some even hung on trapezes from the ceiling...."I hope you all learned something from this story...namely, that even the ground you walk upon, will change, slowly, but inevitably. or sometimes rapidly with devastating effects. This is what the broken Lands are. Until a next time, with another story or another lesson, I bid all of you goodby and a fine day. May gold be found under your footsteps."
With these final words Mergrath slowly transformed or was taken into a Huge Earth elemental and faded through the ground away. While this happened the crowd applauded. and then slowly dispersed. 
"We have to talk Salechaam" Gaston spoke loudly to overcome the mumbling noise. "I have a great adventure ready for you...with great rewards." 
The Dwarf looked up; "It better be..." he mumbled in his fletched beard.
.

For any interested in what precisly happened after 1010 AC read Theshold Magazine 10
http://www.thepiazza.org.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15019

Note 1

Airspores

Mystara Information; Air spores are found in most deserts and come from the "Medicago orbicularis" plant (which is a Herb, for game statistics see my monster manual compilation chapter Lowlife, page 844 http://pandius.com/mnstrmnl.html), or “Airbloom”. It forms a symbiotic relationship with bacterium Sinorhizobium medicae, which is capable of Nitrogen fixation and large amounts of O2 and CO2 production. Growing in desert gardens and oasis, these 3 to 5 foot high thin bushes give blooms which can be found year round, and produce the Airspore seedpods. Every week 1d4 2 inch diameter round-disc-shaped Airspores can be found for every 10 plants. These bushes live no more than 2 years give blooms after 6 months, when having enough water only.

These spores when ingested whole provide the user with 4+1d4 hours of breathable air (in the perfect mixture for normal demi-human-(oid)-s). As thus the imbiber becomes invulnerable to poisonous air, noxious gasses and even lack of air.. 

The spores however do not affect how acidic gasses might affect the body exterior, and items, but instead only gives air to breathe. Thus acidic, hot, or freezing gasses still give damage (-25% as this is the damage normally caused internally). It is up to the user to get away as fast as possible when gasses cause other damage, or use other means to resist that.  

These spores are collected in small pouches of 10 (11cn) or 20 (23cn) and sold for respectively 50 and 100 gold on Ylari and Rockhome markets.

Dried Airspores are good 6 month and then start losing efficiency (-1 hour/month of age over 6). Fresh spores, are green and not usable, but need minimum of 4 hours in hot sunlight to dry (or 4 days in warm sunlight).

The plants spread themselves with the tiny seeds in the spores, which come free after about an additional 6 to 8 hours after ingestion, by passing through the body of the host, and only then are able to grow on the manure in the right circumstances.

The spores can also be used in Herbalogy/Apothecary to help curing long diseases. (+3 to save to cure).

From the Game AD&D2 Ravenloft, Stone Prophet, with help of Wikipedia. 

This plant does NOT do the same in the Real World. Do not eat plants you do not know!!. I am NOT responsible for any mishaps if you do!!

Note 2
Mudmen  Caeno homininoides

Climate/Terrain;     Any pool or large muddy area
Frequency;            Very rare
Organization;         Pack or solitary
Activity Cycle:     Any, but Night preferred, as they dislike the heat of the sun.
Diet;               Algea, spores, mosses, plants in ground or magical Dweomer
Abilities;             ST 6+2d4, IN2+1d4, WI 2d6, CO 2d8, DX 4+1d4, CH 1d4
Treasure;              Nil
ALignment;           Neutral
NA;                       2d6
AC;                      9
MV;                      30'-10'
HD;                      2*
THAC0:              19
Att;                      1 fist slam
Dm;                     Special
Special Attacks; Mud-throwing, suffocation
Special defences;See below
MR;                     Nil
Size;                   Small (4' high)
Morale;               Special
XP Value;          25
Mudmen are formed in pools of mudmagic locations in a former wet area exists (like Red Orc Land in the Broken Lands), and where enchanted rivers (even mildly enchanted ones, such as a stream eroding a magical structure) collect and evaporate and concentrate the dweomer. Because they are essentially creatures of magic, mudmen are sometimes called dweomerlings. A protection from Magic will hold these creatures at bay. Mudmen are almost intelligent life forces with but one goal; to protect their pools against intruders.
When aroused into a physical form, mudmen take on the appearance of animated mud in a stocky humanoid shape, about 4 feet tall. Their coloration varies between a dirty brown and tar black. They have four thick fingers on each hand. Their legs stay submerged within the pool, and are not usually visible. Their eyes are pools of jet black shadow and enables them to see with a infravion-normal vision mixture 45' in day light to 180' in night. They are blinded with magic light, or intense sunlight(which they dispise).
Mudmen speak no languages and are incapable of communicating with any living creature.
Combat: In their dormant state, mudmen wait beneath the surface of the pool, spread on the bottom, feeding on the dweomer. In this state they are immune to all weapons, even magical ones. Spells that normally harm a mudmen will still affect it, although damage is divided evenly among all the mudmen in the pool (the entire group counts as one creature for these effects, and fractions are rounded down).

When a creature enters the pool the mudmen immediately sense its presence or when it is seen by non dormant mudmen, they take but a single round to draw their substance together and rise to the surface, ready to attack on the following round. Once fully formed and standing, a mudmen can be harmed by magical weapons. Mudmen attack by hurling mud at their opponents, who are considered AC 9 (modified by target's Dexterity only) for the purpose of determining hits. Mud hardens instantly on impact and slows the creature's movement rate and initiative by 10% if it hits. While hurling mud, a mudman will also advance on its victim at its full movement rate. Once within 10 feet, it will hurl itself (literally) at the victim in an attempt to suffocate its target. A sucessful hit means the victim's movement and initiative is reduced by 40%. A victim must holds its breath for 1/3 his constitution in rounds or die by suffocation. A victim can only escape when the Mudmen is dead. Any damage suffered to the Mudmen will also be given to its victim(unless immunities apply). A miss means the mudman must spend the next round re-forming in order to attack again.
Once a victim's movement or initiative is brought to 0, he becomes immobilized and suffocates, suffering 1-8 points of damage per round until the mouth or nose is clear. The victim will die of suffocation in 5 consecutive rounds unless rescued. Hardened mud can be cleared from a character's nose and mouth in one round. Movement can be restored at a rate of 10% per five rounds. If the creature flees the pool, the mudmen will normally not pursue. Their main interest is the Pool. Instead, they sink into the depths, return to their dormant state, and wait until the next time someone enters the pool.
Mudmen may wander about like normal creatures in search of food and nutrients, but take care. It is vulnerable to many things; rapid flowing water, drought, heat, bushes. Each of these will cause it 1d4 damage for each round in contact or affected by it.
Mudmen are affected by all spells that cause damage to living creatures (e.g., cause light wounds, magic missile, fireball, flame strike). Dispel magic and dig act as fireballs cast at the same level as the mage. Transmute mud to rock, petrification of any form including freezing and fire or heat kills all mudmen within its area of effect, with no saving throw allowed.
Mudmen are immune to all poisons, natural and magical, and are unaffected by spells that affect the mind (e.g., hold, charm, and sleep).
Habitat/Society: Mudmen have two states: rest and activity, the latter of which solely involves killing intruders. A mudman's pool varies in size between 20 and 200 feet in diameter. Such pools are often found near waterfalls, or in almost dried up lakes.
Ecology: Mudmen are silicon based creatures and at the bottom of the ecosystem. They try to kill all natural creatures that encounter them and have no natural enemies other than the environment. Over a long period of time they absorb flesh, wood, and bone, extracting whatever they can get from it, so they rarely possess any treasure, only if they were attacked within the last month by someone who was bearing treasure. Though no uses have been recorded for a mudman's mud, it is logical that mages would not ignore its magical properties. Magic items within a pool lose 10% of its dweomer per day, excluding artifacts and within natural locations (they prefer to feed from the source instead an item). Mudmen arise spontaneously within magic mud, but normally reproduce by Asexual reproduction called Fragmentation. Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from a fragment of the parent (as long as it is within dweomer rich mud).  Why and how the creature does so is not fully understood, but they do so only once in their maximum 10 year long life.These 1 foot large fragments are called eggs, and are harder, more solid than the mud around it. When a pool dries up these eggs harden like hardened mud, but do not die. When water is brought to it, it will again grow. Each fragment develops into a mature, fully grown individual in 2 days. Eggs are much better resistant to heat and drought than living individuals and suffer only 1% of damage from these effects, but the do not heal, unless in mud or water.
They have no males or females. As individuals they may wonder around in search of food. They know themselves individuality, even recognize species, but do not name themselves or others, or recognize other indentities. In Red Orcland Broken Lands they all hate Orcs.
Mudmen heal all damage sustained at a rate of 1 hp per day, if they are in dormant state.

Although somehow sentient, these silicon based life forms are not listed with Humanoids but with Monsters instead. The also do exist in the Plane of Matter.

Earlier chapters;
Prelude, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3,
Interlude;
Geomorphological History of the Broken Lands 1
Geomorphological History of the Broken Lands 2
Following Chapters;
Chapter 4, Chapter 5